Sad dog news - Stormy 2011

I read some sad news today - I briefly "met" this dog while volunteering at a dog agility trial this year at Top Notch Canines....I had gone into the office and saw Stormy sitting in the corner, all quiet, observing, alert, and when I greeted him, he seemed so happy to be acknowledged...Later, when I went back into the office, that little Corgi was still sitting in the corner, and I thought, what a good dog to sitting there in the same place, so I talked to him while doing what I needed to do in the office. Well, I was surprised to see him come slowly towards me, dragging his back legs and tail - Obviously there was something not right with him and meant to ask Debbie, the owner, about him. I never did remember to ask her about him...and then read this heartful and touching message from Debbie on the posts:



Friday morning 8/26/11:
This morning, with the help of our trusted friend and holistic vet we helped Stormy leave his earthly body and join Kia and Breaker at Rainbow Bridge. Some of you may remember Stormy and Kurt running agility together. Stormy had Degenerative Myelopathy. He spent his last year in a canine
wheelchair. Until recently, he still patrolled the yard every morning and evening in his chair. The degeneration of the nerves finally affected his front legs and his breathing. His spirits were good until Thursday when he looked into my eyes - and I knew he was ready to leave us. We miss him
terribly but I know he is RUNNING and roughhousing with Kia again at the bridge.

While Kurt trained Stormy in agility, Stormy quietly taught Kurt to win and lose graciously. Kurt had a rough time with his peers in school and it was Stormy who kept him anchored and caught his tears. He eagerly welcomed Kurt home from school regardless of the mood the young teenager came home in. He raised the boy to the man. Stormy took Kurt to 2 NADAC Championships, an important step in re-building a young man's self-esteem. They qualified and competed as adults for both of those Championships.
When Kurt left for college Stormy introduced Chase (Kandace's daughter) to agility. Chase and Stormy competed at 2 NADAC Championships. In 2006 Stormy and Michael Self competed in the USDAA Nationals JH program qualifying to run in the JH Spotlight. Michael visited Stormy this spring and it was nice to see Stormy's eyes lite up! ...Debbie

I have to admit, I had some tearful moments after reading this beautiful story about Stormy...I had to make a scrapbook page about him (My Digital Studio) - the Rainbow Bridge story is on it, but if you can't read it here, I have posted it at the end as well.  Maybe I am being overly sentimental, but Stormy was a special dog and I am glad that he touched my life in a little way...It certainly makes me appreciate our furbaby even more, and hug her just a little bit closer.

In Memory of Stormy, who briefly touched my life...

Show your furbaby/furbabies some extra loving today...

  The Rainbow Bridge Story    -- Paul C. Dahm

The belief as told in the story is a green meadow paradise that exists just outside of Heaven. Rainbow Bridge is both the name of the meadow and an adjoining bridge connecting the meadow to Heaven…Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor.

Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,

 just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.

His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers.

Suddenly he begins to run from the group,

flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet,

 you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face;

your hands again caress the beloved head,

and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life

but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....