Seeing Frankie snug in her bed as I type this post makes me so grateful for all that I have... and reading this story from Guideposts had me wanting to order a truck load of tissues!! These stories always shoot right to my heart... all good feelings though reaffirming for me what life is really all about. So grab yourself a few tissues (ok maybe a whole box) and check out this wonderful story.
A memorial service was held at San Diego Hospice where Baxter, the World's Oldest Therapy Dog worked his magic, up until the last day of his life on October 16th at the age of 19 1/2. I still get choked up reading updates about this beautiful dog. Video footage of the memorial is coming, so stay tuned. But Melissa shared this poem on her website that she wrote for Baxter and read at his memorial tribute. My heart continues to be with Melissa and her husband, Dennis as they move forward with Baxter firmly in their hearts and now as their spiritual guide.
A Dog’s Way
A dog’s love is so uncomplicated.
It‘s a relationship that consoles rather than upholds agendas…
It’s a relationship that gives and never takes.
It’s a relationship that fulfills rather than empties.
It’s a relationship that is loyal, never giving way to abandonment.
It’s a relationship full of many hellos and only one good-bye…. when they die.
Their love is magical, spiritual, pure and constant. When all else seems unreal, overwhelming, and perplexing, a dog’s love puts it in perspective.
Their fires for you never wane; they always burn and burn for you.
They get excited when you come home and sad when you leave.
They always want you. There is no debate about anything.
Their conversation is read through their eyes. They never tire of your voice. They are attentive, willing and relentlessly there for you.
They really only leave you one time…And, when that time comes, the love affair does come to an end. But, you know that you have been graced with an angel on earth.
They don’t judge you; they don’t ignore you; they don’t abhor you; they don’t hurt you.
They are true until they take their last breath.
There is no love like theirs.
To have a relationship with a dog is to have a taste of bliss.
And, to have a relationship with Baxter is to experience perfection on earth.
I love you Baxter!
Don't you just love to win free stuff??!!? I am an avid follower of Who's Your Dachshund and they often have give-aways and contests... and that is how I won this T-shirt for Frankie from Psychedelic Fur. So not only does Frankie roll, she now ROCKS!
Here is some more about this great company, so be and sure to visit their website and get your dog a shirt to rock and roll in!
PSYCHEDELIC FUR was launched in New York in 2005 by music industry executive and passionate dog lover, Lori Lambert, when she adopted her Havanese puppy, Louie. Unsatisfied with the merchandise she saw in the shops, Lori decided to create her own. Her true love for music, rock ‘n’ roll and (of course) dogs morphed into Psychedelic Fur!
In June 2008, Los Angeles-based Teri Hertz partnered with Lori to launch their "official" line of paw-litical tees and bandanas. PetsVote.com products drew national and international media raves featuring specially designed campaign items for Bark Obama and McCanine.
PSYCHEDELIC FUR has been featured on The CBS Morning Show, The Style Network, New York’s WPIX-TV CW 11 News, Us Magazine, People Magazine, The Martha Stewart Show, the Associated Press, Home Shopping Network, New York Magazine’s Intelligencer, and Perez Hilton.com.
Partial proceeds from all PSYCHEDELIC FUR sales are donated to a rotating list of local and national animal shelters.
I don't know who wrote this, but would like to thank my friend Cindy for sending this to me. It is so, so true!
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
It you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
...Then You Are Probably The Family Dog!
If you missed yesterday's wonderful radio show with Catherine Bradford, here is the replay link.
What a FANTASTIC show! I loved Catherine's interview style and she really has a warm, wonderful heart. Thank you, Catherine!
Catherine Bradford, host of six amazing radio shows
Time to once again share the many blessings of animals with disabilities! This time, Radio Host Extraordinare, host of six radio shows, Catherine Bradford, will be talking with me about Frankie's story. The showwill be this Thursday, October 29th at 4:00pm CST. Hope you can join us!!
Just this past week Catherine interviewed Alayne Marker of Rolling Dog Ranch about the distinguished Henry Bergh Award they received. To follow on the heels of Rolling Dog Ranch and their mission to help disabled animals, is such an honor for me. Do listen to the recording of the show with Alayne. You will feel her heart as she talks about her life on the ranch.
I was just blown away by a post I found on the blog Hospice 4 Animal's and one vets life changing experience she is having regarding hospice and death. It struck such a chord with me that I had to share. Being involved with hospice work with Frankie has opened my eyes and my heart to view death as not something dreadful or scary, but a time of transition. And for me, personally, I don't believe animals fear death... and wow, as you know me by now, I believe they teach us about living. So without further ado, I share a portion of the blog post that blew me away and at the end invite you to read more at their blog, as well as invite you to share your thoughts.
"I have learned in our culture , especially in the USA, we AFRAID of death. Sharen Myers quoted Margaret Mead who said "When someone is born, we rejoice. When someone marries, we celebrate. When someone dies, we pretend nothing happened." Death IS the equal and opposite process of birth. If we want to live well, we need to die well and vice versa. We may try to ignore this for ourselves, but we are faced with death full force with our pets. We love them so much and they love us so purely. We are responsible for them, feed them and take care of them, but in reality they take care of us. I know there is an amazing spiritual, pure love connection with our animals. I know I am being loved when I look into a kitty like Zoomi's eyes. There is a message there, and now I am not afraid to admit that, and thrive in that knowledge. The Hospice Symposium has validated the path and the truth that I feel in my gut. I have found the courage to change my life from that knowledge. Something about dealing with the moment of death teaches us how to well live our lives. There is the very kernal of sacredness here, and the lesson is to experience it. "
Read more... and please do share your thoughts.