Updated December 21, 2009
In Memoriam
Meet again our dear ones who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge
Longing For One More Day
When we lose someone we love, it seems that time stands still.What moves through us is a silence . . . a quiet sadness . . .
A longing for one more day . . . one more word . . . one more touch . . .
We may not understand why you left this earth so soon,
or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye,
but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died,
but that you lived.
And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.
We will see you again some day,
in a heavenly place where there is no parting.
A place where there are no words that mean good-bye.
- Author unknown
On Angel's Wings
my darling little
ESPRIT
Azarel Lighter Than Aire
I Am Not There
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die.
Author Unknown
beautiful little Rosie
American Champion Patchworks Rosalie
Rosie came to us at 8 years of age in April 2002from Cathy Chandler, Patchworks Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
She was the softest and sweetest, a tiny Cavalier who slept on my pillow.
She passed away on February 23, 2004
We Have A Secret
We have a secret, you and I
that no one else shall know,
for who but I can see you lie
each night in fire glow?
And who but I can reach my hand
before we go to bed
and feel the living warmth of you
and touch your silken head?
And only I walk woodland paths
and see ahead of me,
your small form racing with the wind
so young again, and free.
And only I can see you swim
in every brook I pass
and when I call, no one but I
can see the bending grass.
Author Unknown
Satchmo
Azarel Original Satchmo
Baby's boat's a silver moonSailing in the sky
Sailing o'er the sea of sleep
While the clouds float by.
Baby's fishing for a dream
Fishing near and far
His line a silver moonbeam is
His sail a silver star.
Sail, baby, sail,
Out upon the sea,
Only don't forget to sail
Back again to me.
Author unknown
Mr. Pelie
Turnworth Final Appeal CD
August 14, 1994 to August 10, 2006
Pelie came to us in February 2004
from Katie Eldred, Turnworth Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
He was our grand greeter, a friend to all with a smile for the world.
We will meet again, Mr. P!
A Friend
It is my joy in life to find
at every turning of the road
the strong arm of a comrade kind
to help me onward with my load.
But since I have no gold to give
and love alone must make amends
my only prayer is, while I live
God make me worthy of my friends.
Author Unknown
Bonnie Island Sunny Day
July 20, 1988 to January 13, 1998
Sunny with the Golden Eyelashes
by Zara Heartwood
old girl
white hairs among your eyebrows
I glance across the van
sensing, you return my look
questioning
reassuring
sitting up on the passenger seat
helping me drive
as the miles drop away
in the warm sun your eyelids droop
heavy maned head lolls
and rays reflect from your golden eyelashes
before you had eyelashes I chose you
snugged up against mama Belle
one of 13 chubby burnished beige wigglers
tagged with a yellow length of yarn
eyes as yet unopened to life outside the nest
on sizzling Labor Day you were ready
your topline was disappointing
your jaw a bit undershot
as for the retrieving test
you failed to bring back the pheasant wing
coming to settle in my lap instead
given the chance to choose another I declined
no other puppy could be my Sunny Day
in the Washington woods you adopted seven wild kittens
carried them in your mouth
licked and groomed and fed them
more a mother than the cat
on an Oregon lake
standing on the dock alone
gazing into the violet haze of twilight
you wagged welcome to a flock of geese
who swam close to beg a meal, a crust, from you
A Colorado kitchen mouse
warming itself in a spot of sunlight
felt your curious nose
knew a friend
stood up on his hind legs and with tiny paws
patted your graying cheek
through the years you have been my comforter
my electric blanket
my snooze alarm
my ever watchful sentry
intuitive
knowing which sounds were safe to sleep through
traveling in the van we slept ten feet from a bear
raiding, rattling garbage cans
someone asked, didn't Sunny bark?
why wake up? - you replied - we were in no danger
ever the clown
dressing up in T-shirts with funny slogans
showing guests your squeaky vinyl false teeth
to get the big laughs
pretty girl with your new collar
your pink satin princess cape and hat
happy to be brushed
fluffy like a stuffed rabbit
funny Bunny Dog
eager to work, to train
you'd lift your nose for the collar to slide into place
then ears up, ready
bounding to me on the recall
a propellor twirl wag and a glad smile when the job's done
worried
you got me to open your Christmas toys
unwilling to tear the paper
waiting for the command "Sunny Toy"
wrapping soft lips gently around the addition
to your ever increasing litter of babies
carefully counted, gathered and grouped
coddled like eggs
until play time
when with squeaks and growls and chortles
let the games begin
you have shared my peace
solaced my sorrow
protected me from harm
loved me and lead me and taught me
how to live in the infinite joy
that radiates from your expressive face
there has never been a better friend than you
my Sunny Day.
Azarel Shetland Sheepdogs
Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada
