#1 Even if you have suffered harm @ the hands of others, learn to trust again.
#2 A BIG spirit can come in a very small package.
#3 Touch communicates more than words. 
#4 If you need a hug, ask!
# 5 If the shoes aren't comfortable, don't walk in them.
#6 Enjoy nibbling fresh greens.
#7 Nothing beats cuddling with a good friend.
#8 If your friend is running and barking, run and bark with them!
#9 Let your love radiate out as far as you possibly can.
#10 Enjoy feeling the sunshine on your body. And when you have time, take a nap in it.
#11 Feel the grass under your feet. REALLY feel it.
#12 Meal time is cause for a celebration!
#13 Happiness is simplicity. Simplicity is happiness.
#14 Enjoy the Earth. Digging in it. Tasting it. Smelling it.
#15 When it is time to move on, leave with grace, bravery, patience and above all love.

I want to thank all of the wonderful people that sent cards, e-mail and phone calls of support during this difficult time. We all cherish the memory of our sweet Frieda Pixel. Her spirit lives on.

Legend of Rainbow Bridge 
by William N. Britton
Published and copyrighted in 1994. Reprinted with permission

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are beautiful meadows and grassy hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of their favorite food, fresh spring water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing:  they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.  Your sacred circle is now complete.

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
      
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
      
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

 Kahlil Gibran

GOD'S PROMISE

I'll lend you for a little while a child of mine He said.

For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years or twenty-two or three.

But will you til I call him back take care of him for me?

He'll bring you charm to gladden you and should his stay be brief,

You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise you he will stay since all from earth return;

But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.

I've looked the wide world over in search of teachers true,

And from the throngs that crowd life's lane I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love nor think you labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call to take him back again?

I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord, Thy Will be done;"

For all the joy this child shall bring the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may;

And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.

But should the angel call for him much sooner than we  planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

                                                            John Greenleaf Whittier

Dear Pet Parents, Friends and Loved Ones,

Today has been a long day. Our little friend Ms. Frieda Pixel left us peacefully @ approximately 8:25a. this morning.  A memorial will be announced @ a future date. Please, hold her memory with great joy as she was a wonderful blessing. 

Someone dear said to me last night, "She has family waiting for her in Heaven. And she will be waiting for you when you get there." So she has and so she shall. Goodbyes are never easy.

I want to say "Thank you" to everyone who sent kind and loving words to me and about Frieda. It may be a day or more before I am up to returning e-mails and phone calls. Living without her loving presence will be a big adjustment.

Peace and Much Love,
  S.

P.S. This photo was taken last night as she rested quietly in her bed next to her best friend, Baila.