This week I had to send my beloved dog Amber into the light so it’s been difficult for me to write. She was diagnosed with cancer about two weeks ago and we had been giving doggie hospice care until Tuesday when we said goodbye.
I usually look for Pluto or Jupiter where death is involved, and often in an emotionally intense time such as this has been I would expect to find Pluto and in fact my progressed Moon is within range of a challenging square to Pluto in my natal chart. But even more significantly, that progressed Moon, my heart and soul’s expression, is in a strong square aspect to the South Node in my natal chart. The South Node has to do with the release of something from the past in order to prepare us to move forward towards our future destiny.
We found Amber in a magical way. When my old golden dog died years ago I felt a burning need to get another dog and called to volunteer for the Golden Retriever rescue organization. It just so happened that it was Christmas and they desperately needed a foster home for a five month old puppy over the holidays. Rich didn’t want to get another dog yet but I persisted, and since it was just for a week he relented. Needless to say, when the week was up we didn’t want to let her go and she spent another fourteen wonderful years with us.
The passing of Amber coincided with an exact square from the asteroid Pallas to the Sun in my progressed chart. Dawn Bodrogi is an astrologer who has taught me a great deal about the progressed chart (the evolution of the chart through the passage of time) and she says that Pallas is nearly always present in one way or another at a major event in someone’s life. I have found this to be true. I am still researching Pallas but she is a very interesting planetary body in many ways (I have also found her active in the charts of transgendered people.)
I don’t think we will get another dog right away. Amber was really very special. Her real magic was in opening the hearts of all those who knew her, including mine, and for that I am forever grateful.
Be Well My Dear Lynn, Thank you for sharing a bit of Amber’s magic with us all.
Sorry for your loss.
Ah Lynn, my thoughts will be with you as you grieve or your soul-friend. You are so right to take time; the world does not always allow us enough space to mark our losses and give grief it’s due. I have three Goldens; all their very own unique selves. My first and my special girl is a very old soul indeed. Big hug, take care of your good self. XK
They are with us just long enough to break our heart. I have more framed pictures of pets who have passed than I do of humans. Across the Rainbow Bridge with Amber! Always in your heart.
Thank you all for sharing your comments. I grew up with
dogs and my mother loved dogs far more than people. One of
the first books I ever read was “Lad a Dog,” a real heartbreaker. I’ve heard so many people say that losing a pet was so traumatic that they would never have another, but it seems to me you have to keep loving or else what are we here for? And a dog (and many cats) will open up our hearts like few other things can. They are so trusting and their love is unconditional. They are great teachers of love.
Dearest Lynn, my heart is with you — I’ve been there as well. And Amber is right by your side. Right now. She loves you just as you love her. Thank you for sharing her love with us. Be well, Lynn.
I feel her loss more intensely than I ever thought I would. She was so special…truly an angel with fur.
Jill was Amber’s Auntie. :)
Dearest Lynn, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Amber . I also am a Golden girl, and lost my 14 year old Golden , Hunny . She also was a once-in-a-lifetime dog . It’s so difficult to lose the unconditional love that they give ! After a time , we got another Golden . She’s the sweetest , but I guess I’ll always have my favorite!
I feel comforted that when I cross over , she’ll be right there jumping up to greet me ! May you feel comforted by all the unconditional Love she gave you ! Much Love & Light ❤️
Thank you Jude… I used to tell Amber she was a “dog of a lifetime.” I have a friend who used to show dogs and I asked her what do you do when you lose your dog of a lifetime – she told me, you get another one. It’s hard to imagine getting another dog right now but I’m sure when the time comes it will be another Golden. Amber was a mix, we think she was part border collie and probably some other things mixed in, and she was always so healthy. Something about Goldens – they are wonderful doggies.
Hi again Lynn :) I remembered a touching poem a friend sent to me about losing a pet baby.
The author is unknown… It makes me happy/sad/happy… I think it speaks to all of us from our babies …
For those who may have lost a pet.
Afterlife & A Loss For Words
I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying…you found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear.
“It’s me, I haven’t left you…I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea.
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you that I am not lying there.
I walked with you toward the house, as you fumbled for your key,
I gently put my paw on you. I smiled and said, “It’s me.”
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.
It’s possible for me to be so near you every day.
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew…
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over…I smile and watch you yawning
And say, “Goodnight, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and we will stand, side-by-side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out…then come home to be with me.
-Author Unknown
Thanks you for this – it made me weep. Our dogs are angels when they’re with us, and hopefully they become angel guides when they cross over.
Yes, we feel we cannot love another when we feel loss. But then again we find out that we have more love to give than anyone can imagine. This is what I found out when I lost my commaradarie and best friend, Shorty. But I was led to another after a few weeks and I found I have limitless love to give to others.