“All The Dogs In My Life” Summary

The initial phase of the website dedicated to “ALL THE DOGS IN MY LIFE” took almost a year to
complete, which is a mere blink of the eye considering it actually covers a span of more than
70 years. The site has been active and updated for nearly 20 years.

All of my experiences with the dogs that have shared my life have been both joyfully
memorable and sometimes heartbreaking.  I have learned about canine diseases such as
Distemper and Parvo and how these diseases can both kill and also be successfully cured.  
Over the years I have seen medical breakthroughs where a disease that was once fatal is now
very easily contained.

I have witnessed the birth of many puppies, most of which produced a new life for someone to
love, but occasionally tears were shed for those not able to survive.

I have experienced the terror of having a dog that was permanently paralyzed for eleven
years of her life and the joy of seeing her succeed at adapting to her new lifestyle.  Through
her disability I was able to learn how to give myself and my time unselfishly to caring for her
needs.

I witnessed the miracle of healing in a dog that was supposed to be paralyzed.  His drive and
ambition led to a complete recovery.

I have felt the complete helplessness of one of the most deadly diseases — Cancer.  Living
day to day with a wonderful, loving pet knowing that each day might be the last is truly
devastating.  I have also witnessed the complete remission and cure of this same disease.

I have learned that birth defects such as a cleft palate don’t necessarily mean there is no
chance for survival.  Learning the art of successful tube feeding is a great challenge, but it is
also very rewarding when you see the final successful outcome.

I have seen both dogs that lived on the streets as strays and also dogs abused by their
owners make a complete transition when given the security of a permanent, loving home.  I
have had to deal with mange caused by the stress of living in a bad environment and I have
seen this condition treated and cured.  I still have to contend with seasonal allergies in a few
of my dogs.

Probably the most important and the most comforting experience was that of watching my
mother’s interaction with her dog, Gypsy.  Strange as it may seem, even death couldn’t
separate them.  Mom promised Gypsy she would call her to Heaven so they could once again be
together, and in my heart I truly believe this is exactly what happened.

I also believe that one day I, too, will be reunited with all of the precious dogs that once
shared my life here on earth.

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I would like to thank each and every one of you who have visited with me and “All the Dogs in
My Life”.  My WebSite doesn’t really end here.  I plan to continue adding pictures of my
“dogs waiting at home for me” as they travel down the trail of life.

Again, thank you for allowing me to fulfill a lifelong dream of sharing my stories about “ALL
THE DOGS IN MY LIFE”.

DO DOGS GO TO HEAVEN?

Author Unknown

My little puppy passed away, no more to breathe a sound.
I held him for the last time, then entombed him in the ground.
Day and night I wept so much, in tears I thought I’d drown.
I searched my soul for comfort, but no peace therein was found.

In great despair, I hit my knees and then began to pray.
“Father, will I ever see my dog again someday?”
I raised my eyes and saw an angel standing near a gate.
I sensed an inner peace I’d never felt before that day.

The angel smiled and said to me, “Oh man of little faith!
God sees every bird that falls.  He knows your puppy’s fate.
I have met your little dog, I saw him pass my way.
Your precious dog is still alive; he just walked through this gate.

Paradise is lovelier than you can comprehend.
No pain or grief, no tears or fears, and life will have no end.
God gave to man His only Son to cover all his sins.
So why would God withhold from you, your pure and loving friend?”

The angel took me by the hand and said, “Now come with me.
A glimpse of paradise I’ll give to you so you can see.”
Through the gate and over the Rainbow Bridge we did proceed
Through green valleys filled with flowers, rolling hills, and trees.

“Wow, so this is paradise!”.  The place was filled with joy.
I saw my puppy playing there, with dogs and cats, and toys.
He also had some doggie treats, and food that he enjoyed.
He’d made a lot of new friends there, including girls and boys.

Then I saw a child come near and hug my little mate.
She said to him, “I love you so”, and kissed him on the face.
The angel said, “The child just crossed the Rainbow Bridge today.
Now she needs a little friend to love and help her play.

God’s love for her would be enough, in that make no mistake.
But in His love, He knew full well, the child would want a mate.
This is why God called your dog unto this splendid place.
God’s entrusted her with him, ’til you pass through the gate.”

I pleaded “May I hug them both?”  The angel answered, “No.
You’d violate a sacred site, and now it’s time to go.”
He led me back across the Bridge and through the gate to home.
He left me there with newfound hope and peace within my soul.

If someone ever asks what happens to a dog that dies.
Just give a gentle smile of joy and look them in the eye.
Take their hand and comfort them and tell them not to cry.
For dogs don’t die, they simply cross the bridge to paradise.

WHEN I AM OLD

Author Unknown

When I am old……..

I shall wear Turquoise and soft gray sweatshirts and a bandana over my silver hair…

I shall spend my Social Security checks on sweet wine and my dogs…and sit in my house on
my well-worn chair, and listen to my dogs breathing.

I will sneak out in the middle of a warm summer night and take my dogs for a run, if my
old bones will allow.

When people come to call, I will smile and nod as I show them my dogs….and talk of them
and about them….the ones so beloved of the past and the ones so beloved of today…….

I will still work hard cleaning up after them and mopping and feeding and whispering their
names in a soft, loving way.  I will wear the gleaming sweat on my throat like a jewel.

I will be an embarrassment to all…and to my family…who have not yet found the peace in
being free to have dogs as your best friends….

These friends who always wait, at any hour, for your footfall…and eagerly jump to their
feet out of a sound sleep, to greet you as if you were a God.

With warm eyes full of adoring love and hope that you will stay and hug their big, strong
necks…and kiss their dear sweet heads…and whisper to them of your love and the
beautiful pleasure of their very special company….

I look in the mirror…and see I am getting old.
This is the kind of woman I am…and have always been.
Loving dogs is easy.  They are part of me and accept me for who I am.

My dogs appreciate my presence in their lives.  When I am old, this will be important to
me.
You will understand when you are old if you have dogs to love too.

The links to the Picture Pages below will take you to pages on my old website. It may ask you if you want to download the music from the original site. You may cancel this request and go directly to the Picture Page. Feel free to browse all these original pages but then please use the back button or close the tab on your browser to return to the new website.  Thank You!