Currently, two Australian Cattle Dogs (blue heelers) own my wife and me. We got these brothers as babes, and can't imagine the day when they'll be gone.
In years past, we had a mutt that lived to be 16 and a cat that made it to 23. The cat we have now is at 13 and counting...
Earlier this year in April, we lost our Norwegian Elkhound when he decided to chase a deer and forgot how to get home. We searched and placed ads, etc., but never got the satisfaction of knowing his fate. He was the wife's dog, and she was walking him when he went for his "run" (we live on a 45 acre farm.) She still misses him, and checks the porch each night in case he finds his way home. Other blue heeler pics have been posted, but here's a couple of Norwegian pictures:
I thought you might enjoy reading
A Dog's Prayer, by Beth Norman Harris. I just got a snowglobe in the mail today, that I ordered for my fiance's best friend for Christmas. He lost his beloved Cocker Spaniel very recently, and his heart is still broken. He isn't married, doesn't really have a girlfriend (although he is in love with someone who uses him and treats him like a yo-yo, which upsets me no end), and he doesn't even have a roommate. His apartment is terribly lonely, and I know he's miserable, and I wish I could do something to help. He's not ready for another dog in his life yet, and I respect that. I know how he feels. So I got him a picture frame with the "Rainbow Bridge" poem on it, and an area cut out for a photo that Bob had, of both Spot and "Bernie" (his nickname!), to put in it.
I also got the musical snowglobe, which has a black Cocker Spaniel figurine, wearing a halo and angel's wings, and sitting on a cloud. The base is beautiful, with an angel holding a scroll, which has a condensed version of this poem (grab the Puffs or Kleenex) --
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for your kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside...for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements . . . and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sittng at your feet beside the hearth . . . though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land . . . for you are my god . . . and I am your devoted worshipper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest . . . and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.