Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Happiness is...

Lucy:  Happiness is my toy bunny next to me and a ball in my mouth with a tummy rub on the way.
Susan:  Happiness is a really warm puppy.  (Oh Lucy, your tummy is so warm and soft on this chilly day--tickle, tickle.)

Lucy assuming position for a tummy rub

Thursday, February 16, 2012

RIP, Bear

Our friend, Bear, went to doggy heaven this week.  She was 13 years old and developed bone cancer. 

I have great memories of Bear.  She would come to visit Lucy and play.  They would just go at it.  Then she would come up and give me a "bear" hug asking to be petted.

I remember another time babysitting her and trying to get her to my house.  We started out for a walk and prior to our driveway, she realized she was going the opposite direction from her home and plopped down in the middle of the road.  I laid down too and sweet talked her into getting up to visit Lucy.  Again, the ladies played together.

Lucy and I paid Bear a visit to say our farewells.  It was heartbreaking...  She will be missed...

Our friend, Bear.  Rest in Peace.

For Bear's family, I give you:

A Dog's Prayer by Beth Norman Harris

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.


"All Dogs Go To Heaven" handmade tshirt, © Susan Calvert, all rights reserved

I started creating handmade, one-of-a-kind tee shirts like the one shown upon going through my own pet loss.  I truly believe our animal companions go to heaven.  See more of my t-shirts on my website or inquire at Susan@SusanCalvert.com for more info.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

How Do I Love Thee

It's Valentine's Day.  For our Lucy with her many pet names such as Lucy Dog, Lovie Dog, Lover Dog, Lil Girl, Sweet Pea, Sweetie, Sweetie Pie and Sugar Plum, it means a new toy.  "Arf", she says with delight!

We gave her a little pink pig with a squeaker in it.  Squeak, squeak, squeak--all day and throughout the evening.  We are certainly glad she is enjoying it.  It's a little thing that means a bunch to her.  Keeping her mind stimulated, keeps her out of trouble.

Lucy and her new stuffed toy
This picture of Lucy with her tongue out reminds me of a television commercial from my childhood...

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Charms Blow Pop?

What does that have to do with Lucy, you ask?  For her, the commercial would be...

"How many chews does it take to get the squeaker out of my new toy?"

Lucy unstuffing her toy to get the squeaker
How do I love thee? Let me count thy chews....