You Know the sad thing is.... - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Britster · 08-21-2010, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gemy

I've been on this forum for awhile. Read so many heart touching and heart wrenching posts, of love and loss, of dogs showing in so many ways their devotion to us, of human devotion to dogs.

The saddest thing for me is, that so many others, you know those ones in the "general" non dog public, just simply have no clue, no idea. I truly don't know how they think about "pets".

They simply don't get the wonder of the special relationship you have with your dog or in that matter your cat, or even your bird.

They don't "get" the heart that expands, that is so much larger from having been blessed by the love of an animal.

For it is in the simple pleasures we expand, the nose that touches our hand when we are down. The supreme joy when we are home again (even if we have only been gone an hour).

The absolute loyalty and love these animals show us. It just doesn't matter if our hair is dirty, or we are in a bad mood, or our shoes don't match.

What can be better than sitting with your dog, at the beach, in your backyard, in the pasture or the meadow, watching the breeze blow by, and the sunset.

Our pets, teach us how to love with an open heart, we stand abashed at some point, when we feel and see just how much our four legged little Fido loves us. How can we do less, than strive to be worthy of such love?

For me I am so sorry for all those folks, who for one reason or another have not been blessed by the love of a dog.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

Great post and I think about this often. I'm not from the south but I live in the south and it seems that people have dogs, not pets. My very own sister in law has a beagle who she claims is an outside dog. He's outside in a gigantic cage all day long. He doesn't come in the house and play with the kids, or kiss them or lay on their laps on the couch. The dog was bought because the kids wanted a dog. Nobody cares about him. But the love him......so they say.

The sad thing is that so many people will never know and that may even include people who 'own dogs'. The wonderful thing is that there is an esoteric bunch in the world who would be empty without the love of a pet. I could not imagine life without my dogs. They've carried be through so much tribulation and are always offering me unconditional love. I would be completely lost without them and fear the day that they are no longer with me.

I too am so sorry for those who haven't been blessed by the love of a dog. They will never know. They will never even realize that they should know.

My sister in law thinks I'm crazy and that makes me so darn happy.

You guys summed it up perfectly.

lisaly · 08-21-2010, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gemy

Our pets, teach us how to love with an open heart, we stand abashed at some point, when we feel and see just how much our four legged little Fido loves us. How can we do less, than strive to be worthy of such love?

For me I am so sorry for all those folks, who for one reason or another have not been blessed by the love of a dog.

I've been thinking a lot about what you wrote in your post lately. My mother was a huge animal lover, so I was raised with dogs since I was born. We just lost our little girl, Ashley and with the exception of a couple of months after losing our first yorkie and getting Ashley, this is the first time in thirty years that we don't have a dog in our lives. I knew Ashley wasn't going to live forever, but I couldn't do anything to prepare myself for losing her, and frankly I wouldn't have wanted to have. We knew and still feel the pain of losing her sisters and knew how difficult it would be when she was gone, but my husband and I loved her with such completely open hearts and that love made our lives so much better. It is how she and her sisters loved us, and our dogs teach us so much about love and giving of oneself completely. Coming home each day to a house without a dog is such an empty feeling. One of the many reasons why I love Yorkie Talk is that people here understand how precious our animals are. Ashley needed a lot of care the last year of her life. She had Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, which is like a doggy Alzheimer's. Before this, life revolved around her so it wasn't much different, but it gave us more of a reason to worry about protecting our little girl. My husband stayed home with her every day, and most days he sat in a chair by our bed until I came home so that she could feel safe with him there beside her. We needed to watch her every second to make sure she didn't fall off of the bed. There were so many nights we were up with her for most of the night before we realized that there was medication that could help her anxiety. Still, I was up by 4:00 every morning, so that I could properly take care of Ashley before I went to work. My husband had a bad kidney infection and it took three days before he would go to the hospital because he wouldn't leave Ashley. We didn't know she had CCD, and although she was pretty healthy otherwise, we were afraid she wouldn't survive without us. Few people could understand why we turned our lives upside down for our little girl, and they thought it might be a relief for us when she passed away. I can tell you that we would have done anything to keep her alive, as long as it was right for her. She still was a happy little girl and we got her anxiety under control. Unless there were unusual circumstances like when my husband was hospitalized, she was alone at most a few hours a month. Every second we spent with her was worth it, because she was and is still our heart. It is very painful when we lose them, but the love we receive from our dogs and the happiness that they bring to our lives, makes everything worth it. I feel sorry for people who don't understand this kind of love; they should get a dog and he/she will teach them about love.

YorkieChick1 · 08-21-2010, 05:55 PM

That was a very touching and beautiful post, I agree entirely. Thanks.

AprilLove · 08-21-2010, 06:12 PM

Very well said! Great post, thanks for sharing

I couldn't imagine my life without these little furbutts in it

Pipers · 08-21-2010, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lisaly

I've been thinking a lot about what you wrote in your post lately. My mother was a huge animal lover, so I was raised with dogs since I was born. We just lost our little girl, Ashley and with the exception of a couple of months after losing our first yorkie and getting Ashley, this is the first time in thirty years that we don't have a dog in our lives. I knew Ashley wasn't going to live forever, but I couldn't do anything to prepare myself for losing her, and frankly I wouldn't have wanted to have. We knew and still feel the pain of losing her sisters and knew how difficult it would be when she was gone, but my husband and I loved her with such completely open hearts and that love made our lives so much better. It is how she and her sisters loved us, and our dogs teach us so much about love and giving of oneself completely. Coming home each day to a house without a dog is such an empty feeling. One of the many reasons why I love Yorkie Talk is that people here understand how precious our animals are. Ashley needed a lot of care the last year of her life. She had Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, which is like a doggy Alzheimer's. Before this, life revolved around her so it wasn't much different, but it gave us more of a reason to worry about protecting our little girl. My husband stayed home with her every day, and most days he sat in a chair by our bed until I came home so that she could feel safe with him there beside her. We needed to watch her every second to make sure she didn't fall off of the bed. There were so many nights we were up with her for most of the night before we realized that there was medication that could help her anxiety. Still, I was up by 4:00 every morning, so that I could properly take care of Ashley before I went to work. My husband had a bad kidney infection and it took three days before he would go to the hospital because he wouldn't leave Ashley. We didn't know she had CCD, and although she was pretty healthy otherwise, we were afraid she wouldn't survive without us. Few people could understand why we turned our lives upside down for our little girl, and they thought it might be a relief for us when she passed away. I can tell you that we would have done anything to keep her alive, as long as it was right for her. She still was a happy little girl and we got her anxiety under control. Unless there were unusual circumstances like when my husband was hospitalized, she was alone at most a few hours a month. Every second we spent with her was worth it, because she was and is still our heart. It is very painful when we lose them, but the love we receive from our dogs and the happiness that they bring to our lives, makes everything worth it. I feel sorry for people who don't understand this kind of love; they should get a dog and he/she will teach them about love.

Thank you for sharing this...these creatures are angels in disguise.
Don't you wish all people could understand how an animal can touch our hearts...

Ringo1 · 08-21-2010, 08:10 PM

Love that post! And, it's true - it's not a home without a dog. But no one in my family feels that way. My father thinks I'm crazy for 'letting my dog pick the furniture' because I insist on leather. (Easier to clean).

And my cousin in her great, big, fancy house ~ wants a dog but worries that he/she will pee on her carpets. Everytime I take Lucy over - she freaks and follows her all around.

They don't know what they are missing!

lisaly · 08-21-2010, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pipers

Thank you for sharing this...these creatures are angels in disguise.
Don't you wish all people could understand how an animal can touch our hearts...

I always look for the good in people, and I think maybe people are missing out because they are afraid to open themselves up to others, whether it be a family member, friend, or family pet. By keeping a shield around themselves, they truly miss the beauty that can be found in loving relationships. It's kind of like Amanda McBroom's song that Bette Midler sang, "The Rose." Only when you truly open up to others and take down the walls around you, then you can feel love and it will blossom. With animals, even though your shield may be up, they don't let anything stop them from loving you. I really think that animals bring out the very best in people. We learn so much from having them in our lives, and we should take a lesson from them about unconditional love. They are so perceptive about how we are feeling, and are right at our sides when we need them. They truly are our angels. I'm always a little unsure of people who really don't like dogs. I can understand if they were bitten by a dog in the past, but when they have a strong dislike for dogs, I question what kind of person really dislikes them. When I hear the words "outside dog," I get so infuriated. It's like those two words are an oxymoron. I read the book, The Hidden Lives of Dogs by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, and I was a bit puzzled by the conclusions she came up with. Yes, dogs are pack animals, and they do love to be around other dogs, but they also need to be around the people that love them. They don't want to be locked in a yard without the love of family. I think it's like everything else. We need to reach our young kids and teach them about the responsibility and love of having a pet. I definitely think that young children who grow up with animals and help with their care become more loving people. They learn to be better mommies and daddies, and I believe that will carry over when they get older. My husband was raised with a lot of cats in his family when he was growing up. We never had children of our own. Our furbabies taught him to open up and talk about his feelings more. He was never afraid to baby them in front of his friends, even though they teased him about it. He is very protective of those he loves and was so loving with our little girls. It's funny to watch a 6'4'' man babying a tiny yorkie. When I watched him protecting our little girls and making them feel loved, it made me feel very proud of him, and I loved him more than ever. He put their needs ahead of his and only wanted them to feel safe and happy. People who don't open up to an animal or have one in their lives are missing out on one of life's greatests gifts.

Sharly4 · 08-22-2010, 12:54 AM

Oh it's so True! My heart melts and at times my eyes water just looking into my babies eyes. Their little tongues that sometimes stick out. Their eyes staring deep into yours looking past all your faults. Lord knows I'm not perfect. And then I smile and it's like a welcome or invite if you will for all the kisses I can handle! Their jumping up at my face and kind of whining and giving loads of kisses! It just irks me when I see people with outside dogs. Or even crated dogs. I like mine to be free throughout my house sleeping or lounging about. Sometimes I feel bad that I think they don't get the rest they need b/c they're busy following me everywhere and not resting or eating. I sit in my kitchen and hand feed them their kibbles or bring their food to the sofa just cause I know if I'm not next to them they won't stop to eat. I put on my jacket to go out and potty with them or grab an umbrella. I know they have me well trained but it's a small sacrifice I make for the unconditional LOVE I get in return.
I hope this all makes sense. I feel like I was babbling. Sorry

furbutt · 08-22-2010, 01:59 AM

Its strange this post is here because me and my friend was talking about this yesterday.

After losing my yorkie earlier this year which is to hard to even talk about so stay with me as i think this is the first time i have ever talked about it to anyone. I have always had a dog in my life and i found myself slipping into deep depression after my yorkie passed on as me and him where SOOOO close and i blame myself for him passing away. People couldnt and still cant even mention his name or i get myself so upset i find it hard to breathe. I hated there not being a dog in the house and i stayed in bed for over a month with OH getting the doctor out to me as he was so worried. I didnt know what i was doing, it really felt like i have lost a child its a bond so so special. May seem strange but i have tried to block out everything to do with my other yorkie.... i cant handle it i get to upset and i HATE the fact he is not here, the relisation is just to hard to come to terms with, so i'd rather not and block everything out.

Poppy is like my little ray of light in my life. I seem to have forgot everything about teaching and training... as me and my other yorkie just did it without thinking. Its been hard having Poppy here sometimes and i still get so so upset about things but Poppy has helped me move on and get up in the morning.

Anyway the point i was making was me and my friend was talking about this yesterday. She just told me how much happier i am as she aint hardly seen me smile in months. I told her i am enjoying having a yorkie around the house again and how i could not live without one. She understands as she has a 2 dogs of her own.

I really feel for the people who are not ''dog'' or ''animal'' people as they really dont know what they are missing out on. Something thats so so special, i bond that will never be broken not even in death.

lisaly · 08-22-2010, 03:40 AM

Thank you for feeling safe enough to share this here with us. My husband was like you with our other little girls when we lost them. He couldn't bear to look at a picture of them for at least a month, whereas I needed to look at their pictures and talk about them to get through the day. It was only with people who I knew would really understand, like my sisters or very close friends. The only thing that brought him comfort that he wanted to see was the memorial candle we burned for a week and having their ashes sitting on our dresser. This time, with Ashley, it's even more difficult for him, but he isn't trying to run away from it. He looking at some of the photos of other yorkies on Yorkie Talk, and we sleep with Ashley's blanket on our bed still. All of her toys are still around, and nothing has been put away except for her food and water bowls. We finally put her medicine away in an organizer, but we can't throw it away. I know some people might think that's crazy, but that's okay. We don't need her things around us for her presence to be around us, but for me she and her sisters are just as much of this house now as they were when they were alive. It's not denial, but just comforting for me to have them around. For a few years now, in my classroom at work, I have a little stuffed animal (I have many of that same toy at home) that was my girls' favorite toy. I told my students that it was a symbol, just as I have other things that I've saved that remind me of special times that I've shared with my kids at school. They were fascinated hearing stories about Ashley, and would ask almost daily about her. She passed away a few days before classes ended, and we were very busy studying for exams. I didn't tell them about it because it would have been too difficult for me. My close friend told her students, the ones that I had worked with the year or two before. I can't tell you how many students came by to sit and talk with me, to see how I was doing. The kind of work that I do, I am able to develop a close relationship with my students. They understood the loss it was for me, way more than many people could understand. Some went home and told their parents, and their parents called to tell me how much they cared. I think that some people will understand how much a dog touches our lives, and others will think they are "just dogs." Natasha, you are right that that bond can't ever be broken. You will always love your baby because love lasts forever. They always stay in our hearts and shape the kind of love we are able to give to others. I hope your beautiful little Poppy continues to bring you joy and helps to heal the pain you are feeling. There are a lot of people here who care, and I'm one of them.

Roxiesmama · 08-22-2010, 03:44 AM

I was one of *those* people. I never wanted a dog, and couldn't understand how people would treat their pets like people, or members of the family.

Everything changed when Roxie came to me last October. My whole outlook on dogs, pets, and animals in general has changed. I see how she has her own little personality. I laugh and smile at her little antics. I love when she curls up with me on the couch to watch TV. I look forward to her running towards me when I come down the stairs in the morning, or come in the door after being out somewhere. It's truly amazing how having her in my life has changed me.

I know I will never be able to impart my feelings on others...they just need to experience it themselves in order to know if they are going to give in to it or not.

furbutt · 08-22-2010, 03:52 AM

Oh gosh cant stop crying after reading that, that was lovely thank you. I dunno whats wrong with me, i seem to refuse that it ever happened which i know i am doing but cant help it. I just blocked it all out. I moved all his stuff so i couldnt see it because it just hurt to much. Its fantastic people understand how i feel because no one around me can possible feel like how i do because they have never had a bond like that and then lost it forever. I am so so sorry to hear about Ashley. You are an amazing person for being so strong and telling me all that you have helped me more than you know just hearing that xxxxxxx

manolos mom · 08-22-2010, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gemy

I've been on this forum for awhile. Read so many heart touching and heart wrenching posts, of love and loss, of dogs showing in so many ways their devotion to us, of human devotion to dogs.

The saddest thing for me is, that so many others, you know those ones in the "general" non dog public, just simply have no clue, no idea. I truly don't know how they think about "pets".

They simply don't get the wonder of the special relationship you have with your dog or in that matter your cat, or even your bird.

They don't "get" the heart that expands, that is so much larger from having been blessed by the love of an animal.

For it is in the simple pleasures we expand, the nose that touches our hand when we are down. The supreme joy when we are home again (even if we have only been gone an hour).

The absolute loyalty and love these animals show us. It just doesn't matter if our hair is dirty, or we are in a bad mood, or our shoes don't match.

What can be better than sitting with your dog, at the beach, in your backyard, in the pasture or the meadow, watching the breeze blow by, and the sunset.

Our pets, teach us how to love with an open heart, we stand abashed at some point, when we feel and see just how much our four legged little Fido loves us. How can we do less, than strive to be worthy of such love?

For me I am so sorry for all those folks, who for one reason or another have not been blessed by the love of a dog.

Thank You

lizzieg · 08-22-2010, 04:17 AM

Thank you all for sharing! I've always lived in a zoo, sometimes the humans made it feel that way and sometimes it was the animals, but I couldn't imagine life without my Khloe and my 2 pet roosters.

Maximo · 08-22-2010, 08:01 AM

Beautiful post, Gail.

I never would have described myself or my family as "animal lovers," but looking back, we were just that. We loved our dogs and cats over the years and they all played big roles in our lives. They brought us so much joy. Having the Yorkies made me more conscious of how much I love the beasties.

08-21-2010, 05:55 PM	#18
YorkieChick1 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 2,249	That was a very touching and beautiful post, I agree entirely. Thanks. __________________ Nanci 's her furbabies!! Brooke,Binky,Bunny,Buster & BooBoo And My Chichis: Baby & Bitsy There's nothing that brightens my day more than a puppy kiss!

08-21-2010, 06:12 PM	#19
AprilLove My Three Hearts Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Wrapped around their paws :-) Posts: 7,190	Very well said! Great post, thanks for sharing I couldn't imagine my life without these little furbutts in it __________________ MaryKay AprilLove Wubs Moosie R.I.P. Bailey & BitsyRoo

08-21-2010, 08:10 PM	#21
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	Love that post! And, it's true - it's not a home without a dog. But no one in my family feels that way. My father thinks I'm crazy for 'letting my dog pick the furniture' because I insist on leather. (Easier to clean). And my cousin in her great, big, fancy house ~ wants a dog but worries that he/she will pee on her carpets. Everytime I take Lucy over - she freaks and follows her all around. They don't know what they are missing! __________________ Mommy to Lucy, Ringo, and Matthew

08-22-2010, 12:54 AM	#23
Sharly4 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: San Antonio, TX USA Posts: 610	Oh it's so True! My heart melts and at times my eyes water just looking into my babies eyes. Their little tongues that sometimes stick out. Their eyes staring deep into yours looking past all your faults. Lord knows I'm not perfect. And then I smile and it's like a welcome or invite if you will for all the kisses I can handle! Their jumping up at my face and kind of whining and giving loads of kisses! It just irks me when I see people with outside dogs. Or even crated dogs. I like mine to be free throughout my house sleeping or lounging about. Sometimes I feel bad that I think they don't get the rest they need b/c they're busy following me everywhere and not resting or eating. I sit in my kitchen and hand feed them their kibbles or bring their food to the sofa just cause I know if I'm not next to them they won't stop to eat. I put on my jacket to go out and potty with them or grab an umbrella. I know they have me well trained but it's a small sacrifice I make for the unconditional LOVE I get in return. I hope this all makes sense. I feel like I was babbling. Sorry __________________ Duchess Marie Contessa Soraya Autumn Ariel Sebastian Berlioz

08-22-2010, 01:59 AM	#24
furbutt My Princess Poppy Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: England Posts: 802	Its strange this post is here because me and my friend was talking about this yesterday. After losing my yorkie earlier this year which is to hard to even talk about so stay with me as i think this is the first time i have ever talked about it to anyone. I have always had a dog in my life and i found myself slipping into deep depression after my yorkie passed on as me and him where SOOOO close and i blame myself for him passing away. People couldnt and still cant even mention his name or i get myself so upset i find it hard to breathe. I hated there not being a dog in the house and i stayed in bed for over a month with OH getting the doctor out to me as he was so worried. I didnt know what i was doing, it really felt like i have lost a child its a bond so so special. May seem strange but i have tried to block out everything to do with my other yorkie.... i cant handle it i get to upset and i HATE the fact he is not here, the relisation is just to hard to come to terms with, so i'd rather not and block everything out. Poppy is like my little ray of light in my life. I seem to have forgot everything about teaching and training... as me and my other yorkie just did it without thinking. Its been hard having Poppy here sometimes and i still get so so upset about things but Poppy has helped me move on and get up in the morning. Anyway the point i was making was me and my friend was talking about this yesterday. She just told me how much happier i am as she aint hardly seen me smile in months. I told her i am enjoying having a yorkie around the house again and how i could not live without one. She understands as she has a 2 dogs of her own. I really feel for the people who are not ''dog'' or ''animal'' people as they really dont know what they are missing out on. Something thats so so special, i bond that will never be broken not even in death. __________________ Natasha & Poppy Yorkietalk guardian angels saved my little girl

08-22-2010, 03:40 AM	#25
lisaly Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 5,892	Thank you for feeling safe enough to share this here with us. My husband was like you with our other little girls when we lost them. He couldn't bear to look at a picture of them for at least a month, whereas I needed to look at their pictures and talk about them to get through the day. It was only with people who I knew would really understand, like my sisters or very close friends. The only thing that brought him comfort that he wanted to see was the memorial candle we burned for a week and having their ashes sitting on our dresser. This time, with Ashley, it's even more difficult for him, but he isn't trying to run away from it. He looking at some of the photos of other yorkies on Yorkie Talk, and we sleep with Ashley's blanket on our bed still. All of her toys are still around, and nothing has been put away except for her food and water bowls. We finally put her medicine away in an organizer, but we can't throw it away. I know some people might think that's crazy, but that's okay. We don't need her things around us for her presence to be around us, but for me she and her sisters are just as much of this house now as they were when they were alive. It's not denial, but just comforting for me to have them around. For a few years now, in my classroom at work, I have a little stuffed animal (I have many of that same toy at home) that was my girls' favorite toy. I told my students that it was a symbol, just as I have other things that I've saved that remind me of special times that I've shared with my kids at school. They were fascinated hearing stories about Ashley, and would ask almost daily about her. She passed away a few days before classes ended, and we were very busy studying for exams. I didn't tell them about it because it would have been too difficult for me. My close friend told her students, the ones that I had worked with the year or two before. I can't tell you how many students came by to sit and talk with me, to see how I was doing. The kind of work that I do, I am able to develop a close relationship with my students. They understood the loss it was for me, way more than many people could understand. Some went home and told their parents, and their parents called to tell me how much they cared. I think that some people will understand how much a dog touches our lives, and others will think they are "just dogs." Natasha, you are right that that bond can't ever be broken. You will always love your baby because love lasts forever. They always stay in our hearts and shape the kind of love we are able to give to others. I hope your beautiful little Poppy continues to bring you joy and helps to heal the pain you are feeling. There are a lot of people here who care, and I'm one of them.

08-22-2010, 03:44 AM	#26
Roxiesmama Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY Posts: 849	I was one of those people. I never wanted a dog, and couldn't understand how people would treat their pets like people, or members of the family. Everything changed when Roxie came to me last October. My whole outlook on dogs, pets, and animals in general has changed. I see how she has her own little personality. I laugh and smile at her little antics. I love when she curls up with me on the couch to watch TV. I look forward to her running towards me when I come down the stairs in the morning, or come in the door after being out somewhere. It's truly amazing how having her in my life has changed me. I know I will never be able to impart my feelings on others...they just need to experience it themselves in order to know if they are going to give in to it or not. __________________ Roxie

08-22-2010, 03:52 AM	#27
furbutt My Princess Poppy Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: England Posts: 802	Oh gosh cant stop crying after reading that, that was lovely thank you. I dunno whats wrong with me, i seem to refuse that it ever happened which i know i am doing but cant help it. I just blocked it all out. I moved all his stuff so i couldnt see it because it just hurt to much. Its fantastic people understand how i feel because no one around me can possible feel like how i do because they have never had a bond like that and then lost it forever. I am so so sorry to hear about Ashley. You are an amazing person for being so strong and telling me all that you have helped me more than you know just hearing that xxxxxxx __________________ Natasha & Poppy Yorkietalk guardian angels saved my little girl

08-22-2010, 04:17 AM	#29
lizzieg YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 537	Love This Thread Thank you all for sharing! I've always lived in a zoo, sometimes the humans made it feel that way and sometimes it was the animals, but I couldn't imagine life without my Khloe and my 2 pet roosters. __________________ "It is much easier to show compassion to animals. They are never wicked." ~Haile Selassie

08-22-2010, 08:01 AM	#30
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,047	Beautiful post, Gail. I never would have described myself or my family as "animal lovers," but looking back, we were just that. We loved our dogs and cats over the years and they all played big roles in our lives. They brought us so much joy. Having the Yorkies made me more conscious of how much I love the beasties.