Bella was the once in a lifetime
girl. A majestic Landseer Newfoundland, with a beautiful loving
face who spoke volumes with her eyes, she brought me from being
a pet owner to being a dog lover. Her essence touched many lives
as she visited nursing homes and schools, offering fragile beings
an opportunity to share her soft coat and happy face. Bella loved
her family of humans and dogs. If not for the monster that lurked
within her, she would have enjoyed years of love and companionship.
We laid on the floor with her when she seized and held her as
she came out of every series. When the monster was not there,
the *all* of her radiated out of her. The monster finally created
enough of a barrier that we could no longer reach our beloved
girl..it took her brain with fire and pain. Our last great act
of love was to hold her, once more, as the vet assisted her over
the bridge. This dog cracked open my stone heart and taught me
how to love. She is who came to me, as a pup, after my father
died and helped ease the pain of that loss with the hugeness of
her life. I will never be the same and for this I am so grateful.
My Bella...my bella...we will all miss you. Thank you baby girl...wait
for me. I
will come to rest myself someday..until then, rest under the halo
of our oak tree. Run with the horses in the pasture and chase
the squirrels in the woods. Lap cool water from the stream and
play with all the other boys and girls on that side of the bridge.
When I come, run to me and bark your
unmistakable gutteral moan that once announced your joy that I
am home. I will listen for it when I pass...Good night sweet girl...we
love you so....
Kazy (pronounced K.Z.) learned a lot about and taught his daddy a lot about herding (along with patience and unconditional love). In the process, he earned his ASCA herding titles of Working Dog Trial Champion (WTCH) and ranch trial champion on sheep (Rs). When he was "on stock" he was happy to be able to do what he was bred for - herding live stock. He had a "strong motor" that never quit even when he was tired. Even on the drugs, he handled it all so well. His last opportunity to "do his thing" was just a few months ago to bring stock out of the arena after others dogs had run an AKC trial course - he was so proud of himself.
We teasingly call him Dr. Jekel & Mr. Hyde because he truly had two personalities - a sweet, loving "big guy" who unconditionally loved us at home and a strong single minded herding dog when working stock (ducks, goats, sheep or cattle).
He was our "Mr. Dependable". He would do anything we asked him. He would communicate to us all the time. He knew we knew what he was asking us.
We have, since Kazy's death, watched videos of him growing up. Seeing him young and active, before the disease showed up, helps us smile inside, thru a few tears still, but smiles will freely come again. We had a lot of really good years together - he was a happy dog.
We miss him dearly. We know he is happily herding live stock at Rainbow Bridge while waiting to once again greet us when we arrive. Love you, Kazy.
The magnificent "Beau". This young, beautiful dog is best remembered for his sparkling personality. He literally loved everyone (not a typical Belgian Sheepdog trait). In true character with the breed, "Beau" had an intense love of his owner who reciprocated this love and is, to this day, devastated by his loss.
Beau eagerly put up with a great
deal of teasing from his littermate "Belle" who always
ran faster and jumped and tugged on his mane unmercifully -- but
he loved it. He never growled at her and always gave up the best
seat in the
house, if Belle wanted it.
Beau was a full-tooth "smiler". One of the fondest memories of him is the day someone left the gate open of the new backyard fence. His owner dashed out the gate, fearing the worst (being located close to a major highway). She called him twice. All of a sudden he flew across the street and raced into her with this amazing broad, very sheepish grin. He had been visiting the dog next door. She hugged and kissed him and picked him up and carried him back to the house. It's amazing the physical strength you have when it comes to your beloved pets. Needless to say, the gate was never left open again.
Brandy was an epilepsy success story.
Because of all I learned on this list, Brandy went from having
clusters every few days to 359 days seizure free. We conquered
the epilepsy, it was lymphoma that took my 5 year old boy from
me . But I do not want him remembered for his epilepsy, nor his
lymphoma. We need to remember him for the things he loved... Jelly
Sticks, sitting on Mom's lap, swimming, riding in a car, his big
sister Sasha, playing with Jessica, ice cream, running in the
water, boat rides, taking Dad's spot in bed, a good bone, walks
in the woods, walks anywhere ! Brandy was good natured and loyal,
sweet and loving. He was a spoiled little boy, who never let his
problems interfere with his life. He took his medications willingly.
He trusted me implicitly.
