| If you have stories and pictures of volunteers or pets who have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge please send them to Vicki@PetsOnWheels.org and we will post them to our site. |
In Memory
Of...
Bodie
Beloved friend of Kathy
A word that would describe Bodie is “calm”. He liked to play with the other dogs, but would quit when he had enough. With people he was friendly and had to greet everyone but he learned to behave very well. That made him a hit at the nursing home where we took him to visit Grandma. Now Grandma didn’t like dogs. In fact she accused us of liking “ that dog” more than her. So when the time came for our weekly visit we would first visit Grandma then we would make rounds to greet the other dog lovers in the building. The staff especially loved him, because he would do tricks at their command. Some of them, never having had that experience, didn’t get the concept that you had to say the same words to the dog each time. That he wouldn’t “sit” when asked to “take a seat”. When Grandma passed away in 2008 and there was no longer any reason to go to that particular nursing home we joined Pets on Wheels (POW). He passed their test with flying colors. He was calm around people, friendly and very well behaved. He soon earned his “Canine Good Citizens” award; which went nicely on his blue “Therapy Dog” vest. We volunteered at an assisted living home for a couple of years and just when I was going to quit an adult day care facility that also had a few classrooms of preschoolers, applied for a POW volunteer to visit. So in 2011 we started there. These people loved Bodie! Some just pet him others just liked to watch him interact. They all liked it when he went through his tricks.
The pre-school kids came to the adult care center about once a month. They would sit on the floor with their teacher and one by one Bodie would do a trick at their command. Even the ones who said they were afraid of dogs would find a trick they were comfortable doing with him, where they didn’t have to touch the dog. When my grand daughters were visiting they put on a circus for the day care adults. With painted faces and funny clothes they put Bodie through his paces and everyone had a good time.
Bodie had two dog friends in the neighborhood. The first one was Betsy, the yellow lab at the end of the lane – a half mile walk. Every afternoon about 3:00 he would insist on going to visit. I thought we were just going to get the mail, but when I realized he would even go there without me, I knew better.
After Betsy died he would go to visit Reece, a chocolate lab only a Ľ mile away. This family had extra benefits, they also had a toddler and a swimming pool. Both of which he visited frequently. With or without parental supervision. This was only a problem when I had to go down there to bring him home. So with the help of the neighbor’s children we worked on the “go home” command and he was soon coming home when he was done playing. Bodie loved to go hiking, he especially liked to lead the pack. He would wander down the trail but stay within a 100 ft. area. When we were ready to turn back we just had to get his attention, give the “go home” command and he would lead us home. If we took a wrong turn he would wait on the right trail until we noticed and turned back. It was while walking in Deer Creek that we discovered he knew how to swim. We didn’t want to cross over since it was too deep, but before we knew it Bodie was on the other side and when called he quickly swam back to us. One of his favorite people was a little 2 year old girl who loved to feed him treats. I insisted that she have him do a trick first to earn it. Her favorite one was to have him go and find her as she hid behind a tree or the edge of the house. He never knocked her over or stole the treat out of her small hand, but was always gentle and patient. To answer the question, “Who will miss me when I’m gone?” It is everyone who knew him. 
Bodie wasn’t supposed to come to us that Spring of 2003, after all he was in a foster home down in SC. My nephew brought home his littermate – a big boy, the first born; and shared pictures with us. When I asked about the others, there were 7 survivors out of 9 pups born all brindle pure boxers. He said they were all spoken for. Then a miracle happened. The home study fell through on the youngest and Baby Blue, which was Bodie’s name at that time, was on the market again. Since we were the only ones who knew about this he was placed with us.
Bailey and Trooper
Beloved friends of Steph
Read their memeorial page here.
Mocha
Beloved friend of Marcia Denmark
My beautiful Mocha was laid to rest yesterday. She opened many doors for me
and I will always be grateful to her.
She touched so many lives and will be missed in ways I may never know.
I am broken hearted.
Aspen
Beloved friend of Jen Helm
I had 16 spectacular years with Aspen, my 25 year old x-race horse.
Sienna
September 1, 2003-April 29, 2012
Beloved friend of Vicki and David Rummel
It has taken me awhile to be able to write this and try to find the words.
We lost Sienna after a 14 week battle with hemangiosarcoma. After her surgery, we made a bucket list and decided to focus on living instead of dying. She visited weekly, she swam, she rode with her head sticking out of the sun roof, she went on a see-food diet (you see food, you eat it) and anything else that made her happy.
When we brought Sienna home at 8 weeks of age, we were head over heels in love with the little golden furball. Little did we know at the time how she would change our lives.
By the time she was close to a year old, we knew we had to share this special dog, so we joined Pets on Wheels. Right from the start, she loved her job and was good at it. She had the ability to connect with people in ways I didn’t know were possible.
When we brought Sienna into our lives, we were working full time and were always caught up with the kids and their activities. I decided to make time for the visits. Sienna and I were a volunteer team until two weeks prior to her death at the relatively young age of 8 1/2. During that time, I changed careers from Physical Therapist Assistant to volunteer coordinator for Pets on Wheels to Executive Director for Pets on Wheels. This was done because Sienna showed me a different side of life.
Towards the end of her career, she was also a Gilchrist Hospice volunteer, so she could really connect with those individuals.
An article was even written about that http://www.examiner.com/article/dying-dog-celebrates-life-with-hospice-patients.
I can’t begin to count the number of people Sienna met during nearly 8 years as a therapy dog, but I feel confident in saying she made a difference to many of them.
Sienna will always be missed.
Vicki Rummel
Dallas
Beloved friend of Jack Pennington Sr.
This is Dallas, my Chihuahua in his younger years, on the left and as he looked after years of being my faithful companion.
All of the people in the Riverview Nursing Home loved to see him visit. He loved being petted and held by the residents. He loved to ride in the car and walk in Fort Howard Park and loved attention from everybody.
Dallas passed away Feb. 22, 2012 at the age of 13 years. He will be greatly missed.
"D"
Beloved friend of Alma Schuster
“D” and I have been visiting Edenwald for almost a year and many residents know us both by name.
Still, “D” and I always introduce ourselves to each resident every time we visit. Standing a little bit away from the resident, I will say, "Good afternoon, I'm Alma and this is “D.” “D” and I are so happy to be able to be with you today. If you would like “D” to come closer so that you can pet him, we would love that. "
“D” and I wait until the resident responds in some way--if no verbal invitation comes, I looks to see if the resident puts out a hand or nods and smiles. If I see a sign that the person would like “D” to come closer, “D” and I slowly move to the person's side. I will ask if the person has had dogs in his or her life. If yes, I will invite the resident to tell about one of them. If the resident does not speak, I will act as “D's” voice and share what he would like to say, for example: "D" wants you to know how pleased he is to see you today. While the resident is petting "D," I will be quiet so the resident can focus entirely on “D”. It is amazing how much “D” can do to make connections with people who seem not to notice very much. Volunteering for Pets On Wheels is giving both “D” and me much more that we are giving.
Ginger
August 1, 1999 - June 10, 2011
Ginger was a rescue dog from the Maryland SPCA. She became a
member of our family in February 2001. Ginger became a therapy dog for
the Pets on Wheels program in July 2009. She participated in the PAWS to
Read Program at the Central Branch Childrens' Garden and also at the
Federal Hill Branch. Ginger also visited Springhouse Assisted Living in
Pikesville.
We fondly remember, from the streets of Manhattan to the Eastern Shore, and the shores of Lake Erie, a dog that traveled well and charmed all whom she met. It is hard to see an empty space where once the waggle of her tailed excitement could not be contained, nor the playfulness of a pugnacious hound. It is an empty house without her.
A POEM FOR GINGER
“G” is for her Gentle and Generous nature;
“I” is for her Intelligence and Intuition;
“N” is for her ability to Nurture;
“G” is for her sense of Grace;
“E” is for her Engagement and how she Entertained;
“R” is for Resilience, Rest, and Restore.
Barry Simmons
May 28th 1998 - April 1, 2011
Rescued from the streets, as a 4-week puppy. And was crate abused, for the next 7 months of his life. Barry needed a fresh start, and so did we. Having just lost our dog of 13 years our hearts were broken. We adopted Barry and he filled our hearts with love. For the next 3 years, Barry learned obedience, courage, and loyalty. I always hoped to have a therapy dog, then one day Barry showed me that is was.
Then we met quadriplegic in a wheel chair while 
running errands. Barry instinctively approached him and they connected. His caretaker asked me if Barry was a therapy dog. That was my sign. We then joined Pets on Wheels and he and I became a team, as I was his chauffer and sidekick. From visiting dementia patients at Oak Crest to The Paws Reading Program. Barry worked tirelessly. I was very proud of him and his achievements. He also won the Volunteer of the year at Oak Crest, and multiple Presidential Awards, and was spotlighted in Oak Crest and Baltimore County TV. In addition, he helped us raise thousands of dollars, doing his seven years for SPAC walk a thon. He filled many hearts with joy and our lives with happiness. Until cancer took him from us April 2011.
Breezy
November 19, 2000 - February. 25, 2011
Beloved friend of Wendy Robin
Breezy was born Nov. 19, 2000 and died Feb. 25, 2011. She was 10. She was the mother of Otis and 26 other pups, and grandmother to I don't know how many!
We got her when she was 5 from her breeder, who is a friend of ours, who was finished breeding her and thought she would love being a regular house pet! We had recently lost our Golden to cancer and didn't want a puppy. Breezy (and Otis) always went back to the breeder whenever we travel so it was a perfect match for all!
Barbara Young
Loyal Pets on Wheels volunteer since September 2008
September 19, 1949 --November 22, 2010
Pennie
(rescued) 8/12/97-8/23/2010
Beloved friend of Mr. & Mrs. Tibbo
Pennie was the best birthday present I have ever received. I rescued her around my birthday in August of 1997, she was a year or two old.
I saved her from a family where the father of a neighborhood child beat Pennie and his wife, a story told by the man's daughter. Her actual words to me, "please take my dog. I can't save my mom but I can save her."
Had I known about POW years ago, Pennie and I most definitely would have
volunteered. She was a gentle soul, but a guard dog when needed. She saved
my cat's life one day from a Chow who was terrorizing the neighborhood
killing smaller dogs and cats. Pennie fought him off, and although she
could have seriously wounded or killed him, she did not. It just wasn't in
her to hurt; she was a lover. She had the most sweet, wet, warm kisses. I
can still feel them.
Pennie loved going places and meeting new people. She also loved snuggling and sharing meals (she took up all the room on the sofa/bed and ate most of the food). She was pleasantly plump, snorted like a pot belly pig, and sang the most pretty songs. How I miss those sounds.
Her only goals in life were to love and please, which she mastered.
Pennie Leigh Tibbo-Scheinker...you were #1 baby girl and Daddy and I miss
you terribly; you will be in our hearts forever!
Bandit
June 22, 2006 - September 8, 2010
Beloved friend of Mike Bowers
Bandit was born June 22, 2006 and died September 8, 2010 from heat stroke while going through Mexican customs.
Bandit loved visiting and when he saw me put on my POW name tag and grab his lease he would get all excited! The normal therapy visit should last about 45 minutes but not with Bandit. He was content to visit for over two hours. He always remained gentle and calm. In our time together with POW we visited Genesis Multicare, The VA Rehab, Saint Vincent’s Center for abused Children, Lorien’s Mays Chapel and Broadmead weekly. In his time with POW he passed the CGC, won the Leonberger Club of America’s Therapy Dog Award, and the President’s Volunteer Service Award for 2008 1nd 2009 setting a record for volunteer hours for 2009.
His therapy work did not end when we moved to Mexico. The Rotary Club in Ajijic Mexico was just starting a dog therapy program. Bandit was the first dog induced. The woman in charge of the program had done extensive research but had no experience. She picked me brain for hours and went on visits with Bandit to see how it should be done. He and I were part of the screening process as well as giving orientations.
While I we were there there was a flood in a nearby town and a 1,000 people were left homeless. Bandit was the only experienced and trained therapy dog and was gotten to the town. I cannot describe the smiles and joy he brought to both the homeless adults and children of that town. It was truly amazing to see and be a part of.
I can think of no better way to sum up Bandit than in the words of a Mexican woman Bandit and I screened. He truly was a very special dog and proved it over and over. He will always be a part of me……
A Note Written to Mick From Eliana about Bandit.
Dear Mick,
for those who simply "adore" our dogs, it is not difficult to understand what you might be going through. There are probably no words that could ease the pain but I feel like expressing that you and Bandit played a very important role in my life:
Your interaction with Bandit, full of respect, admiration and companionship made me recover a great part of the faith I have lost in mankind. Mexico is full of animal mistreat. Most mexicans are cruel to animals-and that is all I see around me. So seeing you and Bandit, was that needle in the haystack I needed. This gave me strength to follow my education plans with animals.
I want to accomplish one goal: to be a positive influence in at least one child, so he becomes ONE MICK , among all the schools I visit. No matter if I have to teach thousands, just to one day see, that there is "one Mick and one Bandit in Mexico".
I will send you some updates regarding the education work Fenia is doing. You wont believe this: but everytime I put on her bandana she sits more , stays more active. Otherwise she lies a lot on the floor. I thought it was my imagination but me made a test and my mother and brother noticed the same. We had fun seeing that.
Let us welcome your new dog. She will be part of our family. And you, as always, the greatest role model for animal care.
Eliana
Bones
Unknown- June 1, 2010
Beloved friend of Beth Mentusky
Bones came into my life a little over 4 years ago. He was one of the fortunate animals to be rescued after the hurricanes in New Orleans. A wonderful veterinarian office in Maryland brought him back with 3rd degree burns on both back paws. They nursed him through a significant and painful healing process.
Bones was glad to be alive and I was glad to adopt him. He was a sweet, handsome, adaptable, smart dog who became only mine when a miserable divorce changed my life.
People have often thanked me for rescuing him, but the truth is, he helped save me. Bones survived only because of the generosity and kindness of many volunteers who felt and saw the importance of even a small gesture of kindness. We felt strongly about paying forward these gestures and that is why we volunteered with POW. Bones was great with kids and so enjoyed all of our visiting.
Cancer took him from me (always) too soon. His story is an example of resilience, kindness and enjoying life even after tragedy. I will be forever grateful that this wonderful creature entered my life.
Thank you for all that POW volunteers do!!
Charlie
Beloved friend of Nancy White
Charlie and I first met on the internet in April 2004; I saw his picture (lost dog) and knew he was special. Over the next five years he won my heart and became a great friend – some people likened him to “velcro” because he was never far from my side. Always gentle and loving, he endeared himself to everyone and was always excited to visit his many friends at Cromwell Center; his fast wagging tail was his trademark and he knew where to find the treats!
Rest and romp in peace Charlie – you will be missed by all. Thanks again to all who sent their kind words of support.
“Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative.”
Mordecai Siegal (b.1934)
Baby Nick
February 10, 1997-November 23, 2009
Beloved friend of Valerie Donaldson
Baby Nick was a very lovable Basset Hound who was born February 10, 1997 and passed away November 23, 2009. He was named Baby because he was the runt of a litter of 13 puppies. When I saw him at 3 days old he fit in the palm of my hand. He was also a twin and he and his twin Teddy Bear were marked alike.
I brought Baby Nick home when he was 8 weeks old and went back four weeks later and got his sister Lady which became his favorite companion for over ten years of his life. They did everything together and it was very hard on him when she passed two years ago. That is when we started doing POW and he loved it.
He was very much a people dog and loved walking in our neighborhood greeting all the people and kids. He loved all of the attention that the kids would give him. He would sit and let them pet and play with his long ears. 
He will be greatly missed by myself and his two little sisters Abby and Zoey who came into our lives after Ladpassed passed away. I am so thankful for all of the messages and the sharing of stories from all of the POW family.
Mick
1996 - 2009
Beloved friend of Sandy Lin
Mick
was so named because he had big lips, like Mick Jagger. He was an intelligent
being - you could speak to him in full sentences and he would undertand.
He was a gentle soul - always happy to see you. When we lived down in
Mt Vernon, a neighbor dubbed him the Mayor, because he would run up
and greet everyone who entered the square. You knew he was extra happy
to see you when his tail went around in circles like a little windmill.
His only agenda was to love and be loved (well, and treats).
Mick was diagnosed with kidney failure a few weeks ago. He'd had his ups and downs, and the last few days were getting pretty rough. The vet said today that the humane thing to do would be to let him go.
You know how some people will name a person as the love of their life? Mick was the dog of my life. He will be missed.
I am ever so grateful for the messages and hugs and calls and notes on facebook and prayers that you have shared. Your kindness during this time has been a lifeline. If I could ask for one more prayer, please wish him well on his journey.
Lady Turnbull
1994 - 2009
Lady
was a sweet and loving Elkhound adopted from a rescue in 1999. She was
always a people dog, first and foremost, and loved nothing better than
an opening for her to lick your face, something she’d do with
enthusiasm and abandon whenever the chance arose. Her other favorite
indoor activity was having her belly rubbed—whenever you started
to pet her, chances are she’d lay down and roll over to give you
the best possible angle. She was good natured about sharing the household;
first with two cats, then with another human and a second dog when we
married and merged households. Finally, in her later years, she suffered
a baby with her usual equanimity.
As a younger pup, she loved to be outside, and was always on the alert, mostly for squirrels. And nothing was as much fun as a good romp in the snow, which didn’t happen nearly enough around here for her taste. Later in life, as her eyesight started to slip, she wouldn’t always notice the squirrels, but still loved to be outside, or by the door or window looking and smelling everything, keeping a watchdog overlook for us. Even as her health problems mounted, she still kept up her good nature, enjoying our company more than anything. She will be missed.
Belle
October 7, 1998 - April 8, 2009
Beloved friend of Peter Moulder
Harley
June 12, 1997 - April 18th, 2009
 |
I
lost a treasured friend today, A
voice far greater than my own, He
let him spend down here with me, |
Harley was a lovable parti Cocker Spaniel and my best friend for almost 12 years. I am so proud of him for being so willing to participate in POW and especially the PAWS Reading program. He loved helping the kids at Logan and Glenmar Elementary. We had just attended orientation at Colgate Elementary, but unfortunately he never got to meet this reading buddies as he got so sick so quickly. But, I take such comfort knowing that he touched the lives of so many people. I feel such a void and an emptiness inside, but the notes I've received from POW members really help me to cope. I wrote Har this note to take with him up to the Rainbow bridge and I'd like to share it with my POW friends:
Harley,
It's Saturday morning April 18th around 6am. You and I just sat in the grass
outside & watched the sunrise together. I thank God that he allowed me to enjoy your unconditional love for almost 12 years. And I know He's going to take wonderful care of you up there.
You have been my best friend and have helped me through the toughest times of my life. I owe you so much. I hope you feel you had a happy & comfortable life with me.You made so many people happy, especially with POW. You are a true hero to so many of those kids and you are my hero. I will do my best to continue on & I'm looking forward to see you again.
I love you Har! Love, Mom Michelle
Vicki, thank you for all of your support & dedication to POW. You are an inspiration. I want to continue to volunteer in memory of Har & one day maybe a new lil pup will tell me he wants me to be his Mom.
Reina Pineda
January 14, 2000 – February 24th 2009
In loving memory of Reina Pineda, our loving and faithful friend.
We will love you always.
“It comes to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become generous and loving as they are.” –Unknown
Julie
Unger
April 10, 2001 - January 1, 2009
It
feels like the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I
have lost a member of my family. I have 2 other dogs that I love, but
Julie was my heart. Sometimes I called her Bug-A-Boo and she would respond
to it. She was the sweetest dog I’ve ever known; so gentle. This
may sound funny, but we had a wonderful unspoken connection. We knew
what the other was thinking. She was really special. I miss her immensely.
My heart is missing.
Major Bowers
February 19,1997 - August 26, 2008
An
English poet wrote on his dog’s tombstone that Newfoundlands have
all the virtues of a human and none of the vices. My wife and I were
lucky enough to have had him as part of the family for over eleven years.
To me the Newfoundland is the breed that any other should be compared
to for gentleness for he really was a gentle giant. My grandkids could
climb all over him, pull on his ears, it didn’t make any difference
to him. My Nephew referred to Major as being a very special dog. Major
and my nephew’s son came up with a game that Major started. He
would come up behind Kyle, stick his muzzle between Kyle’s legs
and lifting him totally off the ground. Major would sit turning himself
into a sliding board for Kyle. They would this over and over. Major
was active in Pets on Wheels until he got too old. He gave us his love
and loyalty for eleven years. We miss him.
Tess
Martin
February 14, 1995 - July 29, 2008
Tess
and I had 11 and a half years together. She was a retired greyhound,
nearly two when I got in in January, 1997. The previous month my border
collie, Amanda, had run away when my brother was to pick her up at the
vet's and after three weeks it seemed unlikely that we would find her
again so I took a previous vet's advice and adopted a greyhound. Five
days later Amanda reappeared and the two became great buddies. I thought
Tess was happy as a beta dog and when Amanda died, I got another greyhound,
Libby who also does Pets on Wheels. Probably a combination of Libby
being a particularly timid dog and Tess' ego led to Tess becoming leader
of the pack. She was a very outgoing dog, willing to go up to anyone.
On those early occasions as I learned the problems of owning a greyhound,
when she escaped I knew that she would be with the first person who
would pay her any attention. It was this outgoing personality which
made me believe that she would be an excellent Pets on Wheels representative.
She and Libby were a POW team for about three and a half years and I
still yet inquiries even though I had to retire her at the end of last
year when it was clear that she no longer had the stamina although she
still had the interest. Libby continues to visit, now in company with
Moki, a chocolate lab.
Tess' passing
was not easy. As we know it never is, but oddly in many small things
I felt that she was showing me the way. She decided that she could not
longer climb on the couch. If a particular area was too slick for her
to keep her balance, she just avoided that and in the end she made it
clear that she was ready to go. I tried to make her final days as pleasant
as I could and she will live in my heart forever.
Marley
December
29, 1998 - January 3, 2008
Marley gave us 9 years of faithful friendship. He was by nature a healer and everyone loved him. He was a big hearted dog with room in it for everyone. We will all miss him family, friends, pets Dylan & Bones, Simba & Nala. But some of his happy spirit stays with us forever.
Dusty Englund
July 21,1996 - September 5, 2007
We
adopted Dusty from the sheltie rescue in June 2005 when he was 9 years
old. He was the most handsome sable and white sheltie we had ever seen
and fell in love with him the first time we saw him. He adjusted very
well to his new home and was very gentle and loving. I knew he would
make a great Pets on Wheels volunteer. We visited the Brightview facility
in White Marsh and everyone loved when he came in. Dusty was such a
kind, loving, silly boy. He loved laying on the deck, playing in the
yard with his sheltie brother Toby, and spending time with his family.
He brought us much happiness and we cherished every moment of the two
years and two months that we had him. We will always love our Dusty.
Caramel
Went to the bridge August 13, 2007
Beloved friend of Alan Eanet
Leo Moynihan
June 1995 - March 2007
Leo has been my family- my best friend- my everything for almost 12 years. He has been the brightest sparkle in the beautiful shining life of which I live.
When I met Leo he was just a 9 pound little piglet of a pup. He was the biggest and most hard headed baby in a litter of 9. I picked him up in Connecticut from the Goldenjoy Kennel and made the trip back to Maryland with him. He wreaked havoc the entire way...lesson #1 learned- Puppy MUST be contained! :)
I brought him home and did everything the book said to do. Lesson #2 learned don't listen....when they bark and bark and bark for long periods at night DO NOT IGNORE.... your golden could end up dark brown and stink out the house at the first squeal!
As Leo got older I realized he was going to be an oversized golden....all 110 pounds of him at his full growth. I figured socialization in public places was going to be very important so he accompanied me everywhere until the manager at the bagel shop told me I could not carry in a 60 pound golden anymore- poor guy didn't have time to carry my food every morning! Lesson number 3: Find walk up food stands!
Leo and I went to school- and more school- and yes, more school. What can I say- I was a slow learner. We practiced constantly in hopes of being in the Westminster- at least those were my hopes.... At the first opportunity he bolted out of the ring and made for the door. Lesson number 4: Dogs can quickly see when you are not cut out for the big time!
I heard about Pets On Wheels when Leo and I took the Good Citizens test. He passed with flying colors and the Pets On Wheels Volunteer invited me to bring him for the screening so off we went to the department of Aging in Baltimore County to proudly take our test. Leo- gave the test.... All of him tried to climb into the Directors lap while he was sitting in a folding chair. Lesson number 5: Help your dog to understand that not everyone appreciates all 110 pounds of him in their lap- though for the life of me I cannot imagine why.
We began visiting at the Villa in Towson... Leo's first order of business was to secure as much of the snack on the rolling cart as possible then to try and look like he didn't do it as cookie crumbs fell from his overstuffed jaw. Lesson number 6- Always help people to see how talented your dog is!
Leo became very beloved to all of the nuns at the Villa and he was allowed to stroll around on his own from room to room. One day while I was talking with one of the sisters I heard someone call from the hall...."Help! Leo has my walker!" I ran down the hall in horror to find the poor woman pushed against the wall with Leo attached in frozen animation to the ball on the leg of the walker. Lesson number 7- There is a time and a place for everything!
After 6 1/2 years at the Villa we needed a break from nursing homes since we had lost so many friends. I decide that since I worked at Port Discovery, The Children's Museum in Baltimore- I would start a circle time for small children there. We would call it Circle Time with Leo The Library Dog. Well Leo didn't know too many tricks but he was a bundle of fun so I decided that we would do tooth brushing demonstrations and read books about oral health. It took off like I never could have dreamed. He became a weekly event at the museum. He would spend 8 hours every week meeting/ greeting/ and sharing his beautiful liver or chicken flavored breath with all who were willing to sample a whiff. One day I was in my office and Leo was working with his public and I heard a visitor say to their child, "Look at the nice doggie with a sandwich!" In horror I bolted out the door to find him running around the room with a tuna sub sticking out of his mouth like a cigar and he wasn't planning on giving it up. Lesson number 8: The sweetest of em' are the sneakiest!
Two years ago Leo had surgery and a very large tumor and his spleen had been removed. He was 10 at the time and older for such dramatic surgery. I was a wreck but opted for the procedure. he made it through and the vet told me in no uncertain terms that Leo would be able to go home but he needed to stay away from going up stairs or jumping up onto furniture since his incision was so large. That night I set up camp in the living room with him and slept on the floor. I had a rotation of neighbors who came in and out to check on him prepared for the week. I blocked off the furniture w/ throw pillows and closed off the stairs to the upstairs with a chair. I went to work and the first visiting pet nurse from the neighborhood called frantic. They came in and Leo was no where to be found and the chair on the landing had been knocked down. Yes- they found him upstairs and safely planted in my bed with the feather bead and quilt snugly around him. Lesson number 9: You really cannot teach a dog new tricks- they will do what they will do.
Yesterday -after an extra two years of life- I had to say goodbye to my beautiful friend. And in the end he taught me yet another lesson. That time flies so quickly. Just a minute ago he was a baby and somehow now almost 12 years had passed. As I have told many of you who have e-mailed me such sweet and heartfelt e-mails Leo lived up to his name whole heartedly- he was my Goldenjoy Leo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXSFkFH0ebY
(video memorial to Leo)
Berkeley
Mator
March 5, 1998 - March 4, 2007
Berkeley
was given to me as a birthday present from my parents when I turned 21.
He immediately became our first baby and went everywhere with my husband
and myself. Having been born in Florida, he learned to swim on the beach
and with his biological father, in the pool next door. After moving to
Pennsylvania, he continued his love for the outdoors. His hobbies included:
swimming, canoeing, hiking, camping, finding rocks in streams, chasing
squirrels and making snow angels. He had a great knack for retrieving
rocks from the bottom of streams, holding his breath for up to twenty
seconds. He had many friends and fathered 10 children. The runt of the
litter, Daisy, became the apple of his eye and would visit and play with
him often. Berkeley had many names that he would answer to: Berkeley,
Misters, Mr. Lees and had a variety of songs that were composed just for
him, mostly by his Dad. Although he had just begun volunteering with Pets
on Wheels, if able to continue, he would have brought joy to everyone
he met. Berkeley brought much happiness and love to our family and will
be greatly missed.
The Rainbow Bridge Story
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When
an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet
goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can
run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and
our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the
animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those
who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember
them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each
miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...