Wordless Wednesday

30 minutes later:

Overwhelmed! A post by Mom

I am truly overwhelmed by our friends in the blogging community.  These past few weeks have been tough ones, as you know.  I really appreciate the posts that were done to celebrate Twix's life by her furiends.  I think I have seen them all.  If you put up a post in memory of Twix and I did not leave a comment please let me know so that I can visit you.  

I thought I was just being silly a couple of years ago when I helped Twix start her blog.  Then we met Lorenza and I began to see that there were a lot of other sillies out there!  I am so amazed by the number of friends that left a comment saying that Twix was one of their first blog friends or one of the first blogs they followed.  I even saw some comments that said they were inspired to start blogging after following A Wiener Dog Blog.  I never knew my little Twix touched so many lives or how much she had touched them.

2 "Twixeriffic" things happened these last couple of weeks. 

First I received the following email on Oct 1st:
Teresa, I wanted to let you know that we just received a generous donation for the disabled animals at our sanctuary in memory of your beloved Twix.  We were so sorry to hear about your loss, and our hearts go out to you.
The donation came from an anonymous donor so I don’t know who made the gift — hopefully whoever it was will tell you!  The donor added a personal note that said, “Donation made in memory of beautiful Miss Twix.”
The donor asked us to let you know about his or her gift as a memorial for Twix, and we are very grateful for it.
Please know that you are in our thoughts.
Steve Smith
Rolling Dog Farm
http://www.RollingDogFarm.org
A Special Place For Disabled Animals

I don't know who the donor is.....no one has mentioned it to me, but you are welcome to if you would like.  It brought me to tears that someone in the DWB community thought that much of Twix.  I mean, I know how special she was to us but I really didn't realize how special she was to some of you.

Second, there was an unexpected package on our front step when we got home from work earlier this week from
The Dachsies with Moxie.  

Inside the package was a beautiful note:

"Please accept our condolences on the passing of Twix the Twixerrific.  We loved following her blog and we were devastated when we learned of Twix's going to the Rainbow Bridge last week.  Please accept this gift -  we hope that it will help you heal."

Along with the note was this beautiful quilt:

Again, I was brought to tears and just totally amazed!  For those of you that are long time blog followers you will probably recognize that image of Twix.  It is the same one that was used by Kathleen Coy when she painted Twix's portrait, a gift for my husband.  Agnes, the mom of DWM, knew that picture was special to us.  The detail in the quilt is amazing!  Here are a few closer up views for you:

Amazing detail! 

 Thank you so very much, Agnes!  I will never be able to put into words how much this means to us.

We also received cards from a few of our blogging friends.
 Thank you!
Again, I'm overwhelmed at the outpouring of love we have experienced since Twix left us.
I just don't think it is possible for me to convey to you how much it has meant to us.

Lastly, I thought I would leave you with a few of the last photos taken of Twix.  

I had forgotten these were on my camera and was surprised when I uploaded them today.

I know I've said this a few times but, again, I never knew how many lives Twix touched or how much she meant to several of you.  I don't know if I will ever be able to grasp it.  I want to tell you how much I appreciate your willingness to let us know in one way or another how much you loved her.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Alphonso, Teresa, and Taffy

Grandma Update & Looking for an Adoptable Dachshund

Hi, everypup and everycat!  

If I remember correctly this will be my first official blog post! 

Oh! I'm so excited.  

To start off with, a photo of me in case you have forgotten what I look like....

Aren't I beautiful?  

Now that your memory has been refreshed how about I tell you about my Grandma?

Grandma is doing well.  We found out about 6 weeks ago that her transplant failed.  The doctors said they felt the best option for her was to continue the chemo treatments she has been getting monthly.  

Last week they told her she was in remission!!!!!

Now, her remission is different than what you think of when you hear the word remission.  Because her cancer is such a tough one to fight and it is very aggressive she will need to continue her chemo treatments every month.  So, the cancer is not gone and it will never be gone but the treatments are minimizing it to the point that it is not taking over and destroying her bone marrow and blood cells. 

Isn't that Twixerrific?!

Thank you all for your prayers, get well vibes, 

and crossed paws!!

I would like to send a very special thank you to those of you who sent cards to my grandma earlier this year.  Momma says she was bad and hasn't gotten in touch with you guys but she wants you to know that she and Grandma really appreciate your kindness!!!  Grandma loved each and every card she received and it made her feel very special knowing Twix's furiends thought that much of her. 

Thank You from the bottom of my heart!

Now, are you rescue people out there listening?  

No, the dachshund that is wanted is not for my house....

I know some of you were thinking that but 

Momma says it isn't time yet.

The dachshund will be for Grandma and Grandpa.  Some of you may remember that before her transplant they had to get rid of their two kitties.  Well, since she is no longer on lockdown and is in remission she thought maybe the docs would let them get a doggie.  She asked today and they said YES!!!!  Grandma has been down in the dumps lately with everything going on and hopefully, a doggie will give her some companionship and make her feel better in general.  We all know that doggies can help people get better, don't we? 

Are you sure you're listening?  

Lemme get a little closer just to make sure you can hear me. 

This next part is really impawtant!

Even though Grandma is considered to be in remission she still has to be really careful about germs and stuff.  So, there are some strict requirements for adopting a dog.  And Grandma and Grandpa will have to be picky in order to get the right doggie for them.

*The dog MUST be potty trained...accidents in the house could put Grandma at risk.

*The dog must have short furs....Grandma is thinking a short haired doxie would be perfect to fit that criteria.

*Grandma and Grandpa want a female.

I know all our pals out there will be able to help us find the perfect doggie to make Grandma feel better.

Besides that, its her birthday this weekend!  

I think a doggie would be the perfect birthday present!  

Momma says she will be putting up a post this weekend to let you know how things are around here....I think that means there will be more photos of me!

Dear Momma

Dear Momma,

I wanted to tell you that I made it safely to the Rainbow Bridge.  You will never believe how beautiful it is here.  It really is paradise for us doggies.  Speaking of us doggies, you will never guess who met me at the door....Max!  I can see now why you loved him so much and told me about him.  He is one special boy.  You will be happy to know that we are having so much fun here. 

I've met lots of my friends here.  It is fun to meet them in person.  There have even been a few that have arrived after me.  I know it is sad for our humans but if you could see us you would never be sad.  All the doggies are in the prime of their lives. No one ever gets older and no one ever gets sick here. The sun is always shining and there are plenty of chairs to sunbathe in. And, most importantly, treats really do fall out of the sky!

Momma, I want to tell you that you and Daddy really did do the right thing.  You were right, I was not happy anymore.  I was trapped and confused, my body ached, I didn't always know where I was and I wasn't always able to understand when you called my name.  I know your heart is still broken; I can see you and the pain you are in.  I don't want you to be sad because I am so happy here.  I also know that you question whether or not it was the right time and I want you to know that it was.  You didn't make the decision too early but you didn't wait too long either.  Just like you have done since I was itty bitty, you took perfect care of me.  Thank you for holding me close and not letting me be scared.  Any concerns I had disappeared as I lay in your arms and you and Daddy told me what was going to happen and why.  Hearing you tell me you loved me as I fell asleep was a wonderful gift.  Thank you for loving me enough to let me go even though it was so painful for you. 

You don't have to wonder if I know how much you love me....I know, Momma, I know.  I hope you know how much I love you.  I miss you more than you will ever know and I can't wait to see you again.  I will be keeping an eye on you guys.  You never know when I might drop you a line or stop in for a quick visit.

All my love forever and ever,
Twix

 A special thank you to Amber and her mom for making this beautiful photo in remembrance of Twix. 

Dear Twix

Dear Twix,

I remember the very first time I laid eyes on you.  I'm sure you don't remember because you were only 3 weeks old.  You were the only chocolate doxie in the litter and I fell in love with you right away.  I picked you up and held you and my heart melted.  I knew we were meant to be together because you laid in my hand and fell asleep...on your back.  It was hard for me to leave you that evening but I knew you would be my girl soon.  Three weeks later, I picked you up even though I thought it was too early for you to leave your Mom.  You cried all the way to our house and at the time I didn't know what was wrong but now I know it was because you didn't like riding in the car.

That first night in my new apartment is one I will never forget.  You woke me up in the middle of the night kneading my stomach and looking for something to eat.  And again, my heart melted.  You were quite the stubborn little girl; good thing for you that your big brother, Max, had trained me well.  You proved to me the reason doxies are known for being hard to potty break.  It didn't take me long to learn what a smart little girl you were.  You would watch me when I picked up your poop and flushed it and pretty soon you were pooping right next to the toilet....that still makes me giggle. You made it very apparent to me that you did not approve of being left in your crate while I went to work by moving that crate clear across the room while you were in it!

 

And when your daddy came into our lives you were not too happy about it.  You cried when we kissed and you would steal his bread and butter right off his plate.  You and he grew to love each other and became inseparable.  You became his dog and he became your daddy.  You took care of him and he took care of you.  He says it was because you two bonded while I was in the hospital.  However it happened doesn't really matter to me.  I'm glad you and he were able to find each other.  Did you know you were born on Father's Day?  I think that is very fitting knowing how much you loved your daddy. 

 
Then, several years ago, you got very sick with pancreatitis.  I have never seen a dog as sick as you were.  We thought we were gonna lose you back then.  We weren't sure how you'd be each day when we went to visit you at the doggie hospital but one day, finally, you showed a little excitement when we showed up and when I saw your tail wag I knew you would pull through.  Everything became very clear to me the day we got to bring you home.  As your doctor handed me your bill I said, "I'm scared to see this." and her reply was, "Teresa, I thought you were gonna have this bill and no dog to take home."  That is how sick you were, Baby Girl, even the vet thought you weren't gonna make it. 
 

It seems to me that illness changed you, kind of like how sometimes when people get very sick they just aren't the same person they were.  I don't mean changed you in a bad way either.  It just seemed like your health was never the same and you got sick much easier and more often.  It seems like you aged faster than normal as well.  I'm not complaining one bit, Peanut, I loved every minute we spent together. 

This past year has been a tough one, hasn't it?  I thought we were going to lose you again this past winter when you stopped eating.  Thankfully, we didn't.  You have some great blog friends that gave me some terrific ideas to get you to eat.  And then we brought your sister, Taffy, home and suddenly you became much more interested in food.  I tell everyone Taffy saved your life.  I wish she could have found a way to keep you here longer but I'm being selfish. 

I have been telling myself that I stopped helping you with your blog because life was crazy but today I realized it was because you were changing and no longer the happy girl that everyone loves.  You've had good days and bad days the past few months but Daddy and I have watched your enjoyment of life vanish along with the sparkle in your eyes.  You haven't really been present for the past several weeks and that was why Daddy and I helped you go to the bridge this morning.  I hope you understand.

I found this poem online today and it says perfectly how I think you felt this morning. 

FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

You're giving me a special gift,

So sorrowfully endowed,

And through these last few cherished days,

Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing

When your best friend is in pain,

And understanding earthly acts

Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,

Beyond, into your soul,

I see in you the magic, that will

Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,

Is why I look to you today,

To do this thing that must be done,

For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,

And chose you as my friend,

And why I've loved you all these years...

My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,

You're giving, means to me,

It gives me back the strength I've lost,

And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,

For that is what friends do.

And know that what you do is right,

For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,

And through your hand I feel,

The courage that's within you,

To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,

Dear friend, and let me run,

Once more a strong and steady dog,

My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,

For I won't be far away,

Forever here, within your heart,

And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,

Your ever faithful friend,

And in your memories I'll run,

...a young dog once again.

In Memory of Asta, Feb. 1997

(c) Karen Clouston

I hope you know how much we love you. I hope you know we will see each other again. I hope you know that even though my heart is broken it gives me comfort to know that you are no longer trapped and unhappy. I hope you've already found your friends who have gone before you at the Rainbow Bridge and are running and playing with them.  Oh, Twix, you are my Sweet Baby Girl and always will be. I love you and miss you so very much.

All my love forever and ever,
Momma

 Twix

06/20/1999 - 09/24/2011

A Late WW Post (and it isn't wordless)

Have you guys forgotten about us? I sure hope not!

We are still here and things are pretty good.

Daddy brought this home from work the other day and said the clown told him it was a dog.

Yes, you read that correctly....a dog!

Anybody else out there think maybe those really weren't cigarettes that clown was smoking????

Then we were subjected to wearing it!

Please visit Frankie's blog tomorrow (aka St. Patrick's Day) to get an update on things here. 

A special thank you to Frankie for helping our Mom out!

 

Wordless Wednesday--Taffy Edition



PS: Mom says she has been neglecting the blog lately but Twix is doing much better ;o)

A Valentine's Update with Photos!

Gosh! Momma has been taking over the blog lately. I don't know what makes her think she has the right to do that.

I would like to say THANKS to all of you for your support, prayers, and ideas while I've been sick.

I am doing better and I even have a photo to prove it....

Yes, that is me, eating Fresh Pet! 

It seems having Taffy here has given me an incentive to eat.

This morning I was running through the house like a cracker dog because I was so excited to get something to eat. Momma and Daddy are taking me to the specialty clinic on Wednesday. I'm not looking forward to it. I still have a little head twitch and stumble sometimes but not as bad as before. I have the most problems when I first wake up. Mom is wondering if it was just because I wasn't eating that caused some of that stuff.

I know you guys have been having withdrawl symptoms from not seeing any photos of me so here you go!

This is from a couple of weeks ago when we had a blizzard.

Do you see how deep that snow is?

It is up to my NECK!

And do you see how quickly I changed my mind about needing to go outside?

A couple of photos of me and Taffy:

Taffy says, "What? I'm just makin sure

she don't fall off the couch."

We got some mail this past week.
First, I got a card from Frankie. He is such a nice guy.
Thanks for thinkin of me Frankie!

Sorry about the photo,

we weren't in the mood for a photo shoot.

Then mail came that was addressed to Twix and Taffy.

 I'm not so sure I like having to share my mail.

We got a wonderful window cling (so the firemen will know to look for us if the place catches fire) and a card from Oskar. Thanks Oskar!

Taffy thought the cling was for her to chew on.
What a dork!

I hope everypup gets some
extra lovin for Valentine's Day!