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.

[Kyoko]

Katie, I am so sorry to hear about your mom's illness. we are sending you our prayer for you and your family...

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Our pups are to in tune with our feelings - and it is never more apparent than when we are sad.  Parker will be by your side whenever you need him.  One great thing about our dogs - they don't feel the need to fill silence with words, their presence is perfect.  Our thoughts are with you and your family - enjoy your visit with your mom.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Katie, so sorry to hear about your Mom.  Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. 

[Katie, John & Parker pup]

Hi everyone. Thanks for all of the support...please keep my mom in your prayers still...they want to do a brain biopsy next week and it is sounding scarier by the minute. Thank you so much.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I'm so sorry for all of this Katie. I am praying for your mom and for you.

[Jena ~ Dublin]

Katie, I am truly sorry to hear about your mother.  My daughter had ear surgery about a month ago now.  When we came home from the hospital, the first thing she did was lay down, Dublin jumped to lay down right next to her and put his paw over her chest as to hug her.  So yes, in my opinion (and I am guessing others on here too) they are the best medicine!  Keep Parker close to you while you can, he is showing a great trait of the doodles!  Lots of prayers being sent your way from me. Praying healing and stregnth for your mother. ~ Jena and Dublin

[Lorraine Bromley]

I hope Parker helps you and your mom to get through this awful time in your lives! I feel for you. Your mom will enjoy the planning process and will be there one way or another. Praying for you now.

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

Katie, Brulee and I are sending our love and best wishes for your mother's better health. Our Doodles are so attuned to us, and show their love and concern in their gentle ways.  

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

This is surely a very tough time for you.  As a mom I know she is comforted that you will be getting married.  And yes, doodles are great comforters, better than chocolate even. Prayers, kind thoughts and DK to you, John, your mom and Parker.

[Susan and Sasha]

Oh Katie...

I am so very sad and sorry to hear the news about your Mom.

Please know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you...your Mom and your family!

How sweet of Parker to love and comfort you this way.

Doodles are amazing... 

 

 

 

[KAHLUA]

That is a great story.  Thanks for sharing.  Our friend Karen, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 55 years old, for a while she and I walked Kahlua every Wednesday.  Kahlua was still in that puppy stage and jumping quite alot, but when she was with Karen, somehow she knew not to jump.  As the disease progressed, it seemed (it could have been my imagination) that Kahlua became more and more gentle with Karen.  I think dogs have this sense when a person needs to be proteced and loved.  I wish all humans had that trait.

 

[Katie, John & Parker pup]

All your prayers have helped. She came through the biopsy today without any major complications so far...which is the first step since brain surgery is serious! Now it is a waiting game for the biopsy results to come in and can you believe that takes a week at least!? So now more stress waiting around!. Thank you all for your support though!