I am so thrilled to have been able to transfer "The Bootsie Files" from its former host (AOL) to it's new home here on Blogger!
I cannot even begin to tell you how my heart ached at the thought that I could lose my little Bootsie's journal!
Some of the entries found herein were written with such raw, honest emotion, and I could not let go of that.
It felt like having to let go of my Bootsie just a little more, and I am in no way able to do that.

It's been two years since I last posted an entry....I will try to post an update tomorrow.

Love
Paula

New Website Up...Please Pay A Visit

Please visit this website:

Mary's Pet Ministry

 

Things I Miss About My Bootsie

No matter how much times goes by, my memories of Bootsie remain locked in my heart, never to be diminished by the passing of time.

Here are just a handful of things that I think of....

*  The way Bootsie would wake me up each morning. I would awaken with the feeling that I was being "watched". My eyes would open to see a pair of big brown eyes staring at me, only a couple inches from my own. Bootsie would stare at me like this, not moving a muscle. When my eyes would open, the only movement she would make were her eyes would open wider and her little ears would perk up. It wasn't until I said, "G'morning angel bear" that Bootsie would wag her tail with all her might. I would look at her and say, "Awwwww, you're such a sweetie bear, babydoll!" And then Bootsie, as though embarrassed by this flattery, would take her two front paws and cover her face with them, or she would bury her face into my side or under the blanket.

When I sat up from bed, Bootsie would jump to the floor to do her "wiggle worm dance"....she would roll over onto her back and wiggle her body to and fro, trying to catch her tail on the left, then on the right, (with a little growl thrown in for good measure, lol.) She would keep this up as long as you encouraged her, too. She was so gleeful in the mornings!

*  When Bootsie wanted my attention, she would growl and bark, and tap her two front paws incessantly on the floor in front of her!

*  Bootsie had a knack for knowing when we had arrived at our destination by car. Even at places she had never before been! She would just go crazy, bopping around, barking with joy, but only after we had turned onto the street of our destination.

*  Bootsie did "Doggie Calisthenics". She would lay on her back, and I would say, "Bootsie: streeeeeeeeeeeetch".... Boots would stretch out her little back legs just as far as they would go. She would "hold the stretch" until I said, "Bootsie: Relaaaaaaax"..and then those little legs would ease back into a relaxed position!

* Bootsie would have snorting contests with me. I would fake sneeze, and she would fake sneeze back, blowing doggie snot all over me, LOL. I would say, "Awww Bootsie! You SNOTTED ME! EWWW!" This would go on as long as I kept it up! Bootsie was not about to be out-snorted, lol, and she remains the queen of dog snorting to this day!

*  I remember how proudly Bootsie would prance about whenever I placed a new scarf around her neck. She had so much pride in her appearance, but not an arrogant bone in her petite body! She especially loved to wear my red chiffon scarf with the tiny white polka dots. (We shared scarves all the time!)

*  If I laid on the sofa on my stomach to watch tv in the living room, Bootsie would take a nap....right on my BUTT, lol.

*  Whenever I had to leave the house and leave Bootsie behind, she would howl like a wolf until I returned. I never believed this when my mom told me about it, until one day I returned home and heard it for myself: such sweet, mournful howling....so sad.....

*  Even if only gone for a moment, Bootsie would act as if I had been gone for years and greet me with furious enthusiasm!

*  I remember many times my dad would quietly watch me and Bootsie, sitting together. He's shake his head and smile, and say, "Paula, that little dog LOVES you!"

 

And I love HER, too! I love you AngelBear.....I can't wait to be with you again!

 

Much Love 4-Ever and Eternal,

Your Paula

SIDE NOTE:

As I was about to save this entry, my mom walked into the room. She stood here, looking at me as I typed, Coco by my side, and she said,

"That dog turned out so good! She's always by your side, Paula, wherever you are! She just loves you!"

Now that, to me, is another sign from Bootsie. What are the odds that my mom would say that. Thank you, Bootsie, for guiding me to Coco! I love you!

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