Pets as therapists

[John1]

Building on Zaphoon's Schnoodle thread, there seem to be a lot of PALS and CALS here who find pets an important part of their lives. I suggest we begin a thread on the subject of "Pets as therapists" and describe our pets and how they enrich our lives with ALS. Maybe a photo gallery of our "therapists" would help here. I'll kick it off with a description of my dog, why I got him and post some photos of him. I invite others to do the same.

When my last dog died of cancer 6 years ago, I felt I had lost my best friend. Facing my life with ALS and no dog I had either to consider anti-depressants or get another one although I thought Angus would be impossible to replace, and of course he was; all animals are unique. After nearly two years without him though and realizing I could still manage a dog, I began my search. Angus was a mutt but likely a terrier-poodle mix of some sort so I began looking for Schnoodles. My daughter came across a new breed, or at least a breed under development, called the Ganaraskan, named after a river in Ontario, not far from where Glen lives, where the breed was developed over the past 25+ years. The aim was to build a therapy dog that was intelligent, very friendly, enthusiastic but calm and hypoallergenic. The foundation breeds were the Miniature Schnauzer, Poodle, Bichon Frise and Cocker Spaniel. For the past 10-15 years the dogs have been breeding true although there is a great range of colours.

I acquired mine 4 1/2 years ago when he was 3 months old and named him Chewbacca because when walking on his hind legs, which he does a lot, he reminded me of the Wookie in miniature. He also looks a lot like Chico. He has become my constant companion and has visited Labrador, Arizona, California, New England and Mexico and many places in between. He is a perfect traveller. His size, 15 lbs, makes him large enough to be fully dog-like but small enough to be really interactive. He rarely barks and doesn't shed so he is welcome in many motels. He comes to my office in the afternoons and has a more friends come by to visit him than I do. Because he is a therapy dog, my employer has waived the no animal policy.

Most days I take him for a two mile run using my large scooter. He loves it and so do I. It gets me out almost every day unless the snow has not been adequately plowed or it's raining cats and Schnoodles. I watch the seasons change and since I live in a rural area, there are lots of birds, plants and animals to see and I've got to know more of my neighbours by far than I would have without him. On weekends, with more time, I take him down to a place called Middle Cove which is about 3 miles round-trip from my home to meet other dogs and people and where we often see whales, icebergs and sea birds according to the season.

Here are a few snaps to introduce him.

[BarryG]

Wow John, now that is a Wookie! I take back what I said about Ernie, Chewbacca is Chewbacca. Thanks for sharing your story and pictures.

[John1]

Barry I'm reminded now of a funny thing that happened to me a couple of years ago. My daughter and I went to university's "gardens" here which in addition to the formal plantings have about a 100 acres of natural woodland with small lakes, streams and trails. Dogs are not permitted so we left Chewie in the van. We were out for about an hour or so when I realized I had come with a low battery on my large scooter. My daughter pushed on the level and downhill sections to ease the drain and we made it back nearly to the park headquarters before the battery died. She walked out and talked to an employee who opened the gate and allowed her to drive my wheelchair rampvan down the trail to my scooter. He walked on ahead. When she reached me and deployed the automatic sliding door and then the self unfurling ramp, the young fellow, who had clearly never seen one before, exclaimed "Wow, looks like the Millenium Falcon". I said "It is and Chewbacca's on board" as Chewie trotted down the ramp to greet me.

John

[thelma313]

John, I've mentioned this before but I love Chewie. His personality just jumps out of those photos. You can see how dedicated he is to you as well. He just seems like such an earnest little guy. He melts my heart. I am so happy you found him!

I am a strong advocate of pets as therapists, not just for PALS but for CALS as well. My dad is definitely not a pet person although he did have a horse that he loved when he was a little boy in Southern Italy. He does however enjoy Chico's company when we visit because Chico always makes him laugh.

I know when I am sad, Chico comes to my side and comforts me. That's the kind of dog he is. Also a person can only get so depressed when they live with a little creature who is so damn cheerful and enthusiastic about life. When I am feeling down it's hard to motivate myself to get outside and take a walk but as a dog owner you have to do just that and it always helps.

[Tfisher]

Thanks for the story and pics. What a great dog. We have two dogs and many times three or four and my mom loves having them around even though it can get a little nuts at times. Also have a new puppy of my sisters to add to the mix. I'll post some pics of our crew soon.

[MtPockets]

Great thread. Loved your pictures.
I have three dogs, well 2 are mine and one is one of my grandsons who is living with me while he goes to college.
The one in my lap is called Smokey, and the little Chiapom is Sparky. They both bring a lot of comfort and entertainment into my life. The last one is called Bizzy, she is my grandson's dog.
I was having a particular painful day and took a pain pill and fell asleep in my chair years ago. When I awoke Smokey was lying in my lap just staring at my face. She had gotten all her stuffed animals and laid them on my lap to comfort me. It did. She is so sweet.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/ShakeyMarble/ALsmokey.jpghttp://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/ShakeyMarble/Smokey.jpghttp://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/ShakeyMarble/sparky.jpghttp://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/ShakeyMarble/Bizzy.jpg

[dldred]

Sorry to say this but I am a cat person, don't get me wrong I would love to have a dog but we are not home enough to care for a dog. Cat's are much easier to leave alone. As you can tell from her picture Lexi pretty much has the run of the house. She is about 12 years old but still plays like a kitten and loves to watch the birds.

Dana

[John1]

Thelma,

Thanks for the kind words about Chewie. As I am typing this, he is standing on his hind legs tapping me with his paw. You are so right about them being able
to bring you out of yourself when feeling down. Dogs really live in the moment and Chewie is always reminding me to do the same.

When are you going to post some more pictures of that cute little Chico?

Al, Smokey does look sweet and is a great size too. I don't see the pix of Chiapom and Bizzy though.

[thelma313]

Dana, it's okay Chico is also a cat "person." He loves his best friend Charlotte the cat. See enclosed photo... Charlotte is obsessed with cardboard boxes and you can see that although this box is totally tattered and worn, she loves lying in it.

And John since you asked here are some photos of the little guy. My favourite is the one where he is sitting on the couch like a little person, lounging on the pillow. John, you are so right about dogs reminding us humans to live in the moment.

Al, your dogs are irresitible! I love that story you told of Smokey collecting all her toys and laying them on your lap. I think the greatest thing about pets is their love is so unconditional.

[lisaann1170]

This thread inspired me to sneak my dog into my parents' apartment last night. :) (It's a retirement community with a "no pets" policy, however, my parents have a patio door which is well suited for sneaking in a 5-pound Shih Tzu!) Sadly, my parents had a Shih Tzu which passed away before Dad's diagnosis this year.

Anyway, the visit was a successful venture, so I'm sure we'll be doing it again. Dad was eager to have my little guy on his lap. He's had a few bad days lately, so it was good to see him smile.

Incidentally, my dog is terminal with liver failure, so he can use the "human therapy." He's very mild-mannered and is happy to sit and be loved.

Lisa

[John1]

Thanks for more photos Thelma. Chico is awfully cute. He has the same white goatee that Chewie has. Is that a schnauzer-poodle thing I wonder.

Lisa I'm sorry to hear about your Shih Tzu's illness. I was miserable while my former dog was sick.

You're bad but I'm glad you took your dog to your parents' no-pets home. I'll bet your dad loved it. I'm bad too. I travel a fair bit with Chewie and some motels are not pet-friendly. Since he is
hypoallergenic, doesn't shed or bark and is house-broken, I see no harm taking him anyway. I carry a "doggy bag" for such occasions. It is carry-all bag with a single compartment, a zip top and
two handles. It's about 2' long and 10" high. I open the bag in the van, tell Chewie to hop in which he is happy to do, zip the top closed, put the bag on the floor of my scooter and check in.
I can hardly keep from laughing during this process with Chewie sitting quietly in the bag while I talk to the check-in clerk.

[thelma313]

John, flattery gets you everywhere when it comes to Chico. I think the white goatee is from the Schnauzer side. I wish he and Chewie could meet. I know they'd get along. I can't believe you can get Chewie into a dog bag though! I tried to put Chico in one and he can't fit unless he lies down but he wanted nothing to do with it. He locked his knees in protest. He can be pretty strong-willed.

I still remember that photo you first posted of you on your scooter with Chewie along for the ride. It's such an adorable image... really shows "man's best friend" in action.

Hope all is well in the Maritimes! Regards from "La Belle Province."

[Al]

Is anyone having problems seeing Capt. Al's pictures? I was told only a long link shows up but they are ok on my computer.
Thanks

AL.

[tmasters]

Al, I can em just fine. Go to bed, gotta be late there...
-tom

[MtPockets]

I have 4 picture in a row I can put in a slide show code if they do not all show up/
Thanks all,

[hopingforcure]

Oh you guys have just stole my heart with those stories and pictures. I love love love animals. I think they are the great equalizer. John1 I have a service dog vest for my little dog, she is my calming factor, I am pretty sure you could do the same for your guy. I love the fact that you sneak her in, I think non-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs who are theraputic for owner are essential. I have a morkie named Sophie, and we just got a munchkin kitten a couple of monthe ago, his name is Andy, such a neat bread, short little legs, acts like a doggie. I think so many of us are in love with our pets, they really do get us past the bad days. I can say my doggie has got me over some stressful days and nights. Love this thread, bless on the animal companions and therapists.

[MtPockets]

Hope these work better.

[rose]

What a great idea for a thread! I'm responding on this one, but after seeing reference to PZ's schnoodle thread, I need to pop over and read it too.

I think this forum has a great looking collection of fur babies, that's for sure! I can see why pets would be so much of a comfort for CALS as well as their PALS. However, puppies are really really REALLY a lot of work. For PALS, an adult dog would be an easier option. No regrets, Ernie is just energy intensive right now.

We had a golden retriever that I loved only marginally less than my kids. It took me literally years to be able to walk down the dog food aisle in the supermarket after losing him... Then, about 3 years ago, I inherited a huge tabby cat from my daughter, who promptly stole my heart.

.... But, I wanted another dog, and that is how Ernie, my schnoodle entered the scene.

John and Thelma, I would absolutely love it if Ernie's face would color up with more color than it has now. Both of your little guys have eyebrows! Many times when we take Ernie's picture, he just ends up looking like a black blob. He started out with just a smidge of white on his chin, but now he has a good bit of brown on his muzzle in the beard, so I'm hopeful. (I've threatened him with Miss Clairol for brown eyebrows!)


We're just back from our camping trip, and I'm exhausted. Will eventually get some new photos up. I killed my camera ~which was just back from the shop! Had it in a ziplock baggie while on the beach, but, the devil is in the details.... have to have the bag actually zipped up for water to stay out!

[thelma313]

Rose, Chico was blacker than Ernie as a puppy. He was so hard to photograph. The pictures of me meeting him for the first time only show me holding a tiny black blob. The only place I could get good pictures was outdoors and this was over 12 years ago so no digital camera! I had to shoot and hope for the best. As Chico aged he got lighter and lighter. He has quite a few white hairs but mostly he turned a reddish brown. It's pretty crazy.

As for the eyebrows, get a good groomer and your Ernie will have those same sassy brows. Ask the groomer for the Schnauzer cut but be sure to specify that you want a short "skirt." I know that sounds girly but the "skirt" is the fur on the legs and belly. In the classic Schnauzer cut they leave that very long and I think it looks silly on Chico so I always ask for a 1-inch skirt.

I know how intense those puppy years are! Chico was bouncing off the walls for years. If someone in your household is an active cyclist, tell them to take Ernie along for a run while they cycle. Obviously go slow at first but he will fall into step quite quickly and easily. This is a great energy drainer! And the Schnoodles love it!

[mare]

Thelma-
I hate to tell you, but as I age I get "lighter & lighter"; nothing that my hairdresser can't handle!
And the eyebrows- same thing, I have a "good groomer"!

You're young- you'll learn!

[thelma313]

Oh Mare, you are hilarious!
:):)

[MtPockets]

It's all in the picture, click and imagine.
OK guys we are gonna hijack a thread and tell our own story about these big people who think they own us. Boy have we go them fooled. Watch out I think one of them is watching. Cya on the down-low.

[JohnKelly]

You all need to meet Micky. We got him as a puppy a year ago as a gift for our daughter. He is a Malagasy Coton de Tulear, a rare breed that has only been in North America for about 30 years. I researched it carefully because my wife is allergic to dogs and with me in a wheelchair with very little use of my arms we needed a very calm dog.

He has been the most amazing little companion. When I am by myself, he lays at the foot of my chair for hours and never expects anything from me other than my presence. He has never known me as an able-bodied human, so he accepts my disabilities and almost seems to protect me. On long walks he gets tired and jumps into my lap to enjoy the ride. He has such a sweet disposition and the perfect size (14 pounds) for a therapy dog. The breed is known as an "antidepressant" because they are so happy their happiness is infectious.

He does not shed, but does require regular grooming. He loves everyone he meets. I highly recommend this breed to all PALS and their families.

John

[thelma313]

John, Micky is a bundle of fluffy sweetness and I just love his black button nose and his happy adorable little face. Thank you for sharing these photos of your sweet little guy. It's amazing how dogs, even a dog this beautiful, have no concept of vanity and approach the world in such a friendly happy way. It definitely makes for a more joyous life!

[MtPockets]

Micky is absolutely adorable John.
It just amazes how being greeted each day by a happy dog just changes the outlook on so many issues.

[thelma313]

Capt. Al, I hope Micky isn't too late to join Marble Mob Leader's meeting.

[MtPockets]

I think I heard Old Smokey mumbling something about more mob members were expected soon, The old geezer better be on his best behavior. :shock:

I wonder what they are thinking, planning? Hummmmm!

[LauraW]

I don't see many cat pictures. My two are brothers and they bring so much joy to our lives that I just cannot imagine being without them. I got them when I was very sick...my baby Simba (5 year old cat) died of a stroke...happened right in front of me. The day before my birthday and Mom insisted that I get another one right away. I di not want to but she wouldn't give up, so I found a vet who had 2 brothers and they both climbed all over me. Mom insisted that I get them both. It took me awhile, I said I would NOT fall in love with them. That was 4 years ago and I am so happy that they adopted me. Here they are. They still love each other so much.

[John1]

Posted by Barry on Schnoodle thread:
"Katie, we have a golden retriever and I have to say that there is a reason that they are the most popular service dog. They are all nice! Friendly to people and other dogs. I am a fan of big dogs having had two 100 pound Malamutes (who were not friendly to other dogs) so a 60 lb dog is just the right size.

I have a question for you, when your dogs lie down on their bellies do they stick their back legs straight out the back? Lucy, our dog, does and I have never seen this before but other people who have golden retrievers have said that theirs do it too.
Barry,"

This morning when I got up, Chewie assumed the position you referred to in a post on the Schnoodle thread a few days ago. I grabbed my camera and took a shot of him which is attached. (Apologies for the bed but I had just left it). It made me think that maybe Ganaraskans are part Miniature Golden Retriever, or alternatively, the stretched out pose is not unique to Goldens. Chewie does this a lot and has since puppyhood. Someone told me it is characteristic of Cockers too which is part of the Ganaraskan bloodline.

Rose, I know what you mean about the difficulty photographing any features in a black animal. We once had a black cat that always came out looking like a lump of coal. Where are those Ernie snaps you promised, black or not?

John K, what a great dog and what a great breed. How do you scold him with those big melty black eyes looking at you.

Hoping, what is a "service vest" and where did you get it?

LauraW, we had a cat for a few years many aeons ago. I enjoyed her immensely and she even came on walks with us on the farm. When we moved and left her for a few weeks with my Mother while we got settled in a new province, I discovered that I hadn't had a cold for three years after all. I had been allergic to Roo. Sadly that was the end of my living in a cat house.

[JAKE]

How do you attach a picture on here from your picture album?

[thelma313]

Chico does the same thing! :razz: I also snapped this while the bed was unmade. Sorry.
Check it out...

[BarryG]

Thelma, I love those eyebrows!! They remind me of my late father-in-law. He had more hair in his eyebrows than many men have on their heads.

Ok, I guess that Chewie and Chico have proven that the legs straight out the back thing is not just a Golden Retriever thing. They do look comfy on the beds though, not a place that my dog is allowed, she is too big, sheds too much and smells bad after she goes swimming.

[thelma313]

I know, Barry those eyebrows still get to me after 12 years. He's my best friend! :)

[rose]

John,

Are you still unable to view people's avatars? I ask because there is a pic of Ernie with me as the current one. But, seeing as you asked.... (in the "olden days" I'd be flipping out some wallet pictures about now LOL)

These are clickable thumbnails.
pet pics :: Riding in his booster seat picture by dstormewr - Photobucket pet pics :: Ernie and Phoenix. picture by dstormewr - Photobucket pet pics :: Phoenix picture by dstormewr - Photobucket pet pics :: ear.jpg picture by dstormewr - Photobucket pet pics :: noname-1.jpg picture by dstormewr - Photobucket


Ernie lays like that too, but then, so does the cat! I have some very "flat cat" pics somewhere that I'll share at a later date.


...Jake, I'm not sure if I'm doing it the best way, but I just use Photobucket, and inbed the link code. (I copy and paste into text body)

PS, Barry... as much as I loved my Golden, I am enjoying the added bonus that Schnoodles don't shed, and don't really have doggy body odor. :)

PPS :) Ernie was 8 pounds when I got him at the end of June, he's about 16.5 now, and will be 5 months on Sept 6. Anyone have any guesses how big he's going to end up? I've always had bigger dogs before, do smaller dogs reach full size sooner?

[pamnandy]

410 411

Woody is an 8 year old Cockapoo. He was never far from Andys side, and we used to tuck him in at night right beside Andy. He would stay there all night long. Woody is now a huge comfort to dd Jessica, and he now sleeps with her.

Chloe is our angel puppy..she is a 3 year old Cocker Spaniel. She puts up with A LOT of lovin and cuddles from my 12 yr old dd. She provided the entertainment. She is obsessed with ice cubes and never grows tired of chasing them. We pitch her a cup of cubes at a time and she goes nuts chasing them and taking them to her "lair." We also entertain her with the laser pointer. If she could, she would climb to the ceiling to get it.

The both provided love and comfort to Andy until the end, and they continue to help us every day!

[thelma313]

Rose, do you remember what weight Ernie was at 4 months? Generally if you double that weight you get the full adult weight. Chico is now tipping the scales at 23 pounds. He gained a couple of pounds when we lived in New York. (He couldn't get enough of the discarded pizza on Avenue A.) Before that he was 21 pounds every year at this physical. My guess is Ernie will be about the same.

[thelma313]

Woody and Chloe are adorable! The picture of Woody lying next to Andy is a heart melter! I'm happy to hear that Andy had such faithful companions in his fur babies too. Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos!

[pamnandy]

:shock:Chico does the same thing! :razz: I also snapped this while the bed was unmade. Sorry.
Check it out...

Chico is adorable, and honey, don't waste your time making your bed! :p

[John1]

Rose,

Thanks for more Ernie pix. He doesn't appear very black in the shot in the Mini, more chocolate. I can see all kinds of his features. He's a very animated dog and I see why you love him. As for seeing avatars, no I haven't figured it out. Someone told me I could turn them on in the "User Cp" link and went to the "edit avatars" section and although there was info on avatars, nothing that I could see explained how to display them. If you have the secret, share it with me, please.

[BarryG]

John, to show avatars go to "User CP", under "Your Control Panel, Settings and Options", click on "Edit Options" and scroll down to "Thread Display Options, Visible Post Elements". Turn on "Show Avatars". I think that should do it, you might want to check out other options while you are there. I hope this helps.

Barry

[thelma313]

:shock:

Chico is adorable, and honey, don't waste your time making your bed! :p

I just can't leave the house with an unmade bed. I am a little OCD about it but it's just something I can't do. I live in an apartment so the bedrooms are not tucked away on another floor. When I snapped this picture it was early morning and I hadn't made the bed yet. :oops:

You are right though. Life isn't about making beds...

[John1]

Ahhhhhh! And the light finally dawns in the east. Thank you Barry. You have opened up a new world to me. While in the User CP, I also checked off "display images" or some such thing and this solved another problem. I much prefer to have the images right there instead of clicking a link. As well, Al and I have been trying to figure out why, for me, the lines on some posts sometimes run way off the page on long links. It wasn't doing it for Al. It was because I didn't have the display images turned on.

John

[MtPockets]

So glad you found the problem John.
What Thelma you make the beds?
Can you come over to my house? :-D:-D
My little Chia pom Sparky lays with her feet straight out back too. I always thought she was heating or cooling her belly? Strange position for some dogs. My Cocker Spaniel does not due it or the Calihoua Cur.

Pam that was so special a pic of your husband and Andy. It amazes how unconditional a pets love can be, I wish more of us were that way.

[thelma313]

Capt. Al, I'd be more than happy to come over to your house and make all the beds. While I was in college I worked part-time in a fine linen shop and thus my obsession with good cotton sheets a well-made bed began. If only you lived a little closer! I will consult Barry's map to see if coming over to make your beds is a possibility. :)

[rose]

Barry once again came to the rescue! ... John, glad its all sorted out.

Pam, excellent sentiment (although I too, am a bed maker). Your doggies are playing such an important role now in providing familiar comfort and such unconditional love! That is such a great picture of him tucked under the blankets with Andy.

Thelma, LOL, I resisted to add the disclaimer about unmade bed to my cat photo. I told myself that since it should be obvious I was next to him in bed, so it was "okay" to be rumpled. :)

[JAKE]

This is my buddy Deuce. He is a rat terrior that my wife and I bought when he was 6 weeks old. He will be 2 yrs old in Nov. This is the 1st house dog I have ever had. Even though he is a pain in the butt sometimes, he has brought alot of joy into my life. Considering I'm by myself during the day while my wife is at work, he has been a constant companion. His tail had been cut to a nub when we bought him. I love to watch him when my wife comes home from work. He will go to the storm door when he hears her and stand on his hind feet with his front feet on the door. As she starts up the porch his nubby tail goes to wiggling. The closer she gets to the door the faster that nubby tail gets, and the whole back half of his body goes to quivering uncontrollably. If humans were only half as excited about seeing each other. As strange as it may seem, I really believe this dog knows I'm handicaped, by the way he watches and reacts when I'm walking through the house with my walker. Needless to say, the 100 dollars I paid for him, wouldn't touch him now.

[MtPockets]

YouTube- Turbo The Amazing Dog & His Doggie Treats
YouTube- Turbo Truths, Turbo Newbern
Little puppy tells a story. Turbo, is so cute

[JAKE]

I don't know how many of you may have already seen this video, but if you haven't, it's worth your time to watch. This video really touched my heart and I would like to share it with you all. May God Bless each of you. Jake
YouTube- Kingdom Dog 700 Club (www.kingdomdog.com)

[BarryG]

Jake, he sure is a cute dog and boy does he have a set of ears! No wonder he can hear your wife coming home. And as far as being a pain in the butt, all dogs are, that is their job. Along with keeping you company they have to make things interesting.

[thelma313]

Jake, your buddy Deuce is outrageously cute. You did such a good job describing that tail wagging and butt action that happens when a dog is happy. We should definitely all be more like them! I love Deuce's ears too! I bet he's very alert and a pretty good guard dog too. The photo of the two of you together is so touching. You really look like good buddies. :)

[Tich1]

Hi , love this thread , what gorgeous pets you have John , MtPockets , and Thelma :-)
I had two dogs until I rehomed the little one year old Jack Russell last week because I felt it unfair to deprive him of the active life he need , and I couldn't play with him or take him out . So he went to a young coupl and I've had reports that he's really happy and they love him .
My companion now is my 8 year old female Labrador Porsche . xxx

[Tich1]

Please can anyone help me by telling me how to get Tinypics to upload my pics smaller , these are HUGE , it's ridiculous ...........lol

[Tich1]

Just seen your wonderful pets too JohnKelly , Laura , John , Pamnandy , Rose , and JAKE :-)

[BarryG]

Tich, I think that you are just sooo proud of your pictures that you just have to make them life-sized. Show us some pictures of your castle, er I mean your house next, we want to see how big it is :lol::lol::lol:

Great looking pooches though!

As far as making your pictures smaller, I think that you need to photoshop them down using some kind of photo editing software.

[thelma313]

Tich, you have beautiful doggies. I personally have a real weakness for Jack Russells but I know how much energy they have. I'm so glad you found him a suitable home that he's happy in. And your lab is also really good looking. What a sweet and loyal looking pooch!

[MtPockets]

The site I Use is free to store your pictures on line and to edit them to the
size you need. It is called
and can be found at: http://photobucket.com/
My own page is at:
Pictures by ShakeyMarble - Photobucket
You can also search on there and see other people photos.
Upload you file for the picture and go to edit pic, resize and save.
Then code will display at the bottom of each pic with a mouse over
that you can copy to post on here, The last code is the one I use.

[MtPockets]

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my
4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey..

She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven,
God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words

Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven.
I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she
got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim.
I am sending a picture of her so when you see her You will know that she is my dog.
I really miss her.
Love, Meredith

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it
to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps
on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the
letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office.
A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He
had.
Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch
addressed,
'To Meredith'
in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called,
'When a Pet Dies..' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in
its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.
Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart.
Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets
to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have
something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for
helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially
for you.
I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.

By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love God

Christian :: Angels.gif picture by ShakeyMarble - Photobucket
There are angels among us.
I wish i could have included the picture of this little girl with her dog,
but the email would not let me copy it.

[brooksea]

How sweet! I guess not all postal workers are "postal!" (Sorry couldn't resist!)

Really a wonderful thing to do and I'm sure she will treasure that forever!

[Tich1]

Thank you MtPockets , I am now registered with Photobucket and will use that to upload and post any more photos . Hopefully all photos of mine from now on
won't fill the screen ...........:-)

[dldred]

What a great story, thank you for sharing it with us.

Dana

[MtPockets]

Your wide pictures are making the page display with a scroll bar. You might want to ask one of the Moderators to delete them for you so the page size will go back to normal and repost the smaller pics.
Thanks for sharing them with us.

[John1]

Tiche1,

Good for you for finding a good home for your Jack Russell. I can only imagine how hard that must have been for you, especially since he is such a cutie. Porsche should provide all the care you need though.

When I was looking for a dog, I was checking out pound puppies and I brought home a Jack Russell that looked quite a bit like yours. He stayed overnight. I was using a scooter by then and he was the boldest dog I ever met. He investigated everyone and everything and never showed the slightest fear. However he was also a non-stop, high-voltage dog that I knew I couldn't handle.

[Tich1]

Oh , thank you so much to the moderator or whoever sized my pics down to the proper size . I felt awful when I saw tinypics had put them to that huge size and made the page all out of shape too , and I didn't know how to delete them either . I can show my face without being embarrased now ..phew .
Hello John , yes it was heartbreaking to give him away , but I knew it was best for him , he is only a year old so he will adapt better to new owners than an older dog . I couldn't give him the life he deserves as I liveon my own . I've had reports back from the new owners who say he's settled well and is very lively and happy , and well behaved , they say he's a wonderful dog . :-)
xxx

[Katie C]

[QUOTE=John1;89479]Posted by Barry on Schnoodle thread:


This morning when I got up, Chewie assumed the position you referred to in a post on the Schnoodle thread a few days ago.


Not too surprising that Chewie would do this... it's an extremely common schnauzer trait. My sis has two standard schnauzers and both spend most of their time sprawled like that!

[BarryG]

I guess that I have just been hanging around the wrong kind of dogs!! :-D:-D

[JAKE]

My LSU buddy Deuce, showing off his new wardrobe.:smile:435

436

437

[thelma313]

Deuce is really cute! He looks like a good buddy to have around.

[LauraW]

Wow!! That is soooo sweet.

[Alley_FL]

Our Pet Precious Joy is almost six now. She is with me always if not on my lap while riding my wheel chair she is in bed with me. She does not know she is a dog. She loves to dress up and she only eats what we eat. She wanted dog food once while we were shopping at Kmart she went up and down the dog ile smelling each bag and picked on out. Though she liked it and we gave her some for each day for six months along with food we eat it made her real sick and scratched her stomach up . it was so scary the day last Summer my hubby woke me and told me he had to take Precious to the Doctors that she had thrown up lots of blood. I was so scared. Thank goodness Mom and Step dad just arrived so they stayed with me. WOW the Dr. said she was very healthy and that th food scratched up her stomach and just to feed her boiled boneless chicken and rice. It took a few weeks and medication before she stooped vomiting. Now it's no dog food for her. Just having her lay next to me comforts me and keeps me from getting scared. We love her so much and she loves us even more ! Sorry I don't know how to post pictures here.

[LauraW]

Awww. Poor Doggie. That is very scarey. Dr. Martin Goldstein has written a book about animal health and has recipes for home made pet food. I tried it for my cats but they are too picky. The Nature Of Animal Healing. I love my babies too. I would be a basket case without them.

[BarryG]

Ok now I think that it is our cat that needs therapy. He reminds me of a guy with a tv remote and 500 channels, he wants in, he wants out, he wants in, all flipping day long. Because we are not going to put in a pet door for him he is driving us CRAZY and I am giving my recliner chair a workout cause he makes such a racket that I have to get up and let him out. If only he would stay in one place, in or out, I don't care, just leave me alone.

[thelma313]

He may be annoying but he sure is handsome! :)

[KeeKer]

That cat has you trained! Welcome to my life, only add a stupid dog! If they think they will get the door opened every time they bug you, they will keep doing it! Imagine when we moved into the city and that didn't work anymore?! Thought I was going to go crazy!

[BarryG]

I can hardly wait until it is -40 then he will really be a pain in the a**. Even more than now. Like they say, Canada has two seasons, eight months of winter and 4 months of the cat going outside.

[Tfisher]

Finally have a few pics of the doggies in the album.