Tag Archives: family

My mother-in-law’s dog, Ziggy, came into our lives shortly before my father-in-law went into the hospital. My mother-in-law had taken our son, Alex, who was 6  at the time, to the local Humane Society to donate some old bedding to be used in the kennels. They walked through the aisles of cats and dogs. Normally, they would just walk through and leave, but this time it was different. It was love at first sight. My son spotted Ziggy, an older female cocker spaniel and basset hound mix, and wouldn’t leave her side. One of the volunteers said she needed to be taken outside, so they accompanied her outside and it was as if Alex and Ziggy had always known each other. My in-laws have always been animal people, so when my mother-in-law called my father-in-law,  he gave her the green light to bring Ziggy home. I do believe God brought Ziggy to us because within a few months after moving in with my in-laws, my father-in-law went into the hospital where he would remain until he died in December of that year.  Ziggy was the loving presence  my mother-in-law needed and a comfort to us all.  Ziggy helped my son overcome his fear of dogs and became his devoted  friend. The bond that existed between my son and Ziggy was one of pure magic.

The photo above was taken a few months before we had to say our goodbyes to Ziggy. She was with our family for 6 years. An older dog when my mother-in- law adopted her, we estimate she was about 18 years old when she had to be put to sleep. The night she passed, I was in a twilight state and as I started to drift off I suddenly could feel her soft ears and face in my hand. While still drifting I suddenly heard children calling her name. I like to believe that she had come to see me and would continue to be touching children’s lives even in Heaven.

Fast forward to almost a year later, and Ziggy has continued to hold a special place in  our hearts and memories. She also finds ways of making her gentle presence known. I was at a park not too long ago and this dog came up to me. I started petting her and talking with her owner. To my great surprise, her owner said her name was Ziggy. When she rubbed her head against me, her owner said she would only do that for a small percentage of people. I felt love pour from her and tears started to well up in my eyes because I knew that this was our Ziggy letting me know that she was at peace and would always be with us.

If you have lost a beloved pet, know that their spirit will always be with you.   You might even start to notice signs that they are close by. The love we share with our animals is a blessing and this bond will continue from this world to the next.

May the loving presence of Spirit be with you always.

Blessings,

Sheryl Brooks