1997 Candle Ceremony Tributes

If only people could open up and give the kinda of love, devotion and joy you brought to our lives for 15 years. We were so lucky to have you and we will always remember what a special magical soul you were. I'm sure that if there is an afterlife you will definitely be an angel leading others to the light.
We miss you so much and we thank you always...I hope this pain will soon fade and be replaced by only by the memories of the most wonderful days of our lives that we shared with you.
Nadjee we will always miss you..

Lynne and Peter

Your first two years were spent going from home to home until we finally brought you to our home and for the next ten years you gave us your best. We love you, Nan.

Debbie Gleason

Naomie, I love you and still miss you. You were such a wonderful companion during your 4 short years with me. You loved everyone and everyone loved you! Papa, Mema, Lauren and Al all miss you. After you left, God showed me that He wanted me to help the homeless dogs and cats of the world. That's when I found Kirby and started volunteering at the SPCA. Kirby is wonderful companion and I hope one day we will all be together. I'll meet you at Rainbow Bridge. Love, Carol

"I condole with you. We have lost a most dear and valuable friend and relation. But it is the will of God and nature, that these mortal bodies be laid aside, when the soul is to enter into real life. This is rather an embryo state, a preparation for living. A man is not completely born until he be dead. Why then should we grieve, that a new child is born among the immortals, a new member added to their happy society. Our friend and we were invited abroad on a party of pleasure, which is to last forever. His chair was ready first, and he is gone before us. We could not all conveniently start together, and why should you and I be so grieved at this since we are too soon to follow, and will know where to find him?"

Bulletin:
Why am I blanket emailing this to you??? Because this is an easier way to let people I care about know about this without having to actually discuss it.
Things have been moving pretty fast around here lately, and weird things have been happening, the worst of which is: A very good friend was killed and another badly injured in a tragic car crash two weeks ago, and One of my best Friends (and like a son) "Napoleon", (Champion Boxer and Black Labrador Retriever mix), was struck and killed by a speeding car Sunday at dusk. He died at the animal emergency room in my arms, and was buried here, under that same clear cloudless moon-lit night with every star blazing in his honor. He lies buried in front of a line of citrus trees which are standing like armed sentries on either side of his grave. We all, including my son Thomas, miss him alot already. He was so intelligent... And just now it has occurred to me, the most Loyal living being I have ever encountered in my entire life. That's all I have to say about that....

Thomas

There is a hole in my heart as big as Natasha, now that I have lost her.

For all her size (almost 90 pounds at one time), she was the most gentle dog I have ever known. She talked to me, and let our cat wash her face and her paws. She was loving, unselfishly giving of herself, and so graceful and beautiful.

I love her dearly, and she was secure in that, even though she had such a rough start in life. A stray as a puppy, she was attacked by a pack of dogs who broke her leg, and the Maxfund in Denver Colorado (a no-kill shelter for injured animals with no known owners) rescued her, pinned her leg and rehabilitated her. That's when she came into my life and I know that I gave her a pretty cool life while she was here on Earth. But I know now that she is no longer hurting and confused. She is at the Rainbow Bridge with her dear friend Ginger and even little Victor, and we will all be together again someday.

Good-bye Big Girl, Big Girl and I will always love you and will never forget you.

Caroline Richter

Natasha was my constant companion for almost 15 years..I never left her a day in her life.. She was very smart, She saw me thru alot of hard times.. I love her dearly and still miss her..I know god is taking care of you Tash... I can't wait to be with you again

Robin Resnick

Natasha gave love, companionship and understanding. She asked for nothing in return. I miss her soft purring body cuddled next to me at night, her beautiful blue eyes that seemed to know so much and how she would come if I only thought about her.
She was a stray who needed a home and I was someone who needed a cat. For 8 short years she was mine and I was hers.

Serena Sicherman

She was the gentlest cat in the world. The vet said if one cat didn't deserve to suffer from cancer, it was Natasha. I miss her soft, warm body cuddled next to mine and the sound of her purring in my ear.

Serena Sicherman

Darling Beloved "Tasha" kitty, I miss you every single day of my life. If I didn't believe you were well and happy up in Rainbow Garden on the other side of the Bridge; I would simply be consumed with grief and immobilized. My sweet blue-eyed companion there are no words to describe how silent it is without your purrs and Siamese conversations. Tigger misses you something awful, he still looks for you daily. When I enter the bedroom, I keep looking for your sweet face. I've told the House of Love and support the tale of your singing mouse *smiles* and I well remember the StarTrek books being flicked over one by one. You were inimitable my dear and without you Lynn and I simply don't feel it is home. I will never forget how you continued to purr even moments from death when I put my face next to yours and rubbed your furry head. Rest well my darling..I will never forget you and some glorious day we will be together again. I love you love you love you always and forever.

BarbT, LynnU, Sean, Amanda, Katie..Tigger, Shadow, Sinda, Phoenix and the Babe..

Tashie was the best little dog that ever lived.
She had a happy face; always loved to have her treats.
She missed her Ginnie when she couldn't have her treats all at once.
(Ginnie was our beloved labrador; she passed away last summer.)
"Tasho-bug," we called her that much of the time.
Yard Patrol was her specialty -- and never let her see the bottom of the food bowl.
She was our special friend for so many years. She will be dearly missed.
Love you Tasho, come on now, it's time for bed.

David Sherrill

Nathan was young, but had traveled from indoor life in Tennessee to a great outdoor adventure with his own burrow in Arizona. Nathan loved to eat from my hand, especially enjoyed Timothy hay and celery stalks. My brother taught him to "throw" things with his mouth!!!! He was very smart, a beautiful carmel colored bunny that had grown to an enormous 1 1/2 feet and probably weighed 8-10 lbs. He loved to chew shredded newspaper and my hair, not to mention anything plastic or wood. His death was sudden and shocking and I miss him dearly. That was yesterday...

Donna Holiday

My best friend, my poor little baby. Who started this world out rough as an abused stray with some sort of head trauma that left him with vision problems and in his last few years blindness. Who left this world in a tragic, horrible way by drowning. You deserved so much more. You'll forever be in my heart. Please forgive whoever left the door open and I'll see you at Rainbow Bridge.
I loved you so much and I know you knew it.
Love, your mommy

Doreen Fromage

Neekee, I vowed to not let you suffer like I did with Lefty; out of my own selfishness I couldn't let him go but I knew when you were trying to take in those breaths with such difficulty and I seen your mouth opening and you were gasping, that it was time for you to join Lefty at the Bridge. I'm sorry the needle scared you and I'm sorry that I couldn't make you better. Chylothorax is a terrible disease and even the vets don't know alot about it. I hope your release was peaceful and you are now able to run and play without panting just to breathe.. You will be fine Neekee, just go with Lefty and he will lead the way. I will see you again, I hope.. It is the only thing that is getting me through this time right now.. I will join both you and Lefty and all my other babies that will come to the bridge some day. I lost you and Lefty so close to each other, it will be hard for me and I will be sad but don't let that stop you from carrying on. Just thinking of you being able to breathe normally and having fun running like kitties should, will make me smile again.. I will miss you Neekee but just go knowing I love you and that I will see you again..
Bye my baby....

Catwoman

I loved you so much, Nell, but even with the sadness you left with us, I am happy that you have no more suffering to bear. I am glad that for your last few months with us, you had the two little kittens to show them how to behave and do little things that you and your predecessors, Misty and Ebony did. You are gone, Nel, but not forgotten. We have planted beautiful flowers on your three graves.

Love Mommy, Karren, Willow and Sinbad.

Bye Nelsi, my most well behaved puppy. You have always been so sweet. I love you always.

Ingrid Thompson

You were always by my side when I needed you most, your love kept me strong when I was weak. you greeted at the door every night, checked the groceries for your "nummies" brought me your mousy, and kneaded my lap, and your purred and purred. Your love will live on in my heart forever. You taught me many things over our 13 years together. We laughed and played, slept, and listened to Mozart. I will miss you terribly my sweet girl. Now it's time to play with the feathers on angels' wings, and prance after yellow butterflies in the sunshine. 'Til we meet again, LOVE

Nicole

When I lost my cat, Benson, I didn't think that I could emotionally handle getting another kitten right away but I was desperate to fill the void left in my life. Many years before Benson's passing, I had a very special encounter with a lost Norwegian Elkhound. I decided that I had to have an Elkie puppy. I finally found a breeder in another state who had one male puppy left from her most recent litter. I still swear he was the only Elkie puppy in the US at the time!

Nero came to me on an airplane. I'll never forget the scared 22 lb. puppy that we took out of the pet carrier in the lawn at the airport. He won my heart that instant.

We had trouble with house breaking and within 6 months were told Nero had a genetic kidney disease and would probably not live past 3 years old. Nero and I persevered.

Over the last 13 years, Nero was there for me through everything from divorce, to seven years of fighting for my college degree, to family illness and on and on. He was my rock, the light in my life through good and bad. We battled his kidney disease and subsequent weight problems together. We even got a kitten, Stevie the Cat, who won both our hearts.

People told me all the time how lucky and spoiled Nero was. Nero wasn't spoiled, he never expected anything but love He wasn't the lucky one either, I was. I could depend on him like no person ever in my life. He never judged me, just accepted me as I am. He was always there to love and support me. Sure he depended on me, but I depended on him too, and we never let each other down.

I have never had to make a decision so heartbreaking yet merciful in my life as I had to make on Monday. Ironically, Nero did not succumb to his kidney disease, but a debilitating muscle disease. I pray that Nero understood the depth of my love for him and that I did not betray his trust, but did the only thing that I could do to release him from his suffering.

Nero will always be my gentle, loving, precious boy. Someday I will be there, waiting for those big brown eyes to see me and come running. When he jumps in my arms, I will never, ever let him go....

Until we meet again, Nero, mama loves you with all her heart........

Julie Blair

Neutie, we still miss you. You will forever be "The Mean, Green, Biting Machine".
So we sing you this song:(to the tune American Pie)
A long, long time ago
I can still remember how The Neutie used to sit and smile.
And whene'er he had the chance, The Neut he liked to bite my hands
It made him very happy for awhile.
But then one day Neut got a shiver
And to the vet we did deliver
Neutie on the doorstep-- he was anorexic and depressed.
I remember the great pride when they brought The Neutie back outside
But unexpectedly arrived--the day--The Neutie--died.
          (chorus)
So bye, bye 'hi Neutie, hi'
Everybody said you're heavy but we always denied
You were a good ol' boy eatin' pizza and fries
Right until the day that you died....

Kathy Hudak

Sweet little Nibbles, you left so unexpectedly, romping and begging for noserubs just Wednesday night, and sick and huddled the next day. Mommy misses you terribly and cries each night. Please remember us, we'll always remember you, say hi to Sara, Thumper, and Cinnamon for use, and we'll meet you at Rainbow Bridge someday.

Gay and Kent Fasick

He is loved and missed. My companion.

William S. Harp

Nick was Meghann's favorite of her litter. He always slept closest to her face in the whelping box. Meghann played with him the most, so that was why I decided to keep him. I had actually placed him in a home, but Meghann was so lonely without him that I went back and brought him home to her. She was thrilled and played constantly. We romped together, and took long walks by the river. We went to the shopping square so he could entertain the people dining at the sidewalk cafe. Nick was unique. His nose turned-up like a ski jump, and he had a sinister way of looking at people. The girls at the vet called him "the dog with the eat shit eyes"; he always cracked them up. When placed on the counter for examination he would sit and take Snoopy's "vulture" pose with his head down, and eyes peeking up from beneath his long eyelashes. He got his name because he was not only born just before Christmas, but he had a tree-shaped blaze on the back of his neck. We nursed him through years of kidney trouble, but eventually lost him following exploratory surgery (a last resort). I still have not gotten over the guilt of not being with him when he died; he spent the last two weeks of his life in the hospital. But I know he is waiting with Meghann at the Rainbow Bridge with my other pets who have gone before. I offer thanks to God for the blessing of beagles and for the assurance of eternal life at peace with Him and all He has created. I love you, Nick, and I think of you and Meghann each day. We will be together again.

Bruce Cornely

Nicky passed on today. Our protector, our buddy and the very best friend who only wanted to please....We will love you always . You taught us all how to be gentler people by your example and unquestioning love...We miss you so!!

Annis O'Donnell, Paul Lichtenberger and family

Gone but always in my heart, Love, Papa

Matt Lambert

Nicki was my faithful companion for 14 years. He was a Christmas present from my husband. He was so tiny, a little poodle who never weighed more than six pounds in his life. He followed me every step I took - if I went upstairs, so did he. He laid on my lap or near my feet and would not let me our of his sight. He was so lovable and had the most unique personality. There will never be another like him. He had heart problems and a limp and was half blind, but he was doing very well for his age.

He was always supervised when he went outdoors and was never allowed to go out alone. Somehow, in early January, he managed to get out of the house and limped off down the road. I looked for him for hours when I discovered he was missing. I found him the next morning. He had been killed by several larger dogs in the neighborhood. I carried him home and wrapped him in his favorite thing, a sweatshirt of mine, and buried him in my backyard. He is missed not only by me, but by his lifelong companion - our other poodle, Maggie.

I know that we will see our pets again and picture him as a healthy happy puppy at the Rainbow Bridge. I can see him running to met me in my dreams. I will miss him for the rest of my life.

Nancy Toney

To My Son:

You know that your Dad is a Trekkie, and it's only befitting that I offer these words from "The Wrath of Khan"

They are modified slightly.

"Don't grieve, Dad, it is logical, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of .... or the one"

"I have been, and always shall be your friend. Live long and prosper"

"He's really not dead as long as we remember him"

"It's a far, far better thing I do, than I have ever done before, a far better resting place I go to, than I have ever known"

Goodbye my son, how I miss you so.

Richard

Nicky,
You have been a good friend, and making the decision to help you find the Rainbow Bridge has been one of the most difficult I have ever had to make. But, I could not stand to see you suffer any longer. It has been the greatest of privileges to know, and you have taught me many things- about life, living and love. Especially because of the fact that you spent much of your life with so many physical deformities and challenges to begin with! And yet, you have always remained the most loving and affectionate of all my ratties. I will miss your gentle "Whisker Kisses" and the way you would cuddle up with me on the couch and go to sleep. But, I will always carry you in my heart, and I pray that the Creator of us all will someday reward both of us by reuniting us for all eternity. Until then, my gentle friend...
Always love,
Janie

I will miss your hugs when I get home after work, and our walks on the beach, and your face against my shoulder when I'm driving, and your snoring at night. I love you, Nicky.

Ruth Ryan

Nick we know you have gone to the place wear you are not suffering any more.
We will be back with you again.
Love your human Family and your companions
Sammy
Mandy

Fales Family

He was a loving friend and companion for over 15 years. Our lives are so much the better for him accepting us into his life. He was always there for us and we loved each other unconditionally. He taught us Nobility and Playfulness. I hope we gave him Warmith and Security in return. We hope and pray that there is an extra special place reserved for him.

Sharon Newsom and Bill Womack

Dear Nicos,

We had 14 wonderful years together filled with love and caring. You were there each morning when I awoke--head rubs, love nibbles, and sweet purrs. After a snuggle we started our day. In the evening you would greet me as I returned from work with loud meows and a happy tail, ready for your supper and evening cuddles. You gave me so much unconditional love and happiness.

Three weeks ago, Dr. Andy and I helped you cross the bridge away from the pills, the procedures, and the suffering that was becoming more apparent with each passing hour. For the last 5 and a half years, we had managed your hypertropic cardiomyopathy and occasional complications. But this time there were too many serious problems for Dr. Andy to fix. Your little body would take no more. You were so good and brave, but I could no longer watch you suffer.

Making the decision to let you go was the most difficult thing I've done in my life. You were my closest friend and companion and the thought of losing you was very painful. However, because of my love for you, I had to let you go. I stayed with you until the end, I could not let you be alone. Dr. Andy was very gentle, you felt no pain...just drifted off to sleep. We both cried after you drew your last breath.

I miss your sweet face--little pink nose, white whiskers, and big golden eyes. I miss your soft, sweet purr, sense of humor, and gentle personality. I miss you being here in your favorite spots--window seat in the sun, kitchen table watching the birds... The house is so empty without you...

My sweet Nicos, little boy, Mr. N., please rest in peace until we can once again be together. And remember that I will always love you. Good-bye Sweet Prince...

Love, Susan

Nigel was a little human dog. He listened, responded, and had no qualms about sitting in your lap to calm you down. He protected me when my husband-Nigel's daddy, or the 'alpha dog' of our pack- was gone. He hunted, chased down and killed bugs for me. He 'found' us when he was 4 months old, and we just couldn't resist him. We would have sold our souls for him if we had had to. He loved people; he only bit three or four in his life, but they proved to be less than human themselves. He was the light of our lives, our baby, our big boy, and he certainly knew it. Not that he was conceited, but you could tell he knew what we meant when we told him he was a pretty boy. He loved car rides, visiting both sets of 'grandparents', and all of his doggy and human cousins. He was almost more human than dog at times, and he got a lot of his personality from me and my husband. We sorely miss him; the loss is indescribably monstrous. We try to be happy now, but every day something reminds us of him, and the tears will start to flow. I know dachshund people know this attachment. He was our 'first born', our baby, and we miss him terribly. We can't wait until another pup - or pups - finds us. That big empty spot in our hearts, and our home, needs filling. He can't be replaced, ever. But we need the companionship, and we know that there's a pup out there that needs us.

Greta Ballard

I miss you so-not a day goes by I don't think of you with love and longing. Please be there when I cross the bridge. Mom

CatMiler @ aol.com

Even though she was blind and partially deaf (due to early kittenhood malnutrition) the last two months of her life was spent loving her soulmate Kirby and her adopted family.
We still love and miss you Niki!

Pamela J. Lewis

Every morning when I wake up, you aren't there to lovingly nag me out of bed; when I come home for lunch, you aren't sleeping in your special places; when I get home from work, you aren't there at the garage door waiting for me; as I spend the evening at home, you aren't laying by my side on the couch trying to read my book or help with my handcrafts; and when I go to bed at night, you aren't there on the bed, asleep with us. I miss you so, but Niki, you are in my heart, and I'll always love you. Be at peace, my sweetie.

Robyn Porter

Nikishka, was not just a dog, she was one of our family. She never asked for anything special, but just wanted to be with us, to be wanted, and loved. We will always love her and want her to know that she will always be in our hearts and memories. Be free and happy Kishy, till we are all together again.

Neil, Bev, Justin, and Jordan.

We let "The Queen" go after 11 months of battling lung cancer. Nikki, you never let us know if you were ever in pain, but we couldn't bear to see you not able to breathe. You were so brave and loving. We are sure you can breathe fine now, and know that you are chasing squirrlies, bunnies, and pussycats now. We love you and miss you very much. Hope there's a big pond for you to swim in. We'll always have a special place in our hearts for you. We'll never forget all the good times we had together. Please wait for us at the Bridge, and say hello to Trapper for us.

Love, hugs, and kissies....Mom and Dad

Steve and Marsha Hepler

I miss you and love you. I'll meet you at the gate!

Michele Rasi

Our beloved Nikki, the most loveable, cuddly, sweet kitty ever. Goodbye sweetheart.

Jackie Coben

Nikki was our stoic and classy big girl. There is not enough room for me to describe everything Nikki meant to us, but she was/is everything and is everywhere. We will be planting an Live Oak Tree on her grave to symbolize her strength, beauty, class and ever lasting life. Nikki, the void, loss, pain, hurt and sadness we feel is at times unbearable. It just seems so unfair that we no longer have you, but I also know you are now running pain free as you so rightfully earned and deserved. Go run free Nik!

We will forever love you,

Mom, Dad, Tara, Crishawn, TJ and Flash, Blaze and Sable

Nikki, you've been my best friend for fifteen years. I can't believe you're gone. Keep watch for me at the bridge.

Nikki's story and picture are at "http://www.cba.utulsa.edu/webteam/~kcath/www/nikki.htm"

Keri Cathey

Nikki was the most intelligent friend in the world I have ever had. There is such a huge black empty hole without her. She was always there when I got home, when I was sick, lonely or sad. She will live on in my heart forever and shall never be forgotten. She brightened the lives of all of those she met and I love her dearly. I know that she is in heaven now with Bud, Rambo, Pepper, Tuffy, Scooter, Fleas and Doogan. I know oneday we will meet again. Until then I can see her in my dreams at night and in the eyes of her daughter Asta who I have to comfort me. Thank God for my other 3 dogs. Without them, her loss would be unbearable. Nikki died 1 month after being diagnosed with Immune Mediated, Non-Erosive Polyarthritis. I had managed to save her from bloat and cancer in previous years, but there was nothing I could do to fight this awful disease, it was unfair and unnecessary for her to have survived things that she should have not survived only to have her die from such a trivial thing. She fought hard and never gave up. As the vet put her to sleep and she went limp in my arms, I told her how much I loved her and that she was such a good dog.

April S. Wimbish

Nin,
   I miss you very much and I feel completely lost without you. I try to go to your grave as often as I can, but it is kind of hard to get there with the baby with me. I wish we could have had more time with you and to have been there for you at the last moment of your death. I love you very much and there will never be another cat that would replace you. You were such a beautiful little girl. I enjoyed every one of the 17yrs. we had together and I try to remember the good times instead of the last few months of your life.
   I feel very angry that it was your time to go, but I know it was for the best because you couldn't go on with the blindness and the thyroid problem. It's just so hard to believe that your gone because you were doing just fine the weekend before. I'm glad I was able to give you a bath that day and make feel better.
   I died the day that you passed on. I'm still in shock. My heart will be forever broken and I will never be the same again.
   I look back to when we were both young, us playing in the backyard, or using you as a horse for our Barbie dolls. I can still feel your fur and your smell as if you were standing right here with me.
   I know that you're alright now and you with all the animals up in Heaven and that God is taking good care of you until I meet you again in Heaven. I know you'll be waiting patiently for me because I have Joe and Danny to be here for.
   I'll always remember you and love you always. Your the best cat in the world.

     Love,
     Gin

On March 7, the Noah's Ark Foundation Shelter in Fairfield, IA was broken into and many of the shelter's cats were killed and maimed.

Read a Special Tribute to the Shelter Victims.

Noel passed away at the young age of six. She was struck by cancer but we didn't know this until after she passed on so it was hard for us or the vet to help her during her time of suffering. I was away at school at the time and was unable to say a proper good-bye and to this day that haunts me. Noel, I love you!!

Amy Knight

Noel, my beloved dog and best friend, I only had you for 13 short years, but knowing you was worth more than a lifetime. Although you have gone we'll never part. I am in you and you are in me. Together we will always be. I love you Pookie, with all my heart. I'll see you at the bridge.

Janine Pollard

I had you for such a short time...but I loved you with all of my heart...and I will never stop loving you. I look forward to the time when we can cross the bridge together...my precious baby...I love you and you will be in my heart...always.

Brenda Gerondale

Noodles was the most amazing creature I have ever know. He died a little boy when he should have live to be 75 years old. He was like my baby boy as he needed supervision all the time. He had a vocabulary of over 35 words and phrases and he understood what he said and what I said. He said bye bye and waved his wings to me when I left. and said hello to me when I got home. Now I can hardly come home to the quite. He talked all day and I felt rude if I didn't respond. He woke me up in the morning from his playpen next to me. He would say "peek a boo" because my eyes were closed and he thought we were playing the "peek a boo" game. When he did something bad like pull my glasses off. He would say "NO no no no no no" in the sweetest voice. He knew right from wrong but would often make the wrong the wrong choice.. After all, he was only 6. He died unexpectedly of lead poisoning that I have not been able to track the source of yet . I can't stand it without him. WE were together 24 hours a day and I live alone. When he saw me getting ready to do some where he would say. " going to go bye bye? Wanna go bye bye? Baby Nooles go bye bye?'" When he found out that he could go sometimes he would just keep saying , " Baby Noodles go bye bye or Lucky Noodles. I can't begin to tell you all the special things he said and did. But I loved him with all my heart and don't know how to live this life without him.

Diane

Nori, my love, you were my best friend and the greatest love of my life. You changed my life in so many ways; you inspired me, directed me, and I am so blessed to have had you for those ten wonderful, short years. I will forever be grateful to you for impacting me to the extent to which you did. You made my life full - I am lost without you. Your beautiful eyes and loud purrs are missed every day - I carry you in my heart always. When my time comes to be with you again, I will meet you at the Rainbow Bridge with joyous tears and a happy heart. Peace be with you, my boy. I love you.

Kristy Maureen Gross

Norton is our best friend, even though he has passed to the other side. We will see him again some day. He is there with Cameo, Pickle and Benny. He is one of the greatest spirits we have ever been honored to meet. We learned much from his gentle loving ways.

Mom - Lucy......Dad - John .........best kitty friend - Matilda

Song for Notty
"She's My Princess"

You were always looking for food, I don't know why you were so hungry, but you were. You were the runt, so my guess is you did not get your f air share from mamma. It always goes back to the mothers, always! Oh well, we mammas can handle it. Anyway, maybe you just needed all that food because of the energy it takes to wag your tail all the time and of course give kisses and groom al l the other animals in the household and a human or two if they would allow it. And of course you were always on guard, watching the back deck, making sure no pesky squirrel was hanging from the bird feeder stealing his dinner. And bark, so much energy in your bark, your barking was mostly connected to play; barking at the sweeper, a remote control car, your crazy brother Nick (goofy Lab), and of course those hungry squirrels. Yes, it takes a lot of food to support so much energy.

Disheveled would perhaps best describe your look, as I said before, shaggy little drop-eared rag-a-muffin you were, even though you groomed yourself, as well as the others often. Shaggy coarse hair hung continuously over your eyes, giving you a rather aged look, your coat, rust-colored was wavy, and your perk little tail was often straight up and wagging; but your most noticeable trait was the hair on your nose which was tufted and gave you the most adorable, mischievous look.

I was occasionally frustrated when I would call for you. Your lack of interest to respond to your master could be somewhat annoying, but it was only because you had better things to do; keeping your eye on the drain-pipe where the chippies often hid, or checking out the perennial bed for interesting bugs, or even just sitting at the end of the porch looking out over the woods, and you would throw me that nonchalant look that said, "chill mom, I hear ya." And sometimes, then, ever so slowly you would turn and walk my way; and yet at other times I would have to go to you, scooping you in my arms and bring you home. But the truth is I loved every minute of t hose times and I wouldn't have changed you for the world.

You, were the best, at squeezing into tight spots. I guess your dening instincts were strong. One of your favorite spots was under Aimee's bed. That area must have been like a whole community to you, where you, reigned supreme. For there were boxes of art supplies and craft projects and almost every square inch was filled, but you would wiggle and squeeze, bump, and belly crawl until you made a niche, and once in place you were as cozy and content as a bug in a rug. And when Dad or I were in the old blue recliner, you would coaxingly beg for us to lower the chair so you could jump up and snuggle in beside us. What wonderful companionship and warmth you shared.

Well my princess, as you can see, you wiggled you way into our hearts much as you did the space under the bed. You are the only dog I've ever known who enjoyed going to the Vet's office simply because all the people there were your friends. A needle or thermometer stuck here or there didn't seem to matter to you, as long as you were with friends. I think it is safe to say, you never met a man, woman, or child you didn't like.

I could go on and on about you sweet baby, but there are just not enough words, so I will close by saying I'm sorry if I let you down, my heart is breaking, and I miss you terribly.

For everyone out there who can sing off-key, here is Notty's Song. This song was sung frequently to her by her sister and mom, close to her ear, and slightly off-key, and Notty would reward with lots of kisses.

She's My Princess

(sung off-key in a slightly twangy country voice)
(pronounce princess, pirncess)

She's my princess
and I love her
she's my princess
she's so sweeeeet (elongate)

She's my princess
and I love her
she so sweet.

Notty died October 22, 1996 from acute kidney failure. She was 10 years 5 months old.
Her rightful name was Forget-me-not, for she was born in May in the flower garden, and Forget Her we will not.
We Love You Notty Our Little Princess.

Deana Bryan

Nova you saw us thru alot of good and bad times, thanks for all the happiness you brought us.

Jim

Nozy I love and Miss you.
Thanks for all the unconditional love and for always being there.

D'juna

Today our sweet dog, Nuggie, died. She was proud to be a Mutt. She was 14 1/2; "brave, strong and beautiful and very happy" according to her human 4 1/2 year old sister, Elizabeth. Her family, Lisa, John, Elizabeth, Hannah and Joe and her feline companion, Eustace, miss her very much.

I adopted Nugget from the local animal shelter in 1981 when I was 21. They said he was a runt, but what he lacked in size he more than made up for in heart and loyalty. I was blessed to have him with me until almost my 37th birthday. I miss him more than I can possibly put into words. He was my best friend and the best dog I'll ever know. I will never forget you.

Love,  your friend Doug

To our beautiful Golden Nugget, Our precious cocker spaniel, whom we lost to a terrible accident. We love you and miss you so much, Nuggie. We miss your golden curls, your beautiful big brown eyes, and your joyous bounding gait as you ran to us. We miss the way you lay on the carpet with your legs out behind you like a bear rug...Dixon called you the Nug Rug. We miss you and we love you so much. One day, we will see you again at the Rainbow Bridge. Rest well, my friend. God be good to you.

Margaret Munday

Our beloved Nuisance, it's been nearly three years since you left us, and we still miss our Yellow-Eyed Schmoozemonster so much. I'm taking good care of Lyn for you, and the kids send love and Pounce treats. They still talk about the time Lyn went to the hospital and how you waited every day in the driveway for me to bring him 'home from the vet.' I remember how you searched the car every time, and how you fussed at me when you didn't find him. Remember how I sneaked you into the hospital the day we brought him home?

Wait for us, Nuisance -- we'll bring you ice water and catnip and Pounce treats when we come. Take care of the kittens for us.

You were the very best kitty-cat you knew how to be.

We love you.
Cici & Lyn
John & Gina

I remember the day you came to stay
A fuzzy black and white ball.
No one else wanted you around
You were so weak and small.

I walked down to the station to
Bail you out of "jail".
Under my coat I carried you home
As you started to wag your tail.

To your new home and your new yard
You quickly did adjust.
Your main objective was to protect
And show us all your trust.

A deep found love grew between
You and your new family.
There was special kinship
That everyone could see.

So many times you were between
Us and potential harm.
A faithful little collie dog,
Always ready for any alarm.

And as you grew too old to see
The world and all that's in it,
We hope we made you comfortable
As in your yard you'd sit.

And as you look down from up above
In rolling fields of green
Your loving, faithful, shining eyes
In that stars will always be seen.

All my love,
Sara Lassiter

Nutmeg,
You were my angel kitty from the day you came into my life and you have remained so each day since. In the brief months we shared together you changed my life, and I am eternally grateful. It is for you that I work with the homeless, abused and injured furbabies here on earth. And it is for you I will first look when I joyfully make my way to the bridge.

Terry

Nydie led me out of hell thru her unconditional love. I will never forget you. We will meet again.

Angi Lamb