It was a normal day of two friends meeting to walk their dogs in the park, as we do on Saturday. We had walked about three miles, and then were surprised by a sudden violent thunderstorm. We took shelter in a gazebo along with a family and another man with his pit bull. 

Holly is very frightened of thunder and usually hides. I was worried that she would bolt out of fear and get hit or lost, so I sat on a picnic bench and held her tightly on my lap to comfort her. I remember thinking how beautiful and perfect she was, and how much I loved her, and how lucky I was to have her with me. The man with the dog interrupted and told me that I was only encouraging her fear by holding her. I just said thanks, and did it anyway because I wanted to.  

Then, something happened and it seemed like we were surrounded by a cocoon of a curtain of pouring rain, and everything outside was lit up with a sparkly silver-lavender light and alive and more vivid. But inside, it was just me and Holly and nothing else mattered, or was even there at all. I was in some other reality where time stood still. I felt very content and at peace with everything. And bliss, I could not have been happier than I was in that moment! I had a sense that all things were perfect as they were and we were part of something larger and everything had its purpose and was important. I also felt loved and protected by something unseen, I think it was God. Most of all, I felt a feeling of pure love and trust radiating from and toward Holly. I remember thinking, how grateful I was to share her life and have this wonderful responsibility for her, and what an honor it was for me to be entrusted with this perfect and beautiful soul! I wanted to stay there with her like that forever.

It went on for what seemed like a long time, and I tried very hard to engrave the feeling in my memory, because I knew it would end and I didn't want it to. It was like I woke up for a moment and experienced what life really is, pure love, and what we have forgotten. I never imagined I could feel like that, and have been happier ever since. During difficult times I try to remember this experience for comfort. I know am sure that God exists and cares about us.  

I think it actually lasted 10 minutes or so. What is really odd, is I had no idea of what went on around me during this time, and my friend who was sitting about a foot away didn't notice anything at all! Nothing outwardly happened, but wow, what an experience!  

What is interesting is a few weeks prior to this, I had a spontaneous animal communication experience with Holly. I never had that with any of my other dogs. I had an animal communicator confirm that Holly experienced this as well. She realized how I felt about her and has been more cooperative since that time. I was told that dogs are aware of it (Source), but don't make it happen, it just does.

Any associated medications or substances with the potential to affect the experience?     No       I don't drink or take drugs. I am very health conscious.

Was the kind of experience difficult to express in words? Yes     How wonderful I felt during it. It felt like a glimpse of heaven.

At the time of this experience, was there an associated life threatening event?          No       No, I was having a good time in the park with my dog and was surprised by a thunderstorm.

What was your level of consciousness and alertness during the experience?           I believe I was fully conscious and alert, because I remember trying to memorize everything about the experience.

            Was the experience dream like in any way?   I don't think so, but I am not sure.

Did you experience a separation of your consciousness from your body?     Uncertain      I don't think so, but I was totally happy, loved and at peace.

What emotions did you feel during the experience?            Joy, peace, love from God, love for and from Holly.

Did you hear any unusual sounds or noises?           No. I don't remember hearing anything. I know there was loud thunder, but I don't remember hearing it.

LOCATION DESCRIPTION:  Did you recognize any familiar locations or any locations from familiar religious teachings or encounter any locations inhabited by incredible or amazing creatures?    No            We were in the park. The surroundings were unusually lit, as I described.

Did you see a light?           Uncertain      There seemed to be a light off in the distance, perhaps above me. It could have been the sun breaking through a hole in the clouds, but I am not sure. There was too much going on.  Near to me it looked like everything was covered with sparkling silvery-lavender dust. It was sparkly yet hazy.

Did you meet or see any other beings?           Uncertain      I believe it was God. I didn't see anyone and there was no conversation. Just wonderful feelings and the sense that something greater than us existed and cared about us, and things happen as they should.

Did you experiment while out of the body or in another, altered state? No       I just enjoyed it and tried to keep it in my memory.

Did you observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience that could be verified later?          No      

Did you notice how your 5 senses were working, and if so, how were they different?          Uncertain            Not sure, because I didn't hear the thunder, which I knew had to be there.

Did you have any sense of altered space or time?   Yes     It seemed like it was at least 30 minutes to me, but my friend told me it was only 10 minutes.

Did you have a sense of knowing, special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?    Yes            Something greater than us exists and loves and cares about us. We have a purpose. (not sure what) Everything happens the way it should. We are all perfectly safe. We are all important, animals also. Even seemingly bad events happen for a reason. Small events are also important.

Did you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?             No       No. I never went anywhere.

Did you become aware of future events?       No      

Were you involved in or aware of a decision regarding your return to the body?       No       I never left my body.

Did you have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts following the experience that you did not have prior to the experience?         No       I just know God exists and we have a purpose for being here. And it's all good.

Did you have any changes of attitudes or beliefs following the experience?   Yes     Certain that God exists and cares for us. And it includes animals as well. We are all important. We have a purpose.

How has the experience affected your relationships? Daily life? Religious practices? Career choices?       Yes. I am more tolerant of others. I try to look for good in experiences that seem bad. I am even closer to animals than I was before. I would like a career  helping people and/or animals.

Has your life changed specifically as a result of your experience?         Yes     I am much happier and not as discouraged when bad things happen.

Have you shared this experience with others?         Yes     Only on an animal communication list. I'm not sure if they were influenced, I didn't get many responses.

What emotions did you experience following your experience?  Peace. Happiness. Love. Security. Awe.

What was the best and worst part of your experience?      It was all good.  

I guess the worst part is when it ended and things were normal again.

Is there anything else you would like to add concerning the experience?        I have no idea how or why this happened to me. I was not hurt or ill.  But I think my dog played a big part in it. I doubt it would have happened if I were alone.

Following the experience, have you had any other events in your life, medications or substances which reproduced any part of the experience?         No       I don't take any medications or substances. I would love to experience it again. But if not, that's ok too. I have no idea how to make it happen. It came from above.

Did the questions asked and information you provided accurately and comprehensively describe your experience?               Yes