When I was ten with my dog Laddie and baby brother

 

Joshua's Animals after Suicide

 Joshua left LiahNora the cat and Heinrich the rottwieler. I never considered that animals may truly miss their owners. 

 Heinrich mopped and ate little. I went to the feed store to stock up on dogfood and told the clerk something was wrong with Heinrich. He asked me questions and one led to me saying, "Our son, Heinrich's owner died recently."

The clerk blinked. "I'm sorry for your loss, ma'am. Heinrich is in mourning."

Now it was my turn to blink. "Really?"

"Yes. Animals feel the loss when owners are gone. It is a proven fact."

I thanked the clerk, went home, and cried on Heinrich's neck. I spent more time with him. Played frisbee and ball together. Eventually Heinrich became the happy dog who ate all his food.

Just days after Joshua's suicide, I was cleaning up in his room. His cat Liahnora stood on the windowsill outside. Several days in a row she did this when I was in there. Liahnora missed Joshua also. I spent time with her even though I was allergic to cats. I gave her pets and sat on the front porch so she could rub her head against me.

Five years later, my husband retired and we moved to my homestate. For our last load of belongings, we filled the bed of the picked with outdoor things and Heinrich's doghouse in the center. He seemed excited as he pressed his muzzle against the screened-in opening of the doghouse. Little did he know our trip would be long. 

As we drove along the Interstate, some people may have thought we reminded them of the Beverly Hillbillies. 

If you are in need of prayer, please comment and I will pray. ~Jean~