| Tessville Says Goodbye... Page 2 |
| desertdogscottie (154 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 06:41 PST 10597 of 10921 ((Linda)) I hope you, DH and Lacey are feeling a little better today...just a little. I never knew I could feel such loss over a dog that wasn't my own...in a way she belonged to all of us here in Tessville. That is why her passing has affected us all so deeply. I don't want to cry everytime I think of Tess...I remember the pictures and story you posted the first time you took her "back packing" and stuffed her in your back pack..remember? The picture was a hoot...Tess yelling when she realized she was captured in the back pack, and your caption of "help, help"..it was all so funny. Tess gave us all many smiles and laughs over the years (with her mum's help and writing style). Prayers being said that the grief you carry isn't too heavy and the pain in your hearts fills with wonderful memories of love with Tess. desertdogscottie (154 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 06:44 PST 10598 of 10921 ((Kathy))...Prayers being said for you too..I am so hoping the news is good, please let us know when you feel it is appropriate...we all love and care about you too girl!!! jennysfluffnstuff (2427 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 07:49 PST 10599 of 10921 Our hearts still ache from losing you, our beloved TESS We hope you know that you have touched our lives beyond what we can express in words, and you will never, ever be forgotten. We love you with all our hearts sunny_casa_del_sol (Private ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 08:30 PST 10600 of 10921 {{{{{{{{{{ Tess, Linda and Family }}}}}}}}}} My heart hurts for your loss. Sending you warm thoughts for strength and healing. (((((((((( Linda )))))))))) What a beautiful tribute for a beautiful soul. With sincere sympathy and from the bottom of my heart, I offer my condolences to you, your family and all the members of Tessville. My thoughts are with you all during this very difficult time. Linda, may the love of those around you help you through the days ahead, and may you find comfort in knowing that Tess touched the lives of so many others and gave all those she touched the gift of many happy memories. Her Journey's Just Begun Don't think of her as gone away- Her journey has just begun Life holds many facets The Earth is only one Just think of her as resting From the sorrows and the tears In a place of warmth and comfort Where there are no days and years Think how she must be wishing That we could know today How nothing but our sadness can really pass away And think of her as living In the hearts of those she touched For nothing loved is ever lost- And she was loved so much. ~ Ellen Brenneman The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand, The sun goes down but gentle warmth still lingers on the land, The music stops and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains ... For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains ((((((((( Love you, Linda ))))))))) jennysfluffnstuff (2427 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 08:43 PST 10601 of 10921 The memory of hugs, kisses, laughter and love. May Tess always be remembered with all that she was. Priceless! She made us laugh and I will always remember the great times Tess had with her mum. The walks on the beach, the pet park, the stroller rides. The sneaking off where she knew she wasn't suppose to. Taking time to smell the roses. I will remember within my heart forever. Linda & family, I hope that time eases the pain. Many hugs are sent your way from me, DH and especially from Jenny. jennysfluffnstuff (2427 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 09:05 PST 10602 of 10921 I feel wrong to be talking about me but I will tell you what happen. After having Chronic bronchitis my doctor sent me for an x-ray. They saw something and decided that a cat-scan was in order. The doctor called and ask us to come to his office. He told me and DH that I had lung cancer. Even told me what doctor and hospital he would send me to for surgery. Then he ordered the biopsy. A week later he called with the report results. NO CANCER. He didn't believe the report so he called the doctor who did the biopsy to see if he took it from the right spot. The next day the doctor called again and said there was no sign of cancer in the sample they took but is still not convinced. He wants me to have a PET scan in March. However it is over $5,000 to start. If the insurance company doesn't cover it, I can not do it. I don't have that kind of money!!!! I will have to take my changes. So that is where we stand right now. Your prayers really worked and I'm totally grateful from the bottom of my heart. I will take Tess' spunk and carry on!!!! I'm still trying hard to quit smoking but this roller coaster ride that the doctor had me on made me slip up a tad. But, I'm trying again and will keep trying until I get my goal accomplish. desertdogscottie (154 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 10:47 PST 10603 of 10921 Kathy..I cannot tell you how happy I am at that news!! Thank you for sharing it with us now..we can use a little good news & smiles.. DO NOT beat yourself up over continuing to smoke..when YOU are ready YOU will do it. Dale & I both quit smoking, Dale quit when he was in the hospital in August with his appendix...I quit when he came home from the hospital. Dale says in some ways it was easier than he thought and in some ways it was harder than he thought. The urge to have a cigarette does lessen in time. Even now..5 months out..something stressful will happen and we both start looking for the cigarettes... LOL. Thankfully the urge doesn't last more than a few seconds. I'm sure your whole family is over the moon by this news!! Hug that little Jenny for me...((Kathy)) ava1945 (200 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 10:54 PST 10604 of 10921 Kathy, thanks so much for giving us your news. I think we all need something POSITIVE to lift our spirits, and this is the best news ever. Of course, the best thing you can now do for yourself is quit smoking. We can give you all the encouragement you need, right here in Tessville. Linda, more love than you can imagine is flowing over the internet to strengthen and encourage you. Take your time, though, and cry out every last tear. We all look forward to your coming back online with us. There are listening ears and ready shoulders waiting for you. snickerdoodles83 (150 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 11:22 PST 10605 of 10921 Made by TCM dreamflyer (8680 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 11:47 PST 10607 of 10921 {{{{LInda, DH, Lacey}}}} I am so very truly sorry for your loss of {{{{Tess}}}. I do not get on here much anymore, but do still like to come around. I couldn't even post lastnight when I read about Tess. Still am reading through the tears. I know you know what a wonderful little angel you got to borrow for 4 yrs. Please know that she has touched more lives then you will ever know. Nothing can be said right now to ease the pain, but know she is always by your side. {{{{Tess}}}} for such a little dog you really made a difference in alot of people's lives. Play hard and be happy girl. Now everyone go give your furbabies kisses, hugs, belly rubs, etc. We only get to borrow them for alittle while. Appreciate them while you can. ((((Kathy}}} great news!! What a courageous lady you have been!! shastie2 (771 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 13:12 PST 10608 of 10921 This is Tess right after her 1st grooming. I always thought it showed her true, gentle soul within. When I would reach down to guide her, redirect her, steady her, etc. - she would immediately give a quick lick to my inner wrist in appreciation. That is what kind of soul Tess is. She wanted you to know how appreciative she was of everything. Thank you everyone so very much for your words of consolation. I thought yesterday evening I would be able to come on here and thank each person individually, but I am finding myself overwhelmed at the loving response. Please know that each and every one of you moved me with your words, poems and photos. To find that Tess managed to touch so many, that really is a tribute in itself to her. I could not have given Tess her 'voice' had I not known the sprite within. Let me tell you, she had plenty of sass - and she most definitely did not wish to go. I do plan on putting her tribute on a web page so I can share it with others. It would be wonderful if I could add your comments in a section. If anyone does not wish this, that is no problemo - just contact me via eBay. We are doing fairly well now, with each day the heaviness lifts and we are more able to smile at all the fine moments - of which there were so many. I found in putting her tribute together scores of photos which I never even touched. There will be lots and lots of 'new' Tess photos in the days and weeks and months to come. All great memories. Some have asked about Lacey. I actually give Lace a lot of responsibility around here - I consider her an extension of myself and therefor my eyes and ears when I just can't be everywhere. She alerts me to visitors, to any scurmishes among the cats, Shasta galloping about suddenly - and if any of them requires my attention, she will physically come and get me. In the last few days I told Lacey to watch over her sister. Here is a photo of her comforting Tess. They never laid together like that - this was unique. Lacey is now much more herself. We are all trying to find our new routine. The blessing is that Tess is now young again, without the physical restrictions of a body which just couldn't serve her any longer. We will keep this thread going - there will be lots of sharing of our pets and our lives, jokes and information, photos and amusing antidotes. The stuff of lives. And remember - there is always a teacup for you here at the Westie Thread. dreamflyer (8680 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 13:44 PST 10609 of 10921 Linda, you are truly a remarkable lady. As you were honored to have Tess, Tess was honored to have you. While many AB'ers have been here supporting you in your grief, you have been supporting us also. Always so positive in whatever you post. Those pictures of Lacey and Tess are priceless. Alot of people don't give animals much credit, but they do know what is going on. They just can't show it or speak it like we can. Also, I just love that picture of you and Tess. You can see the love you both had for each other. A complete set. Here I go crying again. For someone whether it be a person or an animal to touch someone so completely without even meeting speaks for itself. We on the animal board were blessed to have known Tess through you. brightbutterflies (114 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 14:06 PST 10610 of 10921 Linda, I am so very sorry. My most sincere sympathies. {{{{{{{{{{{Beautiful Tess}}}}}}}}}}}}} - newcomer at the Bridge. shastie2 (771 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 14:15 PST 10611 of 10921 A very special Thank You going out to Haybarn, for the amazing photo montage tribute. You dove right in and created something which really touched my heart. It was a labor born of love, I can tell. Know that your efforts moved me deeply and are so very appreciated. What wonderful memories you brought back to life! http://www.thehaybarn.info/InLovingMemoryofTess.html Please extend my heartfelt thank you also to your father - what an amazing person he is ~ which shouldn't surprise me, seeing how much I think of the daughter he raised. Kathy - The frame you placed on our picture sure brought a much needed smile to my face today. Thank you! I was so cheered to hear your news too! Keep us posted. You know we all care about you very much - likely far more than you will ever know. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The truth is, I had prayed for a dog who needed me just as much as I needed it. I remember praying "...and please make it a wire hair, so I can hold it without causing trouble breathing." Our Miniature Schnauzer Toto (a stray) had suddenly passed away, and I was unable to work through the grief. I remember once weeding the garden, recalling someone telling me not to grieve so, that my dog was now in heaven, paradise. And I got angry and said to myself, 'what's wrong with this paradise?! Why take him from me so (unexpected). Why could he not remain here with me a little while longer.' Dark thoughts, and I realized I desperately needed a positive focus. So the search for Tess began. When I spied her in the shelter, so worked up and pretty rough looking - I thought to myself 'Well, she could use a hand up!' The only doubt in my mind was would it be fair to Lacey, as clearly this imp would not be able to keep up with us on our hikes. And so, in time the backpack and stroller became part of our routine. Hey, where there is a will, there is a way! Tess had a unique ability to pull kindness out of even the most rugged and closed off of individuals. There isn't anyone who didn't stop and show kindness towards the little 'Helen Keller dog'. This little scruffy terrier, who landed for whatever reason in a shelter in her advanced years by a disposable society - managed to transform those whose lives she touched. I now understand that those who need added attention, be they people or animals - have an ability to reach something deep inside us. Open us up in a way perhaps some have not been touched before. There was a time when I lived my life protected by many walls, moats and drawbridges. It made me feel safe, not vulnerable, not at risk. The problem with living life like that is, you don't achieve any real highs. Everything is borderline, just status quo. Your life experience becomes gray, no highs, no lows - just - not much of anything worth while at all. Tess reached right in and down came all of my walls. She opened me up in a way I have never been before. Through her I was able to experience a new kind of love, more akin to a motherly love. Perhaps that is the only way I will experience it in this lifetime, I don't know - but it is significant to my soul's growth that I was afforded this opportunity. And with walls tumbling down, I became aware of aspects of myself I had completely forgotten about. Interests that weren't being fed. My life had been stagnating. I had forgotten much of what drives me at core level. Somewhere down the line, I don't know when or where - I had repressed many aspects which make Me. You see, she started me on a path of rapid, personal growth which has forever affected me for the better. Her testament in my eyes is how she managed to reach into people (and animals) and pull out the very best in them. What a rare thing that is to experience. This is why, to me personally, she was exceptional . She opened my heart up in a way it had never been before, and managed to positively affect others where ever she went. Just a scruffy little terrier, someone had abandoned...and who had so much love to generate and pass along to others. To Tess ~ may you be aware of just how much joy you created in our lives. indigo5353 (314 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 16:38 PST 10612 of 10921 peace for Tess, I hope she is with my Jack and waiting for us Where the spirits go now, Over the hills where the spirits fly, ooh, I really dont know. ~~~~~ Come away, O human child To the waters and the wild With a faery, hand in hand For the world’s more full of weeping Than you can understand. ******************************************************************************* snowfire_girl (371 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 16:40 PST 10613 of 10921 {{{Shastie}}} {{{lacie}}} {{{tess}}} My heart breaks for you right now. I'm so very sorry. But I am so thankful for you having given her the best years of her life. She loved you and you loved her. What an accomplishment! My prayers are with you right now. blcatmom (512 ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 16:43 PST 10614 of 10921 I cannot think of anything better than to have a web tribute to Tess with all the words of love and support we ABers have posted about her being there for anyone to read. I know she's healthy and hale, running around, having a great time. Trying to sneak out for her walkies. But she will be missed. The little mischevious things she would do. Picking Teddy up by the . . . well, you know where she'd pick Teddy up. I am glad that we have this thread to look at pictures and read stories not only of our Tess but Treasure, Jenny, Ralf, Lacey, etc. And yes, our animals understand more than people like to give them credit. I'm glad Lacey was able to help you watch over Tess at the end. I know Tess knew how much Mom and Dad loved her, but she also had to know how much her sister loved her, too. Goodbye darling Tess. Your body is no longer with us but your spirit is still with us and you will not be forgotten. Someday I will get the chance to meet you and be able to tell you how much joy you gave to a lot of people. r_we_havin_fun-yet (Private ) View Listings | Report Jan-26-08 17:57 PST 10615 of 10921 {{{{{Shastie}}}}} I am so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy. {{{{Tess}}}}} God Speed To The Bridge, Sweet Girl. You are loved and will never be forgotten. jan10500 (161 ) View Listings | Report Jan-27-08 05:21 PST 10616 of 10921 Linda, I'm sorry for your loss. Post # 10612 really touched my heart. God gave Tess to you. God gave you to Tess. My Lucky is getting older and showing signs of her age. I pray we can deal with it as gracefully as you and Tess did. you two are a real inspiration. Sue, your tribute to Tess is perfect. You put in a lot of love and work. desertdogscottie (154 ) View Listings | Report Jan-27-08 07:38 PST 10618 of 10921 LEND ME A PUP I will lend to you for awhile a puppy, God said, For you to love him while he lives and to mourn for him when he is gone. Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe for two or three. But will you, till I call him back take care of him for me ? He'll bring his charms to gladden you and (should his stay be brief) you'll always have his memories as solace for your grief . I cannot promise that he will stay, since all from earth return, But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn. I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true And from the folk that crowd life's land I have chosen you. Now will you give him all your love Nor think the labour vain Nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again. I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord Thy WIll Be Done," For all the joys this pup will bring, the risk of grief you'll run. Will you shelter him with tenderness Will you love him while you may And for the happiness you'll know forever grateful stay. But should I call him back much sooner than you've planned Please brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand. If, by your love, you've managed my wishes to achieve, In memory of him that you've loved, cherish every moment with your faithful bundle, and know he loved you too. Author Unknown n.d.junkhunters (2283 ) View Listings | Report Jan-27-08 07:56 PST 10619 of 10921 I ONLY WANTED YOU They say memories are golden well maybe that is true I never wanted memories, I only wanted you. A million times I needed you, a million times I cried. If love alone could have saved you you never would have died. In life I loved you dearly, In death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place no one could ever fill. If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane, I'd walk the path to heaven and bring you back again. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. --- Anonymous --- jennysfluffnstuff (2427 ) View Listings | Report Jan-27-08 08:36 PST 10620 of 10921 desert, that poem was so perfect. Linda, I hope everyone are doing ok. After reading desert's poem, it shows why God picked you to watch Tess!!!!!!!! How is your mom doing? jan10500 (161 ) View Listings | Report Jan-27-08 10:57 PST 10621 of 10921 Desert and Nancy, very touching poems. Thank you for sharing. jennysfluffnstuff (2427 ) View Listings | Report Jan-27-08 17:50 PST 10622 of 10921 Did not want to see on second page----- Goodnight to all of Tessville, shastie2 (771 ) View Listings | Report Jan-27-08 20:14 PST 10623 of 10921 Hello Everyone ~ Thank you for all the wonderful heartfelt sentiments, gifs and poems. I am truly moved by it all. I was thinking earlier today about my friends and family who did get to meet Tess in person. They are not feeling it as keenly, as they rarely got to see her - maybe a few times a year. Here, in this on-line community many of you have followed Tess's ups and downs, her funny moments and challenges, her sass and sweetness - you really are much closer to her. You got to know the real Tess, unlike them. Today I decided to try my hand at creating a web page for Tess. I went to reach for my glasses (feeling like a granny these days - different glasses for different things!) and had to take them off again because nothing looked quite right. No small wonder, they were stained from my tears! Good grief, that did make me smile though. I sit here and read how she managed to touch you in some way, and the tears flow - but they are good tears. I had a few set backs with the web page as Internet Explorer kept throwing me a 404 Error code and I lost a lot of my work a few times. Frustrating! But I think I am getting the hang of it, and hopefully it will be done before my surgery on Wed. (no pressure there - ha) Tess towards the end did need to go to the vets. I tried to let her pass at home, support her the very best I could - but she was determined to stay here, beyond what is humane to allow. I looked up on the internet what happens when they pass naturally, and that helped me make the final decision. What she was going through was not the normal shutting down process. I recognized she had developed aspiration pneumonia. I could not let her go that way, it would not have been humane.She was not stressed, we were the last clients of the day and the staff there were exceptionally caring to us - having known her tale quite well. The receptionist was saddened because they had received my Christmas card which sounded so promising. They hated to see her go, but we all could tell it was clear her time had come. As I drove home with her in the back seat in her bed, the snow was coming down quite heavily, swirling and sparkling under the headlights. How Tess always loved the snow! We were nearly home when the song 'Wicked Game' by Chris Isaak came on the radio. I just turned it up and kept driving - passing our home and continuing on through the S turn of the forest preserve near by. Such a classic song of heartache, it eased the pain in my chest as I listened to the words and saw so many images of her over the past 3 years. It was a beautiful send off, more lovely than I could have planned. She now rests beneath the lilac bush in the English rose garden she so loved to wander. Come summer I will order three rose bushes of her namesake Tess of the d'Urbervilles and plant them close to her area of quiet repose. wildgerman (338 ) View Listings | Report Jan-27-08 20:43 PST 10624 of 10921 Rest in peace, sweet {{{{{Tess}}}}}. wildgerman (338 ) View Listings | Report Jan-27-08 20:54 PST 10625 of 10921 {{{{{Shastie}}}}}, the place you have laid Tess sounds lovely, and we have seen the pictures here of your beautiful gardens where she liked to trudge. Here is another poem that's been on the AB before. Where to Bury A Dog?… Beneath a cherry tree, where, in its proper season The cherry strews petals on the green lawn of his grave, Or beneath any flowering shrub. Beneath such a tree or shrub he slept, or lifted his head to challenge some intruder. These are good places, in life or in death. Yet it is a small matter, For if the dog be well-remembered, If sometimes he leaps through your dreams, actual as in life, Eyes kindling, laughing, begging, It matters not at all where that dog sleeps. On a hill where the wind blows, the trees roaring, Or beside a stream he knew in puppy hood, Or in the flatness of a pasture lane where cattle grazed, Is all one to the dog, And all one to you. Nothing is gained and nothing is lost if memory lives. But… there is a place to bury a dog. If you bury him in this spot he will come to you when you call; Come to you over the grim, dim frontiers of death, And down the well-remembered path to your side again. Another dog will not resent his coming, for he belongs there. People may scoff at you who see no slightest blade of grass bent by his footfall, Who hear no whimper; People who never really loved a dog. Smile at them, for you shall know something that is hidden from them, Something well worth the knowing… The one best place to bury a dog is in the heart of his master. Anonymous siwlina (29 ) View Listings | Report Jan-27-08 22:19 PST 10626 of 10921 Dear Linda 1 I am so sorry for your loss of little Tess you have my deepest sympahty. It is so hard to loose a dog they have give you so much. My heart was bleeding when I saw the photos of Lacey watching over little Tess. I know she haves fun at the rainbow bridge playing with all the dog there. Give Lacey a big big hug from her friends over the ocean, Blues and Mitch gives their sympathy too. Siw jennysfluffnstuff (2427 ) View Listings | Report Jan-28-08 07:33 PST 10627 of 10921 Linda, Thank you so much for sharing Tess' last moments with us. Lacey is a wonderful sister to sit by Tess' side in a time of peaceful need. We all know where she got that from. You are a remarkable person and God will reward you for all that you have done. I can't wait for the website!!!!!!!!!. Good luck with the wrist. Mine is still stiff and found out the hard way that I can not lift Jenny up on the bed. It is not easy lifted her one handed. jennysfluffnstuff (2427 ) View Listings | Report Jan-28-08 07:37 PST 10628 of 10921 Lastest update on Nadine: thehaybarn (345 ) View Listings | Report Jan-28-08 07:38 PST 10629 of 10921 Good Monday Morning Tessville, After a long and complicated weekend, tinged with a sadness for a little one who I never had the chance to meet in person, but had the pleasure to know in cyberspace, another Monday comes, with promises of a warmer (44 degrees!) and sunnier day. Not such a bad way to start over, when the days get bumpy here, as some of you know they do, I look at these kinds of days as a chance for a "do over", and get another shot at a happier day. Linda, Kathy, Nancy, Jan, thank you, my little page could never show the spirit of one such as Tess, the best way to know her is to read the thread, enjoying the wonderful way Linda chronicled Tess's Great Adventure. Mine was just a collection of photos, but the depth of her character comes from the way Linda told her life's story. It was a very special life, told by a very special lady. I will be watching for the web site, which I am certain you will do a superb job on Linda. You have a gift for taking a simple photo and making come alive with the captions and descriptions, my two favorites are the body slam of Teddy and the Skinny dipping pics. I only collected the photos and put them to a simple song. You make them come alive Linda... that, for me, is the reason I feel I knew Tess personally, by the words you wrote. They, like you, are beautiful. I was so very, very happy to read the results of your test Kathy. It was a dejavu (sp?) moment for us, a very similar thing happened with my father in the fall of 05. I will keep you in my hopes and wishes in the days ahead. My Pop wanted me to tell you that he thought perhaps this was your body's way of saying that quitting smoking now, while you are young, will give you many, many days ahead for all the wonderful things in your life, weddings, houses and that little girl we love so much, Nadine. He quit, and asked to tell you that when you are ready, you will know, and it will not be hard. You will just do it. Very much like what Susie said, it was very similar for my Dad. He smoked a good 40 years or more, then one day, just stopped. You will know, and you will succeed. We are very, very happy for your news. As I have stopped to read over the weekend, I was happy to see so many familiar folks stop in, it made my heart lighter. The Tessville regulars were all here to support Linda, plus posters that I recall from when I gathered the pictures last year, Irish, Bright, snowfiregirl and many other came to say goodbye to a very special little lady. And friends I've made over the past few years, Nancy, Jan, Siw, my Swedish sis, and my old pal Robby, who pops up from time to time (it's good to see you Guv, hugs to you and the Mrs. from Dad and I ), all came to say goodbye. It made my heart lighter, that one little gal touched so many hearts. The poems, many I've never read, were wonderful, sad though they were, put so well into words the things that are often hard to say when you can't find the right words to express how sad you are and how much you wish you could lighten the ache you know Linda and her husband must feel. Linda, your post about how Tess's presence in your world changed the person you had become, living inside of walls, spoke to me in ways I can't explain. I cried when I read it, it was like reading a part of my life, different circumstances, reasons, and ultimately, different outcomes, but the catalyst and path, very much the same. It was inspiring to read, and gave me a sparkle of hope, something that eludes me most days, that there may yet be brighter days ahead for this old girl. You have a way of making even the saddest of times have a glimmer of hope and sense of purpose within it. I think of you all often, I am never far away, and will be back, I promise. Keeping you all in my heart. I love Tessville, it is truly the nicest place... I will never forget Tess. She was one of a kind. See ya soon. Sue Oh, I almost forgot, part of the complicated weekend... look who was sitting on our front porch Saturday morning. Gracie went absolutely spastic, another intruder on "her" porch. Tho I've never been around shephards, this fella is incredible. Perfectly trained, responds to hand signals to a Tee, gentle, kind, immaculate, follows me all over, he is most definately a house dog, loves the barn critters but does not like Sally cat, sigh, and lost. We have been trying to find his family all weekend, not a single call. My Dad keeps asking me what we are going to do if no one calls. I have no clue. Nancy, bless her heart, asked me if I ever thought that perhaps God sent him to us for a reason. I've been thinking of that all weekend. Part of the complication, I really do not want another animal right now, my life is a trainwreck. When I am sad, I sit in the barn with my animals, and Saturday night, sad again, I sat in the barn watching them eat dinner, he sat with me the whole time. I looked into his dark brown eyes and all I could see was Gage. He is Gage all over again, same mannerisms, playfulness (tho much better trained, lol), and it was almost like someone sent Gage back to me again. Doesn't look anything like Gage, but both Dad and I are awed at the similar personalities. Now what do I do? With all the care and expense someone put into this fella, they surely must be looking for him. I am still hoping to find his family. Luckily he has a very distinct collar, if anyone calls and cannot describe the collar, they are not getting the dog. If I cannot find his owners, well.... here we go again. Saving the world, one critter at a time, lol. This is "Trip", cause that's the first thing he did to me... There you go, another 40 foot post, lol. Some things never change. barmala (117 ) View Listings | Report Jan-28-08 07:43 PST 10630 of 10921 {{{{{shastie}}}}}}{{{{{{{tess}}}}}}} I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember when you first brought her home. And although you only had a few years with her, you gave her so much love and happiness. And she returned it to you, too. She's now out of pain, and will be waiting with her tail wagging, when you see her again. jennysfluffnstuff (2427 ) View Listings | Report Jan-28-08 09:30 PST 10631 of 10921 Haybarn, you said it all perfectly. Don't ever worry about how long your post are. I really enjoy reading them. I have been smoking over 40 years. I feel stronger now about quitting than all the times I have tried in the past. I'm still having problems now but my real goal is to NOT be smoking by the time we ever get a new home. Please tell your dad thank you for his support. I swear men seem to do it easier somehow. Trip sure is a beautiful dog. It is strange that you don't know where he came from and why he decided to wait at your front door. Please keep us posted. I truly hope the weekend of troubles is behind you and that today will be a beginning of brighter days to come. Jenny is my outlet because I don't have family or friends to talk to. So, Jenny gets a earful on most days. But like most dogs, she listens, she kisses, then cuddles up next to ya as to say "It's ok mom" ava1945 (200 ) View Listings | Report Jan-28-08 12:37 PST 10632 of 10921 Sue, I'm so glad you were back on posting today. You say everything that I have locked up in my heart, and you do it so well! I was thinking this morning about that old adage, "you see all your old friends and relatives at weddings and funerals." Well, it's been so nice to see old friends come out to honor Tess and support Linda. I know people are busy and have so much other "stuff" to attend to, but it sure is good to recognize familiar names. Like Siw, irish4gem and terrapene, ndjunkhunters and wgknapp, sunny and snickerdoodles. Little Tess would be amazed at all the friends she had but never met. Linda, I can almost look through Tess's tribute without crying now. But your account of her passing just pushed me over again. It is so hard to do the right thing, and you loved Tess all the way to the end. You were doing that for all of us too. How wonderful to have her buried in the beautiful garden where some of the loveliest pictures were taken. (The picture on post 10612 should be on a plate.) Does Lacey know she's there? I know she must miss her too. Well, Kathy, I'm so glad you posted those precious Nadine pictures! If ever there was an antidote to our sadness, it's that bubbly smile of hers. And you have a wedding to get ready for too! Now wouldn't that be a goal for your "stop smoking express?" Sue, I think God saw that you needed a dog with Gage's wisdom and personality right now. He certainly is a handsome fella - and what's one more animal on a farm? What was it Linda said about Tess - Tess reached right in and down came all of my walls. She opened me up in a way I have never been before. Through her I was able to experience a new kind of love, more akin to a motherly love. Perhaps that is the only way I will experience it in this lifetime, I don't know - but it is significant to my soul's growth that I was afforded this opportunity. Sometimes it's the purest love of an animal that delivers just what we need, just when we need it. I need to close. My DD and SIL are taking the baby for a visit to Romania in May to see the "other" grandparents. The mother has admired the quilts I made for Adrian, so I'm going to make one for her, similar to the one I made for my DS. The sewing machine has had time to rest, so now we're back at work again! I'll be sure to post pics as I progress. Thanks again, Desert, for giving me the courage to start this insanity!! I think I want to redo my bathroom too! ACH! shastie2 (771 ) View Listings | Report Jan-28-08 13:26 PST 10633 of 10921 "A little fun in your day Will go a long way." Hello Everyone! I can't top what everyone has just said - nor put it any better. Seeing so many familiar faces taking time out of their hectic schedules to share their feelings, is really so very special to me. I thank you, one and all - you are making this transition so much more bearable. This must be a short post - as DH is taking me out for dinner and a show! Harmless Escapism! I'm going for it! Know that my heart is moved by what you are sharing, as you seem to understand more clearly what those around me do not. Never underestimate how much your words can help another to heal. |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Wicked Game by Chris Isaak |