REINCARNATION – A DOGS PURPOSE

By Sunday, June 18, 2017 14 No tags Permalink

Reincarnation. the belief that the soul, upon death of the body, comes back to earth in another body or form.

Have you ever asked yourself if you believe in?…

Opinions on its existence vary in my family. My parents didn’t, my siblings are divided, my daughter does and my husband prefers not to talk about it. I’ve never given it much thought honestly until recently.

JUNE –

It’s the sixth month of the year and the first month of Summer. Schools are ending and vacations begin. Believe it or not it is still the most popular month for weddings.

Since 2014 (for me) it’s been hell on earth.

Leo died in the month of June. His death was sudden, I was unprepared, and during the month of June I still struggle.

A DOGS PURPOSE –

It was a rainy Thursday evening Doodle Dad went to a meeting and I felt like a movie. The Boys were quiet, so I grabbed some popcorn and the remote. Of all the movies offered for one day rental #gottaloveondemand I chose A Dogs Purpose…

 

I remember when the movie first came out. Pet people were so excited. Right before the premiere, video footage taken from the set showed a German Shepard being dragged and dipped into rushing water while visibly resisting.  The American Humane Association suspended their representative for the film and the incident was investigated.

I do not know the outcome of the allegations. As quickly as it surfaced – it also vanished. But that’s not my story, not today.

If you’ve ever found yourself drawn to a movie based on your emotions at any particular time, then I think you can understand my attraction to A Dogs Purpose. Remember earlier I told you it was a “rainy” Thursday in June? Jax is now larger enough to wear Leo’s yellow raincoat. Leo died in June. #youwithme?

THE MOVIE –

A Dog’s Purpose focuses on –

a dog whose life is shown from his birth to death, to his five reincarnations as different dog breeds and sex. Each time his spirit/soul is reborn and reincarnated into the body of another canine, it tells his story from life to death, except in the latest life, where he meets his original owner best friend again as a full-grown man. Source: Wiki

I started out upright in the recliner, dry eyed and ready for some laughs and pawhaps a tear or two. I ended up a wet faced mess, laying sideways wrapped up in a blanket.

Even though this was a fictitious movie, predictable plot, and B rated acting, it caused me to research the thoughts and feelings I’ve had about Jaxson.

THE WAY YOU DO THE THINGS YOU DO –

When Leo’s breeder contacted me about another puppy, she offered to breed Leo’s parents “just for me.” Honored quickly turned into nightmares of cloning gone wrong and 24 hours later I told her no thank you.

Turns out, both Leo’s parents were already retired. #Godlovesme

Jaxson came from the same breeder but no genetic relation. From the time I brought him home, there’s been something special about his connection with me.

For two and a half years I’ve been questioning the amount of wine I consume. When he was younger and we were totally alone, I would get in his face and gently whisper “Leo” thinking he would show me a sign. #confessiontime

As he’s gotten older, there’s this overwhelming sense of familiarity between the two of us. He exhibits a lot of the same characteristics of Leo, too many to list or write off as coincidence.

The other day I was looking at photos and came across a favorite of mine of Leo with his beloved “Wilson”

REINCARNATION - A DOGS PURPOSE

Scrolling through my iPhoto folder, I froze when I saw this photo of Jaxson…

REINCARNATION - A DOGS PURPOSE

Their obsessive affection for all the same things are uncanny at times.

For more than a year now, Jaxson gets in my bed every (and I mean every) morning – a finger’s length distance between his nose and mine and stares right through me.

Only one other dog has ever done this to me. Only one.

REINCARNATION, TRUE OF FALSE –

For those with the incredible gift of communicating with animals, many of them do believe it is possible. Some say the reincarnated pets they’ve consulted with, return due to the animal not completing his purpose for being with that particular person.

For example:

if an animal experiences a shorter than expected life due to illness or other circumstances, it may not have had the time necessary to complete what it was here to learn, experience or teach. Source: Dogster

Doodletastic opportunities are occurring in my life right now and I have Groovy Goldendoodles to thank for it. What if, Leo (my inspiration for the blog) hasn’t completed his purpose and I’m that “particular person.” #amIcrazy

AT THE END OF THE DAY –

Even though I came completely unglued by the seams while watching this pup-flick, I did like it.

I related to it and it entertained me which is what I think movies should do.

It’s been about two weeks since that rainy Thursday in June. A few days afterwards the sun shined again and on our way to the park, Jax ran upstairs and came down with a ball. We walked two miles that day, and he held it in his mouth. I exhaled aloud a few times to hold back the tears as I reminisced about Leo and his soccer ball “Wilson.” We call this squeaky ball “Blue” and it now travels everywhere Jaxy goes.

Life is a series of thousands of tiny miracles – notice them ❤️

14 Comments
  • Emma
    June 19, 2017

    Not sure we believe in reincarnation, but we believe that those who have left us give us signs and guide us. Katie doesn’t live in Madison, but she sends us so many signs through her. Madison also has two black spots that look like wings and her breeder nicknamed her angle wings before we even knew she would be our puppy. That photo of Jax does look just like Leo!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 19, 2017

      I know what you mean Emma – I believe in the signs as well. But sometimes (like with Madison and Leo) they are so strong, so obvious – it’s uncanny. I PAWsonally love it Makes me feel as if somehow – he’s still hanging around…

  • Amanda
    June 19, 2017

    I’m fighting back tears as I read this! I totally believe in it, and think it’s another of God’s amazing tools to help shape and improve our souls. I’ve been wanting but unable to bring myself to watch the movie yet. But soon- when I can devote sufficient puffy eye and red nose time!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 19, 2017

      Yes, girl, be prepared. Amazingly, I wasn’t exhausted afterwards as some crying sessions make you. I felt fine – but empowered to no longer hide what I’ve been thinking since my lil Jaxy arrived. Let me know what you think about the movie.

  • Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom
    June 19, 2017

    Like Emma, I’m not sure I believe in reincarnation; but I do believe that the spirits of those who have left us do give us signs and guide us. Callie has “visited” me several times since her soul left her earthly body. She lets me know she is watching over us – especially Shadow – and she manages to impart her doggy wisdom when I need it most to deal with Ducky’s nonsense.

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 19, 2017

      I’m not so sure I really understand the difference (seriously!). PAWhaps what I’m seeing in Jaxson is “signs” like you and Emma explained. But whatever it is, “it” is certainly there for me and I try so hard to understand the message. I ca’t even begin to explain how Harley has moved out of Jaxson’s way when it comes to me. He’s still close at all times, but he allows Jaxson to be closer. It’s mystical and amazing to me. You always make me laugh when you talk about Ducky! That’s my buddy 🙂

  • Patricia Broccoli
    June 19, 2017

    I am tearfully reading this and I believe we get signs that help us to heal, make decisions and help us get stronger in our lives.

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 19, 2017

      Patricia, I am a firm believer myself. Watching the movie – in a crazy sort of way – validated that I’m not losing my mind when I look at Jaxson doing something that reminds me so much of Leo. I love how you (and others) are sharing your similar experiences with me. The Lord does work in mysterious ways, and I love watching it manifest in front of me! Thanks so much for reading!

  • Aunt Ann
    June 19, 2017

    I Loved the movie……..

    With GOD–All things are POSSIBLE !

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 19, 2017

      But did you watch it with a dry eye?
      Your lil Jaxson is becoming a walking bill board for that scripture Aunt Ann.

  • Monika & Sam
    June 19, 2017

    I kind of do believe in reincarnation but if I didn’t, your post would certainly sway my thoughts.

  • Cathy Bennett
    June 19, 2017

    Jax is making me a believing each and everyday.

  • Jan K
    June 20, 2017

    I’m not sure if I believe or not, but I don’t not believe, that’s for sure. There’s been many a time I’ve looked into Luke’s eyes and said, “Maggie, are you in there?” Maggie was our first Lab mix, who we lost way too young.
    I just had to get a tissue before I could continue writing!
    I believe all things are possible….Jax could be Leo reincarnated just as Luke could be Maggie. Whether they are above watching over and guiding them, or within, the important thing is that they are still with us. ♥

    I have not seen that movie, but I read the book. Tissues were definitely needed! I’m not sure if I can do the movie or not!

  • Lindsay
    June 20, 2017

    Wow, I read this tearing up. I absolutely believe. <3 I think it's so beautiful that Jax crawls into bed with you, nose to nose.

    Gosh, dogs and our bonds with them is so special and something I wouldn't trade for the world.

    xoxo