When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

One thing that always touched me was Joey’s habit of burying his face against me. Each morning when we got up and on my return home from work and following our little reunion dance I’d get down on the floor with them. Joey would get close and then would push his head against me burying his face. He just stood here pushing on me. I couldn’t figure what this was all about but he sure seemed to enjoy doing it. Maybe he did it because afterwards he always got lots of hugs and a cookie of two.

I’ll never forget the rainy night Joey and oZZy were out in the backyard barking insanely. Something definitely had gotten their attention and I had to put an end to it before my neighbors called the cops. They were off to the side of the yard barking at something on the ground and ignoring all attempts to call them in. I grabbed a flash light went over to them and there lying on the ground looking extremely dead was an opossum. I managed to get them away from it and in the house. Joey, who normally let oZZy take the lead during intruder alerts, stayed at the door insisting he be let back out. I remember thinking what’s so interesting about a dead animal, that’s when it hit me; the opossum was just doing a brilliant performance of being dead. Probably had done it a few times before. Joey knew it, so did oZZy, the not too swift human didn’t. We waited about 10 minutes, went back out and guess who was gone. The two hunting dogs were very disappointed and not at all happy with me. I let it get away…

We went for a walk every night even Joey’s last. I made these guys a promise; we’d walk every night, the only exception was when I was away. It didn’t matter if it was below zero or 2 AM, we went. Maybe not too far, but we went. There were times when I thought it’s just too nasty out for the poor old guy. He would have none of it. As soon as oZZy and I made a move toward the door he was right there. If I tried to leave without him he’d insist on going. Even with the arthritis and pain the thought of not wanting to go for a walk apparently never occurred to him. Sometimes I kept his walks short, but he never gave up wanting to go.

Our nightly rounds of the neighborhood would take us through my neighbor’s backyard along a fence that separates our yards. This path has a stretch of about 20 feet where it’s only about a foot or so wide. The fence on the left and a bank on the right. Every night I’d tell Joey that it’s up to him to lead us through and get us safely home. No one else knows the way. He’d actually get all excited, with his tail waging; head held high he’d take the lead. It

would be him, oZZy and me single file walking along the path. O

f course I had to make oZZy stay in line behind Joey. I’m sure he didn’t have a clue what this was all about. We’d get to the end of the fence; Joey would step aside as we walked by. All happy and proud of himself. I would pat him on the head and tell him how brave he was. And that we’d never have found our way home without him. We did this every night for over two years, maybe 700 times. Same thing every night. He was always so proud of himself. oZZy and I stopped going that way. I just can’t walk along that path without Joey.

It took more than a year for me to feel that Joey was really my dog. I just had this sense that I was minding someone else’s dog. I’m not at all sure why that was but it was at least a year before I really felt differently about him. That he was where he belonged. I think he felt the same way. Eventually he wanted to be the first to greet me when I came in and came as fast as he could if he thought oZZy was getting too much attention. When Joey left someone sent me a nice note expressing their sorrow and made the comment that Joey had gone to The Rainbow Bridge and was now happily reunited with his original owners. Well lets be clear on one thing, I don’t know about the Bridge, its existence, what happens there or what, but if I show up there some day Joey better be waiting for me and not off with any original owners. There will be hell to pay…… He’s my dog! Joey, I miss and love you buddy.

I wish to thank everyone for all your kind cards and thoughts during the recent tragic loss of my pet. I feel such deep grief and sadness over the loss of my little "peanut". In addition, I feel guilt and blame for not having made her home a safer place. We all have hidden perils in our homes and may not even be aware of it. Please take a look around and maybe you can avoid such a needless, senseless tragedy. Despite everyone saying that this was just a freaky accident, I feel I could have done more to keep her safe. My son was home that day but found her too late. He tried to save her by giving breaths and CPR while I was trying to get home but she was too far gone.

Today I will pick up her urn - a sad reminder of the dear little dog she was. Mala was the sweetest little girl and I'm glad to have had the time with her even though it was not enough. I will always miss her and remember the good times we had. So, please take an extra moment to look around and try to see your home through the eyes of your dogs. A tragedy like this can occur quickly and change your life forever.

Please keep my little girl in your thoughts and prayers. I know she will always be in mine. Give all your "guys " an extra hug before you leave for the day.

We had a great weekend with him in the yard where he got to do some agility jumps

for the last time. Though he could not jump like he used to, he did enjoy jumping

We sadly lost out beautiful Phoebe this week to cancer. Phoebe, the dam of four champions, leaves behind many beautiful children and grandchildren. We can’t express how much we will miss this sweet girl. Phoebe lived for hugs and dinnertime. She loved anyone and everyone who came to the house and was, without question, the sweetest dog we have ever had the privilege to know. Phoebe was bred by and shared with Kim and Carolyn at Foxglove and Deb Jones at Ashburton.

There is something to be said about “Love at first sight”, for when I first laid eyes on you, I fell in love with you… Your big brown eyes and all of those freckles melted my heart. You were such a good little puppy who never got into any mischief. As you continued to grow you became such a beautiful boy and a loving companion.

It soon became clear that Shadow was the perfect name for you as you never left my side except to follow your big brother Bailey around. You idolized him and always looked after him, making sure that he was okay.

Every time that we would go to an obedience or agility class or trial you were always so excited to go with me. On the way you would always sit next to me in the front seat with a smile on your face and the wind blowing your coat. You were so eager to learn, to do things right, and were always so serious. You made me so proud at every show and I could tell how proud you were of yourself too. All of your ribbons and trophies now remind me of what a great performance dog you were.

But at home you were so silly and fun loving. You loved to go for walks, play ball, and all of our other “silly Sheltie games”. When we weren’t playing you kept things in order and on schedule around the house. You always worried when something wasn’t quite right. And along came little brother Levi. Your job was to keep him in line and make sure that his ears were always clean.

You embraced life and everything that you did with such spirit and enthusiasm. You always wanted to please me and you did. You never, ever let me down. We were best friends and inseparable. Even when we faced the fight of our lives, we fought it together until the end. You were so strong and brave through all of the treatments and doctor visits. You were a true fighter, you never gave up, and you kept me going with your will and spirit. I’m so sorry that we didn’t win that one Little Buddy, but we sure did try.

Even though our time together was too short, you lead such a full and happy life. You took care of all of us and brought us so many happy times and now, wonderful memories. I now realize how many lives you touched and how many people loved you. You always were, and always will be, my perfect little angel. I cannot put into words how much we all miss you. I know you were tired and deserved a rest … so rest peacefully. I know that you will be waiting by the Rainbow Bridge. I can see you now with your coat glistening in the sun and the breeze blowing your mane. What joy there will be when I hold you in my arms again. Until then, you are always in my thoughts and have a special place in my heart. I will always love you Shadow, my perfect little angel.

It is with great sadness that Linda Evans and Carol DeMoss report the passing of our very special "Katydid" Sooner's Bug in a Rug at the age of 13. There were no signs of her illness. On June 16th, she woke up, tail wagging, went outside and ran downstairs to be fed. She collapsed in her crate. Two hours later, she was mercifully put to sleep. She had cancer which spread to the lungs and eroded a blood vessel in the lung causing a hemorrhage into the chest.

We have no breed ribbons for Katie, no agility ribbons or obedience ribbons or even a CGC title but our memories are more precious and her impact upon "her clients" was greater than any ribbon. Katie was "Pet Therapy Dog Extraordinaire" before it became popular or required titles. She and Linda helped many people and children at Mercy Pediatric Unit, Health South and PresbySenior care. Pet Therapy was Katie's purpose in life and she approached it with great seriousness and dedication.

- dying teenager who requested Katie come to see her before she went home to die.

- 22 year old car accident victim who opened her eyes for the first time in 4 weeks and proceeded to pet Katie.

- severe Alzheimer's victim who never communicated with staff or family but every time Katie was placed on her lap, she would look at Linda and ask Katie's breed, and name and severe Alzheimer's victim who never communicated with staff or family but every time Katie was placed on her lap, she would look at Linda and ask Katie's breed, and name and then sing to Katie the old song---K-K-K Katie, K-K-K Katie, I'll be waiting at the kitchen door…

- her "protection" when Katie was in the bed of a 4 year old who cried when the nurse touched the child and Katie growled at the nurse. Fortunately, the nurse was a dog lover and was touched by Katie's attitude

It is with a heavy heart that I relate that CH Grover, my first homebred champion peacefully passed into the rainbow bridge this morning. Grover was sired by CH Sesame Chairman of the Board and Saranac Northern Belle (Jamie).Grover, even through his final few days when he stopped eating, was the consummate gentleman. Grover leaves at home his sisters, Kerry and JoNee and his nephews, Trevor and Ryan and his niece, Rachel. Grover was one of the best dogs ever and a very easy keeper. He will be missed.

Shimano got his championship and retired. He was bored. I got him out of retirement to get his CD (9 years of age).retired from obedience after the CD. I got him back out of retirement to do agility. He loved it. He got his first two titles at 10 1/2 years of age and his last title at 11 1/2. He hurt his neck playing with puppies and had to retire from agility. At 12, he came out of retirement to get his Rally Novice. He was never happier than when we were playing. or working together. We will miss his smile and his joyous expression of life. am sure wherever he is, that he is smiling as he is running yet another agility course.

It is with a very heavy heart that I must tell you all that we have lost a very special guy here at Anistar. GrandSport died Sunday night, quite suddenly, after collapsing in the back yard. A frantic trip to the Emergency Vet and many calls to Dr. Julie could not save him. I think that the best tribute I can offer to "my guy" is a letter I wrote last year on his tenth birthday:

I cannot believe that GrandSport is ten today ! I had no idea that this prick eared, freckle faced buddy of mine, who was Lindsay's tenth birthday present, would start us down the road in this crazy hobby of showing dogs. It was MY idea to get Lindsay into the 4H dog program and it seems like yesterday that I called 4H Club after 4H Club looking for one who did have a program. And never did I think they'd move on to a REAL training facility and Junior Showmanship. Poor GrandSport didn't sign up for a lot of what his life has been. He sure hated being in the ring - always panicky until he spotted me outside. He taught Lindsay a lot about perseverance, that's for sure ! He didn't sign up for coming home as a seven week old puppy to a grumpy nine year old Sheltie who scolded him when he tried to have fun. He sure didn't ask to be joined by a Collie who pulled him across the yard by his tail for a summer and who poked holes in all his rubber balls. And goodness knows he didn't ask for Annie or Nina or Noah (especially Noah) either. Chris has always tolerated his quirky ways and they have become good buddies, despite the fact that GrandSport doesn't know how to "play" with another dog. He also didn't sign up for "Mom" leaving him for weekends or longer to go to shows, or for smashed paws and a broken leg, and now the coughing that goes with his heart problems..... But it makes me laugh to think how this birthday present for Lindsay became so much MY dog - the one who is at my side every night - the one who seems to be able to read my mind - the one I love so much. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDSPORT !!

Our thoughts and prayers are with Joanna & Larry, on the loss of Shelties Mingo and Courtney.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda Moore who lost Sheltie Buchan’s Scarlet Jewel CDX, Can CD, OA, CGC, TDI “Jewelee”, at fourteen and a half from congestive heart failure on 7/1/06.

A cold chill entered my heart, a few days ago....as I realized that Brett was changing...and his fire for life was gone. His beautiful eyes followed my every move...and he constantly came over for extra hugs and kisses...I feared that I was losing him, also... When they put him on the table to try to arrest his dreaded cancer yet again...it was discovered that it was not possible...and there was nothing but pain and misery ahead of him... I had to say "good bye", to my magnificent friend....and our last moments were special...he was a joy...always... he finished as a puppy...went reserve at the Canadian national, which would have finished his Canadian title...maybe foolishly, I didn't send him back...he took a back seat to his nephew, Brady, in the show ring... A daughter from his first litter (Ch. Brownlee Carosel) finished young...and in weeks won an award of merit at the national...it was the start of his destiny...he achieved his ROM, a short time after Brady... It's hard to believe that he is gone...and the familiar places that he graced, in the house are empty...but...never gone from my heart or memory...

I lost a very sweet and elegant friend, today...my(Am/Can Ch. Brownlee Bravada ROM)....three time American, one time Canadian National Award of Merit winner...multiple Spec BB (including Three Rivers) and on the Perpetual Trophy at the Colonial SSC, for going BB there...Group One at Ladies Dog Club of Boston (actually the oldest dog club in USA history)...he was not only a pleasure to look at, but a joy to live with...didn't have an aggressive bone in his body...always a gentleman...he's with my husband, Clark...the person he truly loved...and I think, always missed...

Jill Harmon and Jean Clodwick bid farewell to AM/CAN CH Trinity Knicknack Patti Wack, CD on August 12, 2004. "Nikki" was the first homebred Trinity Champion and was nearly 14 years old. She was a wonderful companion who loved to be trained and shown. Always a joy to live with, "Nikki" touched all our lives and will be sorely missed. (Posted 8-30-04)

Dear Lord, please open your gates and call St. Francis
to come escort our beloved Stormy
across the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign her to a place of honor,
for she has been a faithful friend
and has always done her best to please us.

Bless the hands that send her to you,
for they are doing so in love and compassion,
freeing her from pain and suffering.

Grant us the strength not to dwell on our loss.
Help us remember the details of her life
with the love she has shown us.
And grant us the courage to honor her
by sharing those memories with others.

Let her remember us as well
and let her know that we will always love her.
And when it's our time to pass over into your paradise,
please allow her to accompany those
who will bring us home.

Thank you, Lord,
for the gift of her companionship
and for the time we've had together.

And thank you, Lord,
for granting us the strength
to give her back to you now.

We will never forget you our love....

Lizzy My Love

Lizzy was completely gentle, dainty, and every inch a Lady. I so wish other could have known the Love-Bug that I knew, but her shyness prevented that. Given her bashfulness, noise freaking, softness and illnesses, it is even more amazing how beautiful and accomplished she became. She was snatched away so young when we still had so many things to do, so many plans made, and “Miles to go before we Sleep.” She will do her special dancey tiptoe in my heart and through my dreams forever.

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