One of Kate's Stories - How Grady Led her to Me! By Jack McAfghan

This is Grady. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge on March 31, 2009 at the age of 16. She was my first dog as an adult; a Sheltie-Collie-Shepherd. After a time I didn't think I could live without her. 

When she was about 8 years old I sat down with her and asked her to be sure I was in a good relationship with a guy before she had to take leave of me. Nearly 8 years later I ultimately had to put her to sleep because of many chronic ailments and compromised quality of life.

Many months later I talked with a friend of mine, as I had always felt kind of guilty about putting her to sleep when I did. I thought I was letting her down by not waiting for the guy to come into my life before I put her down. 

"But you did have the guy," was my friend's reply. "You had Jack. She knew he was your guy." 

Oh such relief! Run free Grady! We did what we had to do when we had to do it and everything is All Right. I love you forever Grady Girl. 💗

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Please Don't Be Afraid to Love Again

Me, Jack, when I was little with my big sister Grady. Kate knew Grady was winding down and if you read our books, you'll know that I was the "BackUp Plan". But oh. Oh so much more! 

It takes strength and healing to open your heart to love again. Some people run right out and fill that space we left behind. Many more people say "NEVER AGAIN" because they remember only the pain of the final moments, not the lifetime we shared in love. 

Take all the time you need, but life is too short - and too long - to be alone. Yes and some people are "alone" even when they have a partner and even in the biggest family! There is nothing like the love of a pet. Few humans are capable of such love. Please keep your heart and mind open. It will be a unique and different kind of love, but it will be wonderful too. Message today from Kate: Don't be afraid...Follow your heart. It's always been your best guide. 

Love, Jack 🐾

This photo is of our Immy who was in need of good home and Kate drove all the way from Arizona to Montana to get her. In the sixth month of her grief, it was an emotional and complex time. And Immy was/is a complex girl! Oh but Kate and Joey would never trade her for the world. And besides that - they still have me. 😘Only Gone from Their Sight. 🐾

Immy McAfghan

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