"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through to let us know they are happy" Eskimo Legend

The Rainbow Bridge

There is a bridge onnecting heaven and earth.
It is called the Rainbow bridge
because of its many colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land
of meadows, hills, and valleys
with lush green grass.
Whenever a beloved pet dies,
that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge.
There is always food and
water and warm spring weather
so all our special friends
can run and play together.
All the animals who had
become ill and old are
restored to health and vigor;
those who are hurt or maimed
are made whole and strong again,
just as we remember them
and times gone by.
There is only one thing missing.
They are not with their
special person who loved
them on earth and who
had to be left behind.
They all run and play together,
but the day comes when one
suddenly stops playing
and looks up.
The nose twitches,
the ears come up,
the bright eyes are intent,
the body quivers.
Then this one suddenly
runs 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
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.
never again to be separated.

Author unknown

I'll lend you,
for a little while,
a friend of mine," He said.
"For you to love while he lives,
and mourn when he is dead.
It may be six or seven years,
or maybe twenty-three,
But will you, till I call him back,
take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
and shall his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
as all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this PET to learn.
I've looked the whole world over
in my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love
- not think this labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call,
to take him back again.
I fancied that I heard them say,
'Dear Lord, thy will be done.'
For all the joy this PET shall bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shower him with tenderness
and love while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
forever grateful stay.
And should the angels call for him
much sooner than we planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
and try to understand."
Author unknown

The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog. A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master's side. He will kiss that hand that has no food to offer: he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He Guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. when all other friends desert...he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.    --Senator George Vest

The Creation

When God had made the earth and Sky the flowers and the trees,
He then made all the animals
The fish, the birds and bees.

And when at last he'd finished
Not one was quite the same. He Said, "I'll walk this world of mine
And give each one a name."

And so He traveled far and wide
And everywhere He went, a little Creature followed Him
Until it's strength was spent.

When all were named upon the Earth and in the sky and sea,
The little creature said, "Dear Lord,
There's not one left for me."

Kindly the Father said to him,
"I've left you to the end.
I've turned my own name back to Front and called you dog, My friend."

Author Unknown

"THE JOURNEY"

When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey - a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage.

If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its mark.

Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life's simple pleasures - jumping in leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joys of puddles, and even the satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears. If you spend much time outside, you will be taught how to truly experience every element, for no rock, leaf, or log will go unexamined, no rustling bush will be overlooked, and even the very air will be inhaled, pondered, and noted as being full of valuable information. Your pace may be slower - except when heading home to the food dish - but you will become a better naturalist, having been taught by an expert in the field.

Too many times we hike on automatic pilot, our goal being to complete the trail rather than enjoy the journey. We miss the details - the colorful mushrooms on the rotting log, the honeycomb in the old maple snag, the hawk feather caught on a twig. Once we walk as a dog does, we discover a whole new world. We stop; we browse the landscape, we kick over leaves, peek in tree holes, look up, down, all around.  And we learn what any dog knows: that nature has created a marvelously complex world that is full of surprises, that each cycle of the seasons bring ever changing wonders, each day an essence all its own.

Even from indoors you will find yourself more attuned to the world around you. You will find yourself watching summer insects collecting on a screen.  (How bizarre they are! How many kinds there are!), or noting the flick and flash of fireflies through the dark.  You will stop to observe the swirling dance of windblown leaves, or sniff the air after a rain.   It does not matter that there is no objective in this; the point is in the doing, in not letting life's most important details slip by.   You will find yourself doing silly things that your pet-less friends might not understand: spending thirty minutes in the grocery aisle looking for the cat food brand your feline must have, buying dog birthday treats, or driving around the block an extra time because your pet enjoys the ride.

You will roll in the snow, wrestle with chewie toys, bounce little rubber balls till your eyes cross, and even run around the house trailing your bathrobe tie - with a cat in hot pursuit - all in the name of  love.  Your house will become muddier and hairier.   You will wear less dark clothing and buy more lint rollers.  You may find dog biscuits in your pocket or purse, and feel the need to explain that an old plastic shopping bag adorns your living room rug because your cat loves the crinkly sound.

You will learn the true measure of love - the steadfast, undying kind that says, "It doesn't matter where we are or what we do, or how life treats us as long as we are together."   Respect this always.   It is the most precious gift any living soul can give another.   You will not find it often among the human race.  And you will learn humility.   The look in my dog's eyes often made me feel ashamed.   Such joy and love at my presence.

She saw not some flawed human who could be cross and stubborn, moody or rude, but only her wonderful companion.   Or maybe she saw those things and dismissed them as mere human foibles, not worth considering, and so chose to love me anyway.

If you pay attention and learn well, when the journey is done, you will be not just a better person, but the person your pet always knew you to be - the one they were proud to call beloved friend.

I must caution you that this journey is not without pain.   Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving.   For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear animal companion will follow a trail you cannot yet go down.   And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go.   A pet's time on earth is far too short - especially for those that love them.   We borrow them, really, just for awhile, and during these brief years they are generous enough to give us all their love, every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left.   The cat that only yesterday was a kitten is all too soon old and frail and sleeping in the sun.   The young pup of boundless energy wakes up stiff and lame, the muzzle now gray.   Deep down we somehow always knew that this journey would end.   We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken.   But give them we must for it is all they ask in return.   When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead - young and whole once more.    "Godspeed, good friend," we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again

The Last Will & Testament of an Extremely Loved Dog

I, Silverdene Emblem O'Neill (familiarly known to my family, friends & acquaintances as Blemie), because the burden of my years and infirmities is heavy upon me, and I realize the end of my life is near, do hereby bury my last will and testament in the mind of my Master. He will not know it is there until after I am dead. Then, remembering me in his loneliness, he will suddenly know of this testament, and I ask him to inscribe it as a memorial to me. I have little in the way of material things to leave. Dogs are wiser than men. They do not set great store upon things. They do not waste their days hoarding property. They do not ruin their sleep worrying about how to keep the objects they have, and to obtain objects they have not. There is nothing of value I have to bequeath except my love and my loyalty. These I leave to all those who have loved me, especially to my Master and Mistress, who I know will mourn me the most. I ask my Master and my Mistress to remember me always, but not to grieve for me too long. In my life, I have tried to be a comfort to them in time of sorrow, and a reason for added joy in their happiness. It is painful for me to think that even in death I should cause them pain. Let them remember that while no dog has ever had a happier life (and this I owe to their love and care for me), now that I have grown blind and deaf and lame, and even my sense of smell fails me so that a rabbit could be right under my nose and I might not know, my pride has sunk to a sick, bewildered humiliation. I feel life is taunting me with having over lingeredmy welcome. It is time I said good-bye, before I become too sick a burden on myself and on those who love me. It will be a sorrow to leave them, but not a sorrow to die. Dogs do not fear death as men do. We accept it as part of life, not as something alien and terrible which destroys life. What may come after death, who knows? I would like to believe that there is a Paradise. Where one is always young and full-bladdered. Where all the day one dillies and dallies. Where each blissful hour is mealtime. Where in the long evenings there are a million fireplaces with logs forever burning, and one curls oneself up and blinks into the flames and nods and dreams, remembering the old brave days on earth and the love of one's Master and Mistress. I am afraid that this is too much, for even such a dog as I am, to expect. But peace, at least, is certain. Peace and a long rest for my weary old heart and head and limbs, and eternal sleep in the earth I have loved so well. Perhaps, after all, this is best. One last request, I earnestly make. I have heard my Mistress say, "When Blemie dies we must never have another dog. I love him so much I could never love another one". Now I would ask her, for love of me, to have another. It would be a poor tribute to my memory never to have a dog again. What I would like to feel is that, having once had me in the family, she cannot live without a dog! I have never had a narrow, jealous spirit. I have always held that most dogs are good. My successor can hardly be as well loved or as well mannered or as distinguished and handsome as I was in my prime. My Master and Mistress must not ask the impossible. But he will do his best, I am sure, and even his inevitable defects will help by comparison to keep my memory green. To him I bequeath my collar and leash and my overcoat and raincoat He can never wear them with the distinction I did, all eyes fixed on me in admiration; but again I am sure he will do his utmost not to appear a mere gauche provincial dog. I hereby wish him the happiness I know will be his in my old home. One last word of farewell, dear Master and Mistress. Whenever you visit my grave, say to your selves with regret but also with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long, happy life with you: "Here lies one who loved us and whom we loved". No matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail. I will always love you as only a dog can." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~by Eugene O'Neill

Tribute to Elsie

Elsie was a very special German Shepherd. Her life was much too short because of a tragic  accident.  In her short life she affected many lives - especially 3 young children who loved her dearly.  She taught others the real meaning of love, and that love doesn't always come in the expected package. She will be greatly missed.

In Loving Memory of:

"Hoover" O'Mal's Starcrossed Voyager

4-21-96 - 1-31-2008

I'll miss the soft woo & hoovie hugs...

We miss your courage, your soft "hooving" woo, your gentle smile, your full-body Hoovie hugs.  You never made waves and  wanted everyone happy.  Your patience and steadiness were boundless. You never did anything even remotely wrong - you knew all the rules and followed them ... always - except for that time you stole some food from the cupboard and kept the boxes in your crate - without a dent.  You were patient with puppies, loving with people, got along with intact males, and made the most of any situation you were given - including being a paraplegic for almost a year and never, ever complained.  You had a special dignity, sort of like the invincible Hoover Dam, so I'd hoped you would always be here.  Hoovie, you were my joy, my best friend and I could always depend on you.  I loved when you went trick-or-treating or to parades with the kids - we could take you anywhere - even on vacation up north, though by then you couldn't walk.  I'll never forget they way you happily draged me down the sand dunes with just 2 legs or would be trying to get up every time the van stopped to see what was next.  You loved life and saw it through to the end. Now you really are a star crossed voyager - when I look up into the night sky I'll always think of you...You gave us many beautiful pups and much love in your 12 years... but I'm going to miss your Hoover hugs most of all.   Goodbye my beautiful boy - we love you.

In Loving Memory of :

"Shadow" aka "The Butthead"
O'Mal's Moonshadow

5-2-94 - 5-31-07

How do you eulogize a dog so intense, so complex, so beautiful in a few words?  The most intelligent dog I've ever known, smarter than most people, Shadow was manipulative, intense, persistent, and knew exactly how to get what he wanted.  He outsmarted three homes and finally returned to us forever - his ultimate goal, no doubt.  We were told by many, "put him down" because some early experiences caused aggression problems - we didn't listen and he learned to trust again - though it took many years, lots of work and compassion. He needed constant supervision, was in your face, demanding your attention and always needed to be doing something.  He took an incredible amount of time - but gave so much in return.  He was special from the moment he was born - he could have excelled at so many things - showdog, obedience, search and rescue - ANYTHING...but fate dictated that he was meant to spend his life being the most awesome pet anyone could ever dream of owning.  He was demanding, pushy, opportunistic - and cuddly and loving.  He was loud, determined, persistent - and silly with an incredible sense of humor. He taught me EVERYTING I know about dogs, about malamutes, about mistakes people make, and how to try and fix those mistakes. He was suspicious and trusting, vicious and friendly, challenging and interesting - and could read people better than they could read themselves.  He frustrated us beyond belief, then made it better with that deviously silly butthead smile and his sincere appreciation and love when you mustered the patience to work through the problem with creativity and kindness. He wanted you to UNDERSTAND his perspective, and he yours.  He wasn't a typical dog, he was a proud Alaskan Malamute - something else indeed.

He loved small animals like hamsters and bunnies, didn't trust other dogs and strangers, but loved his family with a heart as big as the universe. He adored little children and would walk on water for Stephanie - her wish was his command. He was a dog that didn't automatically respect you - you had to EARN that respect. He was dignified, proud, magnificently beautiful. His complexity and toughness were hard to understand at times, but he was so loving, so gentle, and so sincere to those he loved and trusted, he holds a very very special place in our hearts.  The hole he leaves in our hearts is endless. The hardest thing I've ever had to do was help him to the rainbow bridge - his body was failing - almost blind, mostly deaf, enlarged heart, rear that didn't work, bladder infections, cancer, prostate problems, and more...he was in severe pain, but you'd never know it because he hid his pain so well...especially to his beloved Stephanie.  All he ever asked for was respect and kindness and to be nearby. He held on for 6 months longer than he should have, waiting for her to return home from college for the summer, then could go on no longer - though he wanted to. He desperately wanted to. We always felt he was the one malamute that if we were alone in the arctic, would save our lives.  He would never give up - and he never did.  Rest in Peace "Shabo" - we were blessed to have had you 13 years, and you were truly the most wonderful dog we've ever had the privledge of knowing.   No one else even comes close.

In Loving Memory of :

"Tova"
O'Mal's Change of Luck
5-2-94 - 12-20-06

View the beautiful Video Dawn did in Tova's Honor

My heart puppy from our very first litter - it was so difficult to part with you - perhaps it would have been impossible to send you so far, except that I knew you were going to Dawn.  We had talked endlessly on the phone for over a year before this very special letter was born and became best friends though we were miles apart. My greatest joy was visiting several years ago and seeing what a happy, friendly girl you became. You mothered kittens and children, enjoyed acres to hunt on and more love than any dog could ask for.  It breaks my heart to say goodbye, but I know you'll enjoy your visit with Mom Penny & Dad Homer at the rainbow bridge until we meet again. She was suffering from many things, and the vet said she had an enlarged heart - no surprise there - Tova was ALL heart~~~~Goodbye, sweet Tova.

In Loving Memory of :

"Ode"
O'Mal's North Star Qilaq
5-2-94 -

In Loving Memory of :

"Gus"
O'Mal's Snowstorm

5-2-94 - 1-3-05

Gus came to us when I was 7 years old and was my constant pal growing up. I'll aways remember him up north swamping and sitting by the campfire trying to sneak hot dogs, marshmallows and anything else his nose could find. His favorite spot at home was the front porch and he would let anyone in except our two cats. Gus was so friendly that if our house was robbed Gus would have helped them carry out the stuff. Our friends and family all loved Gus and would greet him fondly. Gus, I'll always miss you but now you can roam the woods freely up north and will forever be next to us by the campfire where we laid you to rest. -- Derek

Gus was special to me too - 2 kids, and a loving newbie family (who'd never owned a Mal before) - I'll never forget the vet's words as she checked over the litter of puppies and told me "how can you saddle all this hair with a NEW mal owner". But the Morse's were more than capable and Gus turned out to be a true sweetie and fantastic pet in their care. He enjoyed family vacations up north and adored his kids. Mary had so many sweet stories to tell me and they always sent pictures. He survived porcupine quills and a freak accident, only to be laid low by a tumor on his spleen in old age. Like a stoic malamute there was no hint of anything wrong except that he stopped eating. Gus, your family (and extended family - us) will miss your happy smiles. You've left a hole in our hearts that will be difficult to fill. Enjoy romping the green pastures of the Rainbow Bridge until we meet again. Rest easy sweet Farley.

In Loving Memory of :

"River"
O'Mal's Daisy Jane
5-2-94 - 1-14-05

River was very special to me. From our second litter, she inherited the cute head shake that only Penny, her mom, did - which always melted my heart. We kept her a full 14 weeks before she went to her first home, then was returned to us at 1 1/2 and went to her forever home with Mike & Kate. I really believe she was just waiting for them to come along - they were so perfect for her - it was meant to be.  Finally she was an only dog, with all the love and attention she craved, had a pack of cats, and eventually a beautiful little girl to love her. River LOVED kids. I think River had found heaven on earth.  They took her for hamburgers and fries at McDonalds, lots of visits to friends and family, and shy little River blossomed into a happy, wonderful pet.  Unfortunately, life took a turn for the worst and suddenly she could no longer get up - her wonderful family did everything they could to make her comfortable and try and find out what was happening, but in the end, it was her time. She is now at the Rainbow bridge running and playing and waiting for her family, once again...

Kate writes: The heartbreak from losing her is at times is unbearable. We loved her completely and she made our family whole. She is dearly missed by Mike, Sophia, my parents, her extended pack (Freedom, Chaos, Vivace, Legend, and Zion - who walks around in a daze looking for River), and of course me. River would follow me from room to room, and would greet our daughter each morning in her crib. River would always lay in front of our daughters door when she took naps. River was a protector for all of us, always a good judge of character.

As she was leaving us I told her to do her wildest "Wild Dog", give her longest loudest howl, chase as many bunnies as she wanted, and to eat as many treats as she desired. I asked her to please be ready to greet us when we come to join her once again.

In Loving Memory of :

"Star"
Am/Can Champion O'Mal's It Was Love
5-2-94 - 10-13-04

It seems impossible that she could be gone. I still look for her in her favorite spots - under the van seat downstairs or next to Stephanie's computer. Our loving Starry, so full of infectious exuberance died fighting a valiant fight against spinal meningitis caused by leftover bacteria from a pyometra spay. She came back from the brink 3 times and seemed fully recovered, only to crash leaving us totally empty and devastated.The house is quiet now without the happy greeting scream-howl that got the others going, there is nobody to hang out the window at McDonalds for fries, there is no enforcer of the pack rules, nobody to start the mass howl at dinner time. Everything she did, she did with exuberance- from showing (she achieved an American & Canadian championship in just a few shows) to ruling the pack as alpha bitch. She loved to show and worked hard to be "top dog" in the pack. There was no dog sweeter with children, or as loving to adults or mal puppies - but hell on wheels to adult dogs. She never met a person she didn't love - greeting them with ear nibbles and kisses. There are dogs, and there are once in a lifetime dogs, and Star was one of those. Smart, Beautiful, the perfect malamute. Everyone that met her loved her. Goodbye sweet Star, your time with us was just too short and your passing so unnecessary...rest in peace my beautiful one.

In Loving Memory of :

"Harley"
O'Mal's Harlequin Romance
5-2-94 - 7-17-04

Not many dogs would consider the pandemonium of triplets and a new baby wonderful - but Harley did.  The litter clown, he went on to entertain and love 4 wonderful children and their parents.  He was in his element. Unfortunately age takes us all.  Harley wears his silver harness proudly and is probably still entertaining children with his antics at the Rainbow Bridge.

In loving memory of...

"Frosty"
O'Mal's Frosty the Snowdog
12-10-98 - 2-20-04

Some dogs are special because their owners love them so much, some are special for what they do, and and some are special for what they are.  Frosty was special for all those reasons.  A beautiful dog, he could have kicked butt in the show ring, but instead he chose to be Mark's constant companion and best friend. He was as sweet as he was beautiful - a gentle alpha to a pack of cats and his companion Alex (a lab). Unfortunately something happened to change all that and he got sick, we still don't know what caused it, and if an owner could cure a beloved friend with love, Frosty would still be with us. He passed to the Rainbow Bridge quietly in the night to spare his family that awful decision. Godspeed Frosty. We will all miss you, especially Holly who lost a great playmate as well as a brother.

In loving memory of...

"Homer"
Hill Frost North'rn DreamTyme
12-15-91 - 8-1-03

What do you say when you lose your "rock". Homer was steady, sure, always there and my rock. He quietly ran the pack with confidence and kindness, keeping the peace between 4 girls until age caught up with him. Then he gave the job to Hoover, and retired quietly and with dignity (and just a little meddling). We helped Homer across the rainbow bridge at 11:00 8-1-03. It was like losing a best friend. His body gave out long before his loving heart would have. For almost two years he was stool incontinent and had difficulty getting up, but his incredible will and indomitable spirit kept him going just when any other dog would have given up. Homer adapted to his limited circumstances and kept going with dignity and good humor. The last week of his life, he could barely walk, but jokingly "teased" me that he was going to run away across the yard with a grin because he didn't want to come in. He could communicate everything with his eyes and a gentle head snuggle. He was passionate about a few things - Ice cream, cheese and anything sweet but most of all the puppies. He was our puppy raiser, their security, and they all loved him. Just when we thought he couldn't go on any longer, 2 new puppies (Gracie & Riggs) gave him the will to live 8 months longer so he could share his wisdom. Great grandson Riggs would spend hours quietly sitting nearby, listening intently, probably to Homer's stories. He was respected and liked by all the other dogs, including Shadow. Now he is again with his beloved Penny & Bog at the rainbow bridge - his first pack, to watch over again with gentle guidance. There is nobody like Homer, and though he was never shown because of his wooly coat, was a show dog at heart. He was our rock, he will be greatly missed.

 

In loving memory of...

Little Lucy
Jan. 7, 2003 - Jan. 13, 2003

If you believe great things come in small packages, or that there is a reason for everyone's existence, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, that would explain Lucy. One of 3 live puppies born to Holly's first litter: the biggest, strongest, pushiest. She only lived 6 days, but perhaps her legacy is that she almost alone brought in the milk that her sister and brother thrived on. Maybe she was never meant to do great things - except ensure the survival of someone who will - or perhaps to teach us there is meaning in all life, no matter how short-lived. We will never know. All I know is she touched our hearts and will live forever in them.

In loving memory of...

Penny
Hill Frost Tasha's Luckypenny

March 16, 1990 - June 24, 2002

We have lost our beloved Penny- my second heart dog - dignified and beautiful, stubborn and persistent, she taught us about the breed. She was our first Malamute, so special it convinced us one malamute wasn't enough. A friend with many nicknames - most recently "Squeaky" and "Speedy", I admired her unflappable calmness and confidence, her dignity, her love of puppies. She has passed on her intelligence and spunk to her children and grandchildren. Though she loved our entire family, Penny and I had a special bond. She would listen to me when she would listen to no one else (probably because I "asked" instead of "commanded") - she didn't like to be told what to do and would always let you know it! If you needed someone to talk to, she would listen. She would look at you and expect you to understand with ESP. She never spoke unless she had something important to say, and usually she would hand you a paw to let you know "this is important". She had her own ideas how anything should be done. Penny did everything "her way" - she was a very independent thinker. Penny's stories make a great contribution to this website, and it will stay that way. She never had much interest in obedience or showing, but was a great Mom and Grandma - loving even the grand kids as her own. She was particularly close to Homer (her mate) and Star her daughter.

She was afraid of nothing - even death. Strong and confident, trusting and loving -
Penny you will be my best friend, always.

 

In loving memory of ...

Bog of Dog (a.k.a. Nova)
O'Mal's Dark Star

May 2, 1994 - February 22, 2002

There are no words to express the way we feel about losing our Bog. Our hearts are broken, and it will be forever before we feel normal again. She is missed so much. We will never forget you "Bog of Dog".

She will still be a part of our lives in many little ways - We had a "bog language" and Colleen & I would make her talk in a lispy, matter of fact voice - such as "Yesh, I want to go to my Rooooooooooom". She humored us and sometimes I wonder if she ESP'd what we should say. No doubt she'll still tell us what to say.

We will still go to dog shows and think of the way Holly and Bog would yell greetings to each other in and out of the ring. We found ourselves hiding them from each other, so as not to disrupt the show, but they'd still manage to woo encouragement to each other from across huge buildings.

She is a big part of this website, and it didn't seem right to erase her contribution, so you will find her pictures and memories scattered here and there.

We only had her a short time, in relative terms since Penny is 12, Homer 10, Star & Shadow 8 -- and Nova was only 4 (a month shy of being 5) when she left us - but she had a huge impact on our lives and hearts. She lived a busy and happy life, and we will see her again someday. She left no descendents, but is "survived" by her only sibling Hoover, who is also sweet and loving.

Colleen taught her to do a High-Five, a double High-Five, rollover, and lots of other little tricks. She would do tricks just because you asked, not for the treat and was so proud of her accomplishments. She could catch a tidbit from across the room. You could mold her into any position when cuddling, just like a beanie baby stuffed toy. Most of all, she was always willing to please and tried so hard in everything she did.

Nothing will be the same without you.

In loving memory of...

Etch-A-Sketch, the Fearless Hamster

I thought I'd never get attached to another little critter after my Gerbils, but Etch was different - he had lots of personality and was always sweet and willing to be held. He even didn't mind when Steph dressed him in Barbie clothes! Stephanie spent hours "hanging out" with him in her room. He was so tame, so gentle, nothing seemed to upset him. He must have been a "wooly" hamster since his fur was silky soft and grew very long in odd tufts so it had to be trimmed regularly. He lived to 2 1/2 - a respectable old age for a hamster. Etch we will miss you!

 In loving memory of....

John Swire, friend and breeder of Penny & Homer, 
was tragically killed in an automobile accident on 7-13-00.  
He will be missed by many, our prayers and love go out to Laura, his wife.