Missing My Girl

I really miss my Little One.  When I go back and watch videos or look at pictures from even just a few months ago, I can see a big difference - she was slowly going downhill but I didn't notice it so much - and she was very good at hiding it.  We went to her favorite park today - and I thought about how the last time we were there (which we didn't realize would be the last time) how she didn't feel too good so she just lay quietly.  I thought it was the warm day bothering her but now I think she was really hurting.

Now I believe she is running around at Rainbow Bridge and chasing those ducks and having a ball but is a little sad that we're not together...

My Girl is Gone

I always wondered why Snowflake had such a reaction to the word "collar".  I thought maybe it was similar to a word she heard from her former owners or, when we had the invisible fence on she knew the collar provided the shock.

But now I believe she "knew" that after I took her to Rainbow Bridge (and she DID NOT want to go) I would be keeping her collar with me at all times - at least for the foreseeable future.

Flake, I know you wanted to stay with me but it was too painful for your little body.  I will "see you later" at the Bridge.  I'm expecting you to drag me around all silly-like as if it were the old days and we were going for walk in the park.  And, you can practice your beelining now without worrying about bumping into anything.  Just pretend I'm there with you and I know your spirit is here with me ALWAYS.

Love, Mom.

RIP Snowflake

1998-2009

It's Just A Dog

Here is something that's been floating around for while that says it just right:

From time to time, people tell me,

"lighten up, it's just a dog,"

or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."

They don't understand the distance traveled,

the time spent, or the costs involved for

"just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with

"just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was 

"just a dog,"

but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by

"just a dog,"

and in those days of darkness,

the gentle touch of "just a dog" 

gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog,"

then you will probably understand phases

like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or 

"just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence 

of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and 

patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, 

take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog"

but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams 

of the future, the fond memories of the past,

and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and

diverts my thoughts away from myself and the

worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that

it's not "just a dog"

but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps

me from being "just a woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog."

just smile, because they "just don't understand."

Fantasy Skating

I made the top 50% ! I ranked #323 out of 726 players! My best comp was Worlds he he...

Evan's Freeskate

Worlds & Skating Season Almost Over

and Davis and White did not medal. Quoting from ice network:

"A chorus of boos greeted U.S. champion Meryl Davis and Charlie White's fourth-place finish, just .04 off the podium. Performing to Samson et Delilah, the young skaters had the most intricate footwork and choreography of the night, but their third-place finish in the free dance was not enough for a medal."
[the boos were for the judges]

Tonight is the ladies' comp - Kim is so far ahead after the short it's a given she'll win. I hope Mao and Joannie have good skates.

Next year - the Winter Olympics in Vancouver!