human animal bond

We Had Joy, We Had Fun. Thinking of Gidget and the Joy of Squirrels.

Right after I had to make the heart-wrenching decision last month to let Gidget go due to congestive heart failure I heard these words from the song, Seasons in the Sun, pop into my head: We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun. I know it was Gidget letting me know it was time and it was okay.

Other lyrics to that song from Terry Jacks are:

Goodbye my friend it’s hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that spring is in the air
Pretty girls are everywhere
Think of me and I’ll be there

In the weeks since Gidget has been gone the lines, now that spring is in the air and think of me and I’ll be there often run through my mind.

The truth is I wanted one more summer with her. But I know if I’d had one more, I’d want another and another. 

I’ve found such comfort in this song as the earth is so alive right now with birds, squirrels, chipmunks, fawns, and deer that I often see in our yard. Seeing and observing wildlife has me often thinking of Gidget. I feel grateful to have this connection with animals during a time I’m missing my sweet girl.

I had to chuckle seeing Squirrel dining yesterday late afternoon with his pretend friend—a rustic squirrel I bought at an art gallery last summer. I called Gidget a little squirrel at times when she was, well, you know, acting squirrely!

And again, while I’d have loved one more summer with her, I’m feeling grateful for the companionship of all the animals in the wild. I feel like Gidget wanted it this way and that she knew this is what my heart would need. It would be so like her to think of my best interest.

So while Squirrel snacked on peanuts I sat quietly and watched feeling grateful for the joy they bring and the sweet memories of Gidget that saunter through my mind.

XO,

Barbara

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This Gift Captures It All

Oh, the depth of heart within this artwork!

I cried hard as a smile slowly came across my face. This precious gift is from my mom and now hangs on my living room wall.

The picture in its entirety – I had to crop top one for Facebook requirements

Sometimes it’s hard to believe this is a complete chapter in our lives that lasted almost twenty years. A path I didn’t plan on taking but that I would end up caring for three special needs dachshunds.

I love gazing at this as a reminder to reflect on all the beautiful memories and profound teachings I gained from three sweet souls. I know with absolute truth that I wouldn’t be who I am today without Frankie, Joie, and Gidget. Nor would John.

I feel blessed to have captured the teachings of each of them in three memoirs, Through Frankie’s EyesWisdom Found in the Pause – Joie’s Gift, and the one I’m currently finishing, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am.

While I don’t know what the next chapter in my life will be, looking at this picture brings me into a space within my heart that feels gratitude…so much gratitude.

There’s really not much more I can say about this special gift because this is definitely a case where a picture speaks a thousand words (times three!!).

XO,

Barbara

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The Official Mayor of Elkhart Lake? Boone Dog.

Photo: Patrick and Connie Mertens

Personally, I think the best part of the Elkhart Lake Farmer’s Market is seeing Boone. He lives across the street from the post office and one block from the market.

Patrick and Connie Mertens belong to this handsome fellow. I hopped off my bike for a few moments to pet Boone’s sweet face and head this morning on my way to the market. He is super friendly. Patrick told me today that this is one of Boone’s favorite things to do and greet all the people who walk past on their way to the market.

I think you can tell by the photo that he takes his job very seriously and enjoys it immensely.

After this photo was posted on Facebook someone said that Boone should be the mayor of Elkhart Lake. We’ve never had a mayor. We are a small village of 950 people, but dare I say, he’d be the kind of mayor I’d want!

It was a bittersweet day as it was a first riding my bike to the market without Gidget in my basket. I also realized how often it was that people I didn’t know would stop me to comment about Gidget and we’d get to talking. Now that I was alone that didn’t happen. It made me a bit sad.

But I realized I was also looking for people with dogs too because well, I just love seeing the dogs. Though I didn’t stop and talk to anyone with a dog. It’s so interesting how animals connect us and seem to make it easier to start a conversation with a total stranger. I kind of missed that today. But I was happy for the opportunity to pet Boone and chat with Patrick.

You’ve got my vote Boone should you decide to run for Mayor of Elkhart Lake! 

XO,

Barbara

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