A client I had this week contacted me because of her grief. Her husband had died over a year ago, and she was still in deep grief. Her dog stared at a certain place in the kitchen, and lights were going on and off at weird times. When I looked over the situation, her husband was earthbound. (I use the word earthbound for a ghost). This was why she wasn’t getting over him. This was also why the dog was sad. The dog could see her husband but wasn’t getting any attention from him.
I don’t think I’ve ever talked about the fact that with grief, it is much worse if you have the being that you are grieving earthbound around you. It’s difficult for you to get over your guilt or grief from losing them. They’re like they were when they were alive. You feel them near you; you just can’t connect with them and can’t talk to them.
If you have a grief that you aren’t getting over, or you have a pet that’s staring at something that you don’t see or sense a cat sleeping next to you that isn’t there, you may have an earthbound spirit. I have found that if you have kept ashes of your pet or spouse, it is more likely they are around. Don’t feel guilty- it was their decision to stay. When I cross someone, I always find out why they stayed, in order to assure that is resolved. Many pets stay because they want to be around you, to keep doing the job they had before, or to mentor new pets. They do not realize they can also do all those things from heaven.
When someone dies and stays earthbound, they are in the same mood they were when they died. They are the same, except they don’t have the energy- that comes from the body. I know on TV they say “go to the light” but it seems many spirits (both canine and human) seem in a fugue state, not able to lift out. We have a choice when we die, we can either stay here on earth or go to heaven, we always have a choice. God would never force us to go to heaven.
If you feel you aren’t moving through grief adequately, think about whether who you are grieving for is earthbound. If you find out that they are, I have included my ceremony to send a pet on. With this ceremony, you can keep the precious ashes of your loved one and still make sure they are where they belong: heaven.
Pet Perennials has comforting and thoughtful pet loss memorial gifts to help you as you are conducting a ceremony. Adding a Healing Hearts Candle or gifting a Crystal Rainbow Suncatcher is a beautiful way to honor the memory of the pet.
1. The name of a person in heaven who would come down and get the pet. Preferably a deceased human family member, or good friend. Most people can think of the name of someone in heaven. The best possible candidate is, of course, someone who knew and loved your pet.
2. The name of spiritual beings that will participate. I use St. Anthony, St. Francis, Jesus, Archangel Raphael. All are great with animals. Ask for who you are familiar with and will feel comfortable with. I was raised Presbyterian but have found the Catholic saints do an excellent job, so I use them. Jewish clients have asked for Abraham, Sufis use Rumi or Hafiz.
3. For a group ceremony, have a story or memory of the pet to share: this is completely optional. I have found when you have loved ones gathered; sharing memories is helpful and soothing.
4. Method of disposal of body, if hasn’t already been done (This ceremony can be done after body has been disposed of).
Below is the text of a passing to heaven ceremony that I have given. The words can be adjusted so you can make it your own. This can be done when you are by yourself, or with a group of family or friends that knew your pet.
“We have gathered today to say goodbye to the spirit of (name of pet). I am asking for a few moments of silence, during which (name of pet) has the opportunity to share with those present experiences that defined (name of pet) life on earth.
Does anyone present want to share a memory? Please acknowledge the love, laughter, and joy that (name of pet) brought into our lives, allowing (name of pet) to comprehend that (his or her) impact on our lives was life affirming.
After everyone willing to share is done describing his or her experiences continue with:
“Realize that though (name of pet) has dropped their body, the spirit continues. Because of the love for (name of pet) we are releasing them to Heaven”
“I am ordering the part of myself that knows how, to do the following; “I am now asking (insert names of spirit guides that personally have meaning to you per prior examples) along with (insert heaven-based loved one) to come down from heaven to meet the spirit of (name of pet) and take (name of pet) back to heaven with them. I am asking for this to start now and continue until complete. I am asking for (the family member/friend in heaven) so that (the pet) knows that they are returning to the perfect loving light of God and are joining loved ones in heaven. I now release the spirit of (name of pet) to the loving spiritual beings that have come to escort (name of pet) to heaven. I am asking for his process to start now and continue until all are enfolded in the loving warmth of God in heaven.”
“I turn over to God all information that isn’t for our highest good that is involved with my relationship with (name of pet). This includes but is not limited to; (our/my) sorrow, grief, frustrations, guilt over the way (name of pet) passed to the other side and anger over the circumstances.
I am asking for forgiveness and the karma balanced, and that all negative situations that are funded by present time energy are surrendered to God.”
“I ask that God look at this evidence at his big desk to the total extent of Universal law, and I surrender all evidence to God so that he can make an informed decision. I understand that only God has the ability to judge events here on earth. I release all judgment, anger, and incorrect thinking I have about the situation to God. I realize that there is perfect order in God’s world, and though I do not see it now, there is a divine plan in the passing of (name of pet).”
“I am asking for angels to intervene and help all that are not at peace with the situation. I ask they be given the comprehension that the love of God will resolve the situation, so no energy is spent bringing past negative memories into the present time. I ask that everyone here knows and feels the love surrounding us. I completely let go of (name of pet) and thank (him/her) for the gifts shared.”
“I am asking that all who think of and remember (name of pet) remember most what is truly real, the love that (name of pet) came to give and share with us, and the laughter, joy, and companionship they have brought into our lives. I let go of all energy involved with (name of pet) for I know that in heaven, there is no time, space, or fear so (name of pet) can be with us at the speed of thought. I am releasing (name of pet)’s spirit to the light of God, so that they are again on their spiritual path, and can return to me in another body if it is the pets and God’s will.
I know that love returns to love, and that love is real, it endures beyond the wall of death. I know that any negative energy will be dissolved in the light of heaven. I am grateful beyond measure that (name of pet) came into our lives, and I thank God for the joy, grace, beauty (fill in your own adjectives), laughter, peace, and security (name of pet) brought into our lives.”
“I know that love, joy, and gratefulness are the highest emotions to us, and I thank (name of pet) for bringing those lights into our lives. I ask that they go with joy and peace, not worrying about those left behind on the earth plane. I assure (name of pet) that their earth family will be well taken care of, and the love the (name of pet) shared remains a legacy, leaving all of us more capable to withstand loss, more capable of easy laughter, and more aware of genuine unconditional love. (Again, add humor or own adjectives).”
The most important goals are that energy is released, no one is carrying needless guilt, and that the soul is in heaven. The end of the ceremony is a wonderful time to bury the body, dispose of ashes, or bless the urn holding the ashes and set it in a place of honor.
Ann Hoff is a well-known Animal Communicator, Intuitive Medium, and a regular contributor to our FB Group “I Am not Crazy Because I Talk to Animals” and leads a monthly Zoom call with members wishing to chat with a pet, or simply ask Ann a question. This month's content addresses the earthly lessons we learn through loss.
Pet Perennials Gift Perks Service becomes a compassionate ally for pet-centric businesses, offering a seamless and affordable solution for expressing condolences. Through unique products like the Healing Hearts Candle, the Crystal Rainbow Suncatcher, and the Pet Perennials Garden Kit, and more, businesses can build lasting emotional connections with clients, reaping the benefits of goodwill and loyalty in the process. There are gifts specific to the loss of a horse, and sympathy cards for horses also available.
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