In Memory:
"Gina" ~ April 13, 1987 - December 11, 2003
Aggie of Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue in Neenah, Wisconsin at an animal hospital, preparing to witness Gina across the Rainbow Bridge...
photos by Barb
Aggie groomed Gina to make her look nice.
See more about Aggie & Gina:
Photo Gallery
&
Bulletin Photos Christmas
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Gina's Aggie's 1st Shih Tzu:
"This is truly a sad day for us; Gina, our miracle girl needed to be released from her body which turned into a prison and is now soaring with the angels at the Rainbow Bridge. We knew in September she was terminally ill and only had months to live; hoped she would be able to celebrate Christmas with us but that was not to be.
Gina was 16 years 7 months and 28 days old; she was born on April 13, 1987 and was released to the Rainbow Bridge today (December 11, 2003, at approximately 10:30 AM She will be sorely missed by our family and furkids Tiffany and Tango. Gina will never be forgotten and will live forever in our memory and was affectionately called Gentle Gina; as she was the gentlest furbaby that ever lived.
Two years ago at the age of 14 we almost lost her due to a stomach ailment but she rallied with IV's and two days in the hospital. Several months later she had an emergency spay (couldn't get her spayed earlier because of her grade 5-6 heart murmur) as she had many mammary tumors -- it was either attempt a risky spay or have her succumb to cancer. She survived that much to our surprise and lived two more wonderful years till the cancer overran her body.
Go Gentle Gina -- rest in peace; we will see you at the Rainbow Bridge someday. Godspeed --- my little spunky girl; you were truly a survivor.
~~~
I miss that girl...she left the world with dignity.
~~~
Enclosed is a poem that I found very comforting;"
Message To My Master
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The day you laid me down to sleep
you prayed to the Lord; my soul to keep
I know you had to send me on my way
but you sent me to a new; better; and much brighter day
You sent me home; to heaven above
where I'm cradled in God's arms; covered with His love
I understand what you did; you did out of love
and I'll return that love; from my new home above
My sickness is gone; and I'm free here to roam
I run and play in the meadows; here in my new home
We play here by the Bridge; from morning to night
there is no rain here; just warm sunlight
I know you all miss me; I miss you all too
but I'll always be with you; whatever you do
Please wipe the tears; from your weeping eyes
by remembering the good times; from days gone by
When you look out; into the dark of night
I'll be that bright star; your guiding light
We'll meet again at the Bridge one day
when we'll walk in the light; together to stay
Unknown
• Hi Karen,
Tell your friend I'm sending hugs to her and her baby. I know these furbabies are not human but still they are so special in a humans life. They open up what IS human in all of us. They remind of us the simple things to enjoy and treasure. I'm so sorry for her loss of a loyal friend.
Linda
Linda, mom to Pippin and Suki
• She was a blessing to her owner.
Christiane
• Aww, bless her sweet, Furbaby heart. My hubby and I were just commenting on how dear Gina looked in her pic a few days ago. My thoughts are with your friend in this time of her loss. Hugs, Chris
Chris & Meeka
• So sorry about Ginna. Her family will miss her. We are all so sad.
Sally & Trudy
• Sorry for her loss. 16 yrs, that's a good long life for a dog.
Wendy in NC
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Tiffany in Dec. '06
Photo by Aggie's daughter, Joni
In Memory: "Tiffany"
June 27, 1996 ~ March 16, 2007
"Our beautiful beloved regal princess; Tiffany, was sent to the Rainbow Bridge yesterday to be reunited with Gina. Tiffany was only 10 years 9 months and 11 days old. Many tears are being shed for her; she fought so hard to remain here but it was not to be. She was having major breathing difficulties and would have needed oxygen continuously and that would have caused her to lose her independence which she craved.
She was diagnosed with CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) in September and it progressed very rapidly. On December 3rd; she spent 9 days in intensive care at the animal hospital and her strong will to live kept her alive against all odds. Since then she remained in very fragile condition and was very challenging to care for. She needed a very low sodium diet and the cardiologist and I spent many hours looking for foods that were acceptable. The past month she decided she wanted her food served "buffet style" so she could pick and choose what to eat; typical mannerism of a princess.
Tiffany left behind many fond memories. She was definitely a regal princess and was kept in a full coat as she loved to be groomed and when I finished; she would lick my face in appreciation. She had such a beautiful face and such clear soulful eyes that made us melt. Tiffany was the alpha dog here and let everyone know it; Tango and Mai-Ling can attest to it. She loved all people and greeted them warmly; she will be fondly remembered at the hospital staff and they even commented that she was a princess even when gravely ill. However she was very shy in crowds and would go off by herself; thus earning that name "Ice Princess" as those of you who attended the rescue picnics can recall.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your prayers and good thoughts that kept Tiffany alive for an additional three months; we cherished every additional day with her. I especially want to thank Barbara Pressley who took care of her while I was hospitalized in February to have my hip replaced. She also took Tiffany and I to the vet for the final time yesterday and comforted me so much.
Enclosed are a couple photos of Tiffany taken by my daughter last Christmas and one of Tiffany and Gina in their younger days. They are now together at the Rainbow Bridge.
Go my beloved Tiffany; now you can run to your heart's delight without gasping for air at the Rainbow Bridge. You are so sadly missed.
Aggie"
[from Aggie] On behalf of Tiffany; I would like to send this thought provoking message. Please hug and care for your dog; you don't know how long they will be with you.
I AM YOUR DOG
Author Unknown
I am your dog, and I have a little something I would like to whisper in your ear.
I know that you humans lead busy lives. Some have to work. Some have children to raise. It always seems like you are running here and there, often much too fast, often never noticing the truly grand things in life.
Look down at me now, while you sit there at your computer. See, the way my dark brown eyes look at yours. They are slightly cloudy now. That comes with age. The gray hairs are beginning to ring my soft muzzle.
You smile at me; I see love in your eyes. What do you see in mine? Do you see a spirit? A soul inside, who loves you as no other could in the world? A spirit that would forgive all trespasses of prior wrongdoing for just a simple moment of your time?
That is all I ask. To slow down, if even for a few minutes to be with me.
So many times, you have been saddened by the words you read on that screen, of other of my kind, passing. Sometimes we die young and oh so quickly, sometimes so suddenly it wrenches your heart out of your throat. Sometimes, we age so slowly before your eyes that you may not even seem to know until the very end, when we look at you with grizzled muzzles and cataract clouded eyes. Still the love is always there, even when we must take that long sleep, to run free in a distant land.
I may not be here next week. Someday you will shed the water from your eyes, that humans have when deep grief fills their souls, and you will be angry at yourself that you did not have just "One more day" with me. Because I love you so, your sorrow touches my spirit and grieves me. We have NOW, together.
So come, sit down here next to me on the floor, and look deep into my eyes. What do you see? If you look hard and deep enough we will talk, you and I, heart to heart. Come to me not as "alpha" or as "trainer" or even "Mom or Dad," come to me as a living soul and stroke my fur and let us look deep into another's eyes, and talk.
I may tell you something about the fun of chasing a tennis ball, or I may tell you something profound about myself or even life in general. You decided to have me in your life because you wanted a soul to share such things with.
Someone very different from you, and here I am.
I am a dog, but I am alive. I feel emotion, I feel physical senses, and I can revel in the differences of our spirits and souls. I do not think of you as a "Dog on two feet"- I know what you are. You are human, in all of your quirkiness, and I love you still.
Now, come sit with me on the floor. Enter my world, and let time slow down if only for 15 minutes. Look deep into my eyes, and whisper to my ears. Speak with your heart, with your joy and I will know your true self.
We may not have tomorrow, and life is oh so very short.
--Love, (on behalf of canines everywhere)
Page created for Aggie by Shih Tzu Forum
© 2003 & 2007 Karen Catalioto
Contact Aggie: AWood52140@aol.com
