Remembering Spike

It's been one year today since he raced over to the Rainbow Bridge to wait for his family. He lived longer than he was expected to live. Spike was 13. He stayed with me to protect me for so long. He loved his family so much. I still miss him. We both knew it was time. He went to the Rainbow Bridge quietly and peacefully. I still miss my Spike, the eternal puppy.

Spike you were a good dog. We loved you and still love you today. Pixie is here with me now, and I love her very much. I can't help but think you helped to guide her journey here. Thanks, Spikie. You will always be in our hearts. Sleep well, my most loved dog, sleep well.

More Memories - The Mulberry Tree

The Mulberry Tree has grown, and, right now, its berries are changing into the rich, dark red color that means they are ripe. I've never been able to collect enough to make jam, but that's not been a problem. These berries are delicious right off the tree, at least, those that are left when the squirrels and birds finish with them.

Last year, Spike and I would run to the mulberry tree where we would share the ripe berries. Even though he was old and feeble, he'd still charge out demanding his berries.
Spike would eat as many as he could from the ground under the tree, then he would demand that I give him some from the tree. He really loved those berries!

Now, I have Pixie. She doesn't like mulberries, but she tolerates me going to the tree in search of the ripe berries. She just looks somewhat puzzled as I reach for the higher branches in search of more berries. I have to admit, this is a time I really miss my silly old dog.

A part of my heart is still empty without Spike, but the tree is full of memories for me.

All That Love!

I am amazed! How could all of that love fit in such a tiny box?

I brought Spike home. He is now buried where he loved to be the most--by his tree. I'm not sure, but when I placed Spike's ashes in the ground, I thought I felt the brush of angel wings near my face as a gentle breeze began to blow.

How could all of that unconditional love fit in that tiny box? I'll never know.




























My neighbors gave me this tombstone for his grave. He'll always be remembered. I just looked outside, and there was a squirrel running over Spike's tombstone. Life goes on. I still wonder how all that love could fit in the ground under that tombstone?

Before I took him outside to rest under his tree forever, I made 3 memory stones. Each one contains a tiny bit of Spike's ashes. There are none to see on the surface. Spike's ashes are contained in the heart of each bead.





















Each bead is unique and full of texture. Each side is unique. There will never be any other memory stones like these.





















There will never be another Spike!

Spike, I love you, but now I have to let you go. I am moving on. You will always have a special place in my heart. I will never forget you and how you brought us so much joy and so much love when we needed it. Thank you for being such a gift to us and helping us move on when we had to get on with our lives. Now, you are always a puppy. Have fun, my sweet big puppy. Enjoy running without pain and without feeling sick. Thank you for all the blessings you brought to us. Good bye, my Spike.

Getting Life Back to Normal

I understand that he was just a dog. I honestly do. That didn't change how I felt when I had to take him to the vet to put him down. Now that this is over, I realize how much time and energy I had spent trying to make his last summer a happy one for him. I think I did that, though.

Now, that Spike is gone, I'm still crying, but not as much. I really miss him, a lot! Yet, it's time to get life back to normal. I came home from visiting my daughter. It was good to get away. Now, I have to begin sorting through the messes that Spike made. Remember the chair he ate? Now, I can take care of that. Now, I have the time to get my life back to normal and to do the things I wasn't able to do when I sat outside because Spike was outside by his tree.

Soon, I know that I'll even start looking at other dogs. Right now, I still feel that it's a bit unfaithful to do that. Soon, I know I will. It will take a bit of time, but life will get better again. I have no doubts about that. I'll never forget Spike, but it is time to move on. Soon, more blogs about beads and beaders. Just like it was time to take Spike to the vet for one last time, it's now time to take a step away from him. I'll always cherish the memories. He'll have a place in my heart, but it's time to move on.

Tomorrow, I'll take my second walk without him. It wasn't so bad today. The walk felt good. I look forward to tomorrow.

I Was One Lucky Human

This is one of the saddest days of my life. I realized this afternoon, that it was time to take Spike to the vet

Now, he's not in pain any more. Now, he's running the fields of heaven, nonstop, chasing rabbits, squirrels, and any other critters that live there.

I remember that fat little puppy we brought home. His name then was Chubs. His name was quickly changed to Spike and our lives changed forever with this silly dog.

He was with us through thick and thin. He gave us so much joy in our darkest days. And now, he's free! He's free of his pain! He's free to run again. I hope he finds a wonderful child to take care of in heaven. He was a wonderful dog!

Spike, we miss you!

And now, if you can stand it again, here's one last video of Spike whining.

Spike and Alternative Medicine--Acupuncture

As you know, Spike is nearing the end of his life. If the truth be told, today, which is tomorrow when you read this, I almost took him into the vet to "put him to sleep." He wasn't himself. His legs were very wobbly. He seemed to be in pain. I called the vet to make the appointment, then, Spike perked up! The change was remarkable! I called and canceled the appointment. Spike and I went out by his tree. It was almost noon, and we are still outside at 4:50 PM. He loves being by his tree!






Charolette came over and put the acupuncture needles in Spike! I am so amazed that he tolerated them. She put them on both sides of his spine, in his peace center on his forehead, and in one of his paws. Spike didn't flinch or pull away. She told me that animals seem to catch on that this is something that helps them. (The lady in the photo is Charolette.)

















This photo isn't the best for showing the needles, but I think you get the idea. Spike was very submissive. I couldn't believe it!




















Here's a closeup of the needle in Spike's peace point. He really calmed down after that was inserted.





















Can you see the needle that appears to be sticking out of Spike's leg? That's actuall in his right back paw. I was surprised. He didn't move. He didn't try to pull the needles out. He simply accepted them. It seems to be working. He's not where I want him to be yet, but, if he's in less pain, then I am happy.

Update On Spike

I honestly have to admit, I am surprised. When I first found out that Spike was in early kidney failure, I was shocked, and I was totally convinced that, by now, Spike would only be a memory.

Even though, I know, that with kidney disease, changes can happen very quickly, I am pleased to say that Spike is doing very well at this time.

I've seen some signs of deterioration, but, for the most part, Spike is still Spike, and I am so happy! I feel blessed with everyday that we are given. He's been my best friend for so long, it will be difficult when he joins the ancients, but I have been blessed, and I don't want to forget that.

Spike stole my comforter. He's begun to rip it up to make it his. That's so Spike. I can buy a new one, but I'll never have another Spike. Now, I have to go and give him an ear rub. He likes those!

Can you Stand Another Video of Spike Whining?

Whether or not you can,
Here it is!
When I was making the bed,
Spike plopped himself down on the comforter and blanket!

My Gentle Giant - Spike

That's what a worker called Spike today when he saw him.
I had never thought of that.
Spike, the Gentle Giant.

Spike Made it to Mulberry Season!

Well, I'm proud to say, that Spike made it to mulberry season again! For those of you who don't know, Spike is in the early stages of renal failure. I know it can go south at any time, but he's doing very well right now.

Anyway, Spike dearly loves mulberries. All I have to say to him, during this season, is, "Let's go get some mulberries," and he's right behind me demanding his fair share of the berries.

Since this will, most likely, be his last summer, he is getting pretty much everything he wants, including my mulberries. (I do sneak in a few for me.)



I did have a handful of mulberries in the seconds before I shot this picture. Look, there's only one left, and I didn't get it! Spike did enjoy his mulberries!

Spike's Movie

As I write this, I am tired. Spike woke me up at 4:10 AM because he loves me. For those of you who know me, you know I truly love this animal, except at 4:10 AM. Now, this video was shot while Spike was outside by his tree. I just wanted you to hear what I hear at 4:10 AM.

Happy Birthday, Spike!

Today is the Day!
You're 12 years old!
That's old in human years!
I still remember the puppy that was called Chubs
Who
Became
Spike when he came home!
Happy Birthday!

A Dog's Life

This isn't so bad.
The sun is warm.
The sky is blue.
The carpet is comfortable.
I love my T-Shirt.
I may be old.
I'll be 12 in a few days.
I'm a good puppy.

For Where Your Treasure Is, There is Your Heart!

I saw a mosaic when reading another blog.
The mosaic I saw was peaceful and beautiful.
The writer encouraged others to try this.
I did.
Now, is this cool or what?
They truly are my treasures!

Happy Mother's Day!

Thank you, Jenny, for letting me be your mother.
















Thank you, Nick, for letting me be your mother.

















Spike, I love you, too.

















I am truly blessed.

At Last! Signs of Spring!

At last!
There are true signs of Spring!
Take note.














Rhubarb. It's not big enough to pick, but it will be ready soon!



















I was shocked to find these in the lawn already!



















The sweet, gentle violet, should be one of the first blooms of spring. Soon, very soon.



















Here's Spike by his tree.

I can hardly wait!

Sometimes, We just have to accept things

If you've read my blog, even on a frequent basis, you know that Spike, is now and has been, a very important part of my life for almost 12 years now. Right now, he's downstairs whining. No, he's not in pain. He's just being himself. The whining drives me insane. I love him dearly, but, as with life, sometimes, we just have to accept things about those we love.

Last week, I took Spike to the vet. The vet told me that he's in renal failure. I googled renal failure in dogs, and the most common cause of renal failure in dogs, is old age. If Spike survives to his next birthday, (May 25th) he will be 12. That is VERY old for a dobbie. I am blessed to have had him with me for as long as this. Each day is a gift.

I'm crying as I type this. He's not gone, yet, and he's still very spunky. My consolation is that there is no pain with renal failure. There is confusion, and renal failure explains why Spike has been confused this winter at times. He's still very happy. His heart and liver are strong. I do know, though, because of this, that, most likely, he won't die in his sleep, as I had hoped. I know that to take him to the vet will be one of the worst days of my life, but I hope, that he and I will both know when it's time.

I'm thinking of ways to Improve my blog

I'm really trying to improve my blog.
I want to find ways of drawing readers to my blog, but I'm not sure how I'm going to do it yet.


The title of my blog is
For the Love of Beads.

I suppose that I will still feature beads and people who make them.

That would be a good beginning.

I also want to diversify my blog and bring in new topics.
For example,
how about my daily life?
When I was little, I would dress up and carry balloons, dolls, dogs, cats, or whatever might be near. Lizards were the exception to that rule. I stayed away from lizards.
Should I blog about my childhood?
Well, maybe once in a while. I'd still rather talk about beads.
Then there are my ancestors.


















I only wish I knew who she was. That might be an interesting story. I just gave her photo away to the thrift store. They didn't know who she was either.
Of course, there is always, Spike. Now that's a real possibility. I might do more features on him. People seem to like stories of Spike.
The problem is that Spike always seems to be sleeping. Smart dog, he's covered up, too! I can't blame him, it's still cold as we begin the season of Spring.


















I've thought of telling stories of my everyday life, but I'm truly afraid that people would fall asleep. I've come to the conclusion that I am boring.
I've got to do something about that!
I've toyed with the idea of hooking up my web cam while I am sleeping.
Well, that's just stupid. Talk about boring. Besides, I snore.
So, I'm on a mission now. I want to improve my blog.
Any suggestions?
Let me know.
I'd really appreciate it!

Silent Blog - How Many Ways Can Spike Sleep?

You tell me.

Ode From a Human to Her Dog Who Thinks He's a Puppy!

From Her:
It must be nice to be a dog
and sleep the evening away.
That is until 2:30 or 3 AM
When you decide you need to---
Whatever!
But, I know you really want a
T-R-E-A-T
or an ear rub
or a walk
or a toy you can reach
or a massage
or some loving,
Did I already say a T-R-E-A-T or an ear rub?
But at that hour, we'd rather be sleeping,
So,
No more
Barking,
Whining,
Moaning,
Groaning,
or Begging,
Or I will get the Fly Swatter!
So just let me sleep!

From the D-O-G!

Why are my humans so darned upset?
I don't get it, I really don't.
They give me food.
They give me water,
and I need those things,
but right now what I really need is:
A treat,
An Ear rub,
A Belly rub,
A Blanket,
A Toy that I can reach
but it smells just like my human when she tosses it.
More food,
More water,
More loving,
A massage.
A Walk,
Did I say ear rub?
I want that squirrel in the back.
Oh, look, I see a cat.
If she'd just give me
What I want,
When I want it,
How, I want it,
Well, Life could be so simple.
So I try to tell her,
I just love her,
but what do I hear?
Fly Swatter!
I don't know what that is,
but it can't be good,
So I go to bed and sleep
until she wakes me up with that smile that says,
"I'm getting even with you!"
But, I do have to go potty,
And I see a squirrel in the yard,
I'll get my food when I come in,
I'll get my treat, too.
I get everything I want,
I just don't get the problem!