grateful

that face! yes, they are adorable!

I have decided to let him live sure we will both be much more careful with the hedge clippers (what I learned is that even in low shrubbery, the nests are often fairly close to the top, I didn't know that) could never wrap my head around intentional abuse of animals - pets and wildlife make my life exceedingly brighter, am thrilled to share the planet with them (the sparrows still appear to be giving me the evil eye)

lucky little bunny! I think he'll be more careful now we were on our hands and knees under the shrub looking for the eggs, then we saw the nest and eggs on the walkway I couldn't help but spend a moment thinking he was a cretin though!

Scene: Out in the garden; new hedgeclippers in hand (!) Euonymous, Evergreens and small Firs to be trimmed. My better half chimes in, "if you trim, I'll rake" (good) First, I had at the large shrubs at the curb; did a bang up job but needed six feet of husband to get to a few branches at the top of the shrub, and to round it off after trmming away at the small evergreen behind them, I noticed what looked like straw - ugh, it was a birds nest and from the sparrow sqwaking at me from the tree above, I can only assume it was hers I had exposed the nest; initially, I thought it was empty, then I saw the three little eggs - I didn't know what to do, so so I built a "tent" with the branches to protect it from predators but accesible to mom and I said to my darling, "Please don't go near the evergreen behind the euynemous,there is a sparrows nest with three little eggs" yes, perhaps he thinks that I sound like Charlie Brown's teacher (I'm really not nattering at all) but for god's sake, why don't you listen when I talk! The scene ends with me wandering out an hour or so later to start picking up the clippings (himself was having a sandwich and watching the Phillies); like I said, not a nag; I had rested and was ready to start raking He had done a beautiful job with the large shrub but had also finished neatly pruning the small evergreen; the nest was on the ground, the three eggs splattered nearby why don't you listen when I talk? (he was sad, but for bleeps sake!) I moved the nest to a crepe myrtle at my patio, it's a pretty, perfect little nest

I'm so sorry that your good work and kindness was not enough to get momma kitty to "see the light" still, on behalf of her and all the others out there, thank you for your efforts and for not just pontificating endlessly on the subject, but actually doing something about it

not so much BUT if he drinks out of his water bowl, he does come looking for someone (!) to wipe his face on best to duck and cover....

I appreciate your kind words, rev al - particularly from a fellow rescuer and one who easily understands the bonds we share, they mean alot Loved them to pieces, I did, no denying. I have come to a grudging acceptance that though my time with a few fabulous four leggeds has ended, a part of each of them really does travel with me they taught me things, they had me consider things I wouldn't have but for their presence, they made me take long walks in the woods, they made me hang out in dog parks and throw balls, and they made me laugh, alot knowing that I gave them the love, respect and care they deserved makes me incredibly happy; and of course, those times that I was late home for work, distracted or harsh give me the necessary amounts of guilt 'scuse me, the current clown prince needs a walk.....

my beautiful boy can still be seen - out of the corner of my eye - on the trails we loved "Milo" Feb 27, 2006 Gordon Setter He had a unique way about him, and people were drawn to him despite his standoffish ways. He was fourteen and skinny as a rail. He was slow moving but still wired for sound and still funny, still loving, still naughty and relentless. He was still very handsome. I met Milo when he was two and a half. He landed on my doorstep shaking and drooling, not a pretty picture. I could tell he was terrified but he still seemed to somehow say “nice to meet you”. He had a noble brow and a distinct way of carrying himself. We walked to a park that day and once he relaxed , he positively pranced. We sat in the grass and sized one another up. He looked at me with those big brown eyes and seemed to smile. He could tell that I thought he was quite the looker. We came into a silent agreement at that moment. He would be my dog. In those days, it was a busy house, complete with a station wagon, a teenager and two other dogs. Tiny urban fenced- in garden but beautiful parks and an active “dog crowd” nearby. He spent evenings at the hill romping and cavorting with his dog friends or walking on the Kelly Drive. Afternoons in the garden or tearing through the house looking for trouble. He loved it when people sang to him. He enjoyed the flute. God, a happy dog. He was shy though, and would hide behind me or a convenient piece of furniture when most folks came to call. Life is a ride and he happily came along for it. Teenagers grow up and gardens change. The parks that he played in changed. Friends came and went. The teenager went to college and made a life for herself. Milo stayed, my friend and my companion. Through the years, through the joys and the heartbreaks this dog met me at the door with unbridled affection. Such a gentleman. He was the rescue dog formerly known as “Reggie”. He was a cherished and beloved part of our family for almost twelve years. Milo died on February 27th,2006. He leaves to mourn his passing his devoted mom Sharon, his beloved dad Steven, his human sister Jesse, Nori his companion and fellow Gordon Rescue, Bean and Bad Lucy, Auntie Marie and Loki, Aunties Sarah, Danielle, Leah, Marcia, Sandy and Stormy (another Gordon rescue), Grandma Harriet and Grandpa Sid, Auntie Madge and J.M.and B., a reluctant Aunt Annie, Katie and Beth, PopPop (don’t call me that dogs PopPop) Chuck, Annie, Natalie, John, Andrew and Robbie, Sharon and Bob, Mike and Sue, Franny and Danny, and finally, Daisy, Sheba, Samantha, Jet and Woofie (the dog cousins). We'll leave the toilet seat up for you, Pal.

she's grand! lovely dog

I LOVE my veterans - and as always, I thank you for your wise words, revrainbow (I saw this on memorial day but the dog and I were at the parade ) and though I think of it most the time, the last few years now, you help me remember this day, and I thank you for that, my friend

he's my amazing boy and my best friend he absolutely loves people, dogs, birds, his rainbow ball, cats, his halfa bear...the list is endless, the things this dog loves we fell in love on the internet I fell for him, sight unseen - I knew the rescue group well though, and they knew my family and I, so it was easy..and when I picked him up, it was absolutely like going to get a long lost family member eighty pounds of love he is!

am touched brother michael, I do know what you are saying reval, it struck me when you wrote that, "iron", I'd never thought of that - but she WAS made of iron - she was as solid as they come, serious, and a stoic - but she knew how to get her silly on and was quite good at retreiving tennis balls and frisbees in her day.. I have a few nicknames, among my favorites is "the aclu for dogs" totally a pleasure to share her with others who know and love the four leggeds (is there a paw print thingy? if not, we need one reval..) there IS most definitely, a soul connection

This is the story of one of my best friends. We lost her three years ago in July, at the ripe old age of sixteen...my sweet old bear was the BEST In 1995, I agreed to drive to Central New Jersey to pick up a Gordon Setter with a bad situation and a bad reputation. I didnt know much about her other than that no one else could go and get her in a timely fashion. I had two dogs, two cats and just enough room for one more for fostering. She was to stay with me for three days until the folks at rescue could organize something more permanent for her. The story was that she was a breeders dog who didnt get along. She was adopted and returned, adopted and returned again. She somehow ended up at a veterinarians office with no place left to go. I believe another possible home returned her. She was picked up by Irish Rescue, who contacted Gordon Rescue. And so my trip to get her on a rainy Saturday afternoon... It had been reported that she was not housebroken, an escape artist and not possessed of the sunniest disposition. She was evidently not great with other dogs and not very friendly. After making small talk with the folks who were holding her, I put her in the back of the car and hoped for the best. We spent the next several hours trying to find our way home (Magellan Im not). I remember we listened to the Grateful Dead Hour on WXPN. As I checked the rear view mirror throughout the trip, she sat facing forward, regarding me with interest. She responded to my gentle questioning with a cheerful thump of her tail. When we got back to Philadelphia, we met my other dogs at the park. She interacted with them well after a few moments of introduction and was soon playing. At home, she followed the boys out to the garden to do her business. Later, she followed us upstairs to bed, happily joining the pile of dogs on the floor and fell asleep. Maybe I picked up the wrong dog. She was beautiful. She had a fine, intelligent face and a calm disposition. She was a welcome change from my rowdy and crazy boys. She followed me everywhere and seemed pleased just to be exactly where she was. I realized that her place was with me. The reason she hadnt been exhibiting any of the negative behaviors was clear - she thought she was home. Its been almost twelve years now and our three days are almost up. My lovely old girl, go easy. I dont want to write her eulogy as she slumbers at my feet, but I know I need to begin the process of letting her go. She has been of one of the most magnificent beings to share my life. She has taught me to live with quiet grace, to listen intently when someone I love is speaking, to be comfortable in my own skin and to regard the world with interest and optimism because, as she sees it, one can always look forward to dinner and a walk.

my husband said "if that dog made money, you wouldn't even keep me around, would you?" seriously, my dogs have joined joyfully in my journey, and I love them all dearly - the one here with me and my loves who have gone

what a sweet face, how old is Buster? Is he a rescuedawg ?

just lovely bms!

As Mother's Day nears, I am drawn, even more often than usual, to memories of my Mom. In my heart these many years, and a part of the very fabric of my being, it's days like Mother's Day when the pain of her leaving is particularly pointed. Nineteen years, I can't even begin to fathom that I've traveled nineteen years without one of my best friend by my side. I see her smile like it was yesterday, and hear her voice, and feel her presence, just fainter; I feel her with me but miss the everyday things that many take for granted. I've found comfort in offering to others the things that she offered to me - strength, compassion, and empathy; it feels good, but a bittersweet "good". I've vowed that I will not grumble or find fault with those who are rude to, or about, their mothers in public this year. I have not walked in their shoes (or been parented by their mothers), so I should just shut it, right? So in memory of my sweet mom, Marcy, and to all of you who call yourself "Mother", love and light!

thank you for the good wishes rabbio and right back at you (I love salmon)! funny cartoon kingfisher

it's really hard to not be affected by horrendous events - and when your dearest friends are involved? well, we hurt when they hurt, surely I am so sorry for your loss and wish you strength and courage as you stand beside your friend; and I wish them love and light as they try to move on through the pain

love and blessings to you and your family at this difficult time, bluecat (and for sam, new eyes to see the world withot the fog and the strength to see it through)

an amazing program

hey, so happy for you,ultimate authority (as always, great advice/specifics from the gallery) I was ordained to perform my daughter's wedding - and it was SO MUCH FUN..who knew, right? I remember calling the Orange County Clerk's Office and was incredulous to learn that everything was as it should be...even though the wedding was in California, they were from New York and I was in Pennsylvania.. like you, I think the most amazing part is the part that (we) get/got to play in the celebration; what a compliment and an honor, and a testament to your role in your daughter's life that she would grant you such a special place! I will never forget looking out at our family and friends in that canyon, it was magical.. yours will be too!