A Different Perspective

I promised it was coming, and here it is.

Ziggy has a new blog called Through Watchful Eyes. It's told from his perspective once again about the things that go down at our dawg house that he sees from the Bridge.

I'm not sure if this kind of blog will be accepted by the Blogger community, a fur kid who has passed over the Bridge that goes back to blogging, but to me it's worth a shot.

I hope you all enjoy it and plan to stop by.

Seriously, Enough is Enough

Yesterday I learned that Bart, my aunt's Yorkie, passed away in his sleep from old age. Just like the rest of us she is torn from his loss.

All of this sad news needs to stop. I'm sure everyone is just as sick of it as I am. Hopefully October will bring some better news and this year will end on a good note. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Rainbow Bridge

Just shy of his 12th birthday, Saffron sadly made the journey over the Rainbow Bridge. With a heavy heart his humans made the decision and helped him across this morning. Hopefully this sweet old man finds peace on the other side of the bridge as he watches over his heartbroken family.

Cancer is such a horrible disease for both animal and human alike. I just hope one day we will find some means of a cure and comfort for all of those affected...

Bad News Bears Need to Leave the Dawg House...

Yes yes... as the title suggests... more bad news... it seems 2010 is just not a good news year...

Saffron is still struggling with his cancer. The VET put him on antibiotics, hes begun refusing his dog food, and drinking a lot of water... (very similar to our sweet Ziggy Boy). What the future holds for Sweet Saffron is very foggy... His humans are torn between trying to find him peace.

 

And now Natty Do... our Itty Bitty Kitty is having his own complications. We know all of our animals have big loving hearts, but Natty's really is big. The VET found he has an enlarged heart which causes him to suffer from oxygen deprivation when he gets too riled up. Blood pressure medication and a slower paced life style will hopefully help our sweet little guy.

Thank You Enzo

Hello there bloggers,

I've been thinking a great deal about Ziggy Boy lately. It just doesn't seem fair that he was taken away from our family so early with out any warning. It's been very hard with each passing day to accept his death, but I almost feel as if I can accept it now. All due to a simple book I randomly picked up at an airport.

The book is about a family who struggles through some really tough stuff (I won't go into details because it gives a good deal of the book away). But throughout their entire struggle, Enzo, the family's dog is there to support them though every step. The book is told through Enzo's eyes, which are very human, and shows just how human our furry friends can seem.

I find it amazing how a few simple words can hold such a great deal of meaning...

“In Mongolia, when a dog dies, he is buried high in the hills so people cannot walk on his grave. The dog's master whispers into the dog's ear his wishes that the dog will return as a man in his next life. Then his tail is cut off and put beneath his head, and a piece of meat or fat is placed in his mouth to sustain his soul on its journey; before he is reincarnated, the dog's soul is freed to travel the land, to run across the high desert plains for as long as it would like.

I learned that from a program on the National Geographic channel, so I believe it is true. Not all dogs return as men, they say; only those who are ready.

I am ready.”

I think Ziggy was ready. I think he knew in the long run we would all be okay without him. I think he had learned all he could from his life as our wonderful dog and was ready. Ready for his soul to take the next step in life and become man.

I've been thinking about this a great deal lately, and I believe it applies to not just dogs, but all animals we love so dearly. Those once in a lifetime animals with such human like qualities. Those who always seem to leave us without us being ready. I think they know we will be okay. I think they ready. And for me it justifies his passing in a way I can accept and almost feel relief. 

Ahh To Be Treated Like A King

Car rides, milk bones, belly rubs (although gentile due to a swollen belly), table scraps, and extra walks. Saffron is surely being treated like a king. We've tried playing with toys, but for some reason Saffron really isn't a toy dog. But if Mother Nature keeps up with the hot weather we will have to go swimming in the pool!

The recent posting has made me realize how much I missed blogging with all of my furry friends. I've decided to continue blogging, on Ziggy's blog, just not entirely about Ziggy. It might take some time for the new look, but I promise it will come. I'll also get back to visiting all of Ziggy's friends! Promise!

Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement. It means so much to us all that there are so many sending good vibes and good wishes to Saffron and his humans.

*Update* A Friend In Need *Update*

Blood work has come back for Saffron. The doctors have found that the cancer is in his liver and spleen. Although he doesn't seem to be in any pain or feel uncomfortable in any way, the doctors said it is only a matter of time...

Although the news isn't the best we were hoping for, we're still glad to know we will have Sweet Saffron in our lives for a bit longer. Thank you all for your prayers and good vibes.

A Friend In Need

Hello everyone. It's Jessie here. I know it's been long over due for me to post, and I deeply apologize. It's been a very difficult year for everyone and it has taken a lot to get me thinking about posting again.

But unfortunately I come as a bearer of bad news. A a very familiar situation has sitrred up enough to get out a post... A very good friend of mine was diagnosed with cancer yesterday. This old man's family is heart broken by the sudden news, and I just want to ask if anyone has the time to send him some love, tail wags, and prayers.

This is Saffron. My boyfriend Mike's ten year old Golden Retriever. He is a sweet, paitent, loving boy who means the world to his Daddy and Brother (boyfriend Mike).

We're not too sure what the fate of this handsome old man is. But everyone is on edge hoping and praying for some good news... So if you have just a few spare moments, please send him some couraging thoughts. 

I will try to keep everyone updated, and I hope I can bring some good news reguarding the uncertian situation.  

The Power of Words

As I've been searching my memories I have found it simply amazing how one little word or phrase can have so much power and create such a reaction in another living thing. Ziggy had a few favorite words which he knew meant that something special was going to happen when he heard them. Each time we said one he would jump up, start panting, and wag his curly tail uncontrolably. Here's just a few of those words, which I'm very certain that many of you share with your own beloved's.

Walk

Ride

Go

Treat

Beach

Play

Get your duck

Bath

Who's here

What's that

And just like with Ziggy's nicknames.... the list goes on. These words were not tricks (maybe "bath" and "get your duck" were) but they were still so special to Ziggy and I. Even some sounds were just enough to spark the enthuastic respond in Ziggy. The crinkle of a potato chip bag, the jingle of his collar, a creek in the floor coming from your room in the morning...

I wish I had one more chance to see the excitement in your eyes when we were going for a walk Boog.

Nicknames

Ziggy Marley

That was his full name. But it was a very rare name you ever heard one of us using while talking to him. It was more of a name you would hear when a mother or father was upset with their child and calls their child by their first and middle name to give them a warning they were unhappy.

Although it has only been a day I have been constantly searching my mind for memories of Ziggy. In none of them did I ever call him by his full name. He never needed to be yelled at or given a second warning. He always knew the right thing to do, and although he may have put up a big of a playful struggle he would always come around just to please anyone who would give him love and attention.

One thing I have found while searching is that Ziggy had a ton of nicknames:

Zig

Zigster

Zigger

Zig Zag

Boo

Boobie

Doo

Duface

Old Man

Boy

And the list just goes on and on.... and although he may have been called so many different things, he always answered you. Simply because he knew you were talking to him. Simply because all he wanted was to please you. Simply because he wanted to show you that he loved you and was listening.

I miss you so much Boog, and I know you still listen when I call your name.

I think the thing I'm missing most is the sound of your nose hitting my door in the morning, telling me it's time to get up and play.

Rainbow Bridge

In the end it turned out that Ziggy's big loving heart just wasn't big enough to keep him here on earth. He's passed over the Rainbow Bridge. I'm at a loss of words for now.....

We miss you and love you boy, more than words will ever explain.

Hoping for the Best.

Hello everyone, this is Jessie.

If you have been over to Pedro's blog I'm sure you know that Ziggy has not been in the best condition this past week. As of right now we are waiting on more news about his health and hoping for some good news. I don't want to say much because even still we are not one hundred percent sure what is making our poor beloved boy so dreadfully sick.

We are just hoping for a miracle that will make him better.

As time progresses I will try to keep you all updated.

Thank you for all of your prayers and hopes for Ziggy.

We know he hears them and is fighting.

These are just a few of my favorite pictures of Ziggy.

Just a small update.... If things do take a turn for the worst I have already decided that Ziggy's blog will always remain. I may still post every so often as a way to cope with the loss. Things like poems and memories and just a space to reflect on my wonderful loving boy.

Thank you again for all of your prayers.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all my furry and human friends!

We got some more snow today! I can't wait to go out and play with Pedro! Stay warm and see you all next year!

Finally Back To Blogging.... I Think?

Hey there everyone! So I think we are finally back to blogging. Jessie should have said that we were taking a break for awhile, but she didn't. I guess we are going to have a talk about finding some time to dedicate to my blog.....

Well, blogger has just been getting on Jessie's nerves allllll day long. She had just finished a nice long post about everything that has been going on since we have been gone.... and then it somehow all got deleted and the stupid blogger auto saved and the entire post is long gone..... So we're just going to start from today and as the week goes on Jessie will try to recover the memories and post about them.






I hope you have all had a chance to visit my brother Pedro's blog and meet our newest family member. Just before Leah went back to school Mom found a little critter who just stole her heart. He gave us quite a scare in the beginning with some health issues but little Natty Do is just the happiest little guy on earth as of now. His favorite place to sleep.... is with me. More often than not I'm pushed out of my bed cause this little guy just wants to snuggle, and I just want to sleep! Silly kitten.










As far as today.... Pedro woke Dad up bright and early to go outside to pee and when we got to the door.... SNOW!!! And not just a few puny flurries but 20 sparkling frosty inches! I absolutely love the snow, Pedro not so much.... It was the first time Natty has even seen snow and he wasn't quite to sure what to make of it. Dad spent the entire morning digging us out of the frozen snowy prison.

Woooh that's a lot of snow!





Mmmm I love snow, just not the yellow kind.

Can we go inside pleaseeeee?





Can you find three cars in this picture?
(Leah's jeep, Jessie's celia, and Mom's mini.)






Well I hope you are all staying nice and warm! As for me, I'm about to go make an igloo to snooze in while everyone else keeps cozy in the house. Jessie promises to try and catch up on everyone's blog as soon as she can! Stay tuned!
Happy belated Hanukkah for those who celebrate!

Paw It Forward!

Hey there everyone! You will never guess what I got in the mail the other day.

My very first package! And from none other than my best cousins Rambo and Molly! I was so excited to having received my very first package I nearly ripped the package open myself! Mom wound up having to help me create a hole but afterwards I pulled everything out by myself! Just check out the neat video!

Nom Nom Nom!

Inside the package was a letter from Rambo and Molly, a cute blue dog stuffie, a rope toy, a realistic looking hotdog, and some yummy yummy treats!

Thanks so much Cousins! I love my gift so much!!!!!

Pony Rides

Hey there again everyone! Jessie found some time to help me with another post! Hopefully we are getting back to some sort of schedule.

Since my last post the baby birds at the park have seemed to disappeared. Jessie thinks they probably left the nest late at night or very early in the morning. She was very happy to be able to get a picture or two before they jumped ship... er nest.

We had some more visitors at my dog house before Chrissy and Daniel left, but this time, Pedro wasn't to up for playing nice. Mom's nephew Paul and his wife and children came over for a bbq Friday night. I have always loved meeting new humans, especially ones that like to play. But Pedro is a different story. He did not like Mom's nephew and his son one bit. I'm not too sure why, maybe he was just a little sleepy and cranky, but Paul and Colten couldn't go near Pedro!

I on the other hand, couldn't care less about the little guy playing with my toys or running around my yard. At one point Colten even decided to play dress up with me and I gave him a sort-of pony ride! Jessie and Mom said that I was a total mush. I'm not sure what that means, but I know as long as I was doing it, Colten was feeding me yummy treats!

What do you think of my fabulous flip flops?

In the second photo you can see a bit of Jessies bandaged up foot. She wants to let you all know that it is feeling MUCH better! Thank you for all of your concerns!

Bruised, Babies and Visitors

Hello again everyone! It's been almost two weeks since I've been able to do a little blogging, and I do have to say I miss you all so much. A lot has been going on, and Jessie apologized for a lack in photographic documentation, but she has been a busy girl.

The past holiday weekend (Psst: Happy Late Independence Day!) the park was full with campers and hikers so Jessie didn't have a moments peace. Then Tuesday afternoon Jessie tried to fly down a flight of stairs and busted her foot up pretty bad. She didn't actually tried to fly, but slipped down the last four steps and twisted her foot. She went to the doctor and got x-rays. Luckily nothing is broken, but the swelling and bruising still hasn't gone down. She says she will be fine in a couple of days but if she doesn't get better Pedro and I will have to pull her around on a sled or something so we can still go for walks!

For the 4th of July, Jessie went down to the beach she used to work at a few years ago to watch fireworks. It looks like a pretty place, but is not dog friendly. Hmph... While there Jessie had to call Parks Police to rescue a drunk guy from drowning in the bay! Apparently he had a little too much to drink while celebrating the holiday and couldn't get himself out of the 2ft deep water he was swimming in. Once the Police got him out, he wound up hitting his head on a hand blow dryer in the bathroom while trying to blow dry his hair. He was taken to the hospital and bandaged all up. But Jessie wound up missing all of the fireworks! At least she got a nice picture of the sunset for me to share with you all!

In other news... This past week two of Mom's human relatives have been spending some time with us. Mom's niece Chrissy and her husband Daniel came all the way from Texas to visit us! They are pretty nice humans and came to spend their anniversary on Long Island. Even Pedro doesn't mind having them in the house too much.

About a week or so ago Leah's boyfriend Moe was out to visit us as well. He's from PA and goes to school with Leah in West Virginia. He was a nice human too, and again Pedro didn't mind him much.

Jessie's boyfriend from NC is still out visiting this summer. Like everyone else he has to go home pretty soon, and I know Jessie is going to miss him, but then I'll have my girl all to myself again. Jessie and Brian took Pedro and I for a walk the other night and it was really nice. I met a black lab down my the water and we got to sniff each other out for a bit. Pedro didn't like him too much, and when Brian went to pick him up he tried to bite back. I know he didn't mean it, and that Pedro likes Brian, but now Brian is calling him the Devil Dog. Jessie laughed and said something about Pedro not being a pastry. I'm not quite sure what they mean, but I know my little brother is no Devil.

Jessie never got around to taking me to the park. But she did get a snap shot of the baby birds. They still have a little growing to do before they leave the nest, and Jessie is hoping to be around for it. In the picture you can see four little babies, but there might be five. We're not too sure.

Well I hope to be back to a normal blogging schedule pretty soon. I'll try my best to getting around to every ones blogs. I'm sorry again I haven't been around much. Hope to hear from you all soon!

I've Been Betrayed... Sort Of.

Hello again all. Long time no chat. Jessie is STILL being a work-a-holic and I just can't bring myself to replace her. Good help is hard to find these days as I'm sure much of you know. So Jessie and I are taking my blog one step at a time when we have the chance.

Since my last post, Jessie has found several other turtles in her backyard. Shes beginning to think its become some sort of stopping ground for them. Photographing Mama sparrow at her job is proving to be one of the greatest challenges Jessie has yet to face with my blog. This little lady comes to the park every season apparently and uses the same nest to raise her babies. She's grown a little skittish of people because her nest is directly over the door to the office. So when ever she sees Jessie, Mama sparrow takes to flight. She's also taught her babies well, and as soon as their mother leaves they tuck themselves deep in the nest to stay out of view.

I do forgive my girl for not being able to help me with my blogging at my every wish... but when I found out that she had puppysit this past week.... I just couldn't believe my fluffy ears. Mulligan, a friend of the family's little 6th month old puppy, got to spend some quality time with my girl. His Mom was going to be away from her house for a few hours the other day, so Jessie offered to watch the little guy for her. What nerve?!? She can't find time to come over and walk Pedro and I but she can spend time with this little furball? Hmmmm.... well Dad did say something about Jessie being over here Friday, and the little guy is kinda cute. There are also rumors going around about a special someones birthday! Please stayed tuned to help us celebrate! At least my girl isn't replacing me, she's just offering some help to a fellow dog lover.

I just want to take a quick minute and thank all of you followers who have stood by my bloggie. You are all very dear friends and I appreciate your blogging dedication.

Two Minutes To Spare

Hi all... I'm not going to be able to talk long. Jessie is busy... again.... But I've got two minutes just to say that I hope everyone is doing well! It's been raining a lot here latley so Jessie still hasn't taken Pedro and I to the park, but were keeping our paws crossed for some sunny weather. I tried to visit everyones blogs today and I'm so sorry if I missed anyone! I'll try to have my secretary keep up with my blogging as much as possible. Good news is that Mom, Leah, and Dad are all home! For good I hope too! All we need is Jessie to get over here and everything will be perfect. Hope you all enjoy the remaining week and maybe I'll see you this weekend!

On more of a quick blogging note. Jessie had been up to a little something interesting while at work. She's been on a constant bird watch. Turns out a momma sparrow has decided to make a nest up in the rafters of the office Jessie works in! She's been able to hear some peeping, but hasn't had much of a photoshoot opportunity. Hopefully she can snag a quick pic of the cute baby birds.

One In & One Out

Mom and Leah are finally back from their trip to Texas and visiting Rambo & Molly's G-parents! Pedro and I couldn't be happier to have them back. But now Dad is leaving! He's going to New Jersey to watch a bunch of really fast cars race each other down a long straight road. Jessie is still being a work-a-holic.... but luckily she found time to come visit me at the house today! While she was there she said something about taking me on a walk to the place where she is always stuck at work. She works at a campground that has nice hiking trails, so maybe we can get some nice nature pics up for everyone to look at!

Today at the other house Jessie lives out she found a little box turtle in the back yard! Poor little fella looks pretty scared. She relocated him away from the cats that live at the house and away from the raccoon nests in the woods.

See you all soon! I'll try to visit everyone as soon as possible!