Letter from Bob Crossen about Mourning the Loss of Beloved Glory -15 Mar 2006
Letters From All-Creatures.org and The Mary T. and Frank L. Hoffman Family Foundation

Letter from Bob Crossen about Mourning the Loss of Beloved Glory
15 Mar 2006

My aunt sent me an email which referenced your web site. I feel a bit hesitant to do this, but, I would like to thank you for this web site. About 2 years ago, our Yorkshire terrier, Glory, was attacked and killed by another dog while I was taking her for a walk. The event has left a wound on my heart that has never healed. As you could probably guess, our family was very close to Glory. She was the first dog that I had as a pet since my dog, Rocky was put down some 25 years ago. We brought her home in 1997 and I immediately became attached to her. She sat in my lap and napped with me. She was always there in the tough times, like when I lost my job. Everyday she was at my side. At times, my wife would say: "She has been moping all day, she wants you."

Although the attack was 2 years ago, I still seem to have an open wound, a most crushing pain on my heart. The attack was swift and sudden. The dog who attacked her crushed her skull in front of my very eyes. When I picked her up I knew she was not going to make it. I cannot forget the look on her face with blood and brains oozing from her nose and skull. It was horrifying. Even as I write this I am shedding tears of pain and grief.

My family and I truly believe that she is in heaven. Shortly after her death, there was an incidence at a water park in Texas where several children drowned. I felt a sense of peace as I realized that she was in heaven comforting those poor souls who were killed. There have been countless times since then that I have been reminded that she is in heaven, but still the grief and pain come back. It is almost suffocating at times. Perhaps the pain never will totally go away, but I do believe that we will meet again.

Thank you

Bob Crossen

Reply from Frank and Mary Hoffman

Dear Bob:

We're sorry to hear about what happened to Glory, and we can truly empathize with your pain.  What you feel is very much like losing a daughter, for true love covers all species and recognizes no differences.  The loss of any loved one leaves a gaping hole in us, with takes time to heal, but never is completely filled in, but as time goes on that void is occupied with pleasant memories and not as much of the horror and pain of what happened.

And yes, you will see Glory again in heaven.

If you would like, we'd be happy to publish a memorial story about Glory, including the feeling of your relationship and what you write about here.  Any photos you have of her would be very nice, too.

In the Love of the Lord,

Frank and Mary

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