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Tribute
to
Bear
" You think there will not be dogs
in heaven? I tell you they will be there before any of us." Robert
Louis Stevenson |
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A Tribute of Our Beloved Bear
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Beary Boy, I remember the first day I saw you! You were
about 2 months old, and what a cuddly ball of fur you were. Your feet
took up your entire body and oh so clumsy, you would trip over them. You
followed me everywhere, up and down the stairs, outside, no matter where
I went you were there. It was such a delight to teach you how to climb
stairs as you would whine and whimper so that I would help you place one
foot in front of the other. You grew so big and strong in such a short
time. You knew not to chew slippers as you always had your toys and you
remembered to carry them to the door to greet people.
Then finally you came to live with us on a permanent basis, I was
delighted to have you and you have been my best companion since then.
Then it was obedience school so that you would walk nicely with me and
not pull on the leash, we did circles, figure 8’s, frontward and
backward and you remembered everything so quickly. Just a nudge of my
leg, you knew what direction to go in. The rest of the family laughed
when we showed them your certificate, but the joke was on them. And the
swimming games we had, diving for fish, picking up sticks and just
lazing around getting dry afterwards. The tennis ball games, digging for
frogs, chasing snakes, and those butterflies in the late summer but you
would not chase squirrels – no matter how hard I would tempt you to
chase those pesky squirrels you would only look at me and ask why. Those
long walks each day, we would do at least 5 kms a day, all year long,
but you did not like transport trucks so we would stop and huddle till
they pass with all their drifting snow flying over us. And when we
moved, your Dad had the biggest dog run in the country, he made sure the
fence was up just for you. You loved to play with small children and
very tolerant of their aggression and very protective as well. When
someone would come unannounced you made sure you stood between me and
that person, you knew the sounds of our cars, the time we should be home
and you always gave a warning bark when a different sound came in the
driveway or the doorbell rang. Bear I miss you and there will not be
another dog to take your place. We went everywhere together, grocery
shopping, drives, but not so much in the summer time as it was just too
hot for you. You always felt very strongly that you should always go
with me in the car, I think it was in case that you had urge to bark at
nothing right in my ear. We always carried a jug of water and your water
dish no matter where we went. You carried in the newspaper but not
before you gave it a few good shakes. We had snowball fights and run
around the garden like there was no tomorrow, and the way you did
circles around everyone and oh so many times you knocked me down, just
to lick my face.
I saw you slowing down, growing older, not so full of vim and vigor.
You became a little overweight and when I broke my hip you protected me
all those many days with recuperation. Those were the days when I could
not get outside for walks, but as I grew stronger we did a few walks,
but oh how you had slowed down. Your poor old legs could not manage
anymore. It was very difficult to watch you suffering these past few
months. I knew the day was fast approaching when you would say good luck
to us and I knew I had to try various methods to try to get you going
again, but to no avail. I anguished over it but fully knowing that you
were going to go to Dog Heaven. I knew I had to go with you on difficult
journeys. I could never say "I can’t bear to watch it" or
"let it happen in my absence." I knew everything would be much
easier for you when I was there. Remember, I love you.
I have lost my dog; I’ve lost a joyful part of my life. In this
time, and for awhile to come I will deal with my grief in many ways. I
will also seek comfort in the wish that you have passed over into a
place where you run free and forever happy; where the love you have
given is returned many times over.
Love, MUM
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Bear, age 10, died November 23,
2002 at the his residence, after a short illness assisted by Dr. M.A.
deWolde. He was born April 4, 1992, in Kingston, the son of
champion breed. He was a member of the local Anglican Church and an officer in the
Sons of the Kennel Club. He served for 10 years as a faithful
family member and companion in the local area.
He is survived by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.
Private cremation followed. Services was held Tuesday, December 3, 2002 at
3 p.m. at the family home.
Always Acting! Whenever the camera came out he was the
first to pose!
Marko & LooLoo
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Our Favorite Flower Bed!
Bear was a great companion and loved
flowers. Of
course, there are many personal factors you must consider, but a Labrador Retriever
was certainly a good choice for me. I wish you the best of luck and have
every confidence that you will make the right decision for you and your
family. Please contact me if I can be of further assistance. |
The Canadian
Kennel Club is well worth joining. It offers many valuable insights
to parents of pets. Check out the local Humane Societies in your area.
It is also a magnificent way to adopt a pet! |
"When I consider thy Heavens, the work of thy fingers,
the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man that thou
art mindful of him?"
Psalm 8:3
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If you want happiness
for an hour-take a nap.
If you want happiness for a month-get married.
If you want happiness for a year-inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime-help others. -Chinese Proverb
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