Dear Jin,

I know how you feel about your dog.  And also I know how you feel about your mother.

I have lived a long time, and I have experienced losing a beloved dog many times. And I lost my mother to Parkinsons, which is a very very sad long drawn out disease. And my first husband died of emphasyma, and my second of cancer.  

The world seems to end, there is an empty space inside.

But you carry on – because we are put in this world to help others.  Your patents wlll be missing you.  You owe it to them to put a bandage around your heart, and a brave smile on your face, and go out and help other people.

Go into a temple, or a beautiful part of nature, and let the peace start the healing of your soul.

Many people feel like you, Jin, about your dog.  But 14 is old for a dog.

If your dog is in pain, and you keep her alive – well, that is selfish.  It is doing it for YOU and not the dog.

And just think of this:  there are dogs in shelters, hundreds of dogs.  Go to a shelter and look into the eyes of the dogs there. And see the message: “Does no one want to be my friend?”

There are dogs in shelters just waiting for you, Jin.

They cannot take the place of the dogs you loose, but there is room in our hearts for more than one or two or three dogs.

And just think – you would be like their God.

Go to a shelter.  See if you do not meet the dog who will help you in your present pain. Preferably get two so they have each other.  Do not compare them with the dogs you have lost.  Love them for who they are, and what they can do for you.

They are waiting to help you.

Be strong.  You can do it.  Do if for your mother, grandmother, friends.

Do it for your dogs.

Do it for me

With love Jane