Hello my friends and I hope that you do not click me off as I do not have a post for you today….unfortunately I have some sad news that happened yesterday afternoon and it is hard for me to write about a card right now….As you know if you follow my blog regularly, I use my blog not only for my love of paper crafting and my Stampin’ Up! business but also as a forum for you to get to know me!
I was doing a “Kind and Great” thing yesterday by going to help a friend to do grocery, errands and to just PERK UP as her husband is out of town at a horse show ( Hannah’s trainer and this is his full time job) and she is very “down” with having a severe riding injury that required extensive surgery 3 weeks ago. I know, I know….living and breathing animals is a full time job but one that I adore and is part of my life and I just love my “horse friends” and I know she needed me to perk her up!
We had a fabulous time….laughed…complained….did the grocery store….bank….made a “plan” for the big snow storm that we are to have potentially on the East Coast this weekend….(she will be coming to our home if it hits) and then as I was driving home I had a call on my cell from a number that I did not recognize. I took the call and on the other end was a man that was so upset….it was the Fed X driver and he said that he was making a delivery to our home and hit a dog.
Naturally my heart dropped….I knew that all of the dogs except Norman were in the house as he prefers to be out…..he is the Beagle that we rescued from Gulf Port Mississippi 4 years ago when we were at a Horse Show….then my heart sank lower as I had had a text from James at lunch saying that he popped home and got his ski clothes to take some students to go snowboarding last night and I thought that he might have left the dogs out as he knew that I was on my way home.
My dogs are a HUGE part of my life and darn, it has taken the loss of several dogs to try to get a grip and understand why it is that they embrace our lives and then leave us way to soon. It was my dear, sweet Norman that had a terrible life before Hannah and I brought him home 4 years ago from Mississippi.
He had issues of distrust but he never, ever would have hurt a teeny little flea. It literally took us years to get him to know that he was safe and “ok”, that his life was good – I called him the “Mayor of our Farm”….be preferred to be outside and then when it was on “Norman’s time”….you would hear a scratch on the door and one of would say, “Norman wants in”
I know that many of you must think we are NUTS to have so many animals but we are fortunate to have a place where we can have them. We know that this will not be forever as we really, really want to down size as the kids are all grown but I truly believe that our animals have taught us some of the greatest life lessons to us and our children.
Sorry I am rambling but I will leave you with a story that is one for the record books…..John truly thinks that I need to write a book as he feels that the “life lessons” that I adore and embrace are ones that need to be written down. I do this for my children but I would be afraid that if people really read some of the things that “happen” – they would say. “YOU SIMPLY CANNOT MAKE THAT UP”
Most Horse people are crazy people (I do not think that as I am one of them) but I will say that we do very strange things for our horses. Hannah and I were in Gulf Port at a show. This show is a five week one so I was camped out there for the whole time and Hannah would come over on weekends from college to ride. On Mondays, the show is very quite and many of the people that come to the show circuit would go to the local Humane Shelter and volunteer time with dogs and cats.
This area was hit VERY hard from Katrina and there was still very visible damage to the area. The Humane Shelter was amazing, totally rebuilt and doing great but it was terrible with the amount of stray animals they pick up. There was Norman. No one wanted Norman as he was boring to most people that wanted to adopt a dog.
Norman just sat there. Norman wasn’t even in a caged, rather he was in a play yard as he just hung out. As I went there on Monday’s I said to a volunteer, “What’s his deal” – she said that he was picked up as a stray but no one wants him because he just sits there!
Well I think you know me well enough by now, my heart was open and ready to bring Norman back to Maryland to meet his playmates! While we we making the 21 hour trek home we had a blow out (major one) on the trailer in Birmingham Alabama during their rush hour and I was on an over pass (I told you …there are things that you just cannot make up)
Here it was….. myself, Hannah, her boyfriend Aidan (poor guy – he must think we are nuts)….3 dogs….2 horses stuck on an overpass in a sketchy section of town and blocking traffic – all I could think of is WHY ME????
I policeman finally made his way up to us as the traffic was backed up for miles and I burst into tears….he was super sweet and meanwhile I have John on the phone and AAA will not do road side with animals in the trailer and I said there is no way that I am unloading my precious horses on a major highway to fix a blow out!
The policeman called some friends and they jacked the trailer up with the horses and fixed it enough to get me off the overpass and then plan B went onto effect (darn, I learned a lot this trip)….we ended up loosing 4+ hours over this whole ordeal and Hannah and I knew that we would not be able to drive straight through….
Believe it or not there is a website called horse motels…..I could not believe that I would be looking at this but I was exhausted and desperate! We found something that I thought would work in Tennessee and I felt bad as when I called the owners of the “BBB” – …ready for this…“Bed, Breakfast and Barn” I told them that I could care less where I sleep but I was picky about my horses….
We got there around 11 p.m. and it was great – they had our stalls ready…the owners were very nice and then they said some dreadful words…I forgot to ask you….from experience we have learned that most horse people also have dogs….do you have dogs? I had a HUGE lump in my throat as of course I have dogs….and Norman, by precious rescue that was so challenged….
They asked me if it was ok if they stayed in the barn and I said, “I am sorry….my dogs are used to being inside and I guess that we will have to continue to drive” Well I think she felt sorry for us and I wish that you could have seen Aidans face – poor guy – he has no idea what he is getting himself into (they are STILL together)….the 3 of us….and the dogs….all went to a SINGLE room and had a slumber party and after we were settled in, we laughed and laughed……
There was NO WAY that I was going to let my new rescue dog that was just neutered stay in a strange barn over night…..I swear you can not make this stuff up! It all worked out (as it does when you are positive and have faith) and we were able to make lemonade out of lemons….
I thank you for letting me express myself to you today! I still am in shock and I treasure my buddies….we do not know what will be thrown to us every day. Please take each day, embrace it, be kind, try to make a difference as we all have “stuff” that we all are dealing with!
I will blog tomorrow as it is a PPA day and I have it ready to go but I am going to take Friday off….and will be back for the 2 day weekend blog post! I thank you if you have read through this long post but at the same time it was a comfort to me to be able to share with you something that is so near and dear to me heart!
An inspiring story. Norman was so lucky to have you. You came into his life at just the right time. Thanks for sharing.
My heart goes out to you! It is so very hard to loose our fur children; especially when it is so sudden. They are such a special part of our lives. You gave Norman a wonderful life and he knew that he was loved. Keep that thought in your heart.
I am so very, very sorry, Susan and send my heartfelt hugs and prayers to you and your family. Norman came into your life for a reason and you and your family were wonderful to give him four fabulous years. May he rest in peace and remember The Rainbow Bridge. Sincere condolences to you all and God bless Norman.
Dearest Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you and your family. I know you find peace knowing he had a great 4 years with you.
Oh Susan, this just breaks my heart. sending long distance hugs to you. We all ave gotten to love your animals thru your blog too. Take care.
I am so sorry Susan and Family, to lose such a beautiful spirit is heart breaking. Hugs to you and family and your beautiful other babies.
🙂
Your story touched my heart even though I know yours is breaking.. Prayers and hugs to you and your famiy. Norman was so lucky to have found you.
Thank you for the beautiful photos and journey of Norman’s life. Pets really do add so much joy to our lives every day; it’s sad they are only with us for a short time. I know this process will be hard, but you’ve embraced it by writing and sharing photos and stories with us, which always helps with the healing. You have such wonderful memories of your beloved beagle, Norman. I’m praying for you in this time of grief, Susan. L♥ve and lots of Hugs sent your way~
I’m so sorry about Norman. What a beautiful story. It brought me to tears. God bless you for taking in strays and giving them a better life.
So sorry Susan. Just remember the good times and how much Norman was loved in the last few years. Yes, you should write a book!
Dear Susan, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your memories with us. I pray you are comforted and help your remaining furbabies to deal with Norman’s absents. Taking photos are so important and your post just proves it. Thank you and bless you.
Oh, Susan, I am so sorry to hear about sweet Norman. He touched your life with joy and love as you did his. The memories and stories of Norman will continue to bring smiles to your heart. Hugs and comfort are sent your way. ??
I know what you are going through. Animals just have a place in our hearts and there is such a gap when they leave us that is always there. With tears streaming down my face, I thank you for the love and kindness you gave Norman. You were lucky to have found each other. Send hugs and comfort to you.
So sorry for your loss, Susan. That was a beautiful blog and tribute to your sweet little Norman. Thank you for sharing him with us. Hopefully that is healing for you. Blessings to you and your family.
Oh, Susan! I am so, so sorry to hear about Norman. Your story is amazing and left me with tears and a knot in my throat. I’m glad that you are able to share your stories with us, as I am sure they are cathartic for you to write. Norman was passed over by many people, but he was brought into the wonderful family he was meant to be with. What a lucky little guy. Take all the time off that you need; I know your readers understand. You and your family (including the four-leggers) are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of lugs and hugs this morning.
Norman has left his paw prints on all of our hearts! My heart goes out to your whole family.
I’m so sorry … but just think of the stories Norman is telling right now. “Dude, let me tell you about Birmingham … and you wouldn’t believe Maryland…”
I’m so sorry for your loss Susan.
My condolences. You gave Norman a wonderful life. He will be waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge.
The part of your post that I will always remember is when you said “It all worked out as things usually do when you have faith and a positive attitude. “. True.
God bless you and thanks for sharing.
Sooo sorry to hear about Norman……….I think he will be waiting for you on the otherside to thank you for the wonderful life you gave him. I believe we will see all of our past pets again………in heaven.
take care and hugs
So sorry to hear about your beloved Norman.
I’m so very sorry for your loss of sweet Norman. Bless you for giving him a loving home for his last years. I can truly say I know how you are feeling as I lost my previous Boston Terrier in June. I still beak out in sobs from time to time and I’m sitting at my desk with tears rolling down my face now, just knowing how heavy your heart is. Let your wonderful memories of Norman help you through this difficult time. Thanks for sharing Normans stories. I think he packed a lot of good times into his few short years with you and definitely gave you a lot of wonderful memories. RIP little guy.
Susan, so sorry to hear about Norman. Our pets are family. We have a precious cocker spaniel and Daisy is getting older. We dread when she begins to have health issues.She has been such a treat. Remember the good times with Norman and how much you gave to him. He sounds like a jewel as well.
I am so very sorry about Norman. Sending hugs and prayers your way. I am an animal lover (cats); we had to put our sweet Punkin to sleep last October and I still miss him often and deeply. I had a hard time telling all my customers about Punkin because he always greeted everyone at the door for my events. Take all the break you need from blogging, I can understand!
So, so sorry for your loss. I love the photo of Norman in the truck. May each day bring you comfort as you deal with your loss.
Thank you for the beautiful story of Norman. You were SO lucky to have this sweet little fellow in your life, and he was one fortunate boy to have been loved by your family. I hope that one day soon the warm and happy memories will start to replace your sorrow. A heartfelt hug to you……
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and memories with us. I must admit that I am not a ‘dog’ person, but I enjoy hearing about your experiences with your furry family. The love in your home is evident in every word. Norman was one lucky dog to land in your family. May you find comfort in the memories which fill your heart.
Hugs and prayers
The tears are running down my face as I read your post today. Norman had 4 beautiful years with such a loving family. My heart goes out to you all. Our yellow lab Ranger is 13 and each day is precious to us.
While I enjoyed reading your stories about Norman, my heart was saddened as well. You certainly have a huge heart and a special heart at that! Those that make room not only in their homes but in their hearts for animals, are truly special people! I’m sorry to hear about your loss Susan! God Bless you and your family!
I’m so sorry about your sweet fur baby. I know the heartbreak when they leave us. Thank you for sharing your story. Norman was a lucky boy to have such a great family.
I am so saddened by your loss. Our pets are truly a part of our family. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Sorry to hear about Norman. Thanks for sharing your pictures and the joy he brought to your life.
So sorry to hear about Norman. Our animals are our children and each has a special place in our heart. Thank you for writing that blog and thank you for giving Norman lots of love and a home and a family for him to love . You gave him 4 great years. God bless you
So sorry to hear about Norman, you are in my thoughts and prayers, it is never easy to lose a pet, they are family.
Norman was a lucky friend to have spent time as your pet. I hope your loving memories of him will help ease your pain. Thanks for sharing his story with us. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Oh, Susan, my heart goes out to you. I know how difficult it is to lose a pet. They are family.
Oh, my, Susan! I cried as I read this and know the heartache, my friend. Our furbabies are our hearts. They are so loyal and loving, unconditionally. May the Lord send you and your family peace and comfort. My prayers are with you. God bless.
I am so sad to hear this heartbreaking news about Norman. What a sweet pup. I will be thinking about you and your family. Sending lots of hugs your way!
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. The loss of a pet is so heartbreaking. Our pets leave their paw print on our hearts.
With tears, my heart is broken for you and your family. Our pets become our babies and when they leave us a part of us is taken with them. I feel so bad for the FedX driver as well. I am sure he has a heavy heart, as well.
My heart is so sad for you right now, Susan. It is so wonderful that you have so many sweet pictures to keep the memories fresh. Sending you some hugs ~
Such a sweet story about Norman ! Yes, you should write a book !! So sorry !
Big hug to you and your family .
Hugs my friend. I can barely see the keyboard from the tears. I wish I was there for a real hug.
Please write your book, Susan. I am sure it would inspire us all. I am so sorry about Norman. What a love he must have been. It shows in these sweet pictures. Please accept my sincerest regrets on his passing.
Oh Susan I am so very sorry for the loss of Norman my heart is breaking for you. Bless you and your family.
Susan, you are a treasure! As I sit here with tears in my eyes I remember the loss of my two beagles. They are such a sweet loving breed. After each loss we would say “no more dogs” and within a short time we would be back at the shelter…and now there is “Buddy” . So sorry for your loss.
Susan, My heart aches for you and your family. We lost a furry family member this summer who was 2 mo. shy of 15. Tears rolled as I read your post. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry….
What a sweet eulogy for such a dear friend. Norman was such a special dog and I’m sure you will remember him fondly. Thanks for sharing him with us these last 4 years.
Oh, Susan, I am so sorry to hear about Norman. What a great dog…and how lucky he was to find you! I must tell you that I am praying daily that our 17 year old Westie will die in her sleep soon. My husband just cannot let her go, and I feel that she is not having a good life at this stage…so just keep praying and loving her!
So sorry to hear about Norman. Thank you for choosing to give him a life of love. I recently lost my absolute best friend of 14 years, my Millie.
Dear Susan, I am so sorry for Yu and your wonderful family to have to loose another pet. My beautiful Bulldog, named Katrina was killed in front of my house right in front of my daughter. My heart goes out to you. I can hardly type this note to you. My heart is breaking for you. Norman was so lucky to have you and your family adopt and love him. May God Bless you all right now. God please also bless the Fed-X Man also. He must feel so bad. Remember the Rainbow Bridge. Where our pets go when they are taken away from us. They will be seen again by us some day. Not too soon though. I am sending Big Hugs to you and your family. Love, Ellen Hinds
Susan
Even with all of your pain and heartache right now, you always manage to find the positive and reflect on all the good memories. You are truly an amazing woman and an inspiration to the rest of us. Norman will live on in all of your hearts! He was very lucky to have such a loving family as we are so fortunate to have you each and every day with your words of wisdom and creativity.
I cry with you.
Crying with you. We love our beagles!! Hugs!!
oh my, crying, sobbing with you. I am so very sorry. You are such a wonderful loving furry friend lover. I lost my golden retriever 6 years ago. Miss her still to this day, her ashes are on my bedside table. hugs to you and the family
As a fellow animal lover, my heart breaks for you!!! I’m so very sorry to hear about Norman. Please know that we are keeping you, your family, Norman, and your Fed Ex driver (the poor guy), in our thoughts & prayers. Love & Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!
Ohh Susan! My heart breaks for you and your family (2 and 4 legged) as I imagine you are all missing Norman. I am so glad that Norman had the time with your family that he did, sounds like he deserved a happy and loving home.
I am so sorry to hear about Norman. I know how hard this is for you and your entire family, especially that it happened so unexceptantly. I truly believe that our pets make us kinder, better people just by being in our lives. Thank you for posting such a heartfelt tribute to Norman. Here’s a a hug from Me!
Susan, thank you for sharing Normans story with us. I am so very sorry for your loss, but I truly believe in the concept of the Rainbow Bridge, he will be waiting for you. And in the meantime, he’s doing all kinds of fun, doggy stuff without any of the inhibitions and fears he had while on earth. He is at peace and you should be too, knowing that you made the last years of his life happy ones.
My heart goes out to you. My dogs are also so important to us. I am crying reading your story.,
Susan. I am so sorry for your loss. You truly are a wonderful person and what a writer. You should follow your dream and write that book!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!!
Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets are so special to us and I feel that Norman was very blessed to have you in his life. Sending you some hugs!
Dear sweet Susan, I am so sorry to hear about Norman’s terrible accident. I’m sure you are heartbroken and I wish I could do or say something to take the pain away. Thank you for sharing your troubles with us..we care about you, even though most of us, your faithful blog readers, have never met you personally. Bless you, Susan.
With love and friendship over the fence,
Barbara in SC
As a mother to four fur-babies, right now anyway, I feel for you. They ask so little of us and give us so much in return. Love and hugs to you and your family.
I am so sorry about the loss of your fur baby. They are all so precious and we grieve when they are taken from us. Hugs to all your family and pets.
What a beautiful tribute to Norman. So happy he got to spend his final years with your family…enveloped in love, warmth, and happiness. Sending hugs your way.
so sorry fior your loss, norman was a beautiful dog, and I am happy that he spent time in your loving family
Sorry for your and your family’s loss!
So very sorry. My dogs are truly adored members of our family and I understand. Sending you prayers, positive energy and puppy kisses!
Norman was lucky, he had a loving home with loving family members and lots of fur sibblings not to mention Daisy. He had a great life with you. You have your memories, your photos and the other fur babies and somewhere out there is another “Norman” waiting to be rescued.
Hugs & paw prints
So very sorry, Susan.
Susan my heart aches for you with the loss of your dear Norman. It makes me smile though that Norman had such love and devotion for the last 4 years. Sending love & hugs to you my friend.
Wow, Susan, that was quite a post. I am so heartbroken about Norman. How lovely that he got to spend his last years in a loving home with people who loved and even catered to him. As for your BBB story… my gosh, John is right. You can’t make this stuff up and you should write a book–but only if it won’t take you away from your blogging duties because we’d miss you too much.
Susan, you will miss your little guy! He was so lucky to have you! I’m so sorry for your loss.
My heart hurts for you! So sorry for your loss.
Susan, I came here to leave a comment on your lovely card. However, your Norman story has me almost in tears. I am so very sorry for your loss! And so glad you gave Norman those wonderful years. Hugs
I’m sorry for your loss of Norman…
I’m so sorry, Susan. I know Norman had a wonderful four years with you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Pets become such a big part of our lives and it hurts so much to say goodbye. I still hurt when I think of the loss of our last dog two years ago. Give the ones you have an extra cuddle. Hugs to you!
bless your heart ~ sending love & comfort …