Remarkable Buddies

In memory of 'Maximum Effort', our Great Dane mix, who we adopted from the Livingston County Humane Society.  In reality, Max adopted us.  He was without a doubt the most fun and best therapy dog ever.  He taught me how to train a dog and how to love a dog without condition.  I will always miss that "big brown dog".

Max and Kali, shown here in front of our Florida farm sign. Max (1995-2003) * Member of Therapy Dogs International.

THE LITTLE PRINCE by Antoine de Saint-Exupery...   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 ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain.   When you awake in the morning's hush I am the soft uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft star that shines at night.   Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there. I did not die.   Rest in peace my dear friend, until we meet again.

Following our move this past summer to our new home, we had to say farewell forever to our precious cat, Amanda.  She had been with us for 12 years and become a dear member of our family.  Amanda was an unforgettable cat...always a lovable lady, who would follow Dick around like a puppy.  We miss her dearly.

Kali (Australian Shepherd) is an incredible therapy dog, who knows when she is out in public on her leash that she is to assume the role of 'love sponge'.  But in her own yard or inside the van, she takes her duty as my protector very seriously.  She makes weekly visits to her favorite nursing/rehab facility and is a hit with all the residents and staff.  Kali makes us both look good! Kali has been inducted into the 2005 Florida Animal Hall of Fame for her outstanding work as a Therapy Dog, representing Project PUP.

Maggie (Australian Shepherd) has always been Dick's dog (we should have named her "Daddy's Little Shadow).  She is extremely affectionate with us but does not want to share her love with people who are not in her immediate family.  We've come to accept that Maggie will never be the Therapy Dog that Kali is, but she is very special to us and we love her just the way she is.

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I grew up in a household that always included a Chow Chow dog.  My last Chow, Joy, was probably the most loving and sweetest dog I ever owned.  Joy wasn't willing to always do what I wanted but she did what worked for her.  I refuse to call her stubborn or difficult, but Joy was 'her own dog'.  Joy's health started to fail around the age of 13, so we thought maybe we should bring home a puppy to train for the inevitable day when Joy would leave us.  Joy thought raising a puppy was a grand idea and her health miraculously returned.  She taught Max the ropes ... how to protect yet maintain his excellent nature when in public.  When Max was a year old, Joy's health begin to fail again.  We decided to bring home a companion for Max, who had never been alone.  Joy instantly fell in love with Kali, and set about raising her also.  When Kali turned one, Joy must have known her job was done.  Joy is gone, but her legacy lives on in Kali. There were several 'Joy's' around during my growing up years.....each one special and truly a JOY. For all the 'Joys' that have touch my life.    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 meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, 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.... Author unknown...

 

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If you have any questions or comments, please contact: Karen 'Korky' Kramer Ocala, FL  korky2k@earthlink.net