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Here is what Checkers has to say...

Bad To the Bone

My copy of "Bad to the Bone" by my pal Bo Hoefinger came in the mail today. Mama can't wait to open it and read it!

The mailman asked about me...

This morning mama needed to catch the mailman to send grandma a birthday card. She missed him at our house but heard him down the street. She went outside to look for him but he was driving away. Then she saw him stop--a neighbor was getting a package! Mama walked down the street to give him her mail. She saw it was the mailman who delivered all my Christmas cards and packages and birthday cards and packages to me. Just as mama was going to tell him about me, he asked "How is Checkers?" Oh boy, there came the tears. Mama told him that I had passed away in July. He said that he was sorry to hear that I died and he had been wondering because he hadn't seen me. Mama tried to compose herself but didn't succeed too well.

As the mailman climbed back into his truck he said that he was very sorry. And he said he knew that I had lived a wonderful life--I had to because I received more cards in one year than he has his entire life! So thank you, all of my friends, who have made my life so special. Without you my life would have been empty.

I will continue to watch over all my pals through the good times and the bad. Love to you all!

xoxo ~ Checkers

A special meet-up

Saturday, August 22nd mama and daddy went to their first Dogster meet-up without me. It was in Lancaster PA, my favorite vacation spot, so needless to say I was there in spirit with them.

The meet-up was at Buchanan Park on the campus of Franklin and Marshall University. It was a nice little park with two areas to run and play for the big dogs and for the smaller dogs.

When mama and daddy and Aunt Rosie and Riley arrived most of the Snoops who were coming were already there. As soon as mama entered the gate she recognized Jovi's mom and went over and gave a big hug...and some tears. Then Sophia's momma who traveled from Butler (our back yard!) Murphy's mommy, Trudy's mom, my big brother, Mike and his brother, Harry's mom and dad, and then Oz and Coby's mom and finally Benny and Rocky's mom.

I want to thank Oz and Coby for planning the trip from Canada to Lancaster. It was the therapy that mama needed to help heal though my crossing to the Rainbow Bridge.

Today is my 4th week here, and although I am missing mama and daddy and they miss me, I am very happy and healthy and playful. I have made so many new friends and renewed old friendships. And don't worry mama, when it is time to rest, I am with Aunt Mary who takes good care of me and Grandpap, who still calls me "that mutt." And no, he hasn't tied me to any trees with an extension cord lately--BOL!

I hope that I have not forgot to list anyone's name that mama met at the park, because everypup and everypeep was very special to mama. And daddy really took a liking to Harry.

Riley got along with all the pups and after most of the Snoops group had gone, Bailey arrived. He and Jovi had a great time dancing together...but of course, mama didn't get any pictures. As a matter of fact, most of mama's pictures aren't usable--and she used to blame it on me for not cooperating. Mama, it is time to fess up--you are no photographer!

There was one little doxie at the park that mama really enjoyed watching...his name was Roo and he had herniated disks like I had. This little dog had the heart and determination of a rottie! He loved being at the park and "running" with the pups. Most of the time he'd be dragging his hind legs behind him, but he could keep up with the best of them. Other times, he could get a few runs on four feet! Roo's mom said she would look for Dogster and make him a page...I will keep looking for it.

Once again, thank you, everypeep and pup for the meet-up. Mama thought going to a meet-up without me would be too difficult and she thought about not going--but just for a little while. She realized that seeing the Snoops and other Dogster members was the lift that she needed.

HUGS to you all for your support.

xoxo ~ Checkers