21 Comments
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Edie Rens's avatar

This is so beautiful and moving, Carla and though I lost my Cassie fourteen years ago, what you've written still resonates strongly with me.

Do you think that eventually getting back to the anthology of rescue dog stories would help in any way? Just a thought.

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Carla Engbretson's avatar

I love that thought, Edie! I think you’re right. That would be such a beautiful project to finish. Sasha’s story will be there. 💜 I never thought she’d be gone when I finished.

And thanks also for your kind words. I’m glad this resonated. Losing our wonderful dog companions is such a huge blow. I’m not surprised Cassie’s loss still echoes. I remember well losing Sasha’s predecessor, Lucy. Ah. The love of a dog. Nothing like it.

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Edie Rens's avatar

Good!!!

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Millie Ford's avatar

Beautiful and heart felt. I am so happy Fred found you. Perhaps he can be your muse, The Fred Diaries.

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Carla Engbretson's avatar

haha! I love that! And thank you! 🙏🏻

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betsy's avatar

i keep thinking of Sasha. i think your love and love writing has given her wings soo she can visit us all.

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Carla Engbretson's avatar

OMG this is wonderful, Betsy! I love that so much. 💜 Especially when she was younger, I’d call her a love sponge — she’d pick up some love from one person and take it to the next, soaking up more and passing it on. She went to some recovery meetings with me and just spread the love around. Maybe she’s still up to it!

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Linda Derieg's avatar

Absolutely loved reading your meditation.

Your love, pain and honesty truly moved me.

Thank you-

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Carla Engbretson's avatar

That means a lot to me, Linda. Thanks so much. 🙏🏻💜

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Claire Brakel Packer's avatar

What an extraordinary meditation on grief and joy and love. Thank you for sharing this. ✨

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Carla Engbretson's avatar

Thank you, Claire. Thanks for your help in this grief process. There’s beauty in there somehow. 🙏🏻💜

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jane marko's avatar

Beautiful, just beautiful. One of my favorite lines. "It’s perhaps not sadness that honors her memory, but love. And the love remains. It will always remain." I want to remember this. Thanks.

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Carla Engbretson's avatar

Thanks, Jane! So glad you liked that bit. 💜

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Sylvia Reed's avatar

This is just perfect, Carla. So glad joy found you.

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Carla Engbretson's avatar

Thanks, Sylvia. I’m grateful for joy’s return.

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betsy's avatar

i love this. and your photos are exquisite

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Carla Engbretson's avatar

Thanks so much, Betsy.

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Susie G's avatar

Carla, this is so beautiful. Thank you for writing and sharing, you've inspired me to create my next post (finally!). I absolutely love reading your words.

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Carla Engbretson's avatar

Thanks, Susie. And yay for inspiration striking! Gracious me, it took over 6 weeks to finish this post — I get it! I love reading your words, too. Thanks again.

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Jane Schreiner's avatar

As always, this writing leaves tears staining my cheeks. This piece is lovely in its truth and simplicity. Thank you for sharing this with your readers. #grateful!!!

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Carla Engbretson's avatar

Thank you, Jane. As always, your support means the world to me.

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