Birthday: June 23rd 1993 Likes: Going for walks on the mountain; swimming in the pond; going for car rides; carrying anything in his mouth; and most of all - MOM Pet-Peeves: Those darn cats sleeping in his bed; trespassers; the vaccuum cleaner Favorite Toy: Mr Fuzzy; Mr Moosie; big lips; Raw hides Favorite Food: PEOPLE food - lots of it Favorite Walk: Mom's mountain trail Best Tricks: Ability to get the squeaker out of Mr Fuzzy in less than 2 minutes; ability to tell the best secrets ever Arrival Story: My boyfriend (at the time) really wanted a dog. I'm embarrassed to say, I didn't. He WON. We went to a breeder & picked out a pudgy, little white pup. The breeder told us that he was the 13th puppy of that litter, and that he was born late at night in the backyard. The mom had delivered all her pups, and he knew there was one left so he walked her until she had him. It was hard to decide what to name him, but we started calling him Cracker because he was so white. It wasn't meant to be a mean 'slur' it just fit him. In the 12 years he was with me, only 4 people actually 'got' his name! It must have been a good name because I found out after we moved out of our neighborhood, one of our neighbors got a yellow lab & named HER Cracker. Needless to say, my boyfriend & I split up. He didn't want Cracker, I did - I WON! I am so happy that I was able to love & adore him for almost 12 years. I was the lucky one! Bio: Gosh, the stories I could tell of Cracker. He was my best, forever friend for almost 12 years. That's a lot of memories. He was always a hyper, happy guy - smiling all the time. He was the class clown at doggie obedience class. He just wanted to play, play, play. Even the instructor would laugh at him. When I practiced down time with him - I'd actually have to lay on top of him for the entire time. The first years of Cracker's life we lived in a development. It wasn't an easy life for a pooch, but he had an 80 foot run so he could be outside. I tried that wonder electric fence invention, but that didn't work for my guy. As soon as he'd see a person or cat, he'd dart through it like it wasn't there. The kids in the neighborhood loved him - they used to come to my door & ask "Can Cracker come out & play??" When Cracker was 6, we moved to the mountain. Cracker was lucky enough to have his own pond to swim in (no more kiddy pool), mountain trails to walk unleashed, & a huge yard to run and play. Boy did he have the life!***In April of 2005, Cracker had his first stroke. This was followed by several others. I took him to the vet fully expecting that I would have to say goodbye. The vet told me that he wasn't ready yet & that I would know when the time came. He started coming out of the strokes - able to walk again, but eating was tough because his mouth was slack. I started feeding him anything I could find that he would eat - even going to the deli daily & buying him lunch meat. He really was on the road to recovery & he would still run to greet me when I came home from work every night. Four weeks later, the seizures started. They were the worst. I would just hold him & tell him how much I loved him until they passed. I was hoping he'd overcome this hurdle too, but it wasn't to be. I knew I had to make the decision to do what was best for HIM and no longer be selfish. On May 31st, 2005, I said goodbye to my true & loyal friend. He was 23 days short of turning 12.***"My little Peanut - thank you for being my best pal - you'll always have my heart" Forums Motto: Remember me Happy & Free The Last Forum I Posted In: ARG - Blue ribbon rosette "best in show" Earned Angel Wings: May 31, 2005
First I want to thank all of you who sent 'gifts' or dogmails. My little man has been gone six whole years & I still miss him. He was my rock & got me through a lot of hard times.
It may have been six years, but I STILL think of him daily & still have his pix all over my NEW home.....He was my best friend & will always be my first & foremost in doggie love. At some point in your life, one exceptional friend enters & they remain with you forever....Cracker is that friend...I want to thank him for all the love & devotion he gave me for the time I was with him - without him I could not have made it through a lot of rough times in my life & for that I was always be grateful.....He is & will always remain....my best friend....
I cannot believe I've been at the bridge for five whole years. Seems like yesterday I was tagging after mom & watching her every move. Hey mom - just want you to know I'm still watching your every move & looking out for you, even if its from heaven. I will always be your guardian angel. I want you to know that I welcomed Gino & Lucy when they passed....I know you miss all of us but we're all together again just like we used to be. And you know, they're hogging my darned dog bed again! Love you & miss you mom - we will be together again someday...
From Cracker's Mom - My little peanut...I still miss you like crazy. And even though my life has changed & I've moved - I still put your pictures up all over the house...You were my very best friend in the entire world & you helped me through a LOT of tough times. I hope you're taking good care of Gino & Lucy - they left me too soon (just like you). But you were the original threesome & can now wait for me together. Hugs, kisses & special secrets to you, my little man. Miss & Love you.
Gosh mom, it’s hard to believe that I’ve been here at the bridge for four whole years. That’s like forever. But in my mind it was only yesterday you were sobbing, bringing me to the vet making that final decision to give me the peace I needed. You did the right thing – it was my time & I needed you to be strong even though you didn’t think you could be. I am so glad that you were there comforting me when I passed – I wouldn’t have wanted to be alone. You begged me to just pass in my sleep but then I wouldn’t have had my last moments with you which I really needed (and I think you did too). I want you to know that I’m still okay up here at the bridge – I have soooo many friends that are all just like me - Waiting for their forever companions to join them, and watching over them while we wait.
I know my being gone is still hard for you even though you try not to show it. And I know you think of me often and are still reliving my stories with friends – we sure did have a lot of good times together, didn’t we. Remember the little job you gave me when you came home from work – I always had to pick up my water dish & bring it in the house – it didn’t matter that I’d spill it all over me – it was my job & I liked doing things to please you & make you laugh. Those wonderful memories will never vanish – they’ll always be with us.
I know you’ve been going through some rough times lately, I wish I could be there to lick your tears away and make things better for you. Know that I am watching over you and am here if you need me….Love you & miss you Mom…..
From Cracker’s Mom – Ah, my little man or should I say my main man – remember you were always my main man? You still are….Even though when you left I told Gino that he had to step up to the plate and be the new main man. Peanut – he took me sooo seriously – that kitty will protect me with his life – just like you. But between you & I – you’re still my main man. So little guy – I sure do miss you. It’s hard to believe that we had to say goodbye 4 years ago – it’s still so fresh in my memory & always will be. I think of you always – cherishing all the time we had together & thankful that we had it. Know that I will always love you & that you have that extra special spot in my heart that nobody can ever replace. Miss you, my little peanut.
PS – I want to thank all our Dogster pals for the thoughtful rosettes & p-mails. The thoughtfulness and caring is amazing and I really do appreciate it. I haven’t been able to get on Dogster as much as I would like in the past year, but hopefully that will all change when I get my life back in order. Thanks for thinking of us and caring……HUGS
