Year 2010 Tributes

For pet names beginning with "O".

Obi Wan was a unique little boy who had the courage of a lion but the heart of an angel. We would travel frequently but one time I left him at home for a month with my family and he was heart broken, I promised never to do that again. Since that day we had never been apart. When I was sick he never left my side and when he would get sick I was with him the whole time until I was able to help him feel better. He was the best companion I could have ever asked for.

I sit here on our chair dear Oliver with Munchkin on my lap and Mouser nearby with a broken heart and intense sorrow. I feel so badly that I may have caused you any pain or discomfort when I picked you up to take you to the doctor. Please know that it was not intentional and I never meant to harm you. You looked so scared for so long but now I know that you must have been in more pain than I thought. Did you know you were not meant to come home again? When I go downstairs I still look for you and when I go to bed at night I still place the pillow on this chair for you. It is so hard for me yet I know you are with your brothers and mommy in heaven and you have no more pain. God willing we will all be together again someday and never be apart.  
Today is Christmas and three days have passed since I seen your beautiful little face. I will never forget your big eyes and the way you loved to be stroked on your soft furry chest and tummy. It seemed you were always on the side and hesitant to take your place with the others. From the time you were born it was this way. Cindy and I even nursed you and kept you warm for a few days until mommy took you back in the litter. I hope that you had a good life with us and know how much I love you and always will.  
I do not know what heaven is like but I do know that there is great joy in the presence of our creator. Sometimes I think that maybe you are still here in spirit for awhile until you realize there is a difference in the way you feel or until you know that I'm not crying everyday about losing you. I felt this way when all you brothers and your mommy passed also. I guess I won't understand for sure until it is my time to go. By then it won't matter, will it? Please know that I'll never forget you my Ollie dolly and God put you into my life for a reason. I pray that you are running, jumping and enjoying all of God's beauty along with all my pets that preceded you at the Rainbow Bridge. God bless your spirit and carry my love with you always. Until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge watch over Munchkin and Mouser from above and ask God to keep them healthy and happy as long as possible here with me 
I love you sweetness.  Mommy

You came to out house totally unexpected, and at the same time you have no idea how much we were blessed with your arrival. You were such a wonderful companion and always a smiler!!! You welcomed everyone home and at the same time everyone wanted to take you home with you because of how special you were, but with a big smile and holding you dearly we always said, naahh, he is not going anywhere!

You brought to us so many sunshines and so many happy moments that it will be impossible to even try to escape our minds and thoughts daily.

Like we always said you were the Master and indeed you were. We truly thank you and were truly blessed by allowing us to come into your life and at the same time be part of ours.

You will always be in our hears and minds. By now you must be with new friends and with Lola and Jimena who are there on the other side of the Rainbow Bride also. Hopefully we will meet again over the Rainbow Bridge, until then enjoy and wait for us.

Fernando, Susan, Raquel and Nick

Ollie "TOP CAT"
Always there for me, Followed me EVERYWHERE...even to post a letter. And spoke to everyone who passed the house. What a character!!! I miss you so much and love you forever. Your heartbroken mum xxx

          Our little girl found us on Memorial Day 2002. The Min Pin Rescue brought her to our home in Connecticut from Massachusetts with the condition we had to take her sight unseen because they couldn't bring her back. Her owner died had passed away and she was found guarding the body. She was homeless at that point. We never thought twice about adopting her. We chose her because we knew she would be harder to place being an older lady as she was 8 years old.

Her name was Holly, but she never answered to that name when she came to our home. We tried Molly, Polly and everything in between. Then one day we dropped the "H" all together and called her Ollie and her response was incredible. We knew at that point it would be her name... we didn't care who thought she was a boy. Of course her name wasn't always in play as we called her Stinky, Niblet, which became Nibbie and Nibbie Nub, then there was Pibbly Poo, Pooter and Love Bug, which was my favorite.

          She was a beautiful red Min Pin that walked into our house and let us all know immediately that she was in charge. Not one of us was going to argue with her including our Chihuahua/Pug and Basenji Mix who were both bigger than her cute little 7 lb. body. Neither one of them was an alpha female like her, so we all had our boundaries set at that point.

          I was already in the throes of a lousy illness and what we didn't know at the time was she was already in a deteriorating phase of her life. We found out from her "doggie opthomologist" that she was going blind from poor nutrition and her "doggie dermatologist" said the same when she discovered the rash all over her little body was one big yeast infection. It was so bad that we had to start putting t-shirts on her to prevent her from scratching until she bled. Once we got her on a good bacteria supplement the rash cleared up. We found out what food she was eating because the girls that dropped her off from the rescue had the leftover bag in the car. It was Ol' Roy from Walmart and they didn't suggest keeping it, so we told them to toss it. I found out later from "The Whole Dog Journal" that it was on the list of one of the worst foods to feed an animal. We also got her on a holistic food and by the end of that year her fur was soft again and her eyes began to tear again instead of staying dry and goopy. Unfortunately, we were not able to prevent the inevitable. Ollie went blind.

          About a year ago they found a mass in her bladder. The meds worked until this past Tuesday, July 13th when she stopped urinating. Thankfully, our favorite veterinarian facility had just opened a brand new ER here in town. We couldn't get there fast enough nor could we stop crying all the way there. We knew when this happened we had run out of options because there was NO WAY we would be selfish enough to keep her in pain to have her in our lives. We saw our regular veterinarian who was wonderful with her and all our animals over the past 20 or so years. We so appreciated him being there for us and Ollie. He said, "That's what I'm here for", but that doesn't begin to cover the meaning of having him treat our pets for so long. Ollie passed that day and our hearts have been broken ever since.

          She was with me every day because I was home 24 / 7 due to my illness. I had to carry her quite a bit because of her blindness, but only after she got into her later years. OK, I spoiled her! I admit it! She even slept next to me. We took her on vacation and any other time she went out with us I carried her in a pouch. I loved her SO MUCH!! ...and I MISS HER TERRIBLY!! I wouldn't change anything we did to make her life better because what we got in return was priceless. We got to love her for 8 years. She was 16 when she went to Rainbow Bridge. I know I will see her again, but missing her is SO hard it breaks my heart into a million pieces. As long as I know she is free and happy I'm at peace with her loss because the day she sees me, REALLY sees me with her blindness all gone when I come to the Bridge to find her and I see her run to me in her little puppy body that has no more pain and illness, it will all be worth the pain we have to endure now. We love you little Nibbie!!! Thank you for the 8 years you shared your life with your Mommies, sisters Kira and Cheyenne, brother Rudy, and kitty cousins Sassy and Tanner :o). It will never be the same here without you, my love. XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Onyx, thank you for a great 12 years. It made my day coming home and seeing you everyday. Thanks for being such a wonderful dog and friend.

Opal, you came to me at the time when I needed you most. You went through the hardest time of my life with me. You saved me. Your gentle love brought light back into my life.

I have written four 200 page tablets, front and back, 1600 pages and nothing seems right, not good enough for you and to you. Where do I start and which wonderful things do I say to you.

At 14 wks you became my self appointed, self taught service dog. My condition lasted only 18 months but you watched over me for all of your life and never stopped being my service dog. I have never been loved by a dog the way I was loved by you and I had never loved a dog the way I still love you. I love all our dogs, cats and horses, but you were and still are my child. The bond we share doesn't stop with death. I still feel your love.

We miss you everyday. I still wake up every morning right before the alarm goes off, feeling your sweet long tongued slow kisses on my face telling me its time to get up. Daddy misses his morning ear cleaning kisses and scratching your ears after you had made sure he was all clean for the day. Your beautiful golden-brown eyes against your sparkling sable and white coat always made the morning bright.

You, Daddy and I became a family. We did everything as a family. You and I went to work together and Daddy would pop in a few times a day for a break from whatever he might be working on. At night we ate together with your dish right by the table. At night we slept in the same room and at your will you may or may not have been sleeping in the bed with us. You went everywhere we went.

In this life you were perfect. Everywhere we went you were welcomed by everyone who ever met you. You touched so many hearts. The whole town has mourned you and many have cried many tears with us.

We were lucky enough to know when you were here that you were our "once in a lifetime dog". I'm so glad that we let you know how much you meant to us. I can never say thank you enough for being our dog and all the things that you did to make us happy. What an honor it has been for us to have been in you life.

There is so much that is missed about your physical presence. I miss your unending company, I miss always driving with you, I miss going to shows and you being so proud of yourself. Walking into the ring I could feel your confidence. I could feel you say "I got it Mom". Most of all we miss your love.

Best friend B misses you so, so much and is truly a different dog. She taught you her favorite game of chasing buzzards then it became yours as well. You'll were so beautiful to watch running across a rolling field and so very funny watching both of you trying to fly. Thank you for the smiles. Sadly B has not chased buzzards since you left. She doesn't leave the yard unless she needs to go take care of cows or cats from the bad night animals.

Cousin Mia misses you running next door to her and Meamow's house. She misses hiding all her toys and any goodies that she might have and you trying to find everyone of them. She misses your visits and playing with you and B and your brother Jack.

Boyfriend Monty from work stills looks for you in all your "Opal spots". You and he had a crush on each other from the first time you saw eachother. It was ok because he was nutured and you were spayed. He's still as handsome as ever. With his blue merle short double coat and handsome tail.

Opal Lee you always wanted Mommie and Daddie to be happy. If you thought we weren't you would do something about it. You always knew how to make all things better. Your tricks always made us happy and proud.

We started our show career a little late for both of us. We did very good. We only worked on Rally for 10 days before your first show, within a month you had your RN. At almost five you already knew almost everything you needed to for all of Rally and Obedience.

I thought I knew how to train dogs until I met you. You taught me how to really train dogs, you taught me how to train you.

We are both happy that we talked to you about new puppy Jade before you left. She has been very good for B. You and I thought it fitting that she should be named after a gemstone as your name was Opal. As we talked about it and her coming you seemed to approve. You were going to help her with herding. You already liked helping me by being the dog that showed people what a very trained dog should look like at Training classes. And by helping me in the grooming shop by looking at the dogs and putting your face on the table, calming them down. It has taken five months, sixteen days for me to be able to do this. I don't know how to pay you enough tribute.

I know that you can fly with the buzzards now, be happy, say "hello" to Keiko, Curly, Taz, Larry, Baby, Molly Mule all those that you know and meet the ones that have been in our lives.

Your sweet face is the first I want to see when I leave this world. Even in death you have taught me not to be afraid to die. That was something I was always afraid of. But you did it and you are part of my soul and I will get to see you again.

When I knew what had happened and I saw you as beautiful in death as in life I went insane in a way I never have. Never have I felt the pain of the twisted knife in my heart plunged in so deep and twisting over and over again. I cried for three months without stopping. I had to hide from Jade. Daddy always took over.

Because you always wanted us to be happy and I feel you wanting me to be happy I have been trying very hard. You always have 'the' place in my heart, I can't be happy without letting Jade in my heart too. I know that's what you want. And you knew she was in my heart already when we were talking about her. She is you sister litter mate's little girl. I don't know what I would have done without part of you being here.

Thank you for everything you did as our baby, you were never corrected because you never needed it. Our Sweetheart Princess there is so, so much more to say, but not "Goodbye" I will visit your grave outside our window until I leave this earth.

Sweetie, Mommie and Daddy love you so much. Be happy and wait for us. Chase and fly with the buzzards.
I am sure I left something out, if I did you know what it is.
Love into Forever,
Keith and Angela
AKA Mommie and Daddy

For Opal

When you were just Collie pup you came into my life
You filled my heart with happiness and brightened up each night
Never had I known a dog with love so pure and true
Loyalty, royalty and everything I found in you

We lived each day in happy play
Spending hours
In wild flowers
Chasing Bees and Buzzards too

Now its time to walk alone
And walk alone I do
I never thought in my heart
That I could ever breath without you

A billion precious tears ago
We layed you in the ground
Strange how the shoveling of dirt
Is such a lonely sound

The many years we ahead
Were taken from us fast
The bond we shared, the love we had
I thought would always last

I really thought in my mind
That we would go together
How can this be my reality
Without you in it ever?

I touch, I see ,I smell
I walk, I talk, I feel
All these things I do
Make me know that it is real

In the years we had together
Each day was filled
With love and happiness
Someday I know that this will
Comfort me and I'll know
That life had really blesses us.

Love into the Next Life, Mommie

Everyone said you were the smartest dog in the park,if not the world, as if a part of you was human. You were always a one dog police force, always trying to be a mediator, barking to separate dog skirmishes, and coming to the aid of the dogs that were bullied.

You loved the outdoors. You could be outside for hours at a time regardless of the inclement weather. Your favorite season was winter. You loved to gallop through the deep snow. You loved to bury your balls in the snowbanks and then try to retrieve them and dig them out with your scruffy face. How you loved the water as well, swimming majestically and wading and splashing your paws over your ball in the shallow water.

And the unique games you created and loved to play: Taking your ball and hiding them under your blanket and then digging them out again for hours at a time, jumping on the bed in the basement with your stuffed toys and tearing apart grocery bags that we hid your balls in. You loved to go to the beach and walk and play on the shoreline. You loved to go for speed boat rides.

You were respected by every dog you met. You were never on a leash, so loyal and obedient. You were so loving and affectionate and you loved to give kisses to no end. How you loved to play and chase the squirrels and rabbits, never laying a paw on them.

Some people have said that you sacrificed yourself so that your "Grandpa" could live.

Oreo, you brought us so much joy. You made us laugh and now you make us weep for your loss.

We will always remember you in our hearts and love you forever and ever. Not a day, minute or second goes by when you are not on our minds. You were a one of a kind, super wonder dog. You were our beloved loyal companion and best friend. You sustained us and helped us through so many difficult times. We grieve your loss but hold on to the many wonderful memories you left us with.

Until we meet again have a great new life at Rainbow Bridge.

Missing you and hurting like hell,

Glenn

For he purrs in thankfulness, when God tells him he's a good Cat. For he is an instrument for the children to learn benevolence upon. For every house is incomplete without him and a blessing is lacking in the spirit… For he knows that God is his Saviour. For there is nothing sweeter than his peace when at rest. For there is nothing brisker than his life when in motion.

--Christopher Smart

I remember the day that we first met. I had gone to the shelter to select a new pet. So many to choose from! Which one would it be? But you solved my problem when you picked me!

With three others you slept - a pile of fur, With you on the top, with a loud happy purr. I walked past at first, some others to see, When suddenly I heard, "Miaow!" behind me.

I turned back to look, and there you were, Bright eyes filled with hope and again that loud purr, Your little paw reaching in a passionate plea: "That one," I said, "might be just right for me."

She opened the kennel and put you in my arms. Immediately I gave in to your charms. "Do you want to come live with me?" I said, And as if to confirm, you started licking my head!

And thus into my life you came. The next thing to do was to find you a name. I decided I'd watch to see how you'd act, And find you a name that was clever and apt.

Most kitties are shy when first they're brought home. Not you! Through the apartment you boldly would roam, Miaowing at everything new to see, But mostly following and miawoing at me.

Your voice was melodious, varied, and rich, Filled with inflections and quite perfect pitch! To the bathroom you followed me, no fear or shame, Singing the whole time - and then I knew your name!

I thought of the legends of Greece long ago, Of a singer who then through the land was well-known, Who followed his wife to the depths of th' abyss And sang her to freedom, joy, and bliss.

Orpheus! It was the perfect name for you, And you seemed quite to enjoy it too. Your song never ceased - and my heart would sing Whenever I would hear your song ring.

When you were hungry, your miaow was a plea. When we were playing, it was filled with glee. When I had to leave, 'twas a plaintive goodbye, And when I returned, with joy you would cry.

You'd sit in the windowsill and chuffle at birds. I almost understood your little cat words! Your songs were most glorious, but the sound I loved best Was your happy purr as you pawed on my chest.

For nine years and more, we grew to be friends, Sharing a love that even now never ends. You'd run, and you'd play, and you'd eat, and you'd sleep, You'd bound into my lap - or sometimes just creep.

You excelled at the game of "Capture My Hand," And you loved to play fetch with a large rubber band. You'd sit in the window for hours and stare, And sometimes you'd chase whatever's out there.

* * *

Last Sunday, you woke me in your gentle way,
And asked for some breakfast to start your day.
After I fed you, I watched some TV
While watching you play, chasing things I can't see.

Midmorning you asked for some milk, which I poured;
You drank a little and the rest you ignored.
You jumped on my chest and you pawed and you purred,
Then you jumped to the windowsill and chuffed at a bird.

I got off the couch to visit the loo,
And you followed me there as you usually do.
You were peacefully sleeping when I came out,
Purring and dreaming whatever cats dream about.

Whenever you slept, my heart was at peace,
Nothing was needful, my life was at ease.
When seeing you sleep, my soul filled with love,
And I thanked God for sending you, a gift from above.

Your box needed scooping, so I did the chore,
But when it was done you were purring no more.
"Orpheus!" I screamed, but you did not respond.
And then my heart broke-for I knew you were gone.

And so for a week now I have been alone.
I still go to work, but it's hard to come home.
I still find reminders of you here and there:
A long-thought-lost toy, a clump of shed hair,

A stain in the carpet that needs to come out,
The scratched-up couch corner we so fought about,
A few grains of sand on the bathroom floor still,
And little paw prints on the front windowsill.

The house is now silent, but your song is not gone.
You sing it above now, and in my heart it lives on.
Please rest assured I will never forget
All the love that you brought from the day we first met.

You were my companion, my playmate, my friend.
Please know that I loved you right up to the end.
And I know in my heart that you love me too,
And we'll cherish our love until we meet anew.

Until that day comes, be happy my dear;
Be joyous and playful and filled with good cheer.
In Heaven, it's said, they sing all day long:
Now Heaven's more blessed, for you've added your song.

Goodbye, Orpheus. I'll be back. You be good.

I love you, kitty.

Oscar, a doxie mix was Dad's best friend, loving companion and little shadow. My 94 year old Dad and Oscar found one another and bonded immediately via Central CA SPCA a little over two years ago. Inseparable they were. Oscar's pain and suffering from ruptured disc now gone. He's whole again and now able to run with others gone before. RIP little boy. You are terribly, terribly missed. The Miller & Alexander Families Fresno. CA

Oscar you were my best friend and companion. You shared your love and friendship with us for 10 years. You made us smile hidding in boxes and bags or jumping on top of cabinets and learking on the top laundry shelf. You were the longest cat in the world. At no time did I ever feel alone, just knowing you were there to come sleep on me when I didn't feel well or just needed a good snuggle always made me feel good. You were always there to memow at me to tell me its time for bed. I miss feeling you next to me or on my back while I sleep. Miles misses you too. He has looked everywhere for you but Riley and Shane are making sure he gets extra hugs and is snuggled. We loved you and will never forget what a wonderful friend and part of our family you were.

Otis ~ you silly fat fellar....thank you for the everyday love you gave us..May you always have a chicken to chase ~ pie to eat and a hat to steal...Life with you was great...

My dearest Ozzie. We're so sorry you had to go. We tried everything that we thought was right. We just hope you weren't in pain when you left us. I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to hold you when you left. It was the worst thing in the world to find you like we did. Just know that we love you and miss you very much. I'll always remember the day we got you. You were so beautiful, it was love at first sight. You gave us so much love and laughter in your short 10 1/2 years. You had so many cute little quirks, you made us laugh so much. You loved our walks and every day somebody would stop and tell us what a beautiful dog you were. You had such long flowing hair and a beautiful blue and brown eye. You were such a joy to us. I have such a hole in my heart now that you're gone, I can't stop crying. Daddy and Roxy miss you too. When the vet told us you had cancer, we were determined to do everything possible for you, no matter how much it cost, to have you with us just a little longer. God took you from us too quickly, we didn't have a chance to say good-bye and I'm so sorry for that. You were always so happy and always so happy to see us when we came home, we could hear you whining for us as we pulled into the driveway. You just wanted to make us happy and that, my dear boy, you did! You were so full of life and unconditional love for everybody. I can't stand it that you're gone...it hurts so much! Please have a wonderful life at Rainbow Bridge, chase all the cats like you did here on earth. Thank you for being in our lives, you made it so much better for us. I know that we will meet again....until I can hold you again and have you lick my face, my sweet Ozzie. MUCH MUCH Love.....Mommy, Daddy & Roxy. Aunt Heidi and Uncle Larry send kisses and hugs too!