All my life, ghosts have visited me in various ways. Sometimes they just walk right up like anyone else, sometimes they’re a little more evasive. Other times they come to me in dreams. These dreams are always a little more vivid and stick with me longer than your regular run of the mill dreams. I’ve become pretty used to telling the difference.  While this dream in particular was one of the visitation, vivid type dreams, one thing was drastically different. This time it was a dog instead of a person.

Jake and my oldest son five years ago.

I always knew that animals had a soul. But I had never before encountered one from the other side. Until my parents’ beloved dog, Jake, unexpectedly died a few weeks ago. Needless to say, they were heartbroken (and still are). He was a part of our family for many years. He knew he was not “just a dog” and acted as such. He was the protector, playmate and friend. He loved when my kids would come over even as he aged and wasn’t able to get around as well as he once did. I still expect to be greeted by him at the door each time we go for a visit. He is indeed, greatly missed.

My dream began with me walking into the house greeted by a playful, much younger version of Jake. Most likely the way he pictured himself, or maybe the way he wants us to remember him. He was a much more active and leaner version of the dog I saw just a few weeks before. It was clear to me that I was the only one seeing him and I immediately knew what was happening. Jake had a few things to say before he left us. As I played and wrestled with him on the floor, I remember telling everyone that his breath didn’t smell bad. I was the biggest complainer of his horrible old dog breath. And I told him every time I saw him that his breath was horrid.

Because it was. Yuck.

I had a very clear understanding of what he was saying even without the use of language. And like I’ve said before, I don’t really know how this works, just that it does. I just knew what he wanted everyone to know.

He let me know that he was still in the bed at night with my sister and if she felt him, it was because he was there. At least until she was ready to go it alone. After all, she had selflessly slept downstairs with him, sometimes even on the floor, when he could no longer jump into bed with her. It seemed to be his way of showing appreciation and comforting her through her sadness.

And he wanted to make sure my stepfather knew that if he felt a quick and concentrated breeze on his leg sometime, that it was just Jake saying hello.

I got the feeling that he was just hanging around for a little while to make sure everyone was alright before he moved on to whatever is next for him. Maybe he’s already gone, I can’t say for sure. He was in no way trapped or staying for long, just until he knew all was well.

My family says they have heard the distinct jingling of his collar as he moves through house. Or just simply have felt him around.

I hope that he has felt like his mission is completed and happily moved on. Maybe he’ll come back for a visit now and then to check up on everyone. Or maybe just to play.

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