Tuesday, November 2, 2010

~ The House That Love Built ~



Hello mi chicas!

 A few of you have asked how I came up with "Heaven's Walk" for my blog.
(I thought I would incorporate it in with White Wednesday at Faded Charm -
which you will understand why as you keep reading.)



 So, grab your cup of coffee and sit back.

Here's the story of how it came to be...


It's really a very simple story.

Sweet and simple.

About a house filled with lots of love...

Years of love.

Unconditional four-legged love.


Hubby and I have been blessed with dogs and cats since we first met.

Brandy was our first rescue girl and my first pet ever.  She was "Dog of the Week" in the local paper. A young, smart, sweet tempered Collie/Shepherd mix who had just given birth to nine puppies. She was a complete joy and was always by my side as I worked in my garden. She was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at nine years old.

Kodey was our protector, defender, and all around 'bad-boy', as Australian Shepherds can sometimes be.  He was Hubby's shadow and loved riding in his truck with him. He was extremely smart. He had kidney/liver failure at 14 years old.

 Shiloh could have been Brandy's sister, except that she was a purebred Belgian Tervuren. Beautiful, elegant, smart, loving, excelling at obedience training and earning her CDX title.
She was the love of my life. She was diagnosed with stomach cancer at the age of 12.

Now, you must know that during the many years that passed that we were "owned" and loved by these wonderful heartbeats at our feet, we were also caring for 12 cats
(yes, you read that right)
who had taken up residence....and multiplied like rabbits over the years...in our shed next door to our lake house. There were cats and kitties of all sizes and colors running all over. It was a total circus! We had so much fun fishing off the dock and watching them play with the bluegills we caught for them. Most of our indoor cats came from these precious litters -

including Libby (daddy's girl through and through)
who loved napping in Maizie's crate.  She passed away at 15 years old five years ago.


Hannah (one overweight lump of love) was Libby's niece.  She was my "special needs child" according to the vet.  "Torties" as cats of her color are called, need a lot of quiet one-on-one time, and she loved to curl up in my lap for that. 
Two years ago at 12 years old, she was diagnosed with a spinal problem and lost the use of her back legs.


Sophie (Hannah's niece) still shares my pillow each night at age 14. She is my bedtime buddy and insists on getting under the covers to curl against my chest.
I fall asleep to her deep purr.
She is tenderhearted and has fur as soft as a rabbit.
Calicos have always been dear to my heart.


Toby was at one time a barn cat, but my girlfriend insisted he was too smart and unique to live outside, and gave him to me.
Toby has some issues.
He thinks he's a dog.
But he is by far the smartest cat we've ever had.  He's incredibly entertaining and follows us all over the house with  his "socky-mon" waiting for us to throw it for him. At 10pm every night, he walks into the living room with sockymon in his mouth and sits in front of hubby....waiting.


Roni adopted us a couple years before we moved to our farmhouse.  She was going to be our barn cat, but an overzealous, overly inquisitive raccoon who wanted to share quarters with her in the barn, gave me the heeby-geebies. 
She now lives very happily in our basement, waiting for periodic belly rubs, and is extremely spoiled by you-know-who...

(Yes....we grow'em big here at Heaven's Walk...)

We brought Tessa, our Belgian Shepherd, home from a breeder in Illinois.  As a puppy, she quickly assumed the nickname, "Tessa the Terror", even though we always thought that she never really quite had both oars in the water.
She's still a cookie short of a full package.
You know what I mean?
It took her two years to pass "kindergarden" in her dog obedience classes.
Sheesh!  How embarrassing. 
But she is a sweetheart.
And gosh, how she loves to swim! She'd swim the length of Gun Lake if we'd let her. She acts like a puppy when her feet touch that water.
She is 14 now and sleeps a lot. 
We can see sadly the writing on the wall - and in her eyes....


She and Toby have always been best buddies.

(Notice the "pre-white" tub and linen closet?)
Maizie Grace was our second rescue girl.  She is now seven years old. She came from a litter of nine. She immediately declared herself Queen, Empress, Head Honcho, and Matriarch of the Shoemaker clan. She's our clown, our snuggler, won't hesitate to tell you what she thinks, and like clockwork - will inform you that it IS time for dinner.....like NOW...like right at 5:30pm.  She loves her broccoli.
But she isn't too wild about baths - because she usually gets laughed at 
- which results in her pouting for a while.


She is incredibly smart, faithful, and eager to please, but with a good dose of attitude which we love. She was diagnosed with a slight case of Cushing's disease last year, which means the cortisol levels in her blood are elevated.  We're keeping a close eye on her and giving her Wheatgrass tablets every day along with fresh fruits and veggies in her organic food.
She's the type of dog that you want to live with you forever and ever...
She's as close to perfect as you can get (but don't tell her that).


She's never without her pink Loofa or her Baby (huge Pooh bear),
and always - always - always has to have the last word - as you can see in the photo above.

Knowing how much all of these beloved pets meant to us over the years, and knowing deep in our souls that we will be seeing them again in heaven, Hubby commissioned a friend of ours, Art Smith, from Gun Lake, to do a watercolor painting of all of our dogs, and surprised me one Christmas morning with it.


I bawled.

It was beautiful.

It brought back so many emotional memories for me.

Hubby and Art had decided to title it "Heaven's Walk".


It's a painting of all of our dogs, past and present, romping in the snow along a stream, with Hubby and I walking behind them.
It reminds me of what the Rainbow Bridge just might be like when we see them all again one day...


It hangs in our kitchen where we can see it every time we walk in the door or sit at the table for dinner. We feel surrounded by their sweet love.

(See it back there next to the window?)

To commemorate our little loved ones even more, I commissioned a gal I found on-line to create a house sign for Hubby that now hangs next to our front door.


It proclaims that
this is the house that love built.

Unconditional...

four-legged...

love.



{ Love } to you all....

~ laurie




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. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her 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 the Rainbow Bridge together....

~Author unknown






















65 comments:

  1. Oh Laurie, you sweet, sweet girl. What a beautiful post about all your beloveds! You have so much love in your heart for all things and your babies are so lucky to have been and continue to be loved by you and your hubby! I have four four legged children and they are all different ages. My first dog, Rodman will be 13 on my birthday and I know what that look is you are talking about. :( My little weenie dog Baja is just as sweet as sweet can be but she is also a couple cookies short of a bag! And my two cats, one being a tortie too, are my lovers! My Bosco is a romeo and he was my first kitty that picked me! :) Ally just loves me and my daughter and loves having alone time too!

    When I saw that picture that your hubby got you, it brought tears to my eyes, it is so gorgeous and so meaningful, seriously, still crying...

    I work at a vet office and Rainbow Bridge is what we give to those who have lost. It is such a wonderful poem so full of hope but makes me cry every time...still crying...

    Your title of your blog is perfect and your story is full of love, compassion and a heart that is beautiful! Thank you for sharing this my dear friend..still wiping tears away.... :)

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  2. Oh My Gosh-you so have me-I understand competely having 3 rescue cats and 3 rescue dogs-lost a few along the way and always say that I believe they will be waiting at Heaven's Gate to greet me-one of the hardest things to say-Goodbye-my first pet ever will be around 18 years old and I hate thinking about it-don't want to think about it-just looking into those wonderful eyes!

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  3. I love the water color...and I understand how much it means to you. I love the name of your blog, and the poem at the end of the post.
    Our house is full of little feet and we are foster parents. There are many waiting for me...but I also feel them here.
    Many have come, many have gone, and many more yet to come.
    All they want is love. So simple, isn't it?
    Hugs and sloppy kisses- Tete

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  4. Well, I just got home from work...a long day and I wasn't even supposed to be there but..I thought well, I will check out a couple of blogs and get my own ready to post. So,now I am bawling...and sniveling...and thinking I have to go to bed..feeling emotionally wrung out. I know how you feel...I have had many pet losses over the years. Our last one was our little Misty Cat that we had to have put down. That was 2 years ago now..and I have to tell you- I don't know what happened but I have not had the heart to adopt another pet. We have always had pets...but...I don't know. I think the older I get, the harder it is to lose them.

    You are a love to have shared that with us. You know my heart is hanging out with you over there at Heaven's Walk. I'm liking that hubby of yours better all the time. xxoo Diana

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  5. Oh! The Rainbow Bridge gets me every time...and I've received that card from the vet too many times...but I give them good lives so I can't be too sad...and I could never even consider living without them! {the one on one time for Torties is still cracking me up, albeit through tears...aye, that painting! Sniff! But my Sammy is sooooo like that!}

    m ^..^

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  6. Your post brought tears to my eyes...it is so apparent how much you love all of your animals...past and present. Seeing your Belgian Shepherd really made me want to cry as we had one that passed away a few years ago, Shadow was his name. He died way too soon. It never stops hurting.

    Thanks for a wonderful share, sweetie.

    XO,
    Jane

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  7. Hi Laurie, what a great story, a house built on love:-))) The painting is amazing.. what a so sweet gift!!
    I started this year with six sweet dogs and have lost two, I know how close to my heart I hold all the dogs I have lost..
    A big hug to You and all your sweet Fur Babies:-)
    Bella

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  8. Laurie, how wonerful. I love the paintign....very talented!

    Come and see my latest find, would love your comments, I will also have a new giveaway soon!

    Xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  9. I was watching for this one! Thanks so much for sharing it with us. Every one of us out here understands that these pets grab hold of a piece of our hearts and hold on to it. We understand every word you have conveyed in your post. They are all precious. Our family rescued all of our pets. It is difficult to have to say goodbye. They make life fuller here on this planet. I thank God for creating these creatures to show us unconditional love. Enjoyed reading about all your furry loves. Hugs...

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  10. Hi Laurie...what a great story .....and what a lot of animals you have....so nice......being good for animals !!......you are such a nice person !! i really like this story.....and the painting !! wow !!....happy day.....love Ria...

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  11. Wow....Laurie this is an amazing, beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing it along with the sweet photos!!

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  12. I love fellow animal lovers... to love your animals it shows compassion... my essential quality in a friend. Thanks for sharing.

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  13. I grew up scared to death of dogs untill our oldest son rescued CHAMP- part lab/cocker. all he ever wanted was love and a peice of chicken and how he protected our home.no one ever came in the drive without an alarm from CHAMP. He led to 4 more dogs, all cockers and all family as well. some people do not understand how they become family, how they steal your heart, how they just want to please you. have a tummy rub and a dish of pedigree twice a day. i cried when i read the poem because our CHAMP is there wanting for us.i hope he has found friends and is running happy without the pain of arthritis. thanks for sharing your pet world. Lyn (and Phoebe, Boomer, Snip and Scooter)Behind the picker fence at ten oaks farm

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  14. The story of your blog's name makes me love you even more.
    There's a special place in Heaven for people like you, ya know. :-)

    XO,
    Anne

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  15. Such a moving story sweet one. You have had some precious babies to love and be loved by over the years. My Bella Bleu is one that I want to remain with me forever. Her love touches me daily. That painting is beautiful and the name perfect. ox

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  16. What a very beautiful and touching story... I can so relate to you, I rescue dogs and cats and have found homes for some of them, but have also kept some. We have one little guy that was left at someones home when they moved, they actually left 3 dogs and we found good homes for 2 and ended up keeping 1, and I wouldn't take for him, we love him so much, he brings a lot of joy to our lives, he's almost 3 years old now, we got him when he was about 4 mos.old, he won't have anything to do with anyone but my husband and myself, he's scared of everyone else, with the exception of our granddaughter, she is almost 7 mos. old now, he has really taken up with her, and is not afraid of her at all, I guess he just senses a innocence about her! Didn't mean to rattle on so much.. when I read about the Rainbow Bridge it always makes me cry. I had a pet that I was extremely close to and when he passed away a friend sent the Rainbow Bridge for me to read, and of course the tears went to flowing! God bless you and your husband for loving and taking care of these beautiful animals...Daphne

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  17. Dear Laurie ~ I can barely get through this post! Forget about reading the poem at the end, I'll have to do that another day. The painting is so, so beautiful! I fully understand everything you wrote as I'm surrounded by four-legged friends and they mean the WORLD TO ME! xox

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  18. Oh my gosh what a touching story! My nose is burning and my eyes are tearing up!! You are such a wonderful person!!!! I can't wait to have a nice piece of land to take in rescue dogs. Thanks for sharing!

    xo, Meredith

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  19. Hi Sweet Sis....what a wonderful post!
    I love your newest sign by the door.
    Your fuzz-butts are so lucky to have you and Rog as their parents.
    Hugs,
    Debbie@houseatthelake

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  20. They are so cute! and I love the name of your blog! Heaven's Walk...how did you come up with that?

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  21. My friend Tootie told me what a special blog you have. She was right, your post was sweet and very touching.

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  22. What a beautiful story!! You and your husband are so wonderful and caring .

    Kathy

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  23. I have a special spot for animals too...what an amazingly beautiful post. I too have a beautiful dog named Sophie (she's our 3 year-old white german shepherd) and she too is a few cookies short of a full package...but she's so darn cute. Our old man Oliver (our 13 year old mixed dog) tolerates her...I think she keeps him young.

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  24. What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing. I loved reading all about your pets who each have their own distinct personality.

    The watercolor is gorgeous and such a loving reminder of your babies!!

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  25. Awwww I love love love kitties! This story was so touching and it makes me happy to know there's such loving and caring people just like you in this world! :D
    Hugs to you, sweet pea!
    ~Terrell @ Frou Frou Decor~

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  26. What a beautiful post. I had no idea you had so many animals. Thank you for caring for them!

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  27. The name is so perfect, Laurie! An all the beautiful cats and dogs are such characters too. It's amazing, all the different personalities! I grew up with one rescue dog..., begged and begged, until finally my parents allowed me to have a dog at age 14..., but I haven't had any pets here since my husband and I move a lot!

    Maya @ Completely Coastal

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  28. Oh Laurie, what a touching post my friend! Our sweet animals to become part of the family, don't they? It's so hard to see them go over the years. How very sweet of your husband to have that painting done for you... it's beautiful!!
    And now I understand... :)
    Enjoy the rest of your week sweetie!
    xoxo,
    Jo

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  29. Thank you Luarie for being so you!!
    The painting is a perfect piece, what a doll your hubby was.

    Thank you for this post my Mothere would love it as well she is a big animal lover, but are we not all in some way taken with the love an animal gives us.
    Have a beautiful weekend, thank you for stopping by to take a look at my Holiday recycled gifting.
    xx
    Dore

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  30. Hi,

    This is my first visit with you. I wanted to thank you for visiting me and leaving such a nice comment.

    I really enjoyed your enchanting story - it is a lovely post and a real testament on the important part that pets play in our lives.

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  31. You're killin me here. I knew all along by all the heart you have in your posts that your house was built on love. Your photos and the memories of all your animals past and present was a gift all around. Oh my, that painting your husband had commissioned is incredible. What a thoughtful man you've got there. That painting would be amongst my most treasured possessions. Anything which holds such memories - well, I just have to go have a good cry now. Thank you for sharing. Your post was beautiful and your heart is too.

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  32. Oh, what a beautiful, beautiful post.

    You're so amaing to have had so many gorgeous animals to care for. It looks as though you've done a brilliant job.

    I've heard tortoise-shell cvats called 'naughty tortie's'!! Does that sound about right?!!

    Heaven's Walk - that's really gorgeous.

    Sarahx

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  33. I am sitting here bawling like a baby. It started when reading about all the animals you have loved, and the many you have lost(Enya in the background didn't help!)... The waterworks increased when I reached the part about the beautiful painting from your husband - the artwork itself, the thought behind it, the title of the piece... the whole nine yards. Oh my gosh... You do have a house of unconditional love and I just LOVE knowing the meaning of your blog title now. How very, very special. You and hubby are fantastic. Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful story!... Donna

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  34. I love this post. What an amazing story of all your animals. I love animals just like you. I also have a tortie and she is a special needs cat too. And I have a calico named Trixie. She is my second calico. They are all so sweet - and Toby, the cat dog is something else.

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  35. I'm so glad to have found your lovely blog. I'm a new follower and I can't wait to explore your previous posts. The painting of our dogs is beautiful. We have a mural of some of our cats and dogs, who have all since crossed over "Rainbow Bridge".

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  36. You just made me cry!
    What an absolutely beautiful post:)
    Animals bring such joy to our lives....I know I love all of mine. My girl L.C. is 9 years old and I know she doesn't have forever left and I can't imagine the day that I am no longer greeted by her sloppy kisses first thing in the morning!!
    Thank you for sharing:):)

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  37. Oh my goodness. That was a beautiful post, Laurie. Made me bawl at the end when I saw that painting. I love reading the "why" behind a blog name and this is by far the sweetest why yet.

    Hugs,
    Jami

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  38. Such a beautiful story Laurie...I just loved it! Looks like you have a wonderful furry family and a very sweet hubby! ~Deb~

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  39. Oh my goodness Laurie, what an absolutly beautiful post and what a beautiful heart you have! I LOVE That painting... what an amazing and sweet gift. So glad to know the story behind Heaven's Walk... xoxo Heather

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  40. What a sweet, loving story. I am so glad that you joined my blog so I could meet you!!

    We are animal lovers too, and if we had the room for more, we would rescue all sorts of animals :) Maybe one day....
    Both of our cats are rescues. 3 years ago on the day before Halloween, my husband brought home a kitty that was living under an abandoned victorian mansion that was being renovated and was scheduled for termite tenting.

    Needless to say, we kept her, nursed her back to health and she is the spunkiest crazy cat ever! We love her to death....we are just looking for a rehab center for cats who are addicted to catnip plants...its grows crazy now in our yard, and she gets "high" everyday :D

    XOX

    Lolo

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  41. What a beautiful story! I love knowing the story behind the blog name..and you've got 1 great hubby there too! That painting is simply AMAZING!!! I am an animal lover too and they are just like members of the family!!!

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  42. What a life of four-legged love. Your painting is beautiful! and a nice name for your blog!
    ~ Julie

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  43. Hi Laurie, You won my CSN giveaway!!! Congrats!!! I'll send you an email.
    ~ Julie

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  44. Thank you all so much for your precious comments, for sharing the beautiful stories of your own furbabies, and for the sweet memories of the ones that have passed in your own family. You are ALL such a blessing to me! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  45. Hi what a lovely story! I love animals and my dog came from a rescue. Pets are family. For sure.

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  46. OK...I'm bawling my head off. I can't handle this....BAH and WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

    What a beautiful story... I can't see to type so I must go....

    :....(

    Love to you~

    Rebecca

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  47. What a beautiful post. It's almost 2:30 am here. I got up after having a dream about my dog from childhood, Lady. I dreamt that she lived with my hubby and I as adults. She passed away several years before I married. But here in my dream she was our dog. I was upset in my dream because both my hubby and I noticed Lady didn't come home after letting her out but then "forgot" about it and then would remember again. I finally "remembered" and mentioned it to him saying "How could we forget her?". I asked him to go to the animal shelter the next day to look for her. He said he would. Then I woke up...came downstairs and logged on to check my comments on my blog...saw yours and went to visit you. And read your beautiful post about your wonderful pets through the years and now. I never really got to say good bye to Lady. My Grandfather passed away when I was 22 and we were leaving to drive south for his funeral. My Dad was taking Lady to the kennel to stay there while we were gone. I hugged her and I remember to this day that my Dad seems very sad but I thought it had to do with his father passing away. After we got back home I was at work and called my Mom and asked her when she was getting Lady back from the kennel. I thought it was strange when she said she would talk to me when I got home from work. Well, when I got home she had stayed up (I worked evenings) to tell me they had decided to have Lady put to sleep (she was 14 years old and losing control of her bladder and probably in pain) while we were gone to the funeral. I was so shocked that they would do that and not tell us. I think that is why I had this crazy dream tonight. This happened over 40 years ago...that's how much we love our animals. Thank you for sharing...you have a wonderful talent for describing each of your pets so that we can see and know each and everyone of them.

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  48. So very moving and poignant! I adore the painting of your dogs, it is an amazing momento.

    Come and enter my New Giveaway from Empress of the Eye. You will love it!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  49. oh my gosh how absolutely touching! what a wonderful, inspired idea to have that painting done. The poem is unbelievable

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  50. Oh this post just tugged at my heart. Our little friends are so so special. I'm a cat lover. and I've cried over so many I've lost. They forever stay in our hearts. The painting is such a wonderful gift and truly a loving tribute.
    hugs and blessings,
    Debra

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  51. Thanks for sharing. I understand, and everything about your story was absolute loving! From your relationship that you are sharing with your husband to all the wonderful animals that you looked after. It is like a fairy tale.

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  52. it made me cry a bit,missing my beloved pets and dear four legged friends...Missing home and family..Iam so far away from everything I love and cherish...it made me see how short and fragile life can be...I need to go home.
    Your blog is a truly lovely heavens...I m a follower now.Need to come to your side of heaven to be reminded of the existence of true love...often.
    hugs
    Lila

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  53. Oh Laurie,

    Thank you for sharing that beautiful story of how your blog name came to be. Your four footed children are lucky indeed to have such sweet loving "parents". Happy belated WW and thanks for stopping by. It was lovely to "meet" you.

    Judy

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  54. Oh Laurie I knew I we had a connection from our first contact and now I know why. Our love of animals. We also have taken in so many animals mostly cats and can not imagine a life without them. Loved the stories of each and every one of them. They really have such different personalities that make them special.
    I'm so glad you still had this post up so pokey bloggers like me could read it. I've been so busy these couple of weeks and so behind. Don't want to whine ...everyone is busy this time of year.
    Take care my friend!
    I'm going to wipe the tears now...lol

    xxx
    Carole

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  55. such a sweet story...It is so nice to hear about the love someone such as yourself has for animals. The pictures are adorable.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog.

    Take care,
    Lisa

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  56. Hello there sweet Laurie! Isn't it funny how the simplicity of white dishes just speaks 1,000 words? ha!! Love it! Huge hugs to you for a beautiful weekend!
    ~Terrell @ Frou Frou Decor~

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  57. Awwwww Laurie...That was a GREAT post. Loved reading about your sweet animals. And then when I got to the painting of them, commissioned by your forever love, I just about lost it. Our dear animals are so close to our hearts, aren't they? I cannot bear the thought of saying goodbye to Honey Cat, which I know will happen one day. Anyway, thanks for a sweet, sweet post. Hugs, Susan

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  58. It is hard to find the keys through the tears. I have had 2 dogs that loved me and passed and now I have my Bentley...that picture is beyond trying to describe how wonderful it is. Thank you for the wonderful post, but I really have got to pull myself back together now....

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  59. Awwwwww...how lovely! Isn't it special to love and be loved by a special animal? They become so much a part of our lives and are so desperately missed when gone. I haven't commissioned a painting but I surely keep photos of them around. Some will never be forgotten. Thanks for sharing "Heaven's Walk" with us!
    xox
    Nancy

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  60. Oh Laurie, out of the 1000's, yes, 1000's of blog posts I have read this past year, this one was so beautiful, touching, poignant, incredible. I have tears rolling down my cheeks. I think of my cocker spaniel, Buffy, whom I lost when I was 12, almost every day. That poem, Rainbow's Bridge, is just fantastic. I knew this blog was special right from my first visit. It really is. xo,

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  61. Laurie, WOW! Heaven's Walk, what a beautiful story. The name is so befitting and the watercolor is beautiful. This whole story brought tears to my eyes. I too, have fond memories of all the little fur babies who have been in my life and yes, some of them were rescues. Animals just don't live long enough. They wrap themselves so lovingly around our hearts and give us unconditional love. Each one has their own unique personality. I have been an animal lover since the day I was born. As a little girl, I used to visit my grandparents at their farm in update New York. Theyt had a few dairy cows and I fell in love with them! I love cows, horses, dogs, cats, and birds! Actually, all of god''s creatures. I love the poem "Rainbow Bride" and I hope to meet all my beloved animals again one day.


    Your husband is an absolute sweeheart to have that painting commisioned for you. It's gorgeous! I love visiting "Heaven's Walk" I love your honest, heartfelt writing. I love your humor too. So glad I found your lovely space on the net.

    ~Sandy

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  62. Sorry for all the bad spelling.. I'm having difficulty typing on my I-pad.

    ~Sandy

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  63. Hello... I somehow found this post of yours... What a beautiful poem, you had me in tears! I am missing my cat, who died about 5 months ago.
    And what a beautiful painting and sign you have for each other! Thanks for sharing your story and the poem.
    Best,
    Gloria

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  64. Oh, Laurie... I needed you to write this, and I believe God led me to this post. I loved to hear about your dear friends. My heart is very soft and I have been tring for many years to be different... Tougher, harder... And that subterfuge doesn't make me happy or fool anyone. I just sobbed through this whole post. I love it your husband did that for you... How sweet and kind. I will be ecstatic to cross that bridge to find my Laddie, my Jinglebell, Sally, Tinkerbell, and dear old Amber... Thank you. Thank you.

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Bless you and thank you for visiting! I read each of your comments and treasure them all. So, please make sure your settings will accept emails, or leave your email address so that I can reply! ♥ Laurie