Parker as a grief counsellor

[Katie, John & Parker pup]

So my mother has been ill with chronic diseases for sometime now, but the last two weeks have gotten substantially worse. Today, on top of everything else that she has, we found out that she has a brain tumor. I am in the middle of planning my wedding for next May and all that keeps going through my head is how my mom might not be at my wedding and how my future children won't meet their grandmother. I was crying on the couch this morning and Parker came over very quietly and rested his head on my lap...something he never usually does, but I guess he senses something is wrong. They are very intuitive I suppose and I am glad I have him to make me smile during a time when smiling doesn't seem possible.

 

UPDATE:  On Saturday, May 26th 2012, my mom lost her battle with her health and hopefully gained some peace from her suffering. It is hard to think that she is gone...it won't feel real and then it will hit me again. She was not happy and in pain for almost two years and I know that is not what she wanted but I still just keep thinking about all of the things she will miss now. She started declining more the week before my wedding on May 4th so she wasn't even able to attend that, though I am grateful that she at least saw me in my dress and saw the wedding photos. It just hurts every time I think about having children now and them not having a grandmother to love and spoil them like I did...and that she will never get to hold and kiss her grandchildren.

R.I.P. to my beautiful, irreplaceable mother.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Katie, I am so sorry about your mother.  Many prayers coming your way.

Yes, you are so correct about these doodles.  They know exactly when you are in need of some TLC.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  The power of DoodleKisses (and Hugs) is amazing!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers. Our dogs are such comforters.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

So sorry about your Mom, truly sad news.  'Power of the Doodles and DK' to you, prayers and good thoughts heading your way from me.

[Leslie and Halas]

I'm so sorry that you and your family are going through this.  I'm sure Parker will continue to be a source of smiles and comfort to you on the tough days.

[ClarkP]

I'm so sorry for this very painful experience your family is going through.  I've found that doggy fur is about the best absorbent for tears that there ever was.  Our dogs are so sensitive and such a comfort to us when we are sad.  You are in our prayers.

[Camilla and Darwin]

So sorry about your mother... and I agree about doodles, or dogs in general. They always seem to know the right thing to do when we really need them.

[Kim]

I am so sorry about your Mom.  It is such a nice feeling, knowing that your doggie is there for you when you need it most.  Praying for you.

[Kristin & Hudson]

Katie I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your sweet little Parker is there to comfort you. Hugs to you!

[Katie, John & Parker pup]

Thanks for all the support so fast everyone. Parker definitely knows his purpose at the moment. Hopefully we are going to Boston to meet my mom tomorrow or Thursday. Does anyone in the NJ area know a good place we can board Parker that isn't crazy expensive?

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Did you post this in the NJ group here on DK?

Also, if there is a Dogtopia or Camp Bow Wow around, I would try that.  They are daycare places that board also, so the dogs are out all day long playing and only in crates at night. We pay about $40/night for Peri (well, per day + night - daycare is $26/day + $15 boarding fee).

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

So sorry to hear about your mother, but glad that Parker provides comfort.  I was at the hospital with my father as he died. I walked the few blocks back to my parent's house.  As I walked into the front door, I was greeted by a bouncing, happy Sedona.  Her joy at seeing me was just what I needed at the time.