Hi, I haven't been here for awhile. Started a new job.

It has been 3 months today that we had to have our beautiful sweet mixed breed husky put to sleep. I have never missed a human this much after death.

Tico was a northern dog and just loved the snow. If anyone ever doubts that dogs feel joy, they should watch a northern dog ( or any dog) romp in the snow.
We walked in every season, through all kinds of weather. We loved storms and wind and sun sparkles. But HE taught me how to love the beauty of winter (not the cold). I didn't notice the cold as much when he was with me.

All I had to say, was "Walk, Tico", and he would run all over the house til I got my boots on. He jumped over footstools and back again till we were at the door. Then he would tear down the steps with me hanging on for dear life!
! (I sprained a finger once.)

Our silent walks took place through the swaying willows that still kept their gold on the last clinging leaves. He pranced through those trees and always kept his eyes on the crows wishing he could catch them. I remember so well the walks around Christmas time because the silence seemed deeper then, like a quiet piano.
And we loved the music. And he loved the music. I left on classical music for him when I left the house and I could see it soothed him.

Oh how my heart breaks when I think of the peach glow of the setting sun on his ruffling fur in the breeze. His inner joy and happiness matched his outer beauty.
I never had a friend like him before. We spent countless hours together.

We must have walked a thousand miles together. Sometimes his footsteps fell into mine. Sometimes my footsteps fell into his.

I have posted a poem for him on the tributes page. Thanks for listening.
I swear that on some of our walks, I could see that dog smile.

peace
Cathi

It is so true that all animals feel happiness and sadness. My old boy Jacob, who was half ##er spaniel and half springer spaniel was always so happy when he was outside in either the long grass in the fields or in the snow. He would just spring up and down and look back at you and smile, like it was one of the best things in the world to be doing. Boy do I miss that dog.

LouAnn Needham
Mother to: Jacob - doggy angel (08/1982-05/1999), Smokey - kitty angel (12/1987-09/2004), Quinton - doggy (07/1998), Phoenix - kitty (03/2003), Tyler - kitty (04/2004) & BobCat - kitty (07/2004)

I am so sorry for your loss too. It is nice to hear that someone else believes that dogs can smile! Spaniels are great. My mom has a ##er and she is my best friend when I visit there. She even sleeps with me.
May we all heal soon and have many happy memories.

peace
Cathi

Cathi-

I wanted to say thank you for posting a reply to my post. This post of yours had me in tears in seconds...They were tears of happiness because of all of the joy your pup brought you. But there were some tears of sadness too, because I know how much it hurts that he isnt here with you anymore.... Im so sorry...Yes they DO smile!!! Some more obvious than others....Our black lab, Lexie, has a little routine with my boyfriend every evening. He lays on the couch, and even with all of the other animals in the house (2 other dogs and 2 cats) she manages to steal a couple of alone minutes with him... She walks up to him and she shows him almost every tooth in her mouth. Its so sweet and is the funniest thing. I mean the girl smiles so big, its unbelievable. She does it for a full minute or 2, just walking up and down the length of the couch, baring all of her teeth to hime. She doesnt growl or make even a single peep. Its the sweetest thing......

So hang in there girl. Tico IS having a blast right now, surely thinking of you just as you are thinking of him...He will never forget you and will always have a big smile for you, watching over you....