Dear Zoo:

I read your post on the FML and send much love and sympathy your way. I
recently read a book by James Van Praagh, a medium who talks to those
who have passed to "The Other Side." He makes a comment in this book
about the emotion of guilt. He claims it as a worthless emotion that
does no good. After much thought, I've decided I agree with him. It
serves no positive purpose. How does repeated questioning and beating
ourselves up over things we cannot change really help us? Is there a
more cerebral way?

I learned several years ago from a wise man and fellow caregiver of
birds of prey this lesson: When an animal is injured, becomes ill or
passes; it is important to evaluate the situation, look for avenues
that might have been a better choice and generally ask, "What could I
have done differently knowing what I now know that might save the next
creature?" "Did I miss something?" "Do I need to learn more?" I suggest
that if we put our energy into learning more, we can set guilt aside
and not let it detour our good actions.

In addition to this I would like to toss out another point of view
about your words of favortism and the fear that you made this event
happen. We connect with humans and animals in different ways because of
many life experiences and the emotions and memories they may stir. The
stronger the connection, IMO, the greater the chances of one becoming a
favorite. In this case, I would suggest, discard the guilt and consider
this: What a wonderful expression of love you shared with this little
ferret. As she was readying herself for her journey to The Bridge, she
could release her spirit and start her trip knowing and hearing she had
achieved the highest form of love Zoo had to give. Embrass that thought
and throw away the guilt Dear Zoo, for you help so many of us and so
many ferrets and other creatures that you deserve to have a full, warm
heart even if a little part of it has traveled to another time and
place. You put the love you held for her into words and sound that
is now resonating throughout the Universe - what a wonderful loving
gesture. Love trumps guilt any time in my book!

May time and the other furballs in your care help you heal.

Most respectfully,

Cathy Ryan

Feed rescued animals in two clicks
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

[Posted in FML 6905]