The Rainbow Bridge - Hugs and Prayers for Backhoe

The little one is Bebe, a minpin, she's 9 yo. The big guy is our mastiff puppy, 18 months old at the time of the picture. He's 3 yo now, will be full grown at 4.

Yes, she runs rings around him. They are very close friends.

We have always had rescue dogs, until these two. Even Bebe was a gift from a friend who used to breed minpins. We had her neutered (she was too young to breed, and we didn't want to anyway) and Tinker, the big guy, is too.

When we got him, she mothered him and he loved it, in spite of him being 25 lbs and her 5 lbs. He followed her around everywhere, and she showed him the ropes. Even the first day, she showed him where to "go" outside, and he never had an accident, from 7 weeks old onward. Bebe isn't as smart as Tinker, but she's bossier. ;-D

They play, but he has never even nipped or scratched her.

Puppies do sleep, don’t they????? No... they just look like it sometimes to fool you into thinking they're not up to anything and you can go to bed. Anybody want a three-legged coon-hunting wonder dog that looks like a cross between an English bulldog and a yellow lab that grew up in Chernnobl?

Cole finally went into the "puppy curl, with tail & nose together" mode, so mayhap he is settled for a half hour or so.

Your "three-legged coon-hunting wonder dog" would fit right in here- we have a possum problem, that Taff took care of until age laid its heavy hand on her. The damned things are vermin.

The little one is Bebe, a minpin, she's 9 yo. The big guy is our mastiff puppy, 18 months old at the time of the picture. He's 3 yo now, will be full grown at 4.

Mastiffs are good dogs... I've had several breeds based on them ( bulldog and boxers ) and they make fine companions.

Clan Lurker has three dogs. One is an 18 year old Cocker who is soon to recieve her reward I'm sure. Trouble is she doesn't really act like it. She's deaf and blind and has trouble getting up and down the stairs but other than that she's fine.

Number 2 is a 2-1/2 year old Pug. He's pretty much in charge except when the cat is.

Then there is our small EBUD (Emergency Back-Up Dog) in case either of the Primary Dogs go into Failure mode. He's a one year old Papillon.

He's got two speeds. Sound asleep and Bouncing Off The Walls.

BTW, you don't know if Candied Cashews and Gummi Bears are toxic to dogs do you? No reason for asking really. I just want to have that little bit of info handy, just in case.

Sorry about the loss of your friend and best of luck with the new one.

L

Beautiful dog. You are fortunate to have known her. And she you . . .

Lurker, the first dog I remember was a black Cocker Spaniel named Smokey Joe- he was blind, but a better dog I've never had. In those days, a dog seven or eight years old was ancient, and he passed away around that age.

He was always with me when I was little.

Beautiful dog. You are fortunate to have known her. And she you . . .

Thank you- they give you so much, and ask for so little.

In those days, a dog seven or eight years old was ancient,

Everyone told me that 'cockers don't live long' but her dad lived to be 14 before I had to put him down and I've had this one literally since the day she was born. It's really gonna hurt when I do what's going to have to be done.

My vet says it's a combination of better nutrition, vaccinations, and better vet care.

I'm willing to believe all of those things.

I'm very sorry for your loss my friend. If there's anything I can do, you just let me know.

L

Everyone told me that 'cockers don't live long' but her dad lived to be 14 before I had to put him down and I've had this one literally since the day she was born. It's really gonna hurt when I do what's going to have to be done. My vet says it's a combination of better nutrition, vaccinations, and better vet care. I'm willing to believe all of those things. I'm very sorry for your loss my friend. If there's anything I can do, you just let me know.

I really appreciate that, Lurker- time's about the only thing that will lessen the loss of my old dog-girl... although having to chase Cole, the Canine Circular Saw around the house and yard day & night certainly take my mind off of it.

Damn, I wish I had that much energy.

Back in the fifties, veterinary medicine was primitive, and many or most dogs lived outside where they were prey to disease, fights, and all sorts of accidents. Better medicine, better care, and probably better nutrition are helping all our animals live better, longer lives.

Thanks, and I'll try looking at that link when the little varmint sleeps. Geez, if I had that much motion in me, I could conquer the World.

You might try a crate.

We put our new puppy in one from the day we got him at 7 weeks, and he loves it. Dogs never soil their crates unless they are really little, or get the runs, because they know it's their bedroom. He's got a blanket and a toy in there, at when we go to bed now, I just tell him it's time for bed, walk to the crate, and say "in". He happily runs in, and lies down for the night.

Here he is at 7 weeks

You might try a crate.
We put our new puppy in one from the day we got him at 7 weeks, and he loves it. Dogs never soil their crates unless they are really little, or get the runs, because they know it's their bedroom. He's got a blanket and a toy in there, at when we go to bed now, I just tell him it's time for bed, walk to the crate, and say "in". He happily runs in, and lies down for the night.

Here he is at 7 weeks

What a handsome ( not to mention cute as a button ) little fella!

I'll keep the crate in mind- we think he's runny from excitement, the trip in the truck, and a change in food. If not, I'll try it.

Thanks Backhoe.

I meant using the crate just to get sleep at night, or if you are out during the day, unless he's still got the runs, of course.

;-)

You bring tears to my eyes, guy. Losing a pet family member is something that's happened several times in my old life ... it never gets easy. But what you wrote is so close to my heart ... that beloved friend standing tall, basking in God's presence. Wheew!

Well, don't forget this part of it:

Meanwhile here on Earth, I have to go see what the Canine Circular Saw is getting into...

I still tear up when I drive up past the fence and realize I won't see Taffy again on this side of life... but the little Buzz Saw needs a family, too, and he sure got rid of the oppressive quiet around here.

Amen brother. The circle of life continues. Thanks be to God for His little candles of love and life.

Aw, honey, I am so sorry. Prayers and hugs for you.

xo

Backhoe, I know this is a very hard time for you. You don't want to hear it now but one day you may have another dog. Taffy would want it that way. Taffy would want you to help another doggie have a good life. I'm sure Taffy is up in Heaven highly praising you.

If I know my old rogue of a Taffy as well as I think, she's saying

"Bossman never gave me enough of his steaks! More Meat!"

But the circle of life continues... here's a video clip of Cole, the Canine Circular Saw:

-greeting his momma--

http://nedralives.blogspot.com/

Friday, February 02, 2007

A Heart Full Of Taffy

There is a kind of candy called Taffy. It is sweet and good to eat. You can pull on it to stretch, but it does not break. It sticks to you. When they make it near the ocean, it is called Salt Water Taffy. It makes anyone smile when they think of Taffy.

There wass a dog that was named Taffy. She was a sweet dog and liked to eat good things. She stuck to her people for almost 14 years. I think she lived near the ocean, too. When she was a little dog, she liked to sniff the flowers in her yard. She liked to ride in a wrecker truck so stranded ladies would not be scared. She liked to chase birds and other animals that she did not want in her yard. She protected her people.

One time she chased a fat squirrel up a tree. It fell out dead and she thought she had killed it! She was very proud of that. It made her people laugh. Many things she did over the years made her people laugh. They loved her like she was their very own child. Because she was.

Dogs get old quicker than people. Taffy started to get old. She had to take many medicines and special diets. But she would not give up. Sometimes she could hardly walk, but she still wanted to go outside. She needed to check on things she thought she heard. She wanted to protect the people that she loved so much.

But this week, her body wore out. She could not go on. The vet was called to make sure that Taffy could go to sleep and not hurt anymore. Her people are sad and miss her. They have a heart full of Taffy. So do I.

Thank you, Nedra.

I'll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm

Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet by Gary Kowalski

Blessing the Bridge: What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying, and Beyond by Rita M. Reynolds

Animals and the Afterlife: True Stories of Our Best Friends' Journey Beyond Death by Kim Sheridan

The Soul of Your Pet: Evidence for the Survival of Animals After Death by Scott S. Smith

When Only the Love Remains: The Pain of Pet Loss by Emily Margaret Stuparyk

Saying Good-Bye to the Pet You Love: A Complete Resource to Help You Heal by Lorri A. Greene