My new Oracle deck, Guides of the Hidden Realms, launched into the world this past week, and there were so many amazing things to share.
I flew to New York right after our online celebration to be a guest on Gabby Bernstein’s podcast. Gabby is an extremely generous person, and her offer to help me bring the Guides of the Hidden Realms Oracle to life by showing people how to work with cards was wonderful, and I am so grateful. (Stay tuned for our fun and informative podcast; dates TBA.)
We had planned to have dinner later in the day, but I had to cancel because, just before I arrived at the studio, Marc and I spoke, and he told me that our dog Coco had coughed non-stop all night and was failing fast, so he was taking her to the emergency vet. It took everything to hold it together during the interview, but one of the skills I learned early in life was to be able to compartmentalize my pain. So, I placed it on an internal shelf, knowing it would spill over sooner than later, but I’d be able to hold it together at least for an hour.
I had flown into NYC the night before and found myself swimming in an unknown pool of grief. My friend Patty had just lost her cat a couple of days before, and we were getting together. I had that sinking feeling that the angel of death would be knocking on my door next.
Ah, the blessing and curse of the intuitive empath.
Coco, my 9-year-old bald, crippled, toothless Pomeranian with the sweetest face looked at me so intensely when I went to say goodbye to her, and I knew I might not see her again.
She had been ailing for a long time, but lately, she developed a worrisome deep cough. Yet, she was a fighter. Despite our vet suggesting she was living on borrowed time, she rallied every time we thought, “This is it,” and proved to us that she loved life. She particularly loved our housekeeper Barb, who carried her around all day like a baby while she cleaned.
She let us know she was not going anywhere… Yet.
He also warned us that when it was her time, it would be fast and undeniable.
I went in to film the podcast, and when I left, I called Marc to see how he was doing, and she was gone. I was devastated and wanted to escape the depth of my grief, even though I was trapped inside myself and there was nowhere to go.
I couldn’t get an earlier flight home as I wanted, and so, engaging in my old ways of self-medicating, I also discovered (for the umpteenth time) that ice cream in larger quantities genuinely does not have the power to call back the spirit of a dog. Although one might argue that the sound of flatulence from severe lactose intolerance can somewhat mimic a tiny coughing dog…No Colette, Coco is not behind you, nor is she under the covers in spirit form, come to say a real goodbye at bedtime, and that is definitely NOT puppy breath (my fave smell).
The next morning, I headed back to the airport knowing that I would never face the loud barking of the tiniest dog who would always come to the door to give me shit for going away and coming home. How dare I!
Yes, I’m hurting and I know this sadness has a life of its own now. Grief is my companion for a bit. Not new, as I have lost eight dogs in the past 20 years, but it is always painful and deep. I think it gets worse as you get older.
Yet, there is a lesson in all of this. What really matters at the end of the day isn’t my accomplishments, although I am so amazed at my life and all I get to do. Nope, it’s the simplest and most misunderstood energy in the world.
Strip away everything, and what you’ll find is Love. Sharing it, feeling it, giving it, being it, receiving it, allowing it to change you in ways nothing else can.
The Love of a dog (or cat) is given without conditions, and they give their devotion to us even if we don’t deserve it. I know they choose us to spend their brief lives as not only our companions but as our teachers and healers.
Of course, our dogs Bisou and Tinky were waiting at the door with my sad yet stoic Marc, expecting me to give them more space on the bed (yes, we sleep with all our dogs) and dole out extra kisses and treats. I will gladly give it.
RIP Coco. Thank you for all the love, for your fishy breath and quirky habits, and especially for that moment we said goodbye. The look you gave me was everything. You know you were loved beyond measure but I received back tenfold. I will miss you now and forever.
See you one day on the other side…
Dear Colette,
Sadly I have had a similar experience of traveling and getting that call in the middle of what I had anticipated to be an amazing day and then returning to a grieving husband and an eerily quiet home. But here’s the thing, I’ve heard they go when we’re away on purpose. They know what the suitcase means and they choose to transition then because they love us so much. That’s not to say our puppies didn’t love their dads too, but I believe they wanted to spare us. I hope that helps. I just wanted to send you a little love and thank you for my new oracle deck. I’m enjoying learning how to use it.
Love,
Susan
Hi Colette,
I didn’t expect to be overcome by emotions this morning, but your message about Coco did it for me.
She was the cutest little thing.
Thank you for sharing, Colette.
Hugs and kisses,
Jenny
My heart breaks for you, Colette. There is no pain that compares to losing a beloved animal companion. I believe it may be the unconditional love that they offer us, as you mentioned. Their lives are so short compared to that of humans, it truly is not fair, and yet we find ourselves sharing our lives time and again with those furry little messengers of love.
RIP Coco.
So sorry about your loss. I have grieved every animal I have lost. My current dog a mini bernedoodle is the love of my life! I love her so much and I am not looking forward to the day I have to say goodbye. LOVE to you!!
My heartfelt sincere condolences to you and Marc🕯️
Deepest condolences, our pets/people are family who love us unconditionally.
Sending so much Light, Dear Colette, as you navigate the waves. There is so much more love than sadness in this share… How lucky you all are.
My sincere condolences♡
Losing a pet hurts more when we are older because we have learned to love more deeply.
Having experienced these hardest of goodbyes many times in my life, my heart hurts fir you, Colette and Marc. I extend true and deeply heartfelt condolences. Sending a wave of love and comfort.
Jeanne
Thank you for sharing ALL the intimate details of your experience. I had that look the last day I was with my Maltipoo Hilo. She somehow knew her time with me was coming to end, even tho it was a tragic ending that no-one could have predicted. Much love to you during this time of grieving. Dogs rule. xoxox
My heart goes out to you and Marc.
My dearest Colette, Marc, Bisou and Tinky 🩷🩵🐶🐶 sending you love and snuggles. It is so very sad when our beloved pets go across the rainbow bridge, leaving us with lovely magical memories, but tinged with the deep hollow sadness. I’m dreading the day our beloved beagle, Velma, is no longer there to cuddle under the duvet or stroke whilst watching tv on the sofa… so may the universe bless you with little reminders now and again of the joy you all had from having Coco in your lives and sharing in your journey. With blessings and love Lisa & Velma Too! 🩷🐶🌈✨🌼
My deepest condolences 💐 Sometimes I think it hits our hearts hard when a furry member of our family leaves because they are our constant companions ❤️
Dearest Colette, a beautiful letter and heartfelt tribute to dear little Coco. So blessed to have shared this time together! Thank you for sharing your raw feelings and profound meaning of Love. I am a dog Mom too, and my heart goes out to you and Marc! Blessings and love to you and your family.
Sending you all tremendous healing energies during this time. We know they are still with us but that does not help the grieving heart. Wrapping you all in gentle supportive hugs.
I’m sorry for the loss of your little friend. Some tears roll down my cheeks. I’ve lost some animal friends, and it’s very difficult. Your pain is in my heart.
Dearest Colette 💖
My sincerest condolences. I know exactly what you’re going through. I lost my two dogs within a couple of years just after my divorce – talk about going through hell!
Last Sunday was the 2 year anniversary of my last dog’s death. It’s no secret that I am still not over losing him. Him was my true friend and companion and I loved (still love) him beyond the Universe. 💖🐾
Well, reading your story, sobbing my way through it, I just wanted to reach out to you and give you my love. 💖💕
The joy and love you bring to this world is so inspiring and I will never forget meeting you at your Oracle Palooza in Austin, Texas (2018), nor will I forget interviewing you shortly after your Crystal deck was released – just a couple of months before my husband told me he wanted a divorce (funny how life changing events like that make you remember stuff much better 😅).
I have clawed my way back to life and am now continuing my business, which is now going international – I am so excited! 🤩💥
Hopefully, I will find love again AND also have a dog join my life – then it will be complete. Because like you say, when everything else is tripped away there is just love. 🥰💖💕
All my love,
Merisa
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m right there with you….we said goodbye to our sweet 11 year-old Melody. She gave us so many adorable memories to hold onto, but the grief is palpable. Sending love.
Oh Colette. So deeply sorry for your loss, sending you big love, to all your “familia”, those present and those not present. May you be held in its warm embrace.
Angie (a big fan from Spain)
My heart goes out to you – there is something so very much different to the measure of our grief when we lose a pet! Wrapping you in love, and thank you for sharing your grief!
Dear Colette and family,
I’m so very, very sorry for Coco’s passing. It’s the happiest day when they come to us, and saddest day in the world when they leave us.
So you’ve sent out this notice about Coco, and now thousands and thousands of people have opened it and read it, and have thought about Coco and maybe said her name, or even said a prayer. And all this love and compassion will not only help Coco, but her whole family.
Sending you peace and love,
Margaret
Thank you for sharing, Collette and sympathy at your loss. Every time I lose one of my dogs another piece of my heart goes with them. They have no judgements and the love is unconditional.
Dogs are the best. So sorry for your loss! It is definitely heart breaking for sure. There is no love like that of a dog. They teach us many lessons. Sending hugs and love.
Dearest Colette & All,
My heart is aching & my eyes are filled with tears for you all. I know all too well the grief of losing a beloved pet, as I’ve had large numbers of them over my lifetime – currently home to 2 dogs & 4 cats. Losing them in the physical world is one of the hardest things we face. I know that you know her spirit will be with you always & forever. My deepest, most sincere condolences to you. Divine Healing Energy in & through & surrounding you all. May you find comfort & peace in fond memories during this difficult time.
Much love.
Sending heartfelt solace to you and yours. Your story brought tears of knowing deeply of the grief experience with our pets. In a sweet way the grief is a reminder of the love bond between human and canine. It also brought me back to my own tender grief for my beloved departed dogs, who I immediately visualized their sweet faces and names after reading your post. Thank you for normalizing this human experience.
Your experience of grief a touching reminder of the price of love in any form. With kindness. Kat
I’m so very sorry for your loss💔
It’s heartbreaking to lose a pet but it’s comforting when they make their presence known letting us know they’re still there. And you have the ability more than most to feel Coco’s sweet little spirit✨
Sending love and big hugs to you, Marc and the other fur babies🐾❤️
Oh, Colette, my deepest condolences are with you, Marc, and Bisou & Tinky. I know what it is like to lose a beloved fur-family member, and it is an awful feeling. Bless you for sharing your emotions with us, and know that you and Marc have loving support from SO many whom love you both and cherish your insights.
Rest In Love & Peace, dear Coco.
Blessings,
Lygia Ramcharan
Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Dear Colette, I am so sorry for your loss & that Coco is no longer with you physically. Your oracle cards Wisdom of the hidden realms, & coupling it
with journaling have been such a blessing & so powerful. I thank God for
you every day.
You & Marc are in my thoughts, and prayers.
Much love, gratitude and blessings,
Brenda
Love an Hugs for YOU & Mark ❤️🩹💖
I’m so sorry, Colette. This is the hard part about loving a dog, and Coco was obviously very loved. Take care of yourself. 💜
This is a beautifully written piece. Sending deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your beloved Coco. Patty, Minneapolis
Hugs and additional love to you . my sweetie- kahlua- Lou- crossed the rainbow bridge june23, a yesr ago. your post brought healing tears to my eyes and licks of love to my heart and soul… our greatest gift – translucent, unconditional love – leaves us open to the greatest pain- the physical loss…
I am so very saddened by the loss of your sweet Coco, dearest Colette – my heart goes out to you and Marc, Bisou, Tinky and Barb as you adjust to a world without Coco’s beautiful Pommy smiles and musicality xx
I cried as I read this post. Can’t imagine what you must be going through. Sending you lots of love.
My heart feels your pain Colette, and I am crying while writing this. I recently lost my beautiful Belka. My SO and I went on a bucket list trip in May to Europe that we had planned for over a year. My daughter was caring for Belka and she got gravely ill. I was hoping she would get better with medication, but that did not happen. I knew in my heart that when we returned home, she may not be there. Fortunately, we were able to spend one day with her to say goodbye before the vet came to the house to put her to sleep. I had her since she was a puppy. She was my rock through all the traumatic times in my life the last 13 years, including my divorce. I don’t know what I would have done without her. I loved her with all my heart, but she gave that back to me 100 times over. She was not only my support, but was also a therapy dog at the local hospital and hospice care. She was a sweet spirit who will be missed and never forgotten. You are correct that it doesn’t get easier, but hopefully the memories of your sweet Coco will comfort you during this difficult time.
Dearest Colette my deepest sympathies for the loss of Coco, there is nothing like the love of our animal friends. May she always be with you in spirit.
Sending Love
Dear Colette, I am so sorry for your loss, I know how difficult it is. I lost my Chocolate American Cocker Truffle who was my best friend after almost 18 years. Our little doggies love us so much, nothing can compare. I am in tears for you now, but also admire you and Marc for giving such a wonderful home and life to your little fur kids.
So very sorry for your loss. There is no love like that of our four legged companions.
Dear sweet ones. Love you all. Let love flow everywhere and know the blessings are all around and are always there.
Dear Colette,
So sorry to hear about your loss.
Even though the physical Coco is gone,
the love is always with you.
Sending you light and more love,
Hugs,
Tina McCoy
Colette,
As the Mom of 2 cats and a dog and who has lost previous fur babies I know your grief. They take a piece of your heart when they have to leave us. I know that Coco knew you loved her unconditionally as she loved you. There is no other love like a fur babies love. Sending you lots of love.
you and marc, barb are in my heart. your message to me when i lost my babies Sofie,sadie ,Rosie touched my heart(they were my heart). we love our fur babies, they are our children. most of mine have crossed the bridge with alot of love , i gave the best and i know you did, i watches and loved all of your cuties too. i know you read books. i just picked up “Karen a Anderson’s book “the pet i can’t forget..finding hope and healing with signs from the afterlife ” my first book i read when i lost Sofie is ‘”the amazing after life of animals” Colette, you and marc are in my prayers. thank you for always being there for me/all of us.
Colette,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had to let go of my 12 year old Chihuahua, Pierre, in November and am still grieving his loss. You read for me in February Spirit Jam and told me he wanted me to get another dog so he could merge his soul with that dog. I haven’t found the right one yet. I’m a therapist and he was a certified therapy dog that went to work with me each day. I didn’t realize how much he helped to make that work-place tolerable but after he was gone, I realized I didn’t want to work for anyone else so on his birthday, 5/8, I launched the next chapter of full-time self-employment. I’m on a break from your circle until I can get my practice busier but it will happen. Praying the pain will ease for you
Oh Colette, my heart goes out to you and Marc and your other beautiful creatures. My husband and I can relate to this experience and story all too well. We never had any children and our cats and dogs are our babies. As you stated, we also have been through this moment many times but when the time to let go of that gorgeous baby
occurs we are never ready to let go. 🕊
Colette
I am so so sorry for your loss. My heart thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Please know that your little one will always be with you in spirit as your guardian angel and kindred spirit . Please know that Coco will never be alone up there. I lost my cat in November of 2023. I can relate and understand how hard the loss really is. Sending you prayers of healing and light.
From the heart.
Elizabeth Hardie
Oh Colette, I am so very, very, sorry. There is nothing like the love of a beloved fur baby. May you, Marc and Barb be blessed with peace and comfort in your hearts and souls. Sending you all hugs, love and prayers for peace and comfort.
So sorry for your loss! I know losing a pet is so difficult. I lost my cat of 14 years a couple years ago… he gave so much joy to me and the kids !!! I also have an aging dog that is on his grace period after three years ago being diagnosed with a bad heart valve. It is never easy saying goodbye. Hugs ❤️
Colette, I am sending you and Marc, your housekeeper and all those who were loved so beautifully and individually by Coco, The loss of my dogs was so much harder than other family members – that love is so pure and unconditional without the tougher emotions woven in. May you feel her present in quiet and surprising moments. On some sacred occasions I can smell the earthy smell of my Emo’s nose when I am in a training recalling those we’ve lost being near. Precious. Coco sounds amazing. xo
I was crying reading the story. I remember her asking you to pick her up on zoom calls. As a fellow dog lover I know just how hard it is to say good bye to the sweet uncoditional love they gift us with. So Sorry. Lots of love.
Colette,
My deepest condolences to you and Marc on the passing of your sweet Coco. I know the loss of a beloved pet. To be loved so unconditionally by our sweet pets is truly a treasure.
I applaud the success of your beautiful Guides of the Hidden Realms and send you love in your grief. My heart goes out to you.
Hugs,
Lisa Groves
I always SO loved seeing Coco with you in your videos — she was a furry bundle of love with the cutest little face and was so content snuggled up on the couch. Big hugs — feeling your sadness.
Sending deepest love to you, Marc, your beautiful housekeeper and to the her sweet fur family. I’m so sorry xxxx
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. Sending lots of love and hugs xo.
Oh my heart feels your grief. We lost our little Pomeranian to congestive heart failure at 13. It still hurts, but I know she waits for us on the other side. Run free little coco. What a brave little soul. My heart goes out to you at this very sad time Colette.
Colette,
I, too, have lost a Pomeranian – Trish was her name. She looked very similar to your Coco – bald, but the sweetest face and my oh my, what a personality she had. She and your Coco were probably each other’s “spirit animals”. I know it hard to have to say “see you later” to our furry family members. Sending you and your husband love and hugs
I’m so sorry Colette,😭it brought the heaviness of my Ella passing back in March. She was 17 1/2 yr. Old Maltese, she was an old, spunky, but sassy little girl that was with me through all the major things in my life up to this point. I had to be the one to make the unbearable decision to let her go. Her ashes sit on my bedside table, somehow I can feel her presence, it gives me some kind of peace knowing she’s back home with me. Sending love to you and Mark and all your littles in your home. May you find comfort in the memories and the love you know your baby had while she was here.❤️
With deepest sympathy to you ,Colette, to Marc and Barbs on your dreadful loss,
Special dogs and people leave a hole ,that we learn to live with.
Much love to you all.
Gemma
Dear Colette,
My heart breaks for you and Marc. I know how special your fur babies are and I’m so accustomed to seeing their sweet faces. I’m so sorry you were away celebrating the release of your new deck and had to face grief. I have found that happens more frequently in life and it stinks. I love how you share your vulnerability with us, and even squeezing in humor. It always feels like you’re talking to a friend. You connect with others like nobody else I know.
Sending you so much love.
RIP sweet Coco🩷
Xoxo
Giovanna
I am so sorry for your loss, Colette. I, too, have lost many beloved pets over my long years and it certainly never gets easier. (My Coco was a personality plus Morkie.) It is a testament to their love that they leave such an imprint on our hearts, and that we miss even their annoying habits. I have heard that our pets are sent to us from the angelic realm, and I find that easy to believe. My sister passed eight years ago, and now, when I lose another of my sweet babies, I find comfort in the thought that she welcomes each one to her heavenly menagerie, and that she and they will be one of the first wonderful sights I will see when I “get back home”. Your Coco was undoubtedly so very blessed by her time with you and your husband. Wishing comfort for you both.
I’m so sorry, Colette. The loss of a beloved pet is such a deep pain. They love us so freely and unconditionally, we know that we can love them back full-on, without any danger of being hurt…until they have to leave us, that is. I am praying for love and comfort for you, Marc and your housekeeper.
I am so sorry for your fur baby loss. I know that loss well – Sending you so much love 💗 🌈 🕊️
Dear Colette and Marc,
I am very sad to hear about the loss of your beloved furry baby Coco. I will say a prayer for you and Coco.
Love Maria E.
New Jersey
I’m so sorry Colette, losing a pet is heartbreaking 💔
Hi Colette, I do not have any pets to love, but what you have shared, as touched a deep part of me – teaching me to not hold back the love that is within, instead show it to myself and share with others. Thank you.
Sending you & Marc hugs at this time xXx
LMAO “ice cream in larger quantities genuinely does not have the power to call back the spirit of a dog.” So so sorry for your loss…and that grief…it is BRUTAL. I resonated deeply with this and I send you lots of hugs for all the tears. If they had crying olympics….😆🙋🏻♀️.
I know all too well that blessing and curse of the intuitive empath when it comes to animals and their health or imminent crossing. I take care of people’s animals for work. I love them all as if they were my own. Including my own pack, I have had to say goodbye to 14 furry angels in 7 years. My five went one right after the other a year apart almost exactly. It has broken my heart more than I thought possible…how is there any heart left to break????
I have a harder time connecting with their souls on the other side than humans. When it comes to my pack the physical loss is still too painful I guess.
Colette…it would be amazing if you did an interview with Danielle MacKinnon. Animal communicator and teacher. All about the soul lessons these angels come here to help us learn. She is AMAZING!!!! Anyone reading this who hasn’t heard of her go to YouTube immediately and look her up. Go!!! Now!
Lots of LoVe
Dear, dear Colette (& Mark & Barbara,)
I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending you all healing & loving thoughts & prayers.