Today I celebrate and honour my fur baby on his 8th birthday.

Can you imagine surviving death without their unconditional support? I cannot.

Welcome Audi

Audi came into my life weeks after the unexpected death of my hubby.

At the time, I didn’t know if it were possible for my house to ever become a home again. It was unbearable.

His boundless energy and unlimited love brought back some much needed laughter and warmth to us all.

Day in and day out this little guy has been by my side since he joined our family.

Scientific proof

Studies actually have found that dogs recognize our emotions and sense our moods. At my most difficult times, he has always found his way to me and given me comfort. Apparently, their keen sense of smell can detect the chemical changes in our body when our moods change. This enables them to react accordingly with sensitivity and lots of greatly appreciated warmth and attention.

Gifts provided

As a new widow, Audi entered my life and continues to give me so much more than I could have imagined.

He:

  • licks away my tears
  • greets me each morning and reminds me I’m not alone as I face another day
  • stays by my side late into the long hours of a widow’s night
  • helps me feel protected when I’m home alone
  • is my confidante – always eager to listen to me
  • reminds me I’m still cherished
  • forces me to leave my home and take healthy walks in nature
  • provides warm snuggles and cuddle
  • gives me an excuse to leave and go back home when I’m feeling overwhelmed
  • is a best friend and companion on lonely days & (even) lonelier weekends

I truly believe Audi is a gift sent to me during my greatest time of need – a gift I cherish.

Happy birthday Audi!

Let’s raise a glass and cheer to our fur babies. Our loyal, loving, goofy, huggable pets.

Forever evolving

 

About 

On May 20, 2014, Susan’s world came crashing down. Her 54-year old husband passed unexpectedly of a heart attack. The years since have been a whirlwind of emotion, trauma & joy (yes, she said joy, thanks mostly to the birth of her grandchildren).

Over the next 5 years, Susan experienced additional heartache following the death of her dad & both of her brothers. She knew her only way to make sense of all her grief was to find a way to use her experiences to help others.

Now, armed with a grief educators certificate from David Kessler, a coaching certificate, her learned experience and inspiration she has set out to make a difference in the lives of the bereaved.

Living with loss is a lifetime challenge. When someone dies, friends and family rally around the bereaved for a short time. Soon after, the conversation changes from one of comfort to one of anticipation and judgement. The bereaved are given a time frame to “get over it”. This antiquated notion leaves no option but to grieve in silence. Often silence can become isolating and cause mental and physical health issues.

Susan educates society on how to help those who are grieving by using her voice to speak up and share her learned and lived knowledge.

Susan encourages collaboration and dialogue so please reach out to her at evolve beyond grief on her website, Facebook and Instagram.