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Today i'd like to do a tribute to Baaluu.  This is for my husband Bobby (who could never do this) as well as for myself to give tribute to our "special kid".  Baaluu was yet another "Gift from God" in more ways than one (which is the inscription at his grave).  He was my husband, Bobby's dog first (& he still grieves so badly after 3-4 years).  Baaluu was born just after my deaf brother who raised me (Micky) had passed on from cancer. 
 
Bobby raised him from a baby & he responded to his sign language very well; he was so smart!  As well as beautiful, noble, strong & very gentle.  They loved each other so much!
 
Bobby's step mom had said since he was "defective" (deaf) he should be put to sleep which, as you can imagine, outraged us tremendously!   Just like my brother, BaaLuu was missing one of his senses; but not his "sense". 
 
When Bobby & i got together & he told me about his deafness & i instinctively leaned into his neck & spoke to him letting him feel the vibration of my voice (i remembered when i was very young putting speakers to a hardwood floor so my brother could "feel" the vibrations to learn to dance & what a difference that had made in his life) & Baaluu became soooo joyous!  He pranced & danced & hugged me!   
 
People who read this might think me strange, but the time i shared with Baaluu, i felt like i had my brother back in some way for awhile.  Baaluu was so relieved to have someone who spoke into his skin & instinctively seemed to understand him; he was always so happy with me & it was so symbiotic (sp?) & special.
 
We bonded so instantly that Bobby actually became jealous!   When we would come home from work, Baaluu would run to me & howl & talk to me ("You've been gone too long!") before he would Bobby who'd say - "You've stolen my dog!"....(& my Goof was so good about it all, just like he understood completely as always!....he totally accepted BaaLuu)!
 
[....unlike Bobby's other kid, Mushh - it took a very long time to integrate Mushh with Goof - Goof would not allow him anywhere on his turf & we had serious doubts that he ever would (it took many months!) - i even told Bobby @ one point that this wasn't going to work out because this was Goof's house & he'd been here a long time & he was not ever going to accept Mushh)....they finally worked things out]
 
But it was never an issue with Baaluu; he was always accepted as he was - a very special soul. 
 
When we'd sit down to relax after work & on weekends on the couch, BaaLuu would jump up & wrap himself around me literally; his body around my back & all paws in my lap (except @ night - Goof still slept cuddled up next to me - that's one thing he would not ever give up!). 
 
Even to this day, 3 years later, i still miss that cuddling with Baaluu.   We still cry for him.  We even saw his image in a photo we took of a rainbow; it looked like he was stepping right out of a cloud!   I saw his form immediately when Bobby showed me the photo, even down to the black nose!  Then i showed Bobby what i was crying about & he cried too. 
 
One thing about BaaLuu that i wished (at the time) the other kids would do, is he would not potty in his yard; he always went outside the fence line to do his "business" (we have 1-1/4 acres here in Dolan & we only fenced 1/2 of it in @ the time).  Renters next door would zoom into their yard without looking.  Baaluu never heard them coming of course.  (Needless to say, we now have the entire 1-1/4 acres fenced & we're grateful all the kids are inside even if they do their "business" too close to the house.)
 
He came into the house & stumbled.  When we looked into his beautiful blue eyes, there was blood behind them.  We called the vet 30 miles away & described his symptoms.  They told us since there was also blood in his drool, that the 30 mile trip would be hard on him without much chance of saving him, so we held him in our laps & cried as he made his passing.  He stubbornly fought to stay with Bobby & me through all the pain he must have felt, because he was so loyal & his heart felt our reluctance to let go & that's the kind of being he was - totally loyal & special & giving.
 
Baaluu - you will always, in all ways, have a special place in our hearts & souls & we will always in ALL ways miss YOU!
 
Note to Nicole:  We gratefully still have "Bony", "Mushh" & "Shette" (short for "Mushhette" - but Bobby's dad calls her "Moreshit" & Bobby & his friend affectionately call her "LB" for "Little Bitch" because she has attitude). 
 
In addition, about a month after Goof's passing, a friend brought an abused shepherd to us (he had broken legs from the kids @ his house throwing rocks @ him, he was totally emaciated <literally every bone in his body was sticking out!> with huge tapeworms, no shots, etc.)
 
- The last thing i wanted so close to Goof's passing was another dog, but i couldn't say no to this poor little sweet guy.  He now has all of his shots, fixed (like all our kids now), has doubled his size, is a very healthy bouncing playful happy kid & more than a handful!  Bobby named him "Charlie" after the shepherd in "All Dogs Go to Heaven"
 
.....with all of this as a blessing - we still miss Goof & Baaluu & always will.  They were both so unique & special that there is a huge emptiness where they were in our lives. 
 
But, i will always be grateful for the privilege of sharing the time with them that God allowed us.  I truly feel remiss & compassion for those people who never have an opportunity to experience such unconditional love & devotion!   How fortunate for us that we have!

Merry Christmas Baby,
All the rats have jingle bell collars. Yours is still in the closet. You were so proud when you'd go outside dancing around with yours on. I miss you more now and am sadder now than I was last June. I wish weiner dog kisses could make everything better. Bob wishes they would, too. He never was a "big dog" person, but he said you were the nicest big dog he had ever had the pleasure to be around. And he got to be your dad.

Did I tell you how much I miss you?

I am overcome with grief everytime I think of your gorgeous face...of your painful effort to get up and come stand next to me while I worked on the computer or watched tv. You would nuzzle me with your lips ever, ever, EVER so gently. It was a whisper of a touch. A giant of a dog reaching his head and touching me so lightly that only the little hairs on his chin and lips actually touching me. I miss you, Baby, so much....

Baby...I looked at a deaf puppy today. They think he's deaf. I know you would approve. He wouldnt have to listen to weiner dogs!

Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you...
I loved you so --
'twas Heaven here with you.

I remember the day Baby came home, the first day. He was so shockingly
big, he could reach almost anything on the counter-- but he wouldn't dare.
Oh Baby, I'll never forget your giant gentle face, and how you would never
hurt a fly. You used to sleep with me in my queen sized bed and take up 75%
of it and I'd contort my body around yours just so wouldn't leave. There
will never be another dog like you, I'm going to miss you so much. I never
thought that the day would come where you'd be gone and tomorrow you're not
going to be here to stare at me with your huge gentle brown eyes. I
remember your most favorite toy in the entire world used to be my favorite
stuffed animal, the huge elephant I had named "Ele" You used to race
around the front and back yard like there was no tomorrow and you thought
no one could catch you. What I'm going to miss most now is taking you on
those long long walks when all I needed to do was think, because you were
always there for me. Baby I love you so much and I miss you already.

8 years

1997 - June 2, 2005

November 18, 2003
My beautiful Baby is going into kidney failure. If you can say a prayer for him, we would both appreciate it more than anything.

They are so fragile. They entrust us with their lives. We are in charge of their health, safety, and well-being. Baby is so precious to me. I hope that we can overcome this for a long time.

December 04, 2003
Baby had seemed to be doing so well. The vet put him on Prescription Diet K/D (Kidney Diet) and he has seemed better. I guess I was trying to ignore all the little signs. His breath is changing. He is losing weight. I didnt even really notice until Bob mentioned it yesterday. He has a big fatty tumor (benign) on his side and I was worried about how fast it was growing. How naive am I? It wasnt growing. He is just losing weight. The vet had told me we werent in trouble until he started losing weight. His water intake actually decreased but then increased drastically again last week. And then yesterday he had a huge pee accident for no reason. He was only inm the house for four hours. And it had that strange smell. I am scared to death to take him to the vet today. I am so afraid of what the blood work it going to tell me. I was up all night crying. Even if the news isnt as dire as I feel it's going to be, I know that my beautiful, gentle Baby is not going to be with me very much longer.

December 23, 2003
I took Baby for a second opinion. I just didnt feel my vet was doing enough. He was so certain that the beginnings of kidney and liver failure were Baby's fate, that he seemed to have a sort of tunnel vision. My husband's vet (where all the weiner dogs go...we have five...a lonnnnng story...hehehehe) did lots of testing. His diagnosis...TENTATIVELY...was a mild bladder infection. The bacteria were very hard to find in Baby's urine because it was so diluted. He drinks gallons of water. But Dr Eich found ONE or TWO rod shaped bacteria in the urine. We are now treating him with antibiotics....weaning him off the K/D diet and then will blood test halfway through that transition. I was so happy on Dec 23rd that I was in tears leaving the vet's office. I am always leaving the vet's in tears..but never out of happiness! I just hope this is for real. I really liked my other vet. He really seemed to know his stuff. I was worried about hurting his feeling or stepping on his toes...but then decided this wasnt about him! Please keep on praying for Baby.

January 3, 2004
Baby is 100% off the Prescription K/D Diet food. He has finished his antibiotics. No more peeing. He seems perfectly healthy. The last step in this process will be a final blood test after he has been off the K/D for awhile just to see how his kidney and liver readings are. I dont quite know what to say to vet #1. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and Baby through this. I will still check back in...Baby is no spring chicken!

June 3, 2004
Quick update on Baby. Boy, is he getting grey! Baby is on medication to help with some night time incontinence. I wash his bedding every couple of nights. I can handle that! Baby also has a very large lump on his side. Testing has shown that it is benign. Good ol' Baby keeps hanging in there : )

September 22, 2004
I had a full blood work-up done on Baby last month. I was afraid to see the results, but was pleasantly surprised that his numbers were only slightly down. His appetite is great and he seems happy and healthy. Unfortunately, his bed-wetting at night has gotten worse. I do loads of laundry every day. Poor Baby. But, until he shows signs of distress...or...until he starts losing control of his bladder altogether, I will do what it takes to keep Baby with me.

February 2005
Time for blood-work. Baby's breath is getting stong. He gets me up at least once, sometimes twice a night to go outside. I think his body had conditioned him to wake up when he starts leaking really bad. I dont do nearly as much bedding laundry as I used to.
The blood-work was as we expected. He is getting worse. Not as bad as I thought, but slowly getting worse. The vet said he still has good muscle-tone and asked if he was eating well. Yes. That's a good sign. He suggested the Prescription KD-Diet. No way. Baby hates that food. I am not going to have his last few months be served food that he hates. Food is one of his great pleasures in life. I'm not going to take that away from him.
Baby still drinks copious amounts of water. As a matter of fact, we almost always have to yell at him to get out of the water or he will stand there and drink for five minutes or more (seriously!) We have a five gallon self-waterer and when we hear the water "Glug" (it can be heard throughout the house) we yell, "BABY....GET OUT OF THE WATER...BABY!!....BABY!!!" It usually takes two or three yells before we hear toenails moving.

March 2005
Last month the vet had said that he had seen dogs last for years in Baby's state. Here it is a month later and Baby is going downhill. His appetite is decreasing. That was the one huge red flag that I was to watch out for. I am going to try finding a new canned food to tempt his appetite. Maybe he is bored with his food... but I know better. He doesnt dance around impatiently when I am making meals the way he used to. He is over laying on his bed : (

April 6 2005
Baby broke two toes today. I am very distraught. The vet really didnt do anything except give him Rimadyl. If he was going to X-ray to find broken bones and then do NOTHING ANYWAY...why X-ray? Baby has lost six pounds. He's down to 142. He used to eat six cups of food every day. He now eats four cups of food every other day. The one thing he loved...food...is no longer something he loves. And he is in great pain with his foot. And he cant come upstairs and sleep by me at night. I am very distraught about Baby.

June 1, 2005
Today is devastating. Let me back up a bit. Baby's broken toes healed ok. I also found that raw hamburger helped Baby's appetite and he was actually getting two square meals a day (smaller than usual, but eating regularly.) He actually had a little sparkle back in his eye. He was begging for treats and greeting us at the door. I thought he was getting better! I guess deep down I knew that really was possible. In mid-May the hamburger wasnt doing the trick anymore AND he did something to his other back leg. Bob thinks his bones are getting brittle.
Back to today. Baby is no longer enjoying life. His leg is very painful. And I always said that I will not watch Baby waste away to a skeleton just to have him around for my benefit. He has so much sadness in his eyes. He will heave himself up and come over and ever-so-gently touch my arm to tell me that he needs me. I have to wonder how great the pain is at those times. Today I am going to the vet to look at an urns catalog. I have a hard time thinking about it. Tomorrow my beautiful Baby will be a memory.

June 2, 2005

early AM - I didnt sleep at all. I got up and went to Walgreens at 5:30 AM to pick up some really strong medication for my migraines because I knew all the stress and crying was already starting to bring on a whopper of a migraine. I certainly will know the "trigger" for this one. I stopped at Starbucks but couldnt go in because I'd been crying. My stomach was too knotted up for even coffee. Last night I cooked him some hamburger and Ashley brought him a double cheese-burger. I only gave him half of the burger (It was big!) I didnt want the poor guy to have diarrhea all night. I went online and found that song from the final episode from ER when Mark Green died in Hawaii. I never in a million years realized how perfect the song really would be. I am going to burn it to a cd and take it to the vet's office with us. It's called, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". I didnt know that. I just liked the song. I had a really nice, soothing tone for this sad morning. It's by a Hawaiian singer. Baby will be somewhere over the rainbow.

mid AM - It was an absolutely perfect day. Baby, Ashley and I went out in the yard and just walked around. Baby got to 'hold up' some bushes and I got some great photos. He has always done this bizarre thing where he'll wedge himself into a bush and then kind of hold his head up like an elephant and just stand there. Maybe it's a camoflage thing. He even does it with low trees. We have always laughed at him. Ashley and I each took turns taking pictures with him. I could tell he was getting tired of that. In the house we go. I start rooting through the fridge. I cooked him a hotdge. I opened a big bag of ham and he really liked that, so I gave him lots of that! Then I started getting the back of my truck ready to put Baby in. A blanket and then his soft bed on that and then his down blanket on top of that. I put his teddy next to it. At 11:08 I told Ashley that we had to go. We all teared up. I got Baby's two collars and put them on him (I figured he'd never be wearing them again.) The four dachshunds were beside themselves that they didnt get to go. Baby NEVER goes anywhere. They all spit their cookies out in protest (except Holly and Linus) Nick helped us load him in the back of my Durango. We very gently laid him on his bed and he looked very stately laying there.

trip to the vet - Baby was actually looking out the window as we drove! Usually he slept. I couldnt decide about the Arby's. I finally reasoned that if Baby had a say in it, he might choose Arby's! If nothing else, he was enjoying the drive. I ordered a roast beef. $2.49. I pulled out and told Ashley that I didnt want to give it to him in the vet's parking lot. He'll know that place and he might be nervous there. I pulled over, walked back to the tailgate and opened it, opened the roast beef sandwich (Baby doesnt always like bread or buns)...and he turned away his big head. I set it down in front of him. He looked at me. I picked it up, wrapped it up, put it in the bag with tears in my eyes and got back in the truck. Ashley had tears in here eyes too. Neither of us said anything for the rest of the trip to the vet.

vet's office - Ashley and I each grabbed an end and gently set him on the ground. I didnt want him trying to jump out onto that bad leg. I walked him over to the grass and let him tinkle. We walked into the waiting room and both of us teared up. No one was in there. Every move we made was a step closer to Baby being gone. The receptionist said, "You can bring Baby on back to a room."

As we stood in the room, the door opened and someone gave us a Kleenex box. I then turned on my little iPod stereo to the "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by IZ. Baby was nervous we all were. I spread his down blanket on the floor and coaxed him to lay on it. He settled down carefully, painfully onto it. I put his teddy bear next to his cheek and sat down next to him. He gave me a little kiss. Baby doesnt kiss much these days...and to get one at the vet made me feel really good. Ashley sat down on the other side of him. I could hear the dreaded sound on the other side of the door...the rustling of the folder. Dr Dritley came in. I dont remember what he said. I do remember him wanting to take Baby out to put some kind of catheter or something in his leg and bring him back. I just looked at him. Baby was all settled. "Cant you do it in here?" "Yeah...I'll get what I need." He came back with an electric shaver and shaved a patch on Baby's front, right leg. He looked at it really closely and said that it should be ok. I think he was looking for a good vein. He had a giant syringe filled with pink liquid. I had both of my arms around Baby's neck. He said, "Start talking to him...say some nice things." We both told Baby how much we loved him and what a good boy he was and how beautiful he was and that he wouldnt have any more pain. His head started to get heavy and he caught his breath. It took all of about 10 - 15 seconds. Dr Dritley said, "Let me go grab a stethoscope and check for a heartbeat." and he left the room. Ashley and I continued to talk to Baby and to pet him and kiss him. Dr Dritley came back in and checked both sides of his chest and under his armpits. He quietly said, "He's gone." He sat there with us for a couple of minutes while we pet Baby and I asked him a couple of questions about Baby's disease. Then we got up to go. I stood at the door and didnt want to leave. This was the last time I would ever see my beautiful Baby. And now it was my turn to be the sad, crying dog-mom with the empty leash and collar leaving the vet's office.

I loss my black lab Sunday the 15th 2007 her name was BABYGIRL so sweet she was 14 years old and was very much loved. I called her mommies girl because she was just that.
I'm going to miss her very much but she will alawys be in my heart.
                                                                                   Thank you Vickie Bendixen

with love from Mom and Dad

with love from Her Mommy

with love from Allison Moore

with love from Angie

with love from Mommy & Daddy

HE WAS OUR BABY AND CLOSE FRIEND.
 
3/ 9/ 04   HE RAN FOR THE FIELDS
 
 CAN'T WAIT TO PLAY WITH HIM
 
WE MISS HIM SO MUCH
 
 HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
 
PATTI AND TOM
"MOMMY AND DADDY"

with love from Mum, Dad, & Vanessa

with love from 
"your favorite companion :)" Tamera

with love from Elaine

To My Loving Baya,

You are my special kitty. You came into my life and give my so much love. I just wonder why you were taken away from this world so suddenly. I feel you all around me. I will miss you waking me up every morning time for your yummies, I will miss your beautiful eyes. My little "beamer of love" I will cherish you always! Love, Mommy

Oh, dear friend, I will miss you so.  Faithful companion,
soulmate.
I'll miss your golden eyed stare; I will miss your sitting on my
lap during the sleepless nights; I will miss your purr; I will
miss your antics and I will miss your presence.  You were the
pet I was waiting for all of my life and it hurts to go on
without you.  I would not wish you back at the end since there
was so much pain and now you are free of it.  Somewhere,
somehow, you are at peace and happy.  I know that you are
waiting for me.  It may be awhile but we will be together
again.  Until then fairwell until next we meet.

January 29, 2007
The Bear. Such patience on your mommy's part to attend to all of your medical needs. Patience is love. And now a recent stroke has left you completely blind. She makes you take your short walk every day...even though it is only to the end of the driveway. I'll bet that is the highlight of your day : )   And she took you to have your picture taken with Santa. Crippled and blind, she wanted her Bear to get out of the house and do something that us silly humans treasure...sitting with Santa Clause. I hope and pray that Bear handles the severe cold and can enjoy a beautiful, warm Spring. She is a lucky dog to have the mommy that she does.
(Lou...can you scan and send The Bear's Santa pic?)

THE "MAC" BLESSING

A blessing came to us with 4 legs and a tail Giving love and kisses from the heart without fail Her heart was kind and always forgiving Of people who forgot that life is for living

Her eyes would sparkle and the excitement would flow Just knowing that her love she'd be able to show, How much she appreciated what ever the case Especially if it was given with a hug, kiss, or pat on the face

A face that would melt your heart at just one glance We all feel blessed to have had the chance To have had her in our lives if but just for a short while She gave us love, laughter and hearts full of smiles

This is our "Bear", "Pebbles" to some A Godsend to all and the new that will come For her memory will forever live in the hearts that she loved She is a blessing, a gift sent from above.

Bear was a company dog and was needlessly destroyed at the direction of the owner. All of the staff that cared for her and loved her were told she had gotten out of the yard and was lost. We searched months for her until the truth was revealed. All our Bear ever wanted was a loving hand to pet her and a kind voice to call her and a warm place to lay her head. We now wish for her a place at Rainbow Bridge where she can play in the grass and be safe and warm. All of us that loved her will carry her in our hearts forever! Until we meet again at Rainbow Bridge our sweet girl.

You are such a funny girl - Love Jeanne Love Forever and Always - Penny Be Happy - Annette We'll always miss you - Dennise I Love You - you're in my heart - Joyce You're in our hearts forever - Carol B & Carol

To my hairy son - you are now in a place where you can dig and chew all you want, pee on any tree during your walks, eat people food all the time, bark anytime you want, run and play again, have endless rubdowns. There's no thunder to scare you, no nail clipping, no baths, no bristle brushes, no vet visits, no arthritis, no cancer. The only thing missing is us, and you will be in our hearts forever. You were the best dog and we hope you know how much we miss you and how much we loved you. You were truly a part of this family, and we will never be the same without you. Mom

My Dearest Beau, It is almost Christmas and I can't believe it has been 2 months since you went away. I talk to you and visit you all the time, but it is not the same. If I could only have you here for the holidays I would be so happy, but I know in my heart that you are in a better place. I was thinking about getting a new baby and I wondered if you would be upset with me. I don't want you to think that I am trying to replace you because there will never be another Beau. I miss you so much and you know that I have a lot of love to give a pet. I just get so lonely for you that I do not know if it would be fair to another puppy. I did however get a donkey, his name is Festus and you would have loved him as much as I do. Well, Son, I just wanted you to know that we all miss you and I hope there is Christmas where you are because you really loved the Holidays. Beau, You are my little Angel now and I will be with you again someday, wait for me. I Love You So Much!!! God be with you! Love, Mommy, Dad, Robbie, Christy, Chris, Fahnaye, Curtis, Amanda, Tippy, Bubba and Bandit

P.S. Merry Christmas, We all love You!

In the field you were a superb hunter, In the home a loving friend.

A friend thru many times and many changes in my life.

I loved U thru it all, and now I say "goodbye" to my loyal, never complaining friend. I need you here, but I couldn't keep you, knowing how miserable your life had become. Some day when I cross Rainbow Bridge, I hope I can hold you again and watch those beautiful eyes tell me you love me once more. run and play freely Beau, I will always remember your gentle nature.

Beau you were more then just a family pet you were a part of the family. You gave me the gift of a special friend and family member your daughter, Ree-Cee is still loved and she reminds us of you so much. More then that you were my little girls best friend and she loved you so much and she still ask about you. We tell her you're in heaven and you're having so much fun there. We love you Bo-Bo and you will always hold a special place in or hearts forever. You were the sweetest dog ever and you will be missed but rememberd forever.

We Love You Always, Christy & Chris

Dear Bo-Bo, Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw said you went to Heaven and that you feel much better now. I miss you so much. I always hugged your neck and gave you a kiss when I came to see you. Your were the greatest dog in the world and I will never forget you. You always played with me, and you never tried to bite me or scratch me if I got a little rough with you. Please watch after my little Billy goat that went to Heaven before you. Meka is there with you and can help show you around. I love you Bo-Bo and I may be young but I knew you were sick and going to Heaven. Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw really miss you and their house just isn't the same with you gone. Please don't forget me and take care of yourself. Have fun running and chasing rabbits! I know now that you can see again and walk and run without falling down. You were the best animal friend a little girl could have and I am happy that you are well again, but I do miss you so much. 
Love Always, Your Little Naye-Naye
PS: Maw-Maw had to write this for me, but I will be old enough to write you myself one day. I LOVE YOU BO-BO!

Fuzzy and tiny, Bernie dropped into our lives and hearts one day in June. He came to us from a wonderful feline rescuer named Patty. He quickly became our class clown - the cutie who performed flips for cat toys, the sweet sprite who sat happily nearby while I painted, the sociable friend who visited my husband and I every day for pets and talks, and even our most reliable alarm clock (5:15 every morning!).

We had a welcome party of our Bernie, and our friends brought cat toys and even a kitty toothbrush. Bernie played the host in typical Bernie fashion, hopping onto the lap of every guest for a friendly chat.

Bernie was a stable, "cool cat" who met life with confidence and sprightliness. He was "our Bernie".

At only six months of age, Bernie was diagnosed with an incurable disease and died within a week. We watched his small body become forever still -- with such profound sadness. His loving, funny self has left his mark on us... and we will always remember OUR BERNIE.

Born: 4/24/1991
Passed: 3/3/09
Age: Almost 18 years old

My pets name was Blackie. He was a long hair domestic cat. His mother was all black. She had a litter of #4 total cats. Blackie was the runt! He was so cute like a butterball! He was such a cute kitty. We kept 2 out of the litter. We had to put Blackie to sleep last night 3/3/09. It wasn’t a good night at all. He started having breathing problems, and then terrible gurgling. I knew we had to do something. I could not stand to see him suffer any longer. He had started loosing weight rapidly & getting weaker every day. I was going to take him to the vet today 3/4/09. He could not wait. He wasn’t going to make it through the night. So, we had to call the emergency veterinarian last night. We didn’t care about money. We just wanted for Blackie to be at peace & no more suffering. He passed around 11:30 p.m. 3/3/09. We are having his body cremated, and put in a nice oak wooden box. That is what we did for his brother, Strat.

We had to put his brother to sleep from a stroke 2 years ago. His name was “Strat-Cat”. Named after strato caster guitars. He was my husbands cat. Guitars is my hubby’s hobby, and he wanted to name him “Strat”.

We will love & miss you so much! You were a good boy!

Your life started as tragic as it ended.

A little black kitten and siblings darting in and out of cars at a busy corner store.

You came up to me with your brother as I dug for change in my car, I turned around after hearing a sqeek and saw two black specs, no bigger than a baseball peering at me with yellow eyes.

I turned to you and you both ran.

You knew I was the one for you.

A couple days later I found you stretched out on a patch of grass on a sea of hot asphalt.

Most had given you up for dead, I thought you had been smashed by a car.

As I towered over you and my shadow fell on your listless dehydrated body you looked up at me and squeaked again.

I took you home and gave you water, I put cold water on your warm body and held you until you came back around.

I went back later and coaxed your brother to come to me, as he was beside himself that you were gone and you were lonely too.

When I put him in the bathroom oh the joy you two shared, playing and rolling and cuddling together at night.

You had each other and you had me to lead you into a cold hard world.

You and your brother grew fast and played hard.

I named you Black Kitty and we had a ceremony when you both got your collars, complete with milk and tuna.

One day you learned that life was more than just green grass, butterflies and chasing grasshoppers.

You learned the cold side of life after your brother was killed by a passing car.

You wailed for hours at his body for him to get up until someone heard you and discovered what had happened.

It took you weeks to get over your playmate who never went far, I believe you still played with his spirit diving in and out the monkey grass.

You grew into a wonderful large black cat with hair softer than any pillow, you were sweet and talked out loud at any chance.

You kept an eye on everything I did and followed me everywhere.

You loved me and I loved you.

Every time I saw you, I picked you up and hugged you and told you how much I loved you.

On what was your last day, we hugged and you rolled atop me in bed.

I told you how I found you and loved you and how special you were to me.

You extended your front foot to me, and put your paw over my mouth as to say, " I Know..shh".

Up to that point you had always tried to feed off my pillow and I would stop you, but that morning I watched you, you started but didn't do it, you were growing up.

On what was your last day it was like any other day, with you following me around the yard, calling for me and I fed you and you played with the other kitty's.

On that night when the moon was full and bright, I saw you on my porch, waiting to come in, oh how I wish I had let you in but you ran off, I did not think you were ready to settle down yet.

When I called for you, I could hear the tinkle of your collar but could not find you.

I searched for you every hour of that night, up and down the street calling your name. I knew something was wrong, very wrong.

At daybreak, I went around the side of my house and thought at first you were laying on the side of the bushes near the neighbors house.

When I picked you up a gush of warm air came from your stiff body, your eyes open, you had passed after becoming tangled on a wire grate.

I held your stiff body, your soft coat, wishing I could step back in time, just this once.

I placed you next to your brother and wrapped you in my shirt as I buried you, I prayed that you were not in anguish but happy to be with your long lost brother.

I am sorry my little friend that I could not rescue you again in your time of need.

I can only look forward to the day we once again roll and play together and I tell you how much I love you.

Until then, not one day will go by that I will not think of you my little black furry friend.

January 29, 2007
Wow! Twenty years! That speaks volumes as to the love and care he has received. Bo Kitty is going through end-stage renal failure, but his mommy is giving him iv's and lots of tasty treats. He seems to be comfortable and enjoying the pampering. What an amazing mommy he has! Hang in there, Kitty!

It has been one day since our little buddy left us. We miss you very much. Everywhere we look we see you in everything. Our hearts are very broken, but we know it is only a matter of time before we get to see that cute deer look again. You made our life's so complete for 15 years and without you there is an empty hole. We know you are no longer in pain and able to run around like a puppy again and breath freely. You are still a mommas boy. Sissy misses you getting ready with her in the morning, making sure she puts her make-up on ok. Sophie is very lost without you. We love you and miss you Bo and can't wait until we see you again.

I wrote this Tibute in honor of my beloved cat Bommel, who past October 28, 2007
I brought him, along with his sister Minky in 1996 from Germany to the States.
His sister Minky died shortley after in March 19, 2009
They both had cancer.
I tried Chemo, but they both lost the struggle and I had them peacefully put to sleep and go cross Rainbow Bridge.

~~~~~~~~~~
Three days to remember

The first day is a day, blessed with happiness, when you bring home your young new friend. Perhaps in a fleeting moment, you may have just chosen that silly looking mutt in a shelter- simply because something in its eyes reached your heart. But when you bring that chosen pet home, and watch it explore, and claim its special place in your hall or front room -- and when you feel it brush against you for the first time -- it instills a feeling of pure love you will carry with you through the many years to come.

The second day will occur eight or nine or ten years later. It will be a day like any other. Routine and unexpected. But, for a surprising instant, you will look at your longtime friend and see age where you once saw youth. You will see slow deliberate steps where you once saw energy. And you will see sleep when you once saw activity. So you will begin to adjust your friend's diet -- and you may add a pill or two to his food. And you may feel a growing fear deep within yourself, which bodes of a coming emptiness. And you will feel this uneasy feeling, on and off, until the third day finally arrives.

And on this day -- if your friend and whatever higher being you believe in have not decided for you, then you will be faced with making a decision of your own -- on behalf of your lifelong friend, and with the guidance of your own deepest Spirit. But whichever way your friend eventually leaves you -- you will feel as alone as a single star in the dark night. If you are wise, you will let the tears flow as freely and as often as they must. And if you are typical, you will find that not many in your circle of family or friends will be able to understand your grief, or comfort you. So if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through the many joy-filled years, you may find that a soul -- a bit smaller in size than your own -- seems to walk with you, at times, during the lonely days to come.

And at moments when you least expect anything out of the ordinary to happen, you may feel something brush against your leg -- very, very lightly.

And looking down at the place where your Dear, perhaps Dearest friend used to lie -- you will remember those three significant days. The memory will most likely to be painful, and leave an ache in your heart.

As time passes the ache will come and go as if it has a life of its own. You will both reject it and embrace it, and it may confuse you. If you reject it, it will depress you. If you embrace it, it will deepen you. Either way, it will still be an ache.

But there will be, there must be, a fourth day when -- along with the memory of your pet -- and piercing through the heaviness in your heart -- there will come a realization that belongs only to you. It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with each animal we have loved, and lost. This realization takes the form of a Living Love -- like they scent of a rose that remains after the petals have wilted, this Love will remain and grow -- and be there for us to remember. It is a love we have earned. It is the legacy our pets leave us when they go. And it is a gift we may keep with us as long as we live. It is a Love which is ours alone. And until we ourselves leave, perhaps to join our Beloved Pets -- it is a Love we will always possess.

Bonnie died on Monday Febrary 25th 2002. We got Bonnie when I was just 2 years old. I have grown up with her for the last 16 years and she has been a great dog all her life. She had been showing signs of getting frail but none of us expected her to go so quickly. She had a stroke on Monday night and 2 hours later she was dead. Bonnie you were a great dog, loving, sweet and cute. You always wanted to go for walks and play and you were also a great guard dog. You are now reunited with your friends, Jasper and Toby and you can all play together again, with nana to watch over you. I will see you again one day my sweet little dog, and i will never ever forget you. You are in my heart forever.

In loving memory of Bonnie 1985-2002

Your ever loving owner Jo Houston xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dear Bootsie,
We already miss you and it’s only been two nights.  Not sure if we told you just how much we love you before you left to join Nancy Lou – but we love you and you will always be in our hearts and forever in our memories. 
Meow, Purr, Lick, Ruff,    Candy, Cleo, and Neko

This is for my friend TERRI in Florida,

I just recv'd a call from Terri today she lost her wonderful friend Brandi. not sure what happened but that doesnt matter because Brandi was her life friend and confidant and will be missed terribly ......

BLONDI will be there to help comfort you and love you all the more

TERRI my heart goes out to you ((((((((((((((( TERRI )))))))))))))

From Cindi in Oregon

its been almost 8 weeks, since my beloved brandi crossed over to the rainbow bridge, i want to let you know, i am still greiving, and my daughter brought me nina, she is 12 weeks old, and i am overwhelmed, i think this is a good thing, because when GOD takes away something, he replaces, its going to be hard for me, but i think brandi sent her also, i am sending you ninas picture, and i want brandi to know. that she is not replacing her, but she needs alot of love, and thats what i am here for, i guess, to give love to little humans, i dont dare call them d-gs, shhhhhhh, i will write again soon my sweet brandi, i love you with all my heart, be a good girl for mommy!

Its been 4 weeks since my little girl brandi passed, i am still greiving, but my daughter, brought me a little surprize on thursday,04/12/07, another little girl, we named Nina, and she is so precious, she has the same personality as my Brandi, i just wanted you to know, that your website has helped me tremendously, and i need to give my love to nina, and brandi must have sent her to me, my daughter drove 800 miles in 1 day to get her, so now i realize that nina needs me also, and i will see my beloved brandi in the future when my job on earth is done, thaks again, noelle, love, kathy mazzotta i will write to you, my beloved brandi, to let you know how your sister is doing, love , mommy xoxoxoxoxo

its been 2 weeks, since my little girl brandi, has passed, she was born on 06/23/1996 and went to the rainbow bridge on 03/13/07, and i cant seem to move on the way i should, i miss you sweetie, and love you so much, all your toys are here and your water, please come to me when you want a little break from playing with all your friends at the bridge, tj and ashley misses you so much, we know your not here physically, but you are spiritually, and mommy always talks to you, even when getting into bed, we have a memorial for you honey, and i always kiss your ashes everyday, i know you miss us, but you are having a great time where you are now, and mommy will see you soon, it may seem like a long time, but it will go by fast, and we all will be together again, i will write soon, and please visit mommy today if you have time, i love you my precious little girl, mommy

my little girl brandy, has passed on 3/13/07, from pancreitus, she was sick one day only, and we couldnt save her. devastation isnt the right word, there are none. sometimes, i think i cannot live without her, but then i think of my children, 20 and 25. we loved her and she thought she was human, there is a void in my heart, i will try to get another dalmation, when God sends me one, i cant wait to see you brandy, and be a good girl until mommy comes! i love you sweeie and i still have your bowls here full of water! love you, mommy

My little Cairn terrier...Brindi. Bubby, I wish there was something that could have changed you. Even though I tried many things, you were still aggressive. YOU wanted to be top dog. You little crazy dog...I love you and always did and I know you loved me, you just wanted to rule me...that's all. I used to call you my little doggy toto and you would clean my face like it has never been cleaned before! I didn't take the attack too well did I. Please forgive me and I hope you rule as queen wherever you are. I miss you bubby lubby loo loo!

Buddy, we so miss you! I found you one day in the summer of 2007 walking in the road around the lake. I stopped my car and you walked over to me crouching down as you got to the door. I picked you up and couldn't even tell if you were a boy or a girl you were matted so bad. I took you to the vet because you had bleeding tumors all over your bottom. We got you cleaned up and taken care of, but the tumors started to return last year. I tried to have one removed two times, but one was so deep he couldn't get to, so he didn't take off the other one. This July, the one on the outside started to bleed and it didn't want to stop. The vet recommeded we let you go. We didn't want to because you were so happy still. You just wanted to go home, doing your happy dance and we let you go to sleep. It is very, very, very had to put a happy little boy to sleep. Such a feeling of betrayal....I'm soooo sorry little dude. Amber was stronger that I was.

We miss you doing the woowoo's when you wanted something and we weren't fast enough, especially your vanilla cookies. We called you a little cookie monster. You did have a sweet tooth!

We miss your happy dances when we got home. You would run around and around prancing with one paw up in the air then you would go into a belly crawl.

We miss you giving us the paw-paw when you wanted up on the couch. You were sooo short, it was hard for you to jump up there! If we ignored you??? Look out because here came the woowoo's!

We miss the way you would squirm around on the floor lifting your entire bed until you were under it. You didn't stay there, it was just in the way.

We miss the way you would slip on the hardwood floors when chasing a toy and get right back up...you didn't have far to fall. You were the shortest little guy! Sometimes I thought your paws were attached to your shoulders. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. It made you, you.

We only had you for four years little guy, but it was a great four years. Thank you so much for the laughs Mr. Man. We love and miss you sooo much!

Buddy i stood by you while you were slowly being killed by the desease parvo. you know how much i love you. you stole everyones hearts. i wanted to help you but we were told it was too late so we had to make that horribly tough decision and put you to sleep i didnt stand by you then, i couldnt do it buddy please forgive me. i love you we all love you and we'll always remember you. hopefully princess is with you even thogh she was mean to you you two loved eachother. i feel bad buddy i remember you and i cry you'll always be my baby boy. i love you buddy.

Mainelli's,

I'm so sorry to hear about Buddy. What a tragedy. God must have wanted your precious puppy to go hunting with at the Rainbow Bridge. He'll take good care of him.
(Bob wasnt sure about his name or breed...sorry if it's wrong) (do you have a picture??)

Buffy, you were the BEST AND SMARTEST DOG IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will always and forever be my best friend. You were loving and kind. You were 6 months older than me and we just grew up together. I LOVE YOU AND I ALWAYS WILL!!!! Even though people say that dogs don't go to heaven, you were more than a dog. you were a family member, friend, playmate, the list is never ending. I love you Buffy. my baby girl.