Indentations

Indentations - impression left in a space once occupied

Today while mom was vacuuming the carpet, she paused for a moment to stare at the indentations that still remain from where my elevated feeder once stood. It got mom to thinking of indentations, not just the kind you physically see but also the indentations of the heart where pawprints firmly imbed their ever eternal presence for those who love them. These are perhaps the greatest indentations one can ever witness without ever physically seeing. Mom is thankful for the indentions of the love we shared and the life we spent together. You just never know what will open the floodgates to your memories.

Bru

I was tagged by beautiful Belle

Belle tagged me!
we have to answer 4 questions in our diary and tag 4 friends.

here goes.......

name 4 jobs that you have:
1. Guard the food, I didn't want to starve!
2. Watch over my yard
3. Therapy dog with Pals on Paws
4. I now watch over all my family and friends.

name 4 places where you have lived ( or stayed at ):
1. In foster care after being pulled from the shelter
2. Home in Champlin
3. Temporarily at grandma's when our house was being built
4. Home in Delano

name 4 places that you have been:
1. Training school
2. Nursing homes to visit with the elderly
3. Vet's office (I loved Dr. Ganske)
4. Grandma's house

name 4 places you'd rather be:
1. On Earth with my family
2. Any all you can eat buffet!
3.
4.

Off to tag 4 pals

One month

It's been a month since we said our final goodbyes to our dear friend and companion Bruno. I still miss him so very much. His ashes are sitting on his favorite dog bed along with his memorial marker. The ashes will be buried this spring alongside the newly planted maple tree. I know he'd be touched by all the love and support he's received from his friends. It was nothing short of miraculous. I never imagined he could touch the lives of others as much as he had ours. I suppose I should have known, he was very charismatic and loved by those he met. He lit up when company came and enjoyed all the affection they would give him. Regal yet loving, that was Bruno. Here's a poem I found for you Bruno. Know we are always thinking of you and your sisters.


Tribute To A Best Friend

Sunlight streams through window pane
unto a spot on the floor....
then I remember,
it's where you used to lie,
but now you are no more.
Our feet walk down a hall of carpet,
and muted echoes sound....
then I remember,
It's where your paws would joyously abound.
A voice is heard along the road,
and up beyond the hill,
then I remember it can't be yours....
your golden voice is still.
But I'll take that vacant spot of floor
and empty muted hall
and lay them with the absent voice
and unused dish along the wall.
I'll wrap these treasured memorials
in a blanket of my love
and keep them for my best friend
until we meet above.

Author Unknown

Our angel is home

I couldn't immediately pick up Bruno's ashes because I wasn't quite ready for the finality of it all but today I went to pick them up. Was I ready now? NO! I needed my boy to come home though so I forced myself to go out there and pick him up. We'll bury his ashes this spring. I had hoped I wouldn't cry but of course no sooner than telling the receptionist why I was there I started to cry again. It was a long ride home. We miss you so much Bruno. Thank you for giving us so much love. We hope and pray you are happy and at peace at the bridge. Love, your family

Yesterday was a difficult day

Some days are just worse than others and yesterday was a very difficult day for the family. It started with the removal of Bruno's memorial video and having to put it back on through You Tube, but that was just the beginning of a day that would just prove to be painful and difficult. Later that morning the vet's office called to say that Bruno's ashes were back and ready to be picked up. I'm not quite ready yet but will pick them up soon so my baby boy can come home. When the mail arrived, the 16x20 poster we had made from Bruno's head shot arrived (courtesy of Shutterfly - thanks Dogster for the free coupon!). We also received a book from family titled The Rainbow Bridge: Pet loss is Heaven's Gain. I haven't started to read it yet but will start it soon. It was just so many painful reminders yesterday that Bruno is really gone. Some days I guess I just don't realize he's not really here. Today we came home from shopping and normally he would be thrilled to see what we bought and if anything was for him but not today. Just when I think I'm doing better it gets so hard again. Still missing you my sweet big boy!

Tears of joy during such a hard time

It's hard to believe that in such a difficult time there could be tears of joy, but sometimes the worst of circumstances bring out the best in situations. We are just overwhelmed with the love and support of the wonderful Dogster Community! It has really helped to read and share stories and to have a shoulder to cry on. When we posted about sending donations to rescue in lieu of receiving gifts, the response was wonderful. We didn't care which organization it was, it just meant so much to us to have had the opportunity to adopt Bruno that it seemed fitting to be a final gesture in order to have another wonderful pup like him given a second chance in life. We donated to A Rotta Love in MN, a wonderful organization dedicated to the rescuing and rehoming Rottweilers and Pitbull Terriers. Here is a copy of the e-mail we received today from Rachael that has brought total tears of joy to the whole family. Bless you all!


Hello Denise…I did check out Mr. Bruno’s page…it brought tears to my eyes…he seems like he was a wonderful breed ambassador. And thank you so much for guiding people to support rescue, any rescue, but especially ours…that was very kind…we’ve actually received about $100 specifically in memory of Bruno, some as far away as the UK…so it’s clear he had a wide fan base…



We’re actually thinking about starting a “Rainbow Wall”, where people can donate in times like these…with Bruno being our first member.



Thank you so much for thinking of other dogs, when I know how sad you must be about letting yours go…



Rachel Anderson

Director

A Rotta Love Plus
http://www.arottalove.org/

I'm an angel

Thank you all so much for the love, gifts, prayers, and donations to rescue in my name. You realize there are things in life that are so much bigger than you when this happens. I can honestly say I believe I have made a difference in this world. Did you know a sweet elderly lady once thought I was a real reindeer visiting her during a therapy visit years ago? She was so excited to see a real reindeer (they were just fake antlers...BOL) and I never had the heart to tell her otherwise. I've also met neighbors who were initially very afraid of me and after spending a few minutes with me, they realized I was a really nice guy and they changed their perception of our breed. My trainer Chuck would always make comments in class about how this is what a Rottweiler should be like and how it is such a shame they get a poor reputation. One of the main reason the pawrents moved in 2005 was to have a house more suitable for us dogs. They knew with my limping I was going to need a house with a walk out lower level instead of the bi-level that we had been living in (this has been very important this past year as it progressed). Such little things that in themselves might not mean much but then you add them up and realize that they all mattered and they all made a difference. I made a difference. I help console when the family need to be consoled. I was a pillow when the kids need one. I was loved and loved them all back in return.

I may not have had as much time on Earth as we all wanted, but I think it was time well spent. I crossed over right around noon today. When we arrived at the vet's office, they were waiting for me. Dad and Josh carried me into the room and sat down beside me. My mom, dad, my two skin brothers, and my favorite vet were all there with me. I didn't know what was going on, but I wasn't scared at all. I had an Arby's sandwich, some duck fillets, and even a few dog biscuits. I saw a lot of tears, in fact, I don't think I ever saw my vet cry like that before. After lots of loving and kisses, I closed my eyes and peacefully made my journey free from the pain my body trapped me in. I'd give anything to take away all the pain my family and friends are feeling though. It's been an honor to share my stories, both good and bad with everyone. I am lucky to have had so much love and support and all that love and support has also blessed my family. I don't know why my body went so quickly these past weeks, but maybe God wanted me for a reason. I'll be watching all my friends from above. Many blessings to you all.

nub wiggles,
Angel Bru

We eloped! & sad news

I had to elope with my beloved Elma. You see, my health is poor and I knew we couldn't wait. My heart breaks knowing I will be leaving soon, but I'm so happy we had our special day.

Tomorrow is the day I will be crossing over the Rainbow Bridge. The pawrents have agonized over making the decision, but in the end they know it's the best for me. Despite continual increases in pain management, I am still having so much difficulty and so much pain. My appointment is at 11:30 CST so if you wouldn't mind saying a little prayer for my safe passage, I would appreciate it.

Bella named me HNWTBD DOTD today and that was really cool. I'm not sure it's an honor I deserve, but I'll take it. Bud and Zeke wrote me this poem

Our Big Pal, so gentle and kind
We will watch for your star
always in our hearts and mind.
When you get the release
from the grinding of pain
You will find beauty and peace
and feel so young once again.
You can watch us at play
and join in when you can
cause we always have room
for our pal BRUNO, BIG MAN!!

I have one request for all my DOGSTER pals. This may sound silly but it would mean the world to me that in lieu of any rosettes or special gifts, would you please consider donating a dollar or two to any dog rescue of your choice. I'm a rescue and if I can help just one other pup be saved, it would make it all worth it.

Mom is donating $25.00 to A Rotta Love in MN to start the ball rolling. Thank you for all the love and support. It has always meant the world to my family.

love,
Bru

Me and Elma

I was really nervous asking Elma to be my one and only girl, but I mustered up the courage to ask her and her reply was YES! I'm so happy! Elma is the sweetest girl and now she loves me, too. She even accepts me with all my health problems and disabilities. That is one special gal. Love you my dearest Elma.

Bru

Oh what a night!

This was my very best night since I started Tramadol on Saturday! I actually got a good night's sleep and when I had to take a potty break, I got up on my own and asked to be let out. This is a huge accomplishment. I even got up this morning to eat my breakfast. I didn't wait for the delivery service.....BOL It made mom smile so I guess that is good news! I'm taking a lot of meds for pain but at least they are working.

nub wiggles,
Bru