Basil by Susan C. Walsh

"Why We Should Start Recognizing the Loss of a Pet as 'Real Grief" - Jill Stark in The Age, March 16, 2019

The Littoral Life: This Final Gift - Dan Haag - Tillamook County Pioneer, May 27, 2019. A beloved local who recounts additional beautifully written details of the sad and beautiful process with Lilo on his Facebook page.

Pet Memorial Garden at Saint Catherine's

OPEN TO ALL in Nehalem at St. Catherine's Episcopal Church
36335 HWY 101 ~ Follow path to back of property

The Jean Smiset Pet Memorial Garden is a free gift to the community - a sacred space to scatter ashes and/or to place an engraved stone to memorialize an animal loved one. It is a contemplative space where you are invited to come and go, to ponder and remember. 

Here's a link to a PDF brochure.

to Luke--a little dog with cancer

warmth rising
in waves 
through fur
the tidal swells of
your breathing 
your heart
beating
as you lie still
in my arms
messages 
messages
of more than life
hanging on 

we look through
each other’s eyes
making each of us
more than we are
you, more than 
just a good dog 
me, more than
just a man

I will miss you.
I will miss you.

         --David Starr 3/31/19