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AGREKA
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. Resources to help with pet loss
WHO AM I?
This is my home. Except for a few brief periods, I have lived here my entire life. Fifty years. Please, make yourself comfortable. Can I offer you anything? A drink. Food. Short pause. Okay then. Follow me. This small 10 X 14 room is my bedroom. Come in. Come in. Please. Don't be shy. Do you see the twin mattress lying on the floor in the center of the room? Here, step inside further. I removed the mattress from my bed nearly five years ago. And it has remained there, on the floor, ever since. You see, when Pug my Boston Terrier was hit by a car, and her right rear leg broken, I placed the mattress on the floor for her. The little girl couldn't jump upon the bed anymore, even after the fracture had healed, and the pins were removed. So I accommodated her by placing the small mattress on the floor next to the bed. I slept by her side at night – moving to her needs. And although I shared the makeshift bed with Pug, it soon became hers.
A year after Pug broke her leg she unexpectedly developed a blood clot that eventually moved to her lungs. Somehow she injured her front leg and came to me crying in pain. After several diagnostics we discovered a clot in his upper right upper arm. Oh how I diligently worked, for weeks, to save her. To save her leg and to remove her from the pain. Intravenous fluids, pain meds, blood thinners, warm water epsom salt soaks for her leg, antibiotics, daily dressing changes, and removal of dead tissue. And Pug, bless her heart, patiently tolerated my futile efforts. She knew what I did not understand at the time. As a veterinarian I could not and would not give up even though the battle seemed lost. More importantly, Pug was my best friend. I refused to let her go. True friendships can be so hard to achieve and to maintain, you know. Silence. Somehow... Yes, somehow she understood me and put my needs first. But her sad and tired large almond shaped brown eyes could not hide the pain that she endured. Nor could they hide the truth that I dared not to accept. Early, on a Sunday morning, Pug quietly and peacefully died in my arms. The treacherous blood clot had managed to escape its ephemeral hold onto the leg vessel. It traveled, like a fugitive, quickly and fatally, to Pug's lungs. She was eleven years old. And on that morning she took part of my soul with her. Perhaps the best part. But every now and then she sends bits and pieces of it back to me, healed, in the form of fragile rainbow tears and creativity. When she died I could not bury her. At least not initially. So I gently placed her lifeless body on the mattress we had shared together for many years. She looked so peaceful, so happy, and so removed from pain. Peaceful silence. Quiet tears. . . . . . Read more in the book.
Stepping stone journey is symbolic of the journey through life's trials one step at a time and the unconditional involvement, loyalty, and protection of beloved animal companions.
Introduction
Songs on the CDs Songs written by Alan Cunningham and arranged by Gary Stoddard. Copyright 2006 by Alan B. Cunningham. http://www.petangelsutah.com 1. Inside This Fragile Tear – Singer Phil Miller 2. Angel’s Eyes – Singers Gary Stoddard, Sydney Sorenson 3. Life is a Mystery – Singer Alan Cunningham 4. I Cried – Narrator Alan Cunningham 5. My Prayer to You – Singers Alan Cunningham, Gary Stoddard 6. If Only – Singers Alan Cunningham, Gary Stoddard 7. Seven – Singers Alan Cunningham, Gary Stoddard 8. Our Love – Singer Gary Stoddard 9. Be Mine – Singers Alan Cunningham, Alexa Cunningham, Londyn Scarbrough 10. I Looked for a Message – Singer Alan Cunningham 11. Time Will Make it Right – Singer Gary Stoddard 12. Autumn Leaves – Singers Alan Cunningham, Gary Stoddard 13. Wipe the Tears – Singer Alan Cunningham 14. Simple Things – Singer Phil Miller 15. I’m Hoping – Singer Gary Stoddard 16. Together Forever – Singer Alan Cunningham 17. Goodbye My Good Friend – Singer Gary Stoddard Songs written by Alan Cunningham and arranged by Gary Stoddard. Copyright 2006 by Alan B. Cunningham. www.petangelsutah.com
Double click photo for large image. Dr. Cunningham was recognized by the American Veterinary Medical
Association as National Outstanding Veterinarian of the Year for 2006, and
was selected for inclusion in the 2006 "Guide to America’s Top
Veterinarians." He is also the recipient of Best of State Utah 2004, 2005,
and 2006 for Animal Care in his work as a veterinarian in pet loss and
grief support.
He also serves as a member of FEMA with the National Veterinary Team and helps to provide medical care for injured animals during natural disasters such as Katrina. Currently he works as a part-time relief veterinarian. Presently a student at the University of Utah, he is majoring in the Masters of Public Health program. He also volunteers and heads the Utah pet loss hotline as a certified pet loss grief counselor. In addition he volunteers as an advocate for "end of life choices" for humans. He serves as Utah chapter president. He is also an active member of UAATA (Utah Animal Assisted Therapy Association). Furthermore, he actively campaigns for a commemorative postage stamp and national war memorial for the War Dogs in Vietnam. These valiant warriors gave their lives to save American Soldiers. Nearly 4,000 canine soldiers fought in Vietnam but less than 200 returned stateside. Most were left behind to an uncertain future with the South Vietnamese or euthanized. Many of the dog handlers requested to bring them home because they owed their lives to their canine soldier counterparts. Unfortunately, they were denied. These soldiers desperately want to pay tribute to the War Dogs of Vietnam with commemorative postage stamps and memorials. The postmaster general has denied this request twice and presently a third push is on for a commemorative war dog stamp. Dr. Cunningham urges citizens to write their congressman in behalf of these heroic canine soldiers. Dr. Cunningham is also the author of six other books: Sleeping With Angels: A Veterinarian’s Sacred Bond of Animal Companionship. On Angels Wings: Personal Stories About the Passing Away of Beloved Animal Companions. Small Wonders: A Personal Journey to the Wonders of the World. On Angels Wings II: Personal Stories About the Passing Away of Beloved Animal Companions. Unspoken Messages: A Personal and Universal Portrayal in the Perspectives of Communication. Fragile Tears: Stories & Guidance for Youth on the Passing Away of Beloved Animal Companions. Inside This Fragile Tear: Art, Poetry, Stories, and Songs In Memory of Lost Animal Companions. My Little Angel Girl: Poetic Memories of Angel & Other Animal Companions. Dr. Cunningham is a lifelong resident of American Fork, Utah. alancpug2002@yahoo.com |
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WHO AM I? I'll let you decide, my friend.
Because honestly, I'm still trying to discover who I am and where I fit in
to this fascinating journey of life. I suppose that is the wonder of it
all. Who am I and where do I fit in? Anyway, please, come in. Let me show
you who I think I am. 
Silence. 
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