Rest well, sweet Ollie bear.....

Everyone has their first.  Ollie was mine.  He was my first AKC registered dog…. My first dog from a breeder…. My first show dog….  A dog who introduced me to many wonderful people (and a few of whom I am very close with still). 

Ollie hated dog shows.  He was retired from the dog show ring with 2 points I think.  He was neutered a few days after a show when he left growling and I left in tears. 

Ollie was a SMART dog.  Smarter than any of the Cardigans I've had since (sorry, guys!).  He had such an array of ‘stupid dog tricks’ that it was ridiculous. 

After moving from California to Arizona, Ollie and Dakota started really going at it.  It was a power struggle neither intended on losing.  After months of trying to work it out, and having them fight even through closed doors, I made the incredibly difficult decision to place Ollie.  I cried and cried, but knew it was best for my sweet little red boy. 

Ollie saw me through a lot.  He was my buddy.  So to let him go was one of the hardest things I had done. 

I’m glad I did.  He was needed even more by a wonderful woman named Susan, who had just lost her Pembroke, Frank. 

Ollie went in and filled a hole in Susan’s heart that was perfectly Ollie sized.  I saw Ollie and Susan a few times in the years to come.  He met Sedona and even though she was a pretty spiffy little dog. 

Our dear sweet Ollie boy went to the bridge today after determining that his lungs and liver were covered in cancer.  He was 10 years old. 

Below is a letter I wrote to Ollie on the occasion of his 6^th birthday….. I found it very fitting to share again today, on his last day. 

Dearest Ollie, 

It was love at first sight, when I saw you at Grandma Carolyn's house for the first time... I loved your pictures, but nothing could have prepared me for the feeling I had when I saw you. You were such a cute fuzzy little 10 week old mischief maker and you immediately stole my heart. 

Over the course of the next four years, you would grow and develop into such a smart loving young dog.

While I'm sorry I couldn't provide a forever home for you, I'm so glad that you have Susan to take care of. Most of the time I'm not sad about not having you around, but days like today are hard. I waited and waited for you... You were everything I hoped for in a puppy.

I know that you are making Susan VERY happy, providing her with laughter and lovies all the time :) You're a very lucky dog, Ollie bear... To have two women who love you so so much.

I hope you have the bestest of birthdays and that Susan lets you party like the rock star you are :)

I will always love you Bearbee... You'll always be my first... Have a fabulous birthday, and I hope to see you soon ok??

All my love, Mama Traci

Ollie at 6 months old on a hike - always smiling :) 

Ollie and his littermate, Kiara - at Kiara's house in Oregon.  They are now together again frapping with wild abandon, I am sure.  

My favorite picture ever of Ollie and Kota.  This picture took FOREVER to make, but it is such a beautiful shot of both boys....  

A visit with Ollie after he went to live with Susan - back when Sedona was just a wee one.  He enjoyed our visits - they were harder on me, for sure.  

And the photo I thought was perfect to end this tribute with.... Ollie looking as regal as always, looking off at something in the distance.  

I will forever and always love you, my Ollie Bear.  No one will ever take the Ollie shaped hole in my heart.  There are no words to express how deep my love for you goes, Bearbee....  

Rest well, good boy - until we see each other again.  

All my love, 

Momma Traci

C-Myste Baledwr Wocket N My Pocket, CGC

4/10/02 ~ 11/28/12

Rest In Peace Reeses : 5/21/96 - 6/24/11

 

Reeses.

My first Corgi and introduction to the wonderful world of short legged friends...

My ex-boyfriend from college and I acquired this little back yard bred Pemmie in September of 1996.  Ironically he was bred in the same town I grew up in, and the same town I work in now.  He was a faithful companion and tremendous hiking partner.

When it came time for me to leave that relationship, I had a hard time leaving Reeses.  He was an amazing friend.  

I would hear from my ex-boyfriend occasionally letting me know how Reeses was doing or when he needed medical advice.  

Today I saw on Facebook that a mutual friend of ours had said something to my ex's sister about Reeses and heaven.  

I texted the ex, and this was his reply:

"Had to put him down on Friday.  Sucks.  Had bad stroke and seizures.  He was old but went peacefully.  He couldn't stand, sit, or anything as a result of the seizures.  Won't go into more sad details, but it was his time."

Thank you for the wonderful memories Reeses.  I have always and will always love you.  Thank you for giving me a great introduction to Corgis.

You will always be remembered on your very best day - hiking the trails with us in college and barking at the camera as a young dog. 

You will never be forgotten, buddy.

Run free.

 

CH Coedwig's Carbon Blue ROMg

Knowing it's coming doesn't help....

While he was not my dog, I loved him so incredibly that I feel the loss more than I have felt many who have gone before him....

My dear friend Kim Shira and her husband Leo let Carbon go over the bridge today. Carbon would have been 15 on the 24th.

He was a grand grand dog - carrying himself with such dignity, always. Always playful with puppies - always a gentleman with his lady visitors.

I will always remember meeting Carbon for the first time. I remember asking in a shaky voice "can I touch him?". I think Kim laughed at me and said "of course!". It was as though I was meeting a celebrity!

The last time I saw Carbon was a number of years ago now, but always getting Carbon updates from Kim, I always felt connected.

My heart breaks for Kim - as Carbon was her HEART...

Some of his "bragging rights" included :

Stud Dog of the Year : 1999, 2001, and 2003 - Number 1 Cardigan All Systems for 2000

At the time of his crossing, he was the sire of *90* Champions!!! (I feel lucky to have #90!)

More than his bragging rights, he was quite simply an amazing animal with SUCH a gentle soul...a soul that consistently passed on amazing qualities to his puppies. I am blessed to have 2 Carbon kids and 1 Carbon grandkid currently sharing my bed.

Rest in Peace Carbon... I'll always love you!

BISS, BIS CH. Coedwig's Carbon Blue, ROMg
4/24/95 - 4/17/10