When I first stayed in Oregon it was to be in a moister climate to help my lungs when I came down with a devastating form of the flu that just wouldn\’t go away.  I\’d developed asthma from allergies to the desert scrub in the high desert area of California where I was living, which complicated things.  The asthma, compounded by that form of flu and the allergies, was so serious and prolonged that my doctor put me out on two month\’s disability.  Eventually I lost my job, and decided to move permanently to Oregon as the moist climate seemed to be helping my breathing problems.

A few months after settling here an adorable puppy showed up one day under the deck.  She was big, with huge paws, and seemed to be wanting attention and food.  I took her in and put out the word to the neighbors that a pup had turned up.  And cleaned her up and temporarily named her Tasha.  Those days are mostly a blur for me because I was so sick.  But that week that she stayed with me was the most memorable.  After a couple of really bad night\’s sleep I woke up one morning to discover that the puppy had jumped up on the bed during the night.  She was laying there curled up on my shoulder with her muzzled tucked into the hollow of my neck, breathing gently and making soothing noises.

When I turned my head to look at her she lifted her head and looked at me as if to say that she hoped her presence had helped to calm my dreadful coughing and breathing spasms.  And for the next several nights she continued to climb onto the bed and curled up chuffing softly as if trying to calm my disturbed sleep.  In just one week I became so attached to this gentle creature it was astounding.  Until the day that her real owners showed up to claim her.  And although I knew deep down that she must have caring owners who would show up sooner or later to claim her I was still devastated when the day came. (more…)

I could give you a lot of stories, and I probably will later, but I found a poem, I don’t know if it’s crossed your desk, but I’ve always tried to remember it when a 4 legged loved one dies, and it goes as follows.

“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 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 who had been ill or 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 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. (more…)

My dog mike a German shepard I had for 19 years when i had to put him to sleep its been 15 years and I know how U felt because im still sick over having to do this I saved him from a junk yard when he was 2 month old

Lenny from PA