h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

We had a collie called Shep. Proper black and white one with duff due claws (I think that's what their called). He was the best. We live in a kind of semi town semi rural area, and we'd get a phonecall from the farmer that the dog was up in the field with the cows. I think it was because they were the same colour. We got him when he was about 5 years old. Used to blow under the door gap if he wanted in the livingroom. You'd be sitting watching telly and all you'd hear was 'HHHFFSHFFFS'really loudly. Used to say hello to people. Got so bad that complete strangers would shout 'HEEELLLLLOOOO' and he'd just make a big doggie ''ooolllllooooolllooo' back. He could cross the road himself you just had to shout 'crossover.' He knew the difference between work and shop, he got to go to the shop.

Used to do the toilet in the bath room (was on the floor but hey, in the right room guys!!) He would stand guard at the front door all day, when it rained he would make you stand at the door holding it open so he could look out. Killed my badger slippers my papa got me. Adopted next doors puppy for his own. So we had two dogs standing guard at the door. Kept running up and down the fence till he wore a path. Liked a cuddle (would sit on your knee, front leggs around your neck and head under your chin). Loved, and I mean loved Curry, despite the fact it burned his mouth. Had to give him milk to drink to stop him choking. Never cried when he died untill I had a dream that it was summer and he came to visit, our new dog didn't like him (we had got a black Alsatian called Alfie who likes sneeking up on crows, he killed one and we had a whole flock of crows out our back for about two days, it was very freaky). In my dream he was soo beautiful, had a glossy coat and when it was time for him to leave he was running and then disappeared in sparklly starry light. It's my favourite dream and it still makes me cry.

Anybody else have a dog like this? Do collies have an effect like this on all their owners?

I know my collie did on me. I got her when she was two months old and she was the most amazing dog I have ever seen.
She was trained in search and rescue/recovery and could do things that others told me dogs could not do.
She would let out a little huffing noise to get my attention or place her neck on my leg. She would howl back at the train whistle and had this cute little yeodel she would make at the end of her howl.
We used to take our walk in the evening out where she would watch for her herd of antelope, she was always fasinated with them. In her short time she has traveled thousands of miles on planes and trains and in cars and trucks.
My little Caileag was my best friend and she would have been five years old this month, I was planning a special treat and day for her but thanks to the heartless people in this world my Caileag was poisoned and died a few weeks ago. I cryed like a baby and still do.
She has not come to visit me in a "dream" yet, I think she knows it would be too hard on me right now but I know she will some day soon. I was with her and held her all night when she died and when my time comes I know she will be there for me.
My favourite quote is from Will Rodgers:
If there no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they go.

I don't think people (those without pets) realise how much you can invest into your own pets. Particuarly dogs. They don't realise how much you can get back, for want of a can of food that smells like sick, a dish of water, and some companionship. I know our own family felt the loss of Shep as strongly as they would feel the loss of any human member, because he was a member of our family. All our pets have been accepted on the same level. There is no reason why they shouldn't be, since they don't have bad days, they don't hog the tv, and they don't get angry when you don't do the dishes, and seem to know when you've had a bad day.

Take your time over the grief of your dog. She sounded fabulous, and she's probibly with you now wondering why your so miserable, and wondering what she can do to help.

Thank you Nova dog, you may be interested in checking out the website at: www.rainbowbridge.com
I would like to share a story about a horse that belonged to my ex mother in law.
Her horse had died about a week or so from colic when she came to me in a dream. In my dream I was walkin down to where the horses were kept and I saw her laying down in a position that they do when they hurt, as I got closer the horse stood up standing sideways and looking at me, to me it was like she was telling me to see, I was sick but now I am ok.
She then floated up and drifted away into the sky.
This was no ordinary dream, it was real and it was her way of saying not to worry about her.
I have had other dreams as well and insight to the death of animals including that of my little Caileag but I will/cannot get into that just now, maybe later, if there is any interest.
You have my best wishes.