REFLECTIONS AND MEMORIES

Thurston was an inspiration in my life. There are so many ways he effected the way I approached my own life and my attitude. There were valuable lessons I learned from having him as a part of my life. In this rush and hurry world we live in we forget to take a moment and just reflect on the many blessings we trully could enjoy and how we choose to live each and everyday. His devotion and unconditional love, his way of looking up as I came home...ready for me to pet him and talk to him. He taught me to acknoweldge how other's felt and what they may need in their daily life to make them feel at home and comfortable and happy. Over the years we had Thurston it became a natural way to end my daily work to come home and have him greet me. It has taught me that when one has someone that they can give back to then it makes our daily life worthwhile.

His amazing way of showing patience taught me patience, especially in the last few months of his life. He no longer had the agility to waddle outside...but instead needed assistance. Slow and careful assistance. He taught me that if we slow down and just take the time to allow others to complete their needs then we ourselves can contribute to how everyone acts towards one another. I trully believe I learned to have more respect for other's needs.

When I reflect on his lessons one thing clearly stands out...and that is love is unconditional. That if one wishes to be loved then one has to give love back in all its forms and passions. That there is no place in our lives for hate or pride. He showed his love so many ways each and everyday. Late during the evening hours as I would sit in my chair watching some show on television he would get up from his bed and come over to me...it was "his" time that he wanted to be held and petted and talked to. I would slip down to the floor and he would place his head between my folded legs and bury his nose into my lap. I would give him a hug and tell him how much I loved him. I would give him a "t" touch rub down. When he was reassured of my love for him he would then waddle back to his "safe spot" and lay down. So in this he taught me that sometimes a person needs to be held, needs to be given an extra measure of love and understanding...a special moment just for them.

On his walkies he taught me that sometimes just doing was not enough, one has to stop and look around at the world, smell the smells, see the sights, appreciate the time. He would at times stubbornly stop and refuse to move...this afterall was his walk, not mine and he wished it to be as he wished it to be. But yet he would always start walking again the moment I stoop down and petted his head and he would look up with those big expressive eyes of his and along we would waddle. Trully one could force him to continue on...but with a moment devoted for stopping and taking in the world and touching he showed me that this world is worth seeing. His lesson to me was that when we are about our daily tasks take a moment for yourself...afterall it is your life. Sometimes one needs that moment to clear the cob webs of the world from our minds and bodys.

Playful times were important to Thurston...he loved to wrestle and play. His way of involving himself was to take my arm, hand or leg in his mouth and he knew just how much pressure to apply to say "ok do you give up now?" and all I would have to say was "ouch" and he would immediately release his grip. He taught me that when we take the time to play in our lives we discover a warm sharing with others. That all in this life is not work or setting daily goals to meet. One has to share playtime with others to complete our lives and to connect with ones friends or family. He taught me it wasn't just the act of playing it was the interaction that was important.

Thurston taught me another valuable lesson for living one's life. This is to allow another to go before yourself. When we had Mason, our minature Dachshund, with us and it was time to eat their suppers, Thurston always stood back and allowed Mason to explore and sample his food. He showed that caring about another person and allowing them to be first does not make us second place...but rather makes us humble to the others needs. It doesn't matter if one is standing in line at a food buffet, the movie theater or at a crosswalk in our lives, by placing the needs of someone else before our own holds a special reward in how we are viewed and how we feel about ourself. It is called having respect for ourselves and for others. Thurston had that quality in abundance.

Pleasing others is another way Thurston effected my life. He wanted to please not for the pat on the head or the kindness of the words received or even the praise...but because it was a part of his nature. Even to the very last day of his life he was willing to forgo his own hurt and pain to please us. His lesson...go out of your way to please those around you, even as the hurt you may hold within yourself is overpowering. By doing this you acknowledge that same measure of respect to others that you would wish to have for yourself. Thurston pleased us his whole life and in return garnered our sincere love and our respect.

Fortitude and perserverance was what Thurston demonstrated. In his later days his pain had to be so excurating at times that he had to muster all his will simply to rise and make an effort to make his life have meaning and substance. He proved that no matter what the pain we may have in our lives by having that same fortitude and perserverance we can make our lives have a measure of meaning each day. His lesson...have the courage to go on until God wraps you into his arms.

THURSTON'S SAFE SPOT

Thurston on the day we brought him home had his "safe spot" his very own place in our living room that was "his". It didn't belong to anyone else it was indeed his "home" within our home. He had two folded quilts, a blanket and a pillow all his own...several of the pictures on this site shows him laying on them. This was his world away from everyone else. His "safe spot".

We all need a safe spot in our lives to which we can go to. Some people find this "spot" within themselves, others perhaps at a place outside in nature where we feel safe, secure and happy. Thurston taught me that it is important to have your own place in this hectic world where one can find happiness...be it in a hobby or an activity or even quiet times. A place that isn't shared with others because it is a feeling inside ourselves and our surroundings that makes us feel secure and happy.

Thurston's "safe spot" is now at the Rainbow Bridge awaiting our reunion together.

ROUTINES

Thurston's routines were well established...He knew what time we would be leaving for work in the morning or getting home at night. He knew when it was time to go outside, to go for our evening walk, snack time, which he never missed until, the very end days of his life. He knew when it was time to do all the things we as humans do during our daily life. He knew something we overlook sometimes...the time to share of ourselves with someone else close to us.

His routine was like all our lives...we get up get on with our daily chores and finally lay ourselves down at night for rest. He taught that we all need some degree of structure within our lives but he also was at his happiest when there would be a change of plans...a new routine in the day's activities. It didn't really matter what it was...perhaps someone stopping over so he could greet them, maybe going for one of his waddles after the grandkids had left the gate open, taking a trip to the vets, going to the park, or on a vacation drive. He loved to have a change in his routine. Thurston's lesson...do something different, explore something new, try something one hasn't done before. Add some measure of zest to our lives. Who knows perhaps we may discover that it is more rewarding then what we had been doing in our normal daily routine. So if you can escape out your open gate give it a try...Thurston always made the most of his opportunities to explore his world when he did!

BRAVE THURSTON

I wish to take a moment and talk about Thurston's pain and suffering. Several years ago he was diagnosed with cancer, and he underwent chemo therpy and other regimes for treatment at the Veternary Clinic in Iowa City, Iowa. The staff and his doctors did a wonderful job of treating him there. He allowed them to treat him without complaint because I trully believe he knew he needed them. His recovery was nothing short of a miracle...he was given a new lease on life during those times. His life returned to him quickly and we were blessed to have him back in our lives as the Thurston we had known before his illness. But sadly enough Thurston's cancer had returned several months ago in the form of bone cancer in his right front leg. His endurance wavered but not his faith or his love for us...we cared for him every day making sure he was comfortable, fed and given snacks, drinks of water and his medication. He taught me how to sooth another's pain and help give them some release from suffering. He was as brave a dog as one could hope for and he tried so hard to continue on. Yet like all living things sometimes God has to step in and intervin. Thurston's lesson to me...reach out a helping hand to someone who is hurting or in pain, hold their hand and let them know they are not alone.

Thurston taught me to listen not with my ears but with the expressions other's had...He taught me to understand not by communicating by the spoken word but rather by those which he could not speak. By his expression, actions, and his eyes. He taught me that even though someone is saying"hey I am ok" they trully are not and they need you to be with them. I am so grateful for Thurston's lessons because they are ones I hope I never forget during my lifetime.

Thurston told us when he wished to go to the Rainbow Bridge. No not in words but in his approach to his life. In the look in his eyes...his pleading look that told us..."It's Time". Thurston's time came when he wanted it to come not when we wished it to be. It is heartbreaking and painful to loose him from our earthly lives...but we also know he is now free of hurt and is safe in God's care. Thurston taught me that at some point we have to let go...we have to make a decision for the sake of another without regard for how we may feel. How hurtful we may feel afterwards or the loss we have to deal with. We still have to give that last full measure of final comfort to someone else to put an end to their suffering. Thank you Thurston for teaching me this lesson.

Letting go is hard and Painful. Thurston was our "buddy". He knew us as his companions and he was indeed our "Thursty". The journey to his end was hard...yet we both knew when it was time. He told us when he was ready to go to the Rainbow Bridge. We were blessed to have Doctor Cornick and his staff from Pioneer Animal Hospital here in Mason City, Iowa, who had been Thurston's vet for as long as we had him in our lives. On his last visit to the clinic Doctor Cornick assured me that he would be there for Thurston when it was his time. Our call into the clinic on Monday January 16, 2006 was the hardest call we made in regards to Thurston. Doctor Cornick and his assistant arrived at our home at 10:30 that morning. They took Thurston into their caring hands. He passed on his "safe spot" at his home in our living room with us present to say goodbye. I cannot give enough praise or say enough to thank Doctor Cornick for his devotion to the well being of our Thurston. His act of compassion stands as a testimont to his love of all animals great and small. Thurston knew why they were there and he was glad that he was at home and on his "safe spot" when he began his journey and crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge. His end was painless and quick and Thurston left us at 10:45 am.

Goodbye Thurston till we once again are reunited.

FINAL REFLECTIONS ON THURSTON'S LIFE

We were blessed to have Thurston in our lives...I hope never to forget those things I have written about here in my reflections. To do so would be an injustice to Thurston. I hope that you also will find that within his lessons he taught to me something which you can apply within your own lives. We have faith in the belief that we will once again be reunited with Thurston, and our other friends which we have had throughout the years and that we will be together once again to share our love and companionship in Heaven.

Having respect in ones own life and in the friendships we make along the way...in the way we interact with others and caring faith in our hearts will make this world a better place for us all. Thurston left that legacy with us here...I hope these reflections share a part of Thurston's legacy in your own lives.

...Dan and JoAnn

MEMORIES

NEGLECT VERSUS CARING

When we first went to pick up Thurston we discovered just how bad a situation he was caught up in. He had been neglected, he was hungry and starving for love and affection. I have never witnessed such blatant neglect of a dog before and it broke my heart to see him surviving under such terrible conditions. JoAnn wasn't totally sold on the idea of having a larger dog in our small home but Thurston knew just how to win her heart and handle her. He made it a point to become friends with her immediately showing her that he wanted her to be his new owner along with me. I had been sold on Thurston immediately after seeing his conditions and he had "that look" in his eyes that said "Take me home with you!". I looked at JoAnn and she looked at me and at Thurston, she nodded her head in approval and we immediately bundled Thurston into our car and care and our hearts. The journey back to our home was a wonderful experience for us all.

We both fell head over heels in love with Thurston from the moment he came into our home. His playful expressions, his glistening eyes and his way of making you laugh at his antics. Thurston remained our best companion for as long as we were fortunate to have him grace our home.

I usually got home from work before JoAnn and I would take him outside to do his duty. He knew the sound of JoAnn's car and just as soon as he saw her drive up the street he would bound over to the curb as she parked and wag his tail in greeting. This was the fastest I ever experienced Thurston to move everyday he was with us. He had a heart worth more than gold...because he greeted her everyday with that same tail wagging and that look of "welcome home". He couldn't wait for her to bend down and pet him on the head and say "Hello Thurston!". That simple act of his greeting her is what we miss the most.

We never had one days regret rescuing Thurston because he brought all his love and devotion into our home!

JOANN'S HOT DOG

One of the craziest things with Thurston happened several days after we had gotten him in July of 1996. It showed just how sneaky and enterprising a dog he was. JoAnn had brought home a couple of hot dog sandwiches from the Thursday Night On The Plaza celebration held in downtown Mason City. She had come home to check up on Thurston and make sure he was ok. Well as she went about her tasks at home she eventually decided she would eat her hot dogs and she placed one of the sandwiches on a plate and placed it on an end table next to her lounge chair in the living room wishing to relax and watch the local news cast. She went back into the kitchen for just a second to get something to drink and low and behold when she came back to sit down and eat her hot dog...she looked down at her plate...there was the bun...there was everything but no hot dog. Thurston had somehow managed to delete it from the bun! He looked up at JoAnn, who was in shock and surprised at how enterprising Thurston had been, and had that look of "hey I don't know what happen to it!". He managed to steal that hot dog in under 3 seconds. She simply couldn't believe he had done it so quickly. Laughingly she related the event to me on her return to the Plaza. Thurston of course had that sheepish look on his face and his eyes glistened with pride that he had managed to pull one over on JoAnn. We learned after that experience to watch what we did with our food and where we put it.

Thurston never missed an oportunity for food...especially when the grandkids came over and ate with us or had a snack. It didn't matter what it was...Thurston relished every morsel no matter how small!

A LEAP OF LOVE

Thurston was never a lap dog...but there was one time, just a few days after we had gotten him, that he made an amazing "Leap of Love". It was during the evening hours and JoAnn and I were sitting watching some comedy on television and we were laughing and just enjoying ourselves when Thurston began to run around and take part in our amusement. Suddenly he bounded towards my lounge chair and in one amazing jump landed right on my lap. He and I both were so surprised and it was so funny at the time. His "Leap of Love" endured him even more to us. JoAnn couldn't believe her eyes. Thurston never again jump onto my lap or anyone elses during all the years we had him as our buddy. He brought a renewed warm feeling inside me as I recalled this instance. Indeed his "Leap of Love" made me laugh all over again.

THANK YOU THURSTON FOR YOUR "LEAP OF LOVE".

SHARING

When we resuced Thurston he had made himself to home on his "safe spot" in our living room. He was comfortable and content. Happy he was here with us. Then along came Mason, a minature Dachshund who had belonged to our daughter since he was first born. When she moved circumstances were such that she could not keep Mason with her so we inherited him by default. Well Mason loved to stay warm and cozy...and he would. When Thurston was away from his "safe spot", Mason would jump up from his own bed and snuggle himself under Thurston's quilts. Thurston would come back discovering Mason asleep under his quilts and rather then becoming upset with Mason he would lay down beside his quilt and patiently wait for Mason to get up and leave at which point Thurston would reclaim his "safe spot". Thurston never once got upset with Mason and went out of his way to be considerate of the little guy and sharing with him. Mason I believe thought this was natural..and he never objected to putting Thurston's life on hold. Even when it was time to eat their respective suppers, Thurston always allowed Mason to explore and raid his dish...standing back as Mason did so. They were great buddys together...sharing walks, quiet times and play.

CHILDREN

When Thurston would lay outside warming himself in the sunshine he would watch as people would walk by...his tail wagging hoping they would stop and greet him. Many of the children who lived in our neighborhood got to know him well and when they would pass by our home and he would be outside they would come up and pet him and call him by his name. He simply adored the attention and he gave back to them the unconditional feeling of love that we all need. He was a gem when it came to children...capable of making them smile and laugh and feel that they were special to him. Indeed they were!

During the many times our grandchildren came over for a visit he was in his height of glory because he had all that company and all those hands petting him and playing with him. He gave more then what he received...he trully made them feel welcome in our home. These memories will be a wonderful thing for all our grandchildren who knew him and took the time to share their caring and play with him.

What I remember most is Thurston's enthuastic way of greeting all of them when they came over. It is to bad that during those last few months of his life many of our grandkids and children were absent from his life either because it was winter here in Iowa or that, in the case of some of our grandchildren, they had moved out of state. But we know that they cared for Thurston as much as he cared for them and will miss him.

THAT HUMAN TOUCH

Thurston wanted, needed and loved that human interaction. He had a need inside himself for that "human touch". His whole life with us was filled with that. Even in the small events of the day he was there waiting for it. When he wanted more he would let you know and we found that by giving this to him we ourselves were warmed by that experience. Many times at night he would come over and we both knew he needed and wanted that "human touching". I think his happiness was a direct result of this interaction...because he trusted in us to love him and to care for his needs, both physical and mental.

His payment in return was in his devotion to us. During his final days of life it was even more important because at times you could tell he was hurting. He needed that soothing touch to make his pain subside and to be reassured that we were there for him. I would go to him as he stirred on his "safe spot" and slowly touch his head with my fingers, gently massaging his head and neck working my fingers ever so gently around his eyes and forehead and down his neck muscles and back.

His was a need through out his life to interact with humans and one could tell his satisfaction simply by the way he would respond to that attention. His tail wagging, his eyes bright and his expression fullfilled.

WALKIE

Thurston loved the time we spent walking. Didn't matter where we went, as long as he got to explore this world. As a routine many times we would take our walks during the evening hours when JoAnn and I would be together. There was a time when I was free during the day hours to take him to East Park and he then could have alot of fun. Thurston loved being out doors he could discover all those interests that made him excited and off he would go trailing some animal that had gone on before he. We always carried along water for him and a drinking bowl, unless it was just a short walk, so that he could stop lay down and refresh himself before restarting his explorations. He especially loved to have one of our grandchildren handle the lead...it was as if he knew that they would do more following then leading. The kids learned to be patience with him and his ways.

Thurston loved making new friends on his walks and always wanted to greet someone new. His looks alone garnered many a second take and remark from many people we had meet over the years. His friendly and enthuastic nature made him approachable and friendly to all who offered their hand to pet his head. But when he was ready to continue his walk about...he was ready to go!

All we had to say was "Hey Thurston you ready for a walk?" and his ears perked immediately and he would get up and trot to the door. He always wanted his walks. He was impatience with us at times because we sometimes asked him that before we were quite ready to go on that walk. He would look at us with that expression that said..."Well, we going or not?". He was fun to walk with...mindful but likewise stubborn at times. When he got into one of his moods all I had to do was squat down and raise his head and eyes towards my face and tell him it was time to keep going and give him a pat on the head. He wanted to be given that interaction...and he would immediately continue down the sidewalk or path and on our journey together.

Oh I am sure he would have loved to be on his own...making the world his without constraint. Now that the "gate" is unlatched I am sure he is doing just that.

I will miss our walks and time spent together.

BYE BYE

Going "Bye Bye" was totally different from Thurston's "walks"...and he knew the difference. That was the key words used when it was time to take a ride in the car. Either we would go to the vets, the park, or on a drive to some other destination. All one had to ask was "Thurston, you want to go bye bye?" and he was at the door and would waddle quickly to the car door and stand while I would arrive and open it for him. He never could jump up onto the back seat, which was his totally, but during his better times he would put his two front feet up onto the cushion and I would then lift him up the rest of the way into "his" back seat. He would then walk onto the seat a smile on his face. He loved to have the back window down so he could stick his head outside his ears flapping in the wind and taking in all the sites and smells along the way.

He was always ready to jump back out of the car and be about the rest of his trip. Many times when we went to the park he simply didn't wish to leave and we had to do some inventive convincing to get him back into the car for the ride home. He simply loved going...exploring something new. Experiencing anything we offered his way. I will miss that alot...making his trip a good one. Always there for him when we would go "Bye Bye!".

EXPRESSIONS

Thurston had a multitude of facial expressions. A special look for his contentment. Another when he was happy and others to express sadness, boredom, play as well as so many more. We got to over the years understand these individual facial expressions. He had one that told us he was "soooo" bored...he would take a deep breath of air, give a "humph" and look our way as if saying "Well come on lets do something fun!". He spoke volumes in his expressions...they told of his happy times, good times, and yes sad times in his life with us over the many years.

Thurston actually would smile...sometimes as he lay sleeping on his "safe spot" you could tell he was dreaming, perhaps of chasing a squirrel or maybe of the grandkids playing with him and he would give those little "huh huh huhs". I hope his dreams were all fun and of the good times he had had during his days with us.

During his last days his was a look of surrender. Surrender to the end he knew would be coming. That was the worst and the saddest expression we ever encountered on Thurston's face. He reached the point when he had to speak with his eyes. He told us "OK guys...I am ready". We trust we did him something special in his last moments to make his passing another silent dream of those happy times with us.

THURSTON'S EYES

He had deep expressive brown eyes...that took in the world he shared with us and that he used to follow our movements.

He read us with his eyes many times...as an example he knew during the morning rush for ourselves that hey we were about to leave him. He knew with his eyes when we were happy or sad. He knew when we were busy. He had a way of laying on his "safe spot" and take in the world around him without moving his head. His eyes going left to right or up depending on the occasion. It was so funny watching him do this and he brought so many laughs. Happy memories back just thinking about this way he had of using his eyes. His world was wrapped into his eyes and how he used them. He was able to touch our hearts and souls with his eyes from the first we met him so many years ago. It is wonderful to look at his pictures and still see that world he witnessed through his eyes.

At Thurston's last when he had left us on his journey to the Rainbow Bridge...we took a moment to say our "goodbyes" and my last act of kindness was to close his eyes forever in this earthly realm.

SOMETHING TO SAY

We hope you have enjoyed getting acquainted with our Thurston. Those who knew him will see in these memories his nature. Those of you who will know him only by these reflections and memories we hope will grow to appreciate his uniqueness. Thurston had we are sure many traits similar with others of his kind...yet these were some of those things which made him so special to us. We also as time goes on and the many events in our own lives begin to encroach onto our own memories of Thurston...will be able to come to these pages and renew our friendship, love and connection with our "Thursty".

May these words I have written here bring a warmth to your own hearts. We will long remember these and so many other events...but for now it is simply to hard to continue on as my hearts to heavy with loss.

Please take a moment today in your life to make your "special" friend feel wanted, needed and loved...

You won't regret it in the least...Thank you Dan and JoAnn.

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