Last week I lost my closest friend, my sole companion, my dog Pooh Bear, to bladder cancer. She was almost 18 years old, and still had a strong heart and healthy legs, and loved her daily walks totalling around 3 miles. It was sudden and with no prior evidence that this condition was coming on, so it was quite a shock to me when I had a seemingly healthy pet at 9PM and she was in the Vet clinic at 11PM, and put to sleep at 2AM when surgery revealed there was no way of correcting the problem.

Fortunately, I've already made arrangements to pick up another Finnish Spitz in a couple of weeks. Very fortunate, since this breed is still rare in this country and the few breeders have long waiting lists for them. And, not particularly wanting a puppy - as cute as they are - this one is a year old. I can hardly contain my excitement!

Click to view attachment

A Dogs Plea:

Treat me kindly my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ears.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should you be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old, and no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

Jim, I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I know how close you both were.

DON'T CRY FOR ME WHEN I'M GONE

Three score and ten are given to man,
But ours is a much briefer span.
So, though I give you all my heart,
The time will come when we must part.
But all around you, you will see,
Creatures that speak to you of me;
A tired horse, a hunted thing,
A sparrow with a broken wing ...
Pity - and help (I know you will)
And somehow, I will be with you still;
And I shall know, although I'm gone,
The love I gave you lingers on.
--- (Author unknown) ---

Jim,
My sincere condolences in the loss of Pooh Bear. I too have lost a dog--not to cancer, but to old age. I still grieve for her sometimes. I had her 11 years.

I hope that you and your new doggie will be very happy together.

Dear Jim,

It was with tears streaming down my face that I read of your loss. This is terribly sad news and my heart breaks for you. I too am an avid dog lover and I know the pain you are feeling. In my lifetime, I have lost about ten dogs and no matter the circumstances, it is always heart-wrenching.

I am pleased to know that you will soon have a new furry friend to keep you company, and I am sure that Pooh Bear will be looking down and giving the two of you her blessing. Take care and be sure to post some pictures of your new puppy when you can.

Regards, Mrs. B

we know how you feel Jim we lost our westie very sudden a firework went of over our house he was eating hes dinner at the time it happened so quick, what a sad time we had, we got another westie( Sammy) we see bosun in her, i am sure you will see your old mate within your new dog , take care Mike

I'm so sorry to hear about Pooh Bear Jim. I'm sure your new friend will have the best friend ever.

Sorry to hear about pooh, Jim.

Thanks everyone for your kind remarks.

I'm in Macon, GA this morning and will be going by to pick up Calamity Jane (Janie) on the way north. I hope she rides well! May have to get a crate to put her in if she doesn't. I kinda like the name she already has, too, and may not change it. The breeder has many Finkies and they're all beautiful, especially the males which are larger, fuller furred and look a lot like foxes. I can hardly wait!

i sure know the excitement. had to leave pepper at my daughters for the day while i moved but then i don't know who was more excited to see each other, pepper or me!

Hi Jim .......... Oh my, what a happy day this will be for you! Enjoy and savor the memories!

Hi Jim,
Hope you and Janie become great pals.

Jeannie

She rode well all the way back to the folk's place in Richmond, KY. Never made a sound, just laid on the seat and watched us. Since she was in a kennel, she's 'doggy' acclimated and won't have much to do with people. That will take a few days to change. She's gorgious, and looks like a fox when we're walking. I'll post a pic as soon as I can get a good one. I'll be heading back to Ohio with her Sunday evening. She'll have to get used to another strange place.

Here's a couple shots right after we came in from a walk....

Click to view attachment

Click to view attachment

Click to view attachment

beaautiful man, looks like she would like to know what's goin on. won't take long and she'll be your loyal companion. hehe she looks smart enough to call you kemo sabe!!

Well, I gave in to a frequent slip I was making with her name. It 'flows' out much easier for me and mom, so we've decide her name will be Genie.

Here's a couple more pics of her in the yard....

Click to view attachment

Click to view attachment

Beautiful dog, Jim.

She's a very pretty dog, Jim.

Genie is going to be a lot of company for you.

She is beautiful, Jim. Congratulations.


Chris

After almost a week, she's slowly coming around to be my buddy. Although she's not overly affectionate, she does come to me when there are neighbors/relatives in the house, seeking 'protection' on my lap.

She's an avid TV watcher, too, although certain sounds do bother her. The other night I put on a Discovery wolf program, and she sat on my lap for almost a half hour watching and listening to the wolves, cocking her head at all angles.

But look out when it's walk time! I get the harness out and hold it up for her and she walks right into it. Like Pooh, Genie lives for the 'hunt' and loves the fields and woods, creeks and ditches. She just about wears me out!

I'm in heaven!!

it's all a matter of time. pepper has gained enough confidence in her new home that i can leave her and she doesn't bark for fear that she's gonna be left someplace strange. took 8 or 9 days. you know how it is, you'll do anything to make sure your buddy is ok.

Amen to that!

Here's a pic of my 87 year old aunt's schnauzer, Cici. She's 9 and has diabetis - two insulin shots a day. Sweet pooch.....

Click to view attachment

neat little girl but then i have a soft spot for mini's. just like pepper, she likes to lay with her muzzle over the edge.

We've just finished getting dumped on with about three inches of snow, a half-inch of ice on top of that, and then another 5 inches of snow. Not a very enjoyable 'sandwich' (Cincinnasti, OH area). At least my electric hasn't been affected, but I feel sorry for the hundreds of thousands in the mid-west that are going without it.

Genie loves the ice and snow! We still do at least four walks per day, about a mile each. Quite a workout for me, but she doesn't break through the ice layer, which makes it easy for her. I could use a pair of snowshoes! It's fun to watch her when I let her out on the back deck. She'll shove her nose through the snow and grab a slab of the ice, then toss it into the air to break it up, and finally she'll eat the stuff. Now, if I can just get her to play with the toys I bought her.....

Keep warm, all!!

Here's a couple of pics from my niece's place near here.....

Click to view attachment

Click to view attachment

Hmm is this the part where I ask what snow is? My little guy is a hairless breed called a Chinese crested and needless to say he don't like the cold.

Genie is looking great Jim and it sounds like she is going to keep you in great shape too.

It's amazing how something can be so dangerous, and yet look so beautiful, nice pictures Jim....

Were in the same boat, or is it sled?? We didn't get the rain, but we sure got the snow. I just wish I was someplace warmer..(another State)

I'm often in another state - the State of Kentucky, and sometimes a state of confusion.

Boy!! if I could drive long distances, believe me, I would be in Florida.

I think I have cabin feaver....