Letter From Your Pet in Heaven

My friend Billie found this poem, and I wanted to share it with you all...............

Letter From Your Pet In Heaven

To my dearest family,
some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know,
that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from the Bridge.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here there's no more tears of sadness.
Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you
every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you
when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family,
They'll be here later on."

God gave me a list of things,
that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list,
was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night
the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you...
in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth,
and all those loving years,
because you are only human,
they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry:
it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers,
unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you
all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you,
you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain,
though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now,
than I ever was before.

There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it
by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world,
the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody
who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night...
"My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented...
that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along
I made somebody smile.

God says: "If you meet somebody
who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up,
as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street
with me on your mind;
I'm walking inyour footsteps
only half a step behind."

"And when it's time for you to go...
from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...
you're coming here to me."

-Author Unknown.

A Poem: "A Wish"

This poem was sent to me by a dear friend of mine, Doreen. We aren't sure who the author of this work is, so if anyone knows, please email me so that I may credit them for this most beautiful Poem.
--Paula--      

 From Doreen:

This poem will go to "The Bootsie Files".  There it will be saved and I will read it each time one of my babies passes.

I think Bootsie will be there with all of mine to help them find their way.

Thank you Bootsie for being there for four of my kitties, who have gone since you passed.  I know my X mother-in-law was there.  Along with her my father and all my grandparents.  My father's parents for some reason are the guardians of my babies who wait for me.  I never met them.  I just know.  Love, Doreen

A Wish



When you think of me, master
Know that I’m not the same,
Not the frail, old body
That I too fast became..  

Smile back on your mornings
My young paws wet with dew
Think not of the pained version
Of the pup you once knew.  

Please remember our good times
Our fond romps in the park
Not the day I lay dying
And my world became dark. 

And at times when you’re grieving
In those moments of hurt
Do replace tears with memories
Of when I was alert.  

Please remember my soft eyes
And my sweet, loving lick..
Not the hazy, lost moments
After I became sick.  

When sad times are upon you
And your tears start to flow
Know I’m not the confused dog
That you grew to know. 

Master, when you lie dreaming
Let your dreams be not blue
Dare not dream of the frail dog
Whose earth years seemed so few.  

May your dreams paint you rainbows
And bright bridges of gold
And show you, my dear master,
That I’m no longer old.  

May your rest bring you wisdom
May you wake without care
Grieving not for my loss but
Knowing I am still there.  

I’ll be in puppy kisses
And in walks in the park
And right there beside you
On your bed in the dark.  

And those times you are smelling
A sweet, dew-covered rose
Eyes closed, feel the soft brush
Of a little, wet nose. 

Whether you are in sunshine
Or alone in the dark
When the gentle wind whispers
You just might hear my bark.  

If at times you might feel
Gentle taps on your knee
Please don’t let this alarm you
It’s most probably me.  

Though you no longer see me
Nor can you touch my soft hair
In a way that you know not
I will always be there.  

Please do know I’ve not left you
We were paired from the start
I will be with you always
Cuddled deep in your heart. 

Love spans all horizons so
Let your sad heart not harden
I romp and I’m whole again,                                                  In a bright rainbow garden.
 
One fine day you will join me
We’ll run fast a green field
When you come to the gateway
And, like I, you are healed.
 
‘Til that joyous reunion
When I lick your sweet face
Know I’m playing in rainbows
And I’m saving your place.

 

So tonight as you lie back
Settled down in your bed
Know I’m not gone, dear master....
I’ve just gone on ahead.

********************

 

Please feel free to take one of the above graphics for your webpages, emails, or group sigs. Please link it back to:

http://journals.aol.com/otiamaria/TheBootsieFiles/

so that others may visit this site, also..

Thanks!

Paula

Prayers For Crystal: The Golden Puppy

Bootsie and Crystal are buddies.

Like many people who become friends online,

those who come together out of a mutual love for their dogs have dogs who are buddies .....at least that's my belief.

Our friend, Billie, has a Sheltie named Crystal. She's such a precious little one!

 

Crystal is 14.5 years old, and like my Bootsie, she is one tough cookie with a sweet soul. Crystal was born with an abnormally small liver. Billie has always been vigilant about monitoring her liver, and doing everything under the sun to protect Crystal from anything that would further compromise it.

The past couple of months have been particularly hard for Crystal and Billie......Crystal has heart problems and kidney problems, and we have just received confirmation that Crystals kidney issues have progressed to renal failure despite every thing Billie has done to try to reverse the problem. Many people, while their intent has been good, have posted suggestions that they believe will help Crystal, but most fail to realize that any and all treatments performed for Crystal must also bare in mind the liver and heart issues and not pose any complications to THESE organs.

This entry I write tonight is to ask you all to say a prayer for our "golden puppy" (a nickname given Crystal by her vet)..

First and foremost, please pray that God heals this little one.

If this is not His plan for her, please pray that He allow Crystal a peaceful passing while in Billie's arms.....

And please pray for Billie. She loves this little one as if she were her own child, and would move heaven and earth for her,

Thank you to all----I know I can count on your prayers!

Love

Paula

Some Special Music

I've just uploaded a few midis for you to listen to as you visit "The Bootsie Files"....these are songs that are special to me, and that I feel Bootsie steered me towards, since I had never before been a big fan of the artisits who do them. These are only the midis of the original songs. Although I would LOVE to share the mp3's here, I can't due to copyright law.

Place your cursor over the midi you want to hear, right click, and select "open in new window". Then just shrink the new window to the bottom of your screen so you can continue to read these pages.

"You'll Be In My Heart"

Artist: Phil Collins

Come stop your crying, it will be all right

Just take my hand, hold it tight

I will protect you from all around you

I will be here don't you cry

For one so small,you seem so strong

My arms will hold you keep you safe and warm

This bond between us can't be broken

I will be here don't you cry

'Cause you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

You'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart

Always

Why can't they understand the way we feel

They just don't trust what they can't explain

I know we're different but deep inside us

We're not that different at all

'Cause you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

Don't listen to them, cause what do they know

We need each other, to have and to hold

They'll see in time, I know

When destiny calls you, you must be strong

I may not be with you, but you gotta hold on

They'll see in time, I know

We'll show them together 'cause...

You'll be in my heart

I believe, you'll be in my heart

I'll be there from this day on

Now and forever more

You'll be in my heart

no matter what they say

you'll be here in my heart always

Always...

I'll be with you

I'll be there for you always

Always and always

Just look over your shoulder

Just look over your shoulder

Just look over your shoulder

I'll be there always

 

 

***********

 

"I'LL STAND BY YOU"

Artist: The Pretenders

Album: Last Of The Independents

 

OH, WHY YOU LOOK SO SAD?

TEARS ARE IN YOUR EYES

COME ON AND COME TO ME NOW

DON'T BE ASHAMED TO CRY

LET ME SEE YOU THROUGH

'CAUSE I'VE SEEN THE DARK SIDE TOO

WHEN THE NIGHT FALLS ON YOU

YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO

NOTHING YOU CONFESS

COULD MAKE ME LOVE YOU LESS

I'LL STAND BY YOU

I'LL STAND BY YOU

WON'T LET NOBODY HURT YOU

I'LL STAND BY YOU

SO IF YOU'RE MAD, GET MAD

DON'T HOLD IT ALL INSIDE

COME ON AND TALK TO ME NOW

HEY, WHAT YOU GOT TO HIDE?

I GET ANGRY TOO

WELL I'M A LOT LIKE YOU

WHEN YOU'RE STANDING AT THE CROSSROADS

AND DON'T KNOW WHICH PATH TO CHOOSE

LET ME COME ALONG

'CAUSE EVEN IF YOU'RE WRONG

 

I'LL STAND BY YOU

I'LL STAND BY YOU

WON'T LET NOBODY HURT YOU

I'LL STAND BY YOU

TAKE ME IN, INTO YOUR DARKEST HOUR

AND I'LL NEVER DESERT YOU

I'LL STAND BY YOU

AND WHEN...

WHEN THE NIGHT FALLS ON YOU, BABY

YOU'RE FEELING ALL ALONE

YOU WON'T BE ON YOUR OWN

I'LL STAND BY YOU

I'LL STAND BY YOU

WON'T LET NOBODY HURT YOU

I'LL STAND BY YOU

TAKE ME IN, INTO YOUR DARKEST HOUR

AND I'LL NEVER DESERT YOU

I'LL STAND BY YOU

I'LL STAND BY YOU

WON'T LET NOBODY HURT YOU

I'LL STAND BY YOU

WON'T LET NOBODY HURT YOU

I'LL STAND BY YOU

 

*************

"Because You Loved Me"

Artist: Celine Dion Lyrics

 

For all those times you stood by me

For all the truth that you made me see

For all the joy you brought to my life

For all the wrong that you made right

For every dream you made come true

For all the love I found in you

I'll be forever thankful baby

You're the one who held me up

Never let me fall

You're the one who saw me through through it all

 

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach

You gave me faith 'coz you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me

 

You gave me wings and made me fly

You touched my hand I could touch the sky

I lost my faith, you gave it back to me

You said no star was out of reach

You stood by me and I stood tall

I had your love I had it all

I'm grateful for each day you gave me

Maybe I don't know that much

But I know this much is true

I was blessed because I was loved by you

 

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach

You gave me faith 'coz you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me

 

You were always there for me

The tender wind that carried me

A light in the dark shining your love into my life

You've been my inspiration

Through the lies you were the truth

My world is a better place because of you

 

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach

You gave me faith 'coz you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me

 

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me

I think tonight I'm going to bed early...I'd wanted to post several different things, but will have to do this a bit later.

I do want to share one thing that means a lot to me.

This is a poem, written by my friend Rose, especially for Bootsie & me.

Thank you, Rose!!

A Message From Bootsie

c

My Mom, she tells a lot of lies
She never did before.
From now until the day she dies.
She'll tell a whole lot more.

She used to tell the truth, a lot
But now it doesn't matter.
I died and went to heaven,
Her life is all a-shatter.

Since I crossed the Rainbow Bridge

She'll say, "Yes, I'm fine!"
She wants to beg "Please help me.
I can't find that girl of mine!"

Ask my Mom, how is she,
And she'll say, "I'm alright."
If that's the truth then tell me,
Why does she cry at night?

You think you know the feeling,
But this I Know can't be.
For even though I'm just a dog

Boundless was her love for me

She will smile and tell you,
I'll get by, I know I can
But she will turn away and cry
'Cause you just won't understand.

I watch from here, in Heaven.
Her distress disturbs my peace.
Will someone please take care of her,
And help her heartache cease.

They say "Some day you'll feel better."
"Yes I will." she lies.
She knows this will not happen,
Until the day she dies.

She said "I was so lucky!
I had her all those years!"
ButThey passed in just a minute,
Now she sheds so many tears

Ask my Mom how is she,
She'll say, "Thank you. Good."
She cannot tell you how she feels.
Oh, how I wish she could.

Ask my Mom how is she,
"I'm well, I'm good. And you?"
I'll shake my head in Heaven.
It simply isn't true.

She'll love me all her life.
I loved her all of mine.
But if you ask how is she,
She'll lie and say she's fine.

I am here in Heaven.
I cannot hug from here.
If she lies to you, don't listen.
Hug her, hold her near.

On the day she gets to Heaven

I'll be here for her to hold

"You're lucky to get in here, Mom,
With all the lies you told!"

Hugz, Rose

 

I love reading Rose's poems. She weaves words into a beautiful tapestry of human emotion, that all who read it can relate to.......Sweet, honest, humble and inspired, Rose's poetry is a feast for the famished soul.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

To read more of Rose's work, please visit her website by clicking this link:

Rosebudz & Rainbows

 

 

I love you always, Bootsie.....love extends all space and time. YOU are STILL and FOREVER my most precious little girl, and I miss you with all my heart.

Love eternal~Your Paula

Time is Relative

Each time I glance at the clock, I can tell you where I was and what I was doing at this time one year ago today.

It's 5:50 pm.

At 5:50 pm, December 9th, 2004,

I was praying.

I prayed for my little girl, that God would grant us the miracle of good news after tomorrow mornings operation. I prayed for the blessing of just a little more time with my baby, Boots. I prayed that He would not call her home just yet.......Not now....Not when I needed her here with me so badly.

I prayed with every ounce of faith I had.

My heart was breaking with the pain of knowing that sometimes prayers seem to go unanswered, and sometimes God's Will is not what we pray it to be.

After awhile, I would get into my car, and drive to the vet clinic.

Bootsie was always sharp as a tack, no pulling any wool over those beautiful big brown eyes of hers. She got wise to the med-laced Gerbers baby food being fed to her by the vets at the clinic, and soon was turning her head slowly away from each spoonful. Boots discouraged any further attempts at this trickery by way of a good nip to the hands of the trickster. That was my baby. While others may have frowned upon her as being ill-behaved, I reveled in the joy of knowing that I had one "take-no-crap" little girl. I loved Bootsie's iron-willed determination, even when it hurt.

I would drive to the clinic twice a day to give Boots her meds. I didn't try to trick her into it.....I did it the way we always had: sandwiched inside a tiny pocket of a folded over Velveeta slice. The techs watched as I proffered the meds and Bootsie willingly swallowed it up, quick as a wink.

It was while Bootsie was at the clinic this last time that I noticed something. One of the vets had mentioned to me at an appointment earlier that year that Bootsie had cataracts in her eyes. He said,

"I bet you've seen her walk into furniture, things like that."

I had not. Bootsie had never exhibited any such difficulty navigating around the house or back yard.

I noticed, though, when I walked into the back room of the clinic where all the patients are resting, that maybe the vet was right. Soon as I opened the door, my eyes would immediately go to Bootsie's compartment. If she were awake, I would say,

"Hi BabyGirl! Hi Bootsiebear! I love you precious one~...."

Bootsie's eyes would widen, her ears would perk up at my voice. She would glance over in my direction with a look of such expectant hope....I saw that she was trying to focus on who she hoped was addressing her.....I had to move several feet closer before she could see that it was, indeed, me. You coulds see the recognition flash brilliantly in her eyes and her whole body would wag with joy and happiness.

On the evening of December the 9th, 2004, I drove to the vet clinic. not sure if I should stay overnight there, or if I should go home. I feared that if I stayed, Bootsie might expend too much energy, energy that I wanted her to reserve for the next mornings surgery and the subsequent post-surgical recovery. My decision to go home would later be one I would regret, and I swim in this regret even now, one year to the day.

Bootsie had not wanted to eat those last couple of days.

But she ate for me, and on this night last year, I held Bootsie upright in my arms in a chair that the techs provided for me back with the patients. I had a big bowl of Bootsie's canned food, and she let me handfeed it to her. She hungrily ate up every last bit of her food, and this made her "mama" so proud......

I wish I had stayed there and never left her side that night. Bootsie would never have left my side. I feel like I failed her. I am so sorry, Bootsie. I was so stupid. I should have stayed. I don't think I really believed it was to be my last chance to spend a night with you. Had I known, I would have stayedBootsie! I would never, ever have left you!

I know,  I know.....you can't go back and re-write the past, and beating yourself up isn't gonna help anything, and Bootsie wouldn't want you to think about those things....

But you can't help it. When something hurts, it hurts.

 

I miss you, Bootsie. I'd give anything I have to have you back with me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GREENIES

  info@greenies.com

November 24, 2005
To whom it may concern:  

I have just read an article that was on my local news stations web site about Greenies, and I am NOT happy with what I've learned.  

My dog, Bootsie, was my pride and joy.  I loved her as much as a good parent loves their human child.  Bootsie LOVED Greenies.  Feeling they were safe, I allowed her to have them as a treat every few days.  

Bootsie had problems with her liver.  Because of this, I had to be very careful with everything that she ingested.  I had to practice strict control over what she was allowed to eat both at her regular meal times and what she was given as a treat or snack.  Giving her the wrong things would mean over-taxing her liver and the progression of deterioration to her liver.  Loving her as I did, I did everything I knew to do in order to prevent any damage.

One of the things about Greenies that made me feel comfortable giving them to Bootsie was that the packaging claims Greenies are 100% digestible.   The KIRO News stations report, however, says that you're own company spokeswoman stated that Greenies are actually "85% digestible". 

I AM FURIOUS BEYOND WORDS AT THIS! 

Had I for ONE MOMENT KNOWN that Greenies were not what your own packaging claims them to be, I would NOT have given them to my dog! (But, then, I guess that's your bottom line, isn't it.) To make matters worse, I feel it quite safe to assume that if your spokeswoman says the digestibility is at 85%, that this is a conservative number, and the percentage is more then likely even LOWER.  

I do not blame your company or your product for my Bootsie's passing away last December from end stage cirrhosis.  HOWEVER, I will never know if my giving Greenies to my dog may have WORSENED her condition and hastened her eventual passing away.  

THIS IS UNFORGIVEABLE and UNACCEPTABLE!  

Lastly, I am troubled by this portion of the report I read:  

"Company officials with Greenies declined a request for an on-camera interview. They sent a statement expressing sadness over all the dogs in the investigation."  

The very fact that your company declined an interview leaves me (and probably the majority of consumers) to feel you declined because you have something to hide or because you know you may step into water reaching far over your head if you were interviewed. Face it, people with nothing to hide would not have declined, but rather, would have relished the opportunity to set matters straight.  

I will NEVER again recommend Greenies to anyone else, nor will I recommend your company as a whole, due to the fact that dishonesty has been a part of your business plan.  

Paula Owens

Everett, Washington

otiamaria@aol.com  

 

The above letter was emailed to Greenies today, and the article I am referring to can be found here:

http://www.kirotv.com/investigations/5325021/detail.html

 

Or watch the Video Report here:

 

http://www.kirotv.com/video/5330356/detail.html

 

Also see the SNOPES page that references this report:

http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/greenies.asp