Wimpy, our little ol' man [Archive] - Dachsie's Bulletin Board

Mark

11-27-2002, 09:31 AM

Some of you have replied to this news in the General Health forum, but we still want to place him in this In Loving Memory forum.

Wimpy was, and still is the inspiration for this board's existence. A place with no cost, no ads and no hassle that other Dachsie lovers can visit to share info, tips, knowledge and their love for our precious Dachsies.

Our little ol' man had plenty of problems . . . IDD/back surgery, heart murmur, decaying teeth and blindness. But in each case he looked this unfair world in the eye and said, "Is that all ya got, world?". And overcame every single difficulty.

Wimpy's day yesterday was a great day! He romped, ran in circles when it was treat time and really enjoyed himself . . . as did we.

Then last night between 11 & midnight his breathing became labored. After a few hours of breathing difficulty, choking and gasping we contacted the emergency clinic. They asked us to check what color his gums are and they were white. They said to bring him *now* and we did.

They put him on oxygen, took Xrays, gave an IV and gave an injection. They said he is in Congestive heart failure and explained our options, stating that the same thing might happen next week . . . there are just no guarantees. His little, swollen heart was occupying 80% of his chest. The expense last night and from Friday are horrendous and to have any help given would have been moreso . . . but again we did not make our decision "about money".

After Jean and I discussed it thoroughly I told the emergency Vet, in a small voice . . . can you do "it" here or do we need to wait for our family Vet? They said they could do it and invited me in to the room to be with him.

He was still in distress in his breathing and I held him close. He faced me and as though he had a voice I heard, "I know Daddy . . . it's time for me to go on ahead". I whispered, "we love you big guy" in return.

I continued to hold him close and the Vet administered the injection. I felt his relief as his little 10 3/4 pound body went limp and he was gone. The time was 5:31 AM EST I continued to hold him until he started to get cold and then laid him carefully on the table and covered him to the neck with a blanket, as though to keep him warm, and gave him a gentle kiss.

As I left the room he looked like he was having a nice, peaceful sleep.

We miss our little ol' man and neither of us can stop crying. We will never, ever forget him . . . and if there is a Rainbow Bridge . . . I know we will see him there, with his eyes and perfect health.

Wimpy
January 21, 1990 to November 27, 2002
We love you!

Meemoo

11-27-2002, 09:47 AM

What a wonderful tribute to your little man. It was so touching that it brought tears to my eyes and shivers down my spine. I know Wimpy brought you and the rest of the pack great joy and comfort.

Thinking of you all during this sad time.

willsana

11-27-2002, 09:56 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad he had you there for him.

willsana

Frzframe

11-27-2002, 10:43 AM

My words cannot express my feelings right now over your loss. Please know that you and yours will be in my thoughts and tears. It was such a shock to read about Wimpy since he was doing so well. I am so glad you were able to be with him to comfort him and provide a safe place for him in your arms during his last moments. It is such a hard but loving thing we can do for those little ones we love so much. He will be forever missed I'm sure.

Shonda

TessieMom

11-27-2002, 10:56 AM

Mark and Jean, I am so sorry for your loss but know that Wimpy is resting quietly and waiting for his pack. Please take care,
Rena, Stinker, Tess, Lucy, Kibby, Teddy and Rocket

doxielover@rcn.

11-27-2002, 11:09 AM

Mark:

What a beautiful tribute to Wimpy!!! I'm sorry you had to do "it" but you made that decision based on the love you had for your little man. He is at peace now playing with the other doxies. I hope he encounters my sweet little Tiffany. Your post brought tears to my eyes as I feel your pain. It's NEVER easy to make that decision, but your love carried him through all his illnesses. He was a trooper, and your fond memories and love for him will get you through this. There's a book called Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul. I read it right after putting Tiffany down. It helped me deal with the tragedy. I cried when I read the beautiful stories of love that we as humans have for our pets, and the love they in turn have for us. If you and Jean haven't read it, you should. It is a book that will be forever in my library.

Debbie

Roobyrocks

11-27-2002, 12:06 PM

Mark & Jean,

I just happened to think of the "6 pack" this morning and went in search of the sunshine picture. It always makes me smile to see those weenies all piled up together. I can smell the fritos from here...

I just read through your posts about Wimpy and shed quite a few tears... I'm so sorry for your tremendous loss. Your being there was great comfort for Wimpy... bless you.

Brenda

11-27-2002, 02:06 PM

Dear Mark and Jean,

So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Wimpy. My heart is breaking for you..., I know how much you loved that little guy. I have tears in my eyes as I write this and I think I will go give my little Rufus a hug and kiss.

God bless Wimpy -

Brenda
(Rufus' Mom)

minicooper

11-27-2002, 03:46 PM

Mark and Jean,
To say I am sorry for your loss seems so inadequate, but there are no other words.
Look after yourselves and know that Wimpy will always be in your hearts.
Take care.

Dan

11-28-2002, 05:35 AM

Mark & Jean...

I am speechless and sad. You'll always be in our prayers. You did all the best for him. You are still the best parents wimpy could have. We love you....

Mark

11-29-2002, 08:27 AM

Thank you so much . . . everyone! Dachsie people are the best!

We're sorry not to have responded sooner, but losing our Wimpy has hit us very hard.

Our other 5 puppers seem to *know* and have handled it much better than we. We still expect to see him spinning 'round when it's treat time . . . or joining his pack in barking at a strange noise with that husky voice of his. We miss his little stub of a tail quivering because he knows it's meal time. We just miss him very deeply.

Thank you for helping us through this.

dutchman

11-29-2002, 09:04 AM

Hi Mark and Jean,

Like I said in my personal note to you I wanted to look back through the poems sent to me after I lost aggie before posting a reply here. While I know you have seen these before I found two that seemed the most approprate.

The first is title and author unknown:

God saw you were getting tired
and a cure was not to be....
So He put His arms around you
and whispered...."Come with me."
With tearful eyes we watched you suffer
And saw you fade away.
Although we loved you dearly
We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating....
A special 'dog' was put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us...
He only takes the best.

This second one is also from an unknown author:

Letter From The Bridge

To my dearest friends and family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your friends and family, They'll be here later on.

I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented....that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go....from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

** Author Not Known **

Tom and the boys (Frank, Tanner and Dexter)

2DogsLong

11-29-2002, 09:54 AM

I'm so sorry to hear of Wimpy's passing. I certainly am familiar with the situation that you faced at the vet's and pain you're going through now. Though I will always miss Oscar and think of him every day, often with tears in my eyes, I no longer feel anger or guilt - and have come to accept that I was lucky to have him in my life for the time that we had together.

It DOES get easier with time. At some point it will stop hurting when you expect to see Wimpy in line for treats, and instead you will smile and fondly remember how excited Wimpy would be. Having the rest of the pack to care for will certainly help. There is no shortage kisses or shoulders to cry on.

I made a shadow box for Oscar with his favourite toys, collar, and some pictures. It helped me get over the loss because I knew that by having it hanging on the wall, he would never be forgotten. I'm not religious or spiritual but if Oscar's soul is out there I know it would make him happy to see a tribute to his life in the house.

Take care and give yourself time. It really does get better.

Sue

dachsiefriend

11-29-2002, 10:57 AM

dear Mark,

I'm so sorry to hear about Wimpy's passing. I was crying when I read about Wimpy. At least he went knowing that you loved him a lot.

Me and Oscar

Mark

11-29-2002, 05:50 PM

Thank you again.

We wanted to share one other thing that happened later "that day" that touched us. In the early afternoon there was a knock at the door . . . someone had been thoughtful enough to send flowers. Different candidates that might have sent them raced through our minds, but we never would have guessed that our family Vet's office sent them with a sympathy card! Naturally the Emergency clinic had faxed them the details early that morning, but we never expected anything like this.

What a wonderful thing for them to do!

Rusty's mom

11-29-2002, 06:58 PM

I am typing this through my tears an am so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure the wonderful memories of Wimpy that are in your hearts will comfort you in the times ahead. We lost our Bud of 18 yrs. shortly before I joined this board. In time our grieving his loss was able to turn to celebrating his life and I wish the same for you and Jean. You know that we're here for you as you have been there for so many of us. Take care of yourself and know that you and Jean are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathy - mom to Rusty, Duffer, Hobbs and Lady

Mom of Freddie and FG

11-29-2002, 10:17 PM

Mark and Jean,

I'm a little late here but I want you to know how sad I am about Wimpy. I cried as if he were my dog. I remember Wimpy. I don't come here nearly as often as I used to, but I still 'check-in' from time to time. I was shocked at how quickly things took a turn for the worse. One day Wimpy was fine and the next day he was gone. I realize that I or anyone else could suddenly be facing what you went through. I just want to send my heartfelt sympathy and let you know that I'm thinking of you.

Sincerely,
Susan

Heidismom

11-30-2002, 12:29 AM

It is a beautiful tribute. I am so sorry for your loss, and I know it was a comfort to Wimpy that you were able to do so much for him, and that you were able to send him off to the Bridge with dignity and love him enough to unselfishly let him go. My girls are snuggling close because I am crying, so they mourn him as well. Julia B.
:crying:

DAL

11-30-2002, 04:18 AM

Mark and Jean,

I have just come across the following picture on a Swiss site. If you are in agreement Betty would like to write a few words of comfort which will appear under the "Rainbows Bridge" on our site.

http://www.lucking.fslife.co.uk/Rainbows_Bridge_Regenbogenbrucke.jpg

Betty and Don.

Mark

11-30-2002, 07:30 AM

Don and Betty,

That's very sweet of you. Please feel free to do so . . . thank you.

Wimpy was a fighter who loved life. He fought and beat tremendous odds much of his nearly 13 years. His last few hours were fighting a fight he could not win . . . the *odds* had caught up with him. He lived a long, happy life and left knowing that he had done all he could and that he was very loved. We still miss him . . . every minute of every day. There is a "Wimpy shaped" hole in our hearts that will always be there.

. . . and all you great folks, who have been so caring in our time of sorrow . . . Thank you!

Moose's Ma

11-30-2002, 11:16 AM

Dear Mark & Jean,

We have many times intended, and not quite got around to, thanking you for your tireless and generous administration of this wonderful forum. Now-- we are shocked and so, so sorry to read this sad turn of events! Your valiant old boy Wimpy reminds us so much of our beloved Moose, who died under very similar circumstances. It is true that the sharp edges of sorrow soften with time, and bittersweet memories are less bitter, more sweet. But-- as you eloquently put it-- there will always be a "Moose-shaped" hole in our hearts. So.... we are thinking of you, and brave little Wimpy, with empathy and love.

Susan & Bob (Moose's Ma & Pa)

DAL

12-01-2002, 09:12 AM

Dear Mark and Jean,

Betty has finished a little poem which we have published on our site under the picture of the Rainbows Bridge, with acknowledgement to the originators on the Swiss site.
http://www.lucking.fslife.co.uk/Rainbows_Bridge_Regenbogenbrucke.jpg
OVER RAINBOWS BRIDGE (Dedicated to Wimpy of the "Six Pack")
On the other side of Rainbows Bridge lies a land of warm spring weather
Where all the little dachsies who`ve gone to sleep forever
Live another life and play in happiness together.

They`re never cold, they`re never tired , they never feel pain,
And all the old and poorly ones are young and strong again,
And in their hearts the memory of our love will still remain.

Poem by Betty Weaver-Lucking with thanks to :- Ruth @ http://www.schecker.net/meizoo/ for the idea.

Betty and Don

Mark

12-01-2002, 09:39 AM

Hi Betty and Don,

We are very touched that you did this for Wimpy and us . . . and so very well done, too. It is beautiful! Thank you!

Our great friend, Meredith is working on a memorial page for us at the Memorial Gardens website, too. We'll post a link when it is done.

Tanya

12-02-2002, 08:55 AM

Though I don't visit much as I'd like, I love so many of you so much. As an "old timer", I know many of these dogs and love them. Wimpy was one of those. I'm am so sorry Mark and Jean and as I sit here and cry for Wimpy, I pray my Punkin's spirit will keep him company. Dec 24 will be 3 years since we lost her suddenly. I wish I could say something to ease your hurt. Just know you are in my prayers and I'll light a candle for Wimpy tonight as I light my Punkin's.
Tanya

Mark

12-02-2002, 09:45 AM

Thank you, Tanya for your sweet thoughts and caring post.

It's nice to see you here again. :)

dana

12-02-2002, 10:03 AM

dear mark and jean, i am so so sad and sorry to hear about your loss. my prayers will be with you. thank you for all you do for these precious creatures. thank you for this forum and for your love for dachsies. "may the Lord bless and keep you, may His face shine upon you..."

dana and dexter

Rosalyn

12-02-2002, 06:29 PM

Jean and Mark,
Wow, thanks to Dutchman, he has done very well to get the word out. I mean on OUR Great Loss! We are all hurting for you. Just remember it was Wimpy who opened up the site with his precious face and spoke those gracious words. I think he said, "If we were all weiner dogs, the world would be a Better Place"! And that is what he truely thought and we agree. All of us do! And a very BIG thank you to the Big Guy! He gave us so very much. And we take so little time to thank you, both and the Pack for all Your Love and devotion to our little ones. And they are our babies. That is for sure.
Wimpy------- January 21, 1990- November 27, 2002 @ 5:31 AM EST. You are forever a blessing and a joy, that you have come into Jean and Marks home, and our Big Guy too! Thanks for all your little things that add up to all the big smiles and greatest moments. And the Glad and happy times that you have given, in this cold world. Only a precious and loving one, as you can fill the needs of us, humans on certain days where, unconditional love is ALL WE REALLY ASK FOR. And there you are smiling and playing and giving. And giving. And giving. And God does hold you near, till we can see you again. You are in heaven with Fritz 12-22-90 to 3-13-01. And he is still playing with his favorite toy, foot!

Mark

12-02-2002, 06:45 PM

Thank you dana for your sincerity and prayers.

And Rosalyn . . . what can we say to such a wonderful tribute. Now you've gone and made us cry again. And along with the pain of losing our little ol' man we find good tears, this time, as we remember the Wimpy you described and think of him playing in perfect health with all the DBB wienerdogs, like Fritz, that we've known and come to love. Thank you so much . . . it's really good to see you here.

lshermeyer

12-06-2002, 03:34 PM

I just wanted you to know how sorry I am for your loss. I can't even begin to imagine the pain of losing one of my babies. You're all in my prayers

Cathy

12-12-2002, 11:40 AM

Dear Mark and Jean,

I am sooo sorry for your loss. Your tribute to Wimpy is beautiful. I am still crying. I could feel your love and Wimpy's love in the tribute. You and he surely are special. May God be with you and comfort you.

Bless you all,

Mark

12-12-2002, 12:07 PM

Thank you Cathy and all you beloved DBBers.

It was two weeks yesterday we let Wimpy go . . . we still miss him so much. A few nights ago Jean let the *kids* out to do their business and commented when they came in that 5 had gone potty. Without thinking I asked, "which one didn't go"? Even then it was several seconds before I realized what I said. (sigh) :(

And, of course, we still have our tearful moments . . . you all, here at the board have helped more than you can know. We have read comments like that from others who have had to post their sad news in this forum, but now we understand.

Thank you! :heart:

dutchman

12-12-2002, 02:41 PM

Hi Mark and Jean,

As I've said before I think you now are beggining to realize why so many of us pulled together to help revive the boad when the postings were slowing down earlier this year. The thought that our little support group might be lost was more than those those of us who have benefitted from the support we have received here were prepaired to face.

While the general information and exchange of ideas that takes place ont he board is great the support and exchange of information available to those who have suffered a loss or are facing a major medical issue is more of a public service than those who haven't felt the need can realize.

Thanks again. The tears will eventually lessen but thye do come back from time to time. I suspect thre rest of your pack has been doing their best to help mend the holes in Jean and your hearts.

Tom and the boys

dachsiefriend

12-12-2002, 03:21 PM

I'm not very good at comforting people after a loss. I'm so sorry. It must be very difficult for you. Just remember that he loves you and is watching you from heaven. Yes, soon the tears will lessen. If you need any support at all don't be scared to ask. I'll try to help you as best I can.

Me and Oscar

stacey5971

12-12-2002, 04:43 PM

i just read this! i'm so sorry!!

stacey

wiporwil

12-18-2002, 06:34 PM

Mark & Jean,
I haven't been here much but, still pop in and try and catch up on everthing .. I am in tears writing this ...I am so sorry for your loss of such a strong friend and furkid.. I can still remember the day that I came to this board and wrote about our friend and furkid Kritter.. Everyone was so helpful and kind . The decisions to let go of our loved ones is always hard on us but, we know in our hearts it is best for them. Kritter has been gone for 2 years now and we still feel the loss and yes we still get tears thinking about him. Wimpy is now free of his pain and is with all the others at Rainbowbridge . He was Blessed to be a part of your loving family. Thank you for keeping this board alive without your hard work where else can others comfort each other. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. God Bless.
Denise & Willie Weasle & Family

Augie Dog

12-18-2002, 07:54 PM

Mark,

It might be an odd question but, how are the other five?

I know my two depend on each other and can't do anything without the other being there. Bud will panic if he does not know where Aug is and Aug will actively search until he knows where Bud is.

Mark

12-18-2002, 08:50 PM

Hi David,

The other five seemed to *know* . . . without having to investigate and come to realize Wimpy's absence. Unlike us :( . . . they took it in stride and dealt with it as though it were just another fact of life . . . and not something bad.

Interestingly, Susie (just turned 11 and now the senior member) started sleeping with Wimpy on the blanket in the Great Room the night he got sick and has slept there (instead of her usual spot on the couch) every night since. Maybe she is grieving (has grieved) in her own way.

I think in smaller packs that there is more of a negative impact on the surviving members.

Rosalyn

12-22-2002, 11:39 AM

Mark and Jean,
Wow, today would of been Fritz's 12th birthday. Wish I could of shared it with him. Just wanted to tell you a little thing that I remembered about Wimpy. When we first brought Dudley home on Good Friday, April 13, 2001, I came to the web site to see what color collar that Wimpy had on. Because, Dudley is supposed to be chocolate, but looks so red in the sun. I am honored to say that I bought a collar like Wimpy's (our mascot!) Very pretty blue for a very sweet Big Guy, that still makes me smile when I remember his very words, true to heart! " If we were all wiener dogs the world WOULD be a better place"! Thanks for all the happiness you bestow on US. Have a happy Holiday and keep on smiling on thinking of Wimpy playing with Fritz and all our beloved! rozbobby18@hotmail.com,rozbobby18@yahoo.com

Mark

12-22-2002, 01:12 PM

Hi Rosalyn,

We are very touched, both by your wonderful story of choosing just the right collar and your comments about the site. Sometimes we wonder if many people remember (or ever knew) that this board is just a small part of For the Love of Dachsies (http://dachsie.org) with many resources ranging from health or food issues to shopping for all the stuff mentioned here at the board. And yes, Wimpy is the sites greeter and mascot.

Thank you so much for posting and Happy Holidays to you all too. :)

KunkMagic

12-30-2002, 01:09 AM

Mark and Jean,

I have two poems I origionally got here for you to read.

I was standing on a hillside
In a field of blowing wheat
And the spirit of a dachshund
Was lying at my feet.

She looked at me with kind dark eyes
An ancient wisdom shining through
And in the essence of her being
I saw love there too.

Her mind did lock apon my heart
As I stood there on that day
And she told me of this story
About a place so far away.

I stood apon that hillside
In a field of blowing wheat
And in a twinkling of a second
Her spirit left my feet.

Her tale did put my heart at ease
My fears did fade away
About what lay ahead of me
On another distant day.

"I live amongst gods creatures now
In the heavens of your mind
So do not grieve for me, my friend
As I am with my kind.

My collar is a rainbows hue
My leash a shooting star
My boundaries are the milkyway
Where I sparkle from afar.

There are no pens or kennels here
For I am not confined
But free to roam gods heavens
Amongst my dachshund kind.

I nap the day on a snowy cloud
Gentle breezes rocking me
And dream the dreams of earthlings
And how it used to be.

The trees are full of liver treats
And tennis balls abound
And milkbones line the walkways
Just waiting to be found.

There is even a ring setup
The grass all lush and green
And everyone who gaits around
Becomes the best of breed.

For we are all winners here
We have no faults you see
And God passes out the ribbons
To each one, even me.

I drink from waters laced with gold
My world a beauty to behold
And wise old dogs do form my pride
To amble at my very side.

At night I sleep in angels arms
Her wings protecting me
And moonbeams dance about us
As stardust falls on me.

So when your life on earth is done
And you stand at heavens gate
Have no fear of lonliness
For here, you know I wait".

A DOG FOR JESUS

I wish someone had given Jesus a dog as loyal and loving as mine
To sleep by His manger and gaze in his eyes and adore Him for being divine
As our Lord grew to manhood His faithful dog would have followed him through each day
while He preached to the crowds and healed the sick and knelt in the garden to pray.
It is sad to remember that Christ went away to face death alone and apart
with no tender dog following close behind
to comfort its Masters heart.
And when Jesus rose on that Easter morn
How Happy He would have been
as His dog kissed His hands and barked its delite for the One who died for all men.
Well, the Lord has a dog now, I just sent Him the old pal so dear to me
And I smile through my tears on this first day alone knowing they're in eternity.
Day after day, the whole day through
wherever my road inclined,
Four feet said "I am coming with you"
and trotted along behind.

Author Unknown

good luck with the other five and let Wimpy's spirit guide you when you live with the other five.

Dan

12-31-2002, 03:23 AM

WOW! what a beautiful poems.....

Mark

12-31-2002, 06:13 AM

Yes, those are wonderful poems.

Thank you so much for taking the time to post them for us. We sure do miss our *little ol' man".

crock

12-31-2002, 10:56 AM

Happy New Year to all our members.
This is just a reminder. Emails have been sent to all members regarding the Wimpy Fund. There is still time to contribute to this cause. Your support is needed. Please email me if you need any info.
Thanks,
Charlotte

mlam

01-02-2003, 07:23 AM

I was so sad to hear about Wimpy's passing away, and am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like such a special little guy, you must miss him so. Although I joined this Board a long time ago, and have found it an immense help and source of fun, I have been unable to visit (least of all post) often over the last year due to the usual work pressures (no modem at home). We have also suffered a great loss recently - in Oct. last year our darling long-legged JRT Chewy, who is the younger (by 6 days!) brother of our precious girl dachsie Solo, passed away. He was only two and a half, but was fiercely protective of us all and died valiantly defending us from a Cape Cobra that came into our garden. He's our hero as he saved us from the snake, but was very sadly bitten before we could intervene. The venom is lethal to humans, so was just too powerful for a little 6kg dog. We got him to our vet withing ten minutes, but before the antivenom could even be administered he suffered respiratory arrest and died of a massive heartattack. It was a horrific experience, and we still cannot believe that such an awful thing happened to such a wonderful little guy. We are completely bereft without him. He and Solo are our kids, we love them so much and they have enriched our lives beyond anything we ever imagined possible. We three are lost without him, and the pain is sometimes too much to bear. He was so clever, so athletic, so beautiful - and so very loving; we will never forget a thing about him, and know that his spirit is by our side - 'til we fetch him at the Rainbow Bridge! I know that our little Chewy isn't a dachsie ('though Solo says he's certainly an honourary one, and she would know!) but I so wanted to post a memoriam where like-minded people would read it, and where I'd found comfort among all the postings. How lucky we all are to love and be loved by such wonderful creatures!
~Marion~

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow;
I am the sunlight on ripening grain;
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry -
I am not there. I did not die.
~Author Unknown~