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Dear Martha
This story touched me very deeply. Losing a pet is a very painful experience. Five years ago our little dog, Luckee, was diagnosed with a bulging disc in his neck. This was very painful for him. He was nine years old and had been in very good health most of his life. We gave him pain medication for several months, but it got to the point he could no longer tolerate the pain. We talked to our veterinarian several times. She told us there was nothing that could be done. I took him to the animal hospital that bright summer morning. He sat by me in my Nissan pickup and looked at every car we passed. His ears perked up at the various noises he heard. I stroked his back and scratched his head, and he looked at me with those trusting eyes. It was all I could do to keep from breaking down. I took into the clinic and knelt down to him and gave him a big hug. The vet-tech took him to the back of the clinic. I went out to my truck and sat down. It was there I lost it.
He was very special to us. Our little miniature pinscher had died, and we went to the animal shelter the next day to find a dog. My wife discovered him. He had been abandoned. He was dirty and sick and really needed a home. The lady told us he was to be put down the following Wednesday. This was Saturday. We were told he was 7-8 months old and that the shelter had been trying to get someone to adopt him. We took him. My wife wrapped him in a blanket we kept in the trunk of the car. He smelled so bad we had roll down the windows. It was very cold that day, and the ride home was not very comfortable. His introduction to our home was a warm bath. We talked about a name for him and decided that Luckee would be a good name because we got him only five days before he was to be put down. He very quickly felt at home and became a delightful little dog. He was part Sheltie and no telling what else. We loved him very much. I took him walking with me many, many times.
As I sat in my truck that morning, all of those memories were there. I know I did what had to be done to end his terrible pain. It took a long time for my pain to go away. We have found that when we lose a dog, we get another one and make a good home for it. The ones we loved so much and lost become sweet memories for us.
I really appriate all the story and comments on this web-site.I lost Hans a German dauchsan about ten years ago.He got old had broken a leg by jumping of a bed.Started going blind and had a spine problem and had to had some disks removed.I had a cat named Boy he got pnemonia and had to be put to sleep.I still give about these pets but I hope they are in a better place in Heaven God Rest their souls.cdollins@roadrunner.com.
Martha,
Thank you for sharing your story,about Jackson Bear, it touched me in a way that not many people could understand..Nine years ago,my Daddy passed away.. He was not supposed to die the way he did.. Everyone thought that he was on his way to recovery, so much so that the Dr.'s and Nurses would not allow my brothers and myself, my children visit for very long at a time.. They all kept saying Charles needs his rest, he will be better soon...well, I am here to tell you that God had other plans because my Daddy passed away on a respirator,his lungs kept collapsing for 2 weeks,never breathed on his own again.. AND ON THAT THURSDAY,JULY 29,1999 God said enough suffering , my good and faithful servant, it is time to come home, and my Daddy's heart, stopped beating forever...You see my Daddy had already outlived , what was expected of him, he was put in a wheelchair at the young age of 20 years old. he lived 30 years longer than the Doctors predicted...He was only 50 years old when he left this life and went to live with JESUS IN HEAVEN...I had to tell you a little of my Daddy's story to get to my little Redneck Henry Hop's story... Henry was a 7 year old ,black and tan Dashhound..we got him when my 18 year old daughter was just a little bitty girl..Henry was 7 months old when we drove to Haughton,La. to get him.. he was a hour away from where we were in Bossier City, La..You see Henry had went through so much with us.. he was like my son, my girls called him thier little brother..we were always together.. to make a long story short,In April 2000,our little Henry Hop was run over and killed, on purpose.. we know that because he was not even in the road when he was hit..We lost my Daddy and our little Henry all within one year.. You can only imagine, the grief, anger, resentment , bitterness, total devastation that I felt..Some where along the road, I believe that I have been able to forgive everyone in both tragdys..I never forget, it will forever be etched in my heart.. I know that people make terrible mistakes, and we all deserve a second chance, no matter what we have done..The pain will never go away, but I know that without a doubt, that when I die, My Daddy and Our little Redneck Henry Hop will be there to walk with me into Heaven...Thank you again, for sharing your story...Have a great Day and May God Bless You and Your Family,
Your Friend,
Helen Tanner
Thank you for encouraging forgiveness. My daughter passed away 4 months ago. She drowned at a local beach on the day of her birthday which was suppose to be a day of fun and turned out to be a tragedy. Her father blames me completely for this horrible accident. He wants no part of me, and now when fund raisers are done in her memory, I am excluded because he doesn't want me involved. I feel ashamed and belittled because I feel every one there is thinking I didn't love or care enough for her to be there. Or they must be thinking it's true it was my negligence because I'm not at the function. I wish he would see your video of forgiveness for Jackson bear. I hope one day he will realize that it wasn't my fault and forgive me too.
HI Martha
Thanks for sharing your story of Jackson Bear, and highlighting the gifts he shared with you and your family. I lost my cat, Rocky, earlier this year. He had cancer all over his body which resulted in a tumor in his bladder, but it took over 3 weeks to figure that out! The vets I went to, all wanted outrageous sums of money for diagnostic testing only, not even for treatment! It was so hard to see my furry friend in so much pain and discomfort. I finally found "Actors and Others for Animals", an organization in Southern California who helps out pet owners with some of the cost of veterinary expenses. WOW! They were (are) great! I will never forget their generosity nor will I forget the caring and compassion of the vets they referred me to. I was afforded the ability to say good-bye to my loving friend in a dignified, loving way and relieve his suffering. Which is all I really wanted...I just didn't want him to suffer any more!! I am trying to forgive the greedy vets for asking the incredible fees they did, which only prolonged Rocky's suffering. I naively thought that someone became a veterinarian because they genuinely loved God's creatures, but I was rudely awakened with that experience. On a more positive note: The experience with Rocky got me involved in the world of veterinary medicine and going in a whole diffrent direction in my life. I strongly believe we have two choices: We can either sit around and complain about the problems or difficulties we see in life, OR we can get involved and DO something to make it better. I choose to get involved and make it better! Not all veterinarians are greedy and some will actually bend over backwards to help out an animal, and the owner in the process. Thanks again for sharing your story about Jackson Bear, because I too, feel Rocky taught me about focus and committment and I will always be grateful for that and for him!!
In Love, Gratitude & Abundance
Most Sincerely
Christina
Dear Martha,
I just saw your video and though I was saddened by it, I was inspired by your message of forgiveness. When my Husband and I lost 'Jake' our 10 year old Sheltie, we were two of the lucky ones. We got to be with him, when his Veterinarian, put him to sleep. He was dying of Bladder Cancer and after 8 to 9 months from the diagnosis we thought it best to let go of our little Buddy. Martha here is the thing, we had no one else to blame but ourselves. Did we give him the wrong food? Did we give him too many treats and not enough walks? Since that time we did learn to forgive ourselves and yet it did take a long time. We now have a happy healthy pussycat named Julius, as he looks like a little Caesar, that we adopted from the Pound. He brings us much comfort and joy.
Thank you for your wonderful messages. I feel blessed by them.
Kind Regards,
Juliana Truesdell Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Martha,
I am so sorry to hear toof your loss.
That is really heart breaking.
My mother has just lost her dog of 17 years old on Sept 2nd.
He was a sweet little maltese and I will never forget him.
Only people that truly love animals really understand the pain and grief we feel
when we lose a pet.
They are with us for such a short time, but the love they give us is just unconditional.
I have a Bichon named Fritz that I adopted from people who were mistreating him. I do not have children and he is my baby. As I listened to your story, I was filled with anger and tears. The very thought of that happening is just heartbreaking. How you found the strength to forgive is amazing to me. I am a forgiving person to an extent. But there are some things that would wound me so badly that I don't think I could get over, i.e., what happened to Jackson Bear. I can see him waiting for you, but I guess he is in a much better place. I have thought about your story and shared it with many people. Your level of calmness and forgiveness is something to strive for. Thanks for sharing.
Hello; i unexpectedly arrived at your homepage & saw something to do w/a dog story. As usual, there is always a few minutes to read a dog story!! "Losing Jackson Bear" took more than a "few" minutes to absorb,comprehend, and eventually accept that it was a true story....I keep thinking that some sort of thoughts or words will finally come to me so I could say something of value to you. Ten years have gone by, but I read your story today. You are gracious in saying it took time to forgive & even more so that you found your way there...A journey that only could of happened by someone who chose to accept every battle ( self vs.self..grueling, w/no time limits), some even reappearing for a re-match. I sit here in absolute awe; If it had been my story, would I ever find my way to walk thru the walls of sheer anger,disbelief,vengeful thoughts,grief, & self doubt,??? Then I took it a step further & my Dog was "Jackson Bear". She has been gone for just two years, but my Love & respect for that dog will never be matched. I realized that I would take the journey W/the hope of finding the ability to forgive the idiots (which would have to include myself) that decided to not investigate a well groomed STRAY that wandered into their facility(That's right we re a kennel??..) their had to be a client list IE;owner name ,emerg. #s/contacts,time frames of what dogs were dropped off ,P.up dates..how could people running a place for animals not take the time to research every angle?!! your Vet & his # surely was someone on your boarding info as well as a the required papers that u must have in order to leave your dog at a kennel. He probably was the on-call vet for the place. Something is very strange w/ this story-I didn't begin to write any thing except THANKS to u for sharing such a tragic loss in your life that would be perhaps help others to find their way when it seems impossible. Well ,i will thank you. I understood the many important reasons that u had to find forgiveness ..i know i would as well. If u ever read THIS RAMBLING .."..I can't find any words to...blah,blah!!" , I would be interested in what the hell the kennel owners,staff etc. used as a procedural manual to make the decision to take the dog to a known animal shelter that has a 2-3 day max. stay before eliminating. No kill shelters or other options were available. A friend probably dropped your dog off since it was your wedding or pre-honeymoon soiree to wish u well. now I am speculating...my apologies. The more thought I put into this , i wonder if the pain would ever subside just enough to begin thoughts of forgiveness??...It should of never happened. back to my original intent; Thank you. An amazing show of strenghth,self discipline,inner wisdom, and something "else"..., u offer hope, possibilty, wisdom & much more. Do u respond to any of your comments? I suppose i just answered my own ?..Thanks again. (although the kennel is still on my sh-t list...) peace, & respect Kzap
Hi Martha,
I happened to find your website lastnight when I was searching under Touched by an Angel.
Your stories have just Touched my heart so much.
Touched by an Angel is my favorite T.v. Program.
I have enjoyed watching all the old reruns on Halmark.
I just love your Story about Jackson Bear.
I have lost many beloved pets over the years.
It is true that animals really bless the lives of people.
Hi Martha, I'm new to your website, and just listened to you tell of losing
Jackson bear. I have lost three much loved dogs myself. Two of them I had
the difficult choice to have them put to sleep. My last lab, Chelsea, I found
gone early one morning at the bottom of the stairs. I was sure I couldn't go
through that again, but as one of my sons said to me, "mom this wouldn't seem
like home without a dog to love." so 7 months later we brought home our
littlest~Angel. She's two now and I'm so glad we have her. I also loved
touched by an Angel, it's one of the only shows my daughter-in-law watches
on TV. (reruns)
Blessings to you
Ginnie Wible
Hi Martha,
Its about 12:12 after midnite got hope from work and decided to go thru my email decided to see what was on yours i love your videos especially the one on jackson browne i can relate about 2 years ago i had to do the most hardest choice regarding our dog named kiki we had him for twelve years my son brought him home when he was six yrs old said mama can i keep him i will take care of him so we did he became big part of the family dog was bilingual especially when it came to grama coming in the door ,in may 2 yrs ago i had to do the hardest thing i have ever had to do was to hand him over to the dog pound due to he had got a hold of our nieghbors dog and killed her dog mind you had been nieghbors for many years and i understood her loss also i felt really bad but the hardest thing i had to do was sign our family pet over to be put to sleep my son begged me mom please dont let them take him away mind you my son dont cry he is 18 yrs old i watched him take his collar off and his harness and have to put this big dog in this vechicle and my heart broke and i felt so helpless and powerless over this whole situation and all i could do was hold my boy while he cried and as the vehicle began to leave he threw the collarand harness at the truck it want tilone day i was driving down this one street and looked over to the left and i swore i had seen kiki twin it was like he was alive i drive down this street to see this dog everyday to remind myself of the baby pup my son brought home the hardest thing for me to do sometimes even 2 yrs later i drive by the airport where the animal shelter where they put our dog to sleep ,sometimes i wish i could have done more it hits the heart every time i go by there i always feel like i could have done more it was either put him down or get sued by my nieghbor i carry this guilt because i feel li killed him myself because i know he still had life in him left and there was nothing i could do even now that i am writing this the pain is still great and a year later we had to put the family cat down his name was skittles he was kiki sidekick he was eight yrs old funny here was this big dog afraid of this cat i miss my animals i have always been the type of person that if a pet dies i cannot replace it i have to be able to mourn for my pets i feel if you replace a long life friend with another right away its like you forgot that pet and its existence meant nothing my nieces had a family pet in the same household and i became very close with her and when she got killed they turned around and replaced her real quick and for the life of me i couldnt get close i wouldnt allow myself it wasnt the puppy fault i just couldnt bring myself because in my heart my animals have always meant the world to me as a child i was always bringing strays home whether it was a cat or dog i always wanted to give it a home your story of jackson hit home in my heart i miss my animals so bad i think of them often and it hurts when i go by the dog pound i have not been able to step in there in 2 years i used to go there just to see all the animals in there knowing the heart break i have because i know each animal in there deserves a home thank you very much for your videos and stories they are so inspiring to me always debbie g.
All your stories & comments on different subjects intrigue me, but I have one problem. That is; I have dial-up on my computer, so when I try to listen to your video, your words come in bits & pieces; like every 5-10 words come out. Is there another way I could listen or even read about your various subjects? I want to hear about Jackson Bear without it breaking up, if possible.
I just brought my Bischon home from the vet.She was to have growths removed from her shoulder and the top of her head.
Her heart couldn't take the stress and she needed an electrocardiogram.
The growth on her head was infected and it was removed.She is on antibiotics and presently sleeping on the floor beside me.
We'll get the results tomorrow. I had misgivings about her going under anethesia so I guess this was God's way of protecting her.
My heart goes out to you for your loss. I have buried 7 Lhasa's over the years and the pain is still there.
Dear Martha:Enjoyed your web site very much.. I have written a book of 40 poems, am enclosing one for you-- It is called, My MOTHERS Thumb, maybe you are old enough to know what a green thumb is>>My mothers thumb, was very green,her friends so often said--She loved to work among the flowers with blooms of white and red--Everything she would touch, would grow beneath her loving care-- she used a gift that God had given to help the growth of petals rare...I grew up beneath her thumb,I loved my Mother dear--But I was not like the plants,she grew from year to year.....I loved to go with her to church, when just a little lad, no one ever thought or knew, Someday I would make her very sad>>I spurned the love of home and God, as I turned into a man,A weed among the flowers of life,as away from the LORD I ran....I searched and searched, and tried to find--Areason for my life of sin, If I had stayed with GOD, and mothers thumb,I would not be where I was then--Gods rule of thumb can shelter you, And be in life your guide, And Mothers thumb can help you too, When she has Jesus by her side-----I came to God and repented for the life that I had led--Yes, He forgave and pardoned me,and then unto me said>>>>>Go and work in lifes harvest fields. Where labourers are few,And guide them with the thumb of love, And start your life anew>>>>>>>>George Brunkhorst
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This message is for "Alice Jones". I love to see Martha's videos as they serve as an incouragement for me and I thank you Martha; Your message of forgivness really touched my heart as I too have been strugleing about forgiveness as I've gone through hurt and betrayal most my life by the people I love the most. I have questioned God and I've tried to understand why would He allow so much in my life, but getting to know Him has showed me to accept it, as He always has a pourpose for our trials. Knowing His love has actually made me feel special, because through my trials and His love, He has showed me to come to Him for confort, and through the process he is molding me to be more like Him although is not easy. But just like the clay we have to be put through fire in order to be molded, and sometimes it takes more than once for the process as we are stouburn and pridefull in our own nature. "Alice" I could write a book (large volume and maybe make a series). I will tell you a "little bit" about my life hoping it will encourage you. I was abused sexually by my father (now deseased)two of my brothers that took advantage of me when they found out, threathening to tell my mother; I got married to who I though it was a good men but he happenened to be a pervert that had an affair with my sister besides constantly desrespecting me with other women in public even when our children were present, and he mentally and phisycally abused me by putting me down and every time I cut him on something he would deny it or say"he was doing it for me"; My church and my family instead of helping, went against me and supported him because "he is a good men that goes to church and bible studies" (although I was going too). When I finally decided to put a stop to it and separated from my husband after he abused me phicycally again, their actitude forced me to leave the church. Somebody else probably would have lost faith, turned to the world and forget about God. I didn't; through all that time I had been praying for wisdom and deliverance and when God showed me what to do, it was through what most people would call the last blow, my niece whom came to the lord through my ministry, made up a story about me to look good with the pastor's wife as they had become "very close". That day, before they aproached me to talk to me about what my niece had say,I had been talking to God on my knees in the sanctuary, asking Him for a sign if I had to leave that church as my relatinship with Him was being hendered through everything I was going through, and I felt that was my answer... I had a friend at that church that supported me through the process of looking for another church and God kept her with me until I got strong; I trusted her therefore I gave her $8000. for safe keeping. I was going to need money to survive as I had my Mortgage and many other expences that my hasband left me stuck with as well as att. Fees for the separation process. When I asked her for the money, she said she had used it; then she desided she was't going to pay me back; then she denied I ever gave her the money and, she made up a lot of stuff about me at church, saying nobody would believe me because of the reputation I left with the pastors and the people at church. She even accusing me of stealling from my husband and my children by hiding that money which contradicts her story about me not giving to her; Right now I am in bed since Sunday, (today is Friday and I am not improving)because of the back pain that was caused by an injury I got at work on 2000, that happened because of the abuse, harrassment and decremination from my employer. I felt when climbing on a chair after they took away my step stool to give it to somebody else, when it was necessary to me as I am 4'10 "tall". Being a shipping and receiving inspector, I had to be climbing and lifting, doing work that men, three co-workers 5'9 to 6'4 could have been doing but didn't want too, because "they didn't want to get hurt" therefore my supervisor would forced me to do it, even when I had an order from the doctor to do light dutty because of an injury I had already suffer two years before at the same place. Do to the Injury, I was diagnosed with three torn disks on my low back, Fyfromialgia, bursitis, liver damage do to the meds. IBS, ECT. For years I was bitter, depressed and even suffered with anxiety and panic attacks, feeling useless and like a burden, but the love of God has showed me to forgive myself and to forgive others. Happiness is a choice and if He has forgave all of my flaws, who am I to destroy what he created with so much love and care? We destroy only ourselfs when we keep unforgiveness and bitterness in our hearts. The way I see it, I made the choice to marry a man that my mother told me was not good for me; I tolerated my husband's behavior and encouraged it by not stopping it; I chose not to stand up for my self when I was being abused at work and continue to work in a hostile invironment, besides, is it fair for me to live miserable while they are going on with their lives? God brought a friend to my life to give me strainght while I was learning to lean and depend on Him, and He delivered me from her when I didn't need her anymore. I am in a church where I found true confort and the love of God. I am growing in my relationship with Him, even when things are not perfect as I am about to loose my home and I am going through the process of separation; God has opened a door to what has been in my heart since I was a child but couldn't because my family didn't know Jesus and my husband although he does, never shared the vision and the heart of love for others, which is the Missions Ministry that I love!. You see "Alice" God always has a purpose for our lives, but if we don't ask for Him to show us and we get wrap around in our own self pitty, we can't see or hear Him. It is hard to accept our sircumstances and to accept that there is a pourpose, and although it might seem like God contradicts Himself through our sircumstances, it is harder to try to understand Him, that is why he says "Do not lean on to your own understanding" because if we could understand Him, He would not be God, and we would never grow on our faith as we would take Him for granted. Reading Job incourages me very much and helps me understand my sircumstances. Just think about the people that we take for granted as humans. You are not alone and what we go through is nothing compare to what God did when He gave His only begotten son Jesus to die for our sins...He loves you so much; he knows exactly what you feel and He understands it like nobody else will. He weeps when you weep and he rejoices when you rejoice, he also understands your anger and he doesn't get desapointed or bother by it for he is God Almighty and His love for you is greater than any desapointment we could feel and if we give our burdens to him, he will heal us and will help us forgive on His time, and His timing is always perfect.Thank you Martha for your beautiful Ministry, may God keep you and your loved ones...Elvi.
Dear Martha, thank you for sharing your story with all of us. I too was brought to tears. Many of us that have loved and lost a pet truly understand what you must have felt. I have tried to change things myself on how we view pet loss. I invite you and anyone who is grieving or has grieved the loss of their pet to visit us, reach out to us and we will reach back. http://petseverlasting.com We are here and we care.
Dee Siat CGRS and Interfaith Animal Clergy.
Having lost my best friend last April, my cat, E.T., who was 15, I grieved more than I've ever grieved before in my life. It is wonderful to have Martha validate the indifference between human and pet loss. It is dependent upon our relationship with that pet and sometimes it is more difficult because pets love us uncondtionally. What a powerful message on forgiveness too. She's a great human being. For those of you who may be grieving the loss of a pet, go to www.petseverlasting.com and check out this pet loss website. I know the owner. She created this website when her own pet Dakota died very suddenly. She wanted to give back and now is a Certified Grief Recovery Counselor. I found much love and support on this site. Thanks for a wonderful message Martha.
Martha,
I thank you s much for the story of Jackson Bear and about forgivness. I cried when I heard your story and I cried again when retelling it to my husband. I have had many cats over the years and have lost several of them. I have had a hard time of forgiving myself for the death of my 2 year old Angel. When I first got Angel I had a water filter and all my cats got filtered water. Just before Angel was 2, I didn't have the money for a new filter and started using regular tap water for my cats. My older cats were used to regular water having that most of their lives. I did not realize that since Angel had the filtered water from the time she was 6 weeks old, that she may not be able to handle the regular water. She was also a very small cat. Well she ended up vey sick and I took her in to the Vet and she was filled with kidney stones and I had to put he down. I believe the water was to blame for it. I have a very deep guilt for not knowing and being able to protect my beloved little girl. It has been 10 years since then and I still cry once in a while over the thought that I killed my baby.
Laurie
I just want to say that animals are just as human as we are. I have a longhaired cat named Babygirl and have had her since she was 8 wks. old. She is now 3 yrs. old. Yes, I have spoiled her. The reason I'm writing this though is to say that animals are like our kids. My babygirl is mine. I can't have any children and let me tell you, it use to bother me. My babygirl has filled that void. Animals know when you hurt,don't feel good,and also when your sad. I also heard that pets are good for high blood pressure, something I have. My cat is my pride and joy. She makes me so happy and I really enjoyed having her when I went through some hard times. She loves me unconditionally and I think both her and I would be lost without each other.Everyone hug your pet as often as you can.
What a beautiful tribute to a precious friend. That is so sad. I would have been devistated as Im sure you were. A Happy time turned into a tragedy. God Bless you for your wonderful tapes. They really help a lot of us out here. June 6th will be a year since I had to put my sweet, wonderful, loving Newfoundland down, my Maggie.In 2000 I lost my father-in -law,& my husband. In 2001 my chow,newfie mix Bear, he had liver cancer.
In 2002 I got Maggie. Then my Dad passed in 2002 and my Mom in 2003. My kids were married and I was alone with my Beautiful Maggie. Thru misdiagnosis of her problems at 5 years and 27 days I had to put my Baby down. She left a huge hole in my heart. But I have to think of the joy and love she brought for the time I had her. Thank you again for your beautiful story. All of them have a message. God Bless you and may you have wonderful times ahead.
What a wonderful, touching and so sad story about a precious much-loved dog, Jackson Bear. Having had dogs and cats all my life, I know about their unconditional love and devotion. If only people could be the same. Each time I've lost a pet it hurt and even though time helps heal the hurt, you never forget them. My husband and I had a miniature schnauzer
I have been seeing your videos for sometime. This is the first time that I post a comment. And, that is, That I have decided to forgive the ex-husband of my now deceised daughter (cancer) for cheeting on her and causing the divorce. After the divorce, she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. She went through all the treatment possible at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. She was in remission for a period of 5 yrs. She went to be with our Lord January 22, 2007.
DEAR MARTHA,THAT WAS AWFUL WHAT HAPPENED TO JACKSON BEAR.NOW YOU HAVE CUTE LITTLE CLEO.I HAD A MOTHER WHO WAS VERY ABUSIVE,PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY ALL OF MY 22 YEARS LIVING WITH HER.IT TOOK 53 YEARS TO FINALY FORGIVE HER,WITH THE DEAR LORD HELP.NOW I LOVED MY MOTHER VERY MUCH.I NEVER HAD PETS.I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A PET SOME DAY.THANKS FOR SHARING.YOU ARE A WONDERFUL CARING PERSON.
I always go into this site first thing when I get up. I am so glad I did today. I also had a mother who was unable to love me and have spent a lifetime dealing with the after effects. I am, though, an animal lover, and my dogs and cats (now have 2 dogs and 1 cat) have sustained me with their warmth and consistent love through thick and thin. They even rode with me for 3000 miles getting out of New Orleans after Katrina hit. They are my "furry kids." I have printed out this story and will read it many times. Thank you Martha and all the people who commented about sweet Jackson Bear and the painful circumstances surrounding his life and death. And a special thank you to the person who relayed the story of her mother. I have forgiven my mother but I believe the love of my animals helps me deal with the pain/memory that lives in my soul as "history."
I was busy while watching this video. After about a minute, I stopped to listen. I have always loved animals, but now, my children are grown and I have 2 maltese puppies and they mean the world to me; they are my family. As your story went on, my heart just broke. One of my dog's name is Jaxon too. I picked them up and just cried for you and your lose. Recently my neighbor was having some work done in their backyard and boared their maltese, Buster. While at the vet, 2 pitbulls were also being boarded and the 2 pits dug under a fence and got to Buster. He couldn't be saved either. I admire you so much that you were able to forgive. We do have an awesome God that gives us the ability to forgive, except, and love, as he does us. Thank you so much for sharing your story and reminding me to forgive even when it seems impossible.
Jeannie
13 months ago I had to have my beloved plush coat german Shepherd "put down" because he attacked my husband for no apparent reason. My husband had to go to the hospital for stitches. The vet suggested we have him put down because he might do it agai. We had never gotten him neutered and he was growling at my husband when came home from work or when we needed to clip his nails. He was a very energetic dog, very tuned into my energy. always wanting to play, yet he had chronic dihareha for the last year of his short life. Nothing we did helped him get over it.. New food, clay additives to his food, nothing worked! But we kept on loving him and taking him for walks, puzzling at his mild agressiveness towards my husband. Finally April of 2007 he atacked my husband, and he didn't stop until my husband aid "Mommyies Home!" Then my husband left the dog outside (because he was acting normally by then) and walked next door and asked my father to drive him to the doctors for stitches. I was in shock! No one but the dog was home when I got out of work. I read dad's note on the door telling my NOT to enter the house in case heiko would attack again, but he seems docile when I reached in for the key to my parents house. Later I did go in anyway and the dog acted like nothing had happened. He walked over and smelled the dried blood on the kitchen floor. and I gave him a scratching behind the ears.. like he wanted.. I could feel dried bllod in his ruff around his neck. So I fed him and cleaned up the blood, I was in shock! When my husband came home the dog walked up to him, tail wagging and smelled his breath. My husband peted him painfully uncomfortable having his face so near. The next day after work I called the vet and he suggested we have him put to sleep because he might attack a child or anyone of us.. So I agreed and I was with him when he was put to sleep. It tramatized me so badly to be there, but I petted him as he passed away. I couldn't let him die all alone! We loved each other. Since then we attempted to get another german Shepherd, but it was too stressful and we took him back. Even a cat from the SPCA was too stressful we tok him back too. I think we have Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. We are now thinking odf gettinf a small Pug type dog when we are ready, but that may not be for years. I miss my dog.
Lauren: You are loved and you are here for a reason. I also never felt the warmth, joy and love from my mother-never felt good enough-let down occasion after occasion. I am 51 years old this year and I have finally forgiven and let go. We find our Mother's inside of ourselves and with friends and neighbors. We are all the same-we want love and trust. I recognize that my mother didn't have the capabilities to love and to embrace the blessing of having a child. I know that she didn't intentionally behave the way she has behaved - neither has your mother. They just don't "have it in them". I like to think that because of her shortage I am blessed with double the love and ability to give. I know I cannot understand why she is the way she is - I am thankful I am capable of loving. It has taken many years for me to forgive and I believe we all take the time necessary to "get thru it". In your journey, please know that you are not alone and that there are lots of people in this world,like myself, who would have given everything to have the joy of raising you, loving you, encouraging you, being there for you, wanting you. The stork dropped you in the wrong house!!! Prayers, love and joy to you my friend.
Martha,
Hello and thank you! Tonight was the first night, since visiting beliefnet, that I've seen your video. Actually, I only came across it by accident. In checking my email, the "Daily Inspiration" message of forgiveness jumped out, grabbed me, and would not let me go. Although I do enjoy animals and believe they should not be hurt; I never considered myself a true animal lover to the point of crying for days or feeling heartbroken due to their death; even if it was an unfortunate accident. Well I guess miracles do happen, because by the time the video was over I couldn't stop myself from crying. More importantly (and also the point to this comment) is the message of forgiveness I received. Due to your sad loss, I learned no matter the story or situation, forgiveness plays a big part in letting go and moving on. Letting go of the pain, anger, and disappointment, that comes along in life and moving on in peace, joy, and wonderful anticipation of being able to love and trust again. Like yourself, I didn't ever think I could or would forgive others for how they hurt me; actually I was unsure how to even begin the process. But, because of that glorious, yet simple prayer that you shared, I have hope of experiencing forgiveness in myself and others. Again, thank you for your touching story and for being my daily inspiration of the day. God bless you, your family, and especially Jackson Bear. Hope you can find comfort in knowing that your tragic loss is my blessed gain. Guess there is truly a reason for everything that happens in life; even if we don't understand it at the time.
Would like to say that your video really hit the mark. Forgiveness is a powerful thing,I know I had alot of people that needed to be forgiven. I was walking around angry all the time and never felt healthy. Then about 18 years ago I let God into my life and have never looked back on those people with the same view. I pray alot now and it helps me to remember that things will be better given time. Thank you for sharing this so others might be able to heal themselves.
To Alice honey no one is ever going to be able to tell you how. I think thats between you and god. I hope you have people near who love you, i think you do, grasp on to every bit of life and love you have and try in your heart to be so grateful for all you do have and that will chase all other feelings away. my love and thank you
Thank you for sharing such a sad but beautiful love story.
You are so right the unwillingness to be open to forgive will eat a persons soul
You are also so right when you say that while forgiveness should be a goal it often does not happen fast, like grief it takes times and it it sometimes involves some backsliding before we get there. Thank you for sharing your experience and your wisdom.
So beautiful.
have to forgive everything and everyone involved
this is what a little dog taught you
but one doesn't have to forgive right away.
Oh so true.
I also have learned this, that forgiveness can be like grief it can take time and come in stages that even rock back and forth rather than a straight pocession to total fogiveness
Bless you for sharing such a heartfelt story packed with great wisdom.
Hi martha
Animals are also the creature of Allah which are created for the service of mankind in different ways. Some are for eating( meat), some for riding ( horse ,cameletc)and some for guarding (dogs) some provides us milk . why not they look us dear and beautiful . when they become our pet ,they become the part of our life.they become familar with us. then we don,t want to part them if it so we become worried .every one should care and love for their pets.
May God continue to bless us with the inspiration and insights your messages always convey.
Babar
Martha,
Thank you for that wonderful video. Only animal lovers can understand what we go through with a loss of a beloved pet. I find great comfort in this little story!
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Good grief, that is a sad and tragic story. Really made me teary eyed and my heart goes out to you, Martha, for such a terrible event. Thank God for His blessings and that He helped you forgive. This brought back terrible memories of when my daughter went off to college in 2000, leaving me alone in the house to wander around in a terribly forlorn state without her. Boy, talk about empty nest syndrome, but at least I had pets in the house with me. In mid-December her two beautiful cats were torn apart by coyotes -- the neighbor found part of one of them in his yard. Then when my daughter was home for Christmas break my beloved 5-year old Airedale dug out of the yard, ran up to a busy street, and was missing for a few hours. I was just leaving to go out to find her when our doorbell rang. A man had her collar in his hand, asked if that was my dog's collar. I feared the worst. He started getting weepy and said he found my sweet Airedale in the street and moved her to the sidewalk, but she had a broken neck and had died instantly -- he couldn't believe someone would just leave a dog there after hitting them. He had three dogs of his own and was quite upset too. This was Dec. 30th. My daughter helped me find my dog, in the dark, on the sidewalk. How is this for love -- my dear daughter worked all night digging a huge hole in the back yard, she put my Airedale in a very large box, along with the dog's toys, collar, leash, and bed fuzzy, then my daughter buried the box and made a cross with the dog's name "Tink" on it. My daughter did this so I wouldn't have to deal with seeing the dead dog in the morning. My daughter went back to college after vacation was over, but life's sorry events weren't through with us yet. In February, a short while after the deaths of the cats and the dog, I got a call from the place where my daughter's horse was being boarded. My daughter's teacher/trainer said her very beloved Thoroughbred horse had suddenly dropped dead for no apparent reason -- not from old age but they didn't know why. I was so upset, I didn't have the heart or courage to call my daughter and tell her myself so I asked her teacher to do it. I still haven't gotten over losing four animals within two months during that terrible winter and I will never forget our pets. Blessings and love to all of you who have lost a beloved one, human or animal. You won't ever "get over it" but the pain will lessen over time. Ask God to help, He will.
maybe someone can tell me how to forgive a company for killing you.i was in an accident in a dollar general store they left me to die.i have over two million in medical bills.spent a year on a vent.now in a wheelchair.how do you stop hateing them.
Hi Martha. Lauren here. I hope you're doing well. I just saw your latest video on forgiveness and Jackson bear. I want to thank you for putting up that video and being so open about what happened to him.
I've been struggling a lot with forgiving someone lately. This person is someone who was supposed to love me, but instead chose drugs and alcohol. She chose to abuse me verbally as well as sometimes physically and not feed me rather than take care of me as God intended her to. This person has broken several promises to me over the years. She has often made me question why I was born a few times. But I now know that God has a plan for me and He does love me. And I have you to thank for that. I know it was Roma and Valerie as Monica and Gloria who affirmed God’s love for me and also confirmed it, but if you hadn't created TBAA, they couldn't have done what they did for me.
This latest video has brought me a sense of peace to know that it's okay not to forgive right away. The reason is, I've been feeling a lot of pressure to forgive this certain person for a few months now. But I know now that it will take the Father's time. And the person who hurt me for most of my life and made me feel worthless from age 6 until I was eighteen years old was a person who should have loved me. A person who should have thanked God for sending me and made me her first priority. That person is my mother.
I need a lot of prayer right now and I am going to ask God to help me forgive her in His time.
Thank you again.
God loves you
Lauren
My mother always said you can tell a lot about a person by the way they feel about and treat animals. I've always admired and respected you for your unwavering faith, especially in a career that I'm certain has presented you with many tests. Those feelings once again were validated by your Jackson Bear message. I, too, lost my Bear several years ago--my experience was caused by a hit-and-run driver--and only another dog lover could understand the sorrow I still experience when I think of him.
I came across this poem several years ago that I believe you and other animal lovers will understand. It’s titled “My Precious Friend” and was written by D. Morgan in 1993:
I love you with all my heart.
Each day you greet me with such affection and unconditional love.
I will never betray your trust.
You will always have my best care and attention.
Some say you may not have a soul,
but when I look into your big beautiful eyes,
I know in my heart
that God has prepared a special place for you.
May God continue to bless us with the inspiration and insights your messages always convey.
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