Raindrops fell and lightening thundered. Water gushed from the rooftop of our home without gutters, and my dog Rain hid beneath the couch where I sat. Thirteen years ago, someone found her, just a puppy, walking in the rain. She may have some post-traumatic stress. Then three years ago, I found her swimming in the rising hurricane waters of our home. I’m sure that didn’t help.
Rain crawled out from under the couch and looked up at me. Her whole body shook. I patted the throw pillow beside me, and she jumped up on it. I covered her up with a blanket, held her with extra pressure, and breathed into the top of her Chihuahua head. She whimpered so very softly. Her shaking subsided. Sometimes the world is noisy and scary and overwhelming, I thought. Sometimes a tight hug and the closeness of someone’s breath is all you need.

and that males life beautiful. ❤
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She brings so much love to my life!
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I understand … for me, “she” is a cat….
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I’m a cat lady with a dog who has outlasted all of our cats.
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🙂 it must be so cute !
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Rain loved our cats, too. She had a motherly obsession of licking their ears.
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She is older ?
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We had a grey tabby named Stan Lee when Rain came home as a pup to stay, and they became fast friends. When he passed on, Sally, the kitten, Stan Lee’s mini-me came into our lives. Rain liked to lick both of their ears, almost antagonistically, but they both loved her. We’ve had bad luck with cats, but one day I’ll have another one.
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Yes I understand the situation, it’s true that it’s very touching these friendships between different species – for me I live in a “city of cats”, there are cats everywhere – and when it’s cold, when it’s too windy, when it rains, it becomes an emergency shelter – none of us in the family has ever been able to close the door or the window to a crying cat! So I have my two pussies and lots of feline guests.
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😊😽😻❤️
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When I jerk awake from another nightmare, a tight hug and the closeness of Hubby’s breath is exactly what I need.
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That’s so sweet! True love.
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This is just so touching.
We all need the hugs. Whether with words or touch.
💕💕💕
Love, light and glitter
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Thank you, Eliza! I love this little girl.
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Dogs, I’ve learned, can also suffer from their own trauma 😦
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It’s so true.
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I agree. Sometimes we need a tight hug and the warmth of a loved one. Have a blessed week! 🙂
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Thank you, Melissa! You, too!
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Hugs are the best medicine for stress. Nice share Crystal
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Thanks, Dave! I have a little snuggler. Thankfully.
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Ultimately, I think that just about all of us want peace and stability.
Evening, Crystal. Stay well.
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I’m a simple woman. Peace and stability is all I need. Thank you, Neil.
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I love the way animals are here and respond to kindness. Thanks for this.
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I can’t imagine a quarantine any other way.
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Such a sweet and lucky dog to have found you! Great post, I needed this today! C
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We were lucky to find each other! Thank you, Cheryl!
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Positively uplifting, Crystal! “Positively” in more than one sense.
Sounds as though, despite her name, Rain has brought you an exuberance of bright, warming sunshine. Most definitely vice-versa too.
Think of what you’ve done for Rain. You rescued her from the most dire vexation, one that was sure to corrode her young, and brief, life. Instead, you wrapped her in love and happiness. and you provide a steady supply of comforts. And vice-versa.
Really piling on the good deeds, aren’t you, Crystal? Leaving the specifics to the philosophers, I do believe that someday we will meet again all those who enriched our lives, and that includes our furry friends (among whom is my bestie, Cousin Itt). Rain will tell you exactly how much all of this means to her, although I suspect you already have good idea.
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Rain and I both love the sunny spots. She lifts me, and I try to pay it forward. There’s much to be said on the philosophy of a dog, and I’ll leave that to the philosophers. But, dogs have this idea of unconditional love all figured out.
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Wonderful tale of human warmth.
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And the warmth continues. Thanks for leaving more behind!
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Thank for sharing!!… being there for each other, that is what friends (or in this case more than friends) do, Yes?.. 🙂
“Portrait of a Friend”
I can’t give solutions to all of life’s problems, doubts,
or fears. But I can listen to you, and together we will
search for answers.
I can’t change your past with all it’s heartache and pain,
nor the future with its untold stories.
But I can be there now when you need me to care.
I can’t keep your feet from stumbling.
I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall.
Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine;
Yet I can share in your laughter.
Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge;
I can only support you, encourage you,
and help you when you ask.
I can’t prevent you from falling away from friendship,
from your values, from me.
I can only think of you, talk to you and wait for you.
I can’t give you boundaries which I have determined for you,
But I can give you the room to change, room to grow,
room to be yourself.
I can’t keep your heart from breaking and hurting,
But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces
and put them back in place.
I can’t tell you who you are or who you will be
I can only love you and be your friend
(Adam Clarke)
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“Portrait of a Friend.” I needed to read that today! Thank you, Dutchll!
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You are both very lucky! You appreciate and trust each other.
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Thanks so much! We’re having more rain today. She’s under the couch again, but I have a feeling we’ll be snuggling soon.
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