Her dog’s last request!

Animals, just like people, have last requests before they die. Surprised? I’m not. Well, not anymore. But this request caught me off guard— in the best way!

Transitioning with love and grace

To give you a bit of background, I find the opportunity to work with animals at the end of their lives rewarding. I desire to help everyone —people and their beloved companions — process the transition with love and grace. I help them unburden their hearts by communicating their love, concerns, and goodbyes with each other.

Witnessing both my dad’s and my first husband’s last breaths was instrumental in finding this gift. Working through the trauma of their losses and experiencing the aftereffects of unfinished business deepened me.

Sheldon’s last request

I had an animal communication session with Sarah* and her dog Sheldon*. Her boyfriend Daniel* joined us. Sarah and Daniel wanted to see if Sheldon was ready to “leave the planet.” Sarah was very emotional, of course, as this experience has so many strong negative emotions surrounding it.

*Not their real names

Sheldon had dementia, was skinny, and, due to other brain issues, walked in circles. By all measures, he was in rough shape physically and mentally.

What’s Sheldon thinking?

Sarah and Daniel shared their concerns with me about letting Sheldon go. After our discussion, I connected with Sheldon. (Animal communication, being telepathic, bypasses physical barriers such as dementia and comas.)

We asked Sheldon what he was feeling and what he had to share. When we asked if he was ready to leave his body, Sheldon stopped walking in circles and went over to Sarah, who held him on her lap for the rest of the session.

Daniel, knowing Sheldon better than me, was sure that Sheldon was alert and participating in the conversation.

Sheldon indicated that he was ready to go; he was fed up with his body. I shared this with tears in my eyes.

But wait! There’s more!

I stopped because Sheldon sent me some new information. “Sheldon doesn’t want to go quite yet. He’s waiting for an event. Is there some event coming up soon?”

Sarah and Daniel look puzzled, then the light bulb went on for Daniel.

“His birthday!”

Sarah shared, “Yes, I always have a big birthday party for him. My family, friends and their dogs come over, and we have a great time. Last year, my friend baked a special pumpkin cake safe for dogs. All the dogs got a piece; they loved it!”

Sarah asked Shelton, “Would you like that yummy pumpkin birthday cake again?”

And in my mind, I saw Shelton perk up as if to say, ABSOLUTELY!! He proceeded to say that he’d like a party hat.

Sarah said, “Okay, but last year, you didn’t keep it on very long.”

Sheldon didn’t care, he wanted party hats.

Making birthday plans

Since Sheldon’s birthday was a month away, Sarah and Daniel decided to give him an early, smaller birthday party. After that, they would decide when to let him go. Bottom line, everyone felt calmer knowing they were giving Sheldon his last request!

The pain of loss

The pain of loss always exists when our animals leave us, and it’s excruciating.

Many of us need reassurance that our pets won’t hold a grudge about some of our actions with them. Once we’ve had an honest discussion, our memories become infused with love instead of self-recrimination and second-guessing.

And it’s a relief to know whether they’re ready or want more time on the planet. That they have a say in their transition. It feels better.

Do you know someone whose animal is nearing the end of their life or has passed away? I would love to help them.

Learn about how Maribeth works!

Want more ideas on how to navigate their declining years so you have more peace?

Read Maribeth’s best-selling book, Peace in Passing: Comfort for Humans during Animal Transitions.

You don’t have to read this book like a novel! Feel free to choose sections that address what you and your beloved companion are experiencing!