A New Beginning

I was introduced to Floramorial by my friend Bob Jenkins. This company convert’s cremated ash into a planting material. The process is simple for the consumer. I was mailed an addressed postage paid container to send Anak’s ash to the Floramorial processing location. A couple of weeks passed and Anak was returned to us as potting soil!

Jennifer and I searched for the appropriate tree to plant and finally decided on a Katsura Tree. This Japanese ornamental tree was perfect for a couple of reasons. First, Anak loved to chase cats. Secondly, the leaves are heart shaped, similar to an aspen tree, representing her love for Colorado.

Quinlan and I spent the afternoon digging the hole. What a wonderful time he had using an adult sized shovel to place one or two clumps of dirt into the wheelbarrow! It was a great bonding experience that I know Anak would have enjoyed.

I look at the tree on a daily basis and smile as it now represents something much more than just a beautiful tree. It represents the memory of our beloved pet. Time makes memories fade. But now I will always clearly remember Anak and her life.

What a Cake!

Don't you always get a crocodile cake for your birthdays? That is my cake, not Quinlans. That boy is keeping me young!

The End for a Friend

My heart is heavy as I have lost a dear pet. Anak was really the first pet of my own. Jennifer and I were wanting to purchase a dog. She wanted a Yorkie and I wanted a bigger dog. We went to the book store to look at dog breed books to decide. I came across the Samoyed breed in an encyclopedia of dogs, looked at the weight, temperament, and decided this was the dog for me. Jennifer agreed to look at the dogs if we could find a breeder locally. We found one in Independence, Missouri and went for a look. We left with Anak. Her father was a majestic looking animal weighing in over 100 lbs. Her mother looked just like her and at 65 lbs, was a gorgeous dog. We took her to Gene and Linda's to show off our new pet. She was a hit from the start.

We took her everywhere we went. Her first trip to Colorado was great. She slept upside-down most of the way, a trademark of hers. She had many first on that trip; camping, snow, Vail to name a few. She was always looking forward to Colorado. When we traveled to Aspen, we had to stay in the two most expensive hotels as they were the only ones to accept pets. I will never forget her sleeping on the linen placed next to the bed. She thought it was for her!

We purchased a second Samoyed as Anak became sad when we lost another short term dog. She was always the emotional one. Anak and Telluride were inseparable. Anak actually would carry poor Tiny by the tale as a puppy.

Sammoyeds are known for their smiling face and good natured demeanor. They especially like children. Anak was there to watch Quinlan's birth (at home) and would always be close by.

Anak was always on the lookout for threatening things: the sun behind the clouds, the moon rising, squirrels and such. I will never forget taking her to Dammon's farm for the first time. We set up a picnic table in the woods and began exploring. She spotted some cows and went after them. A mother cow decided that she would stand her ground and when she turned, Anak got scared. She ran back to the security of the camp site and proceeded to JUMP on the picnic table, knocking over everything on it. Brave she was not.

On Saturday, September 2nd, we returned from dinner and I knew she felt bad. We decided to go to sleep, but to keep an eye on her. Five minutes later we heard her try to stand, but fall down instead. I turned on the lights to notice very labored breathing along with wobbly legs. We called the vet and they told us she was in respiratory distress and to bring her in ASAP. An hour later, they told me she was bleeding internally, likely from an aggressive cancer attacking her spleen and that there was very little we could do aside from chemo. That was not an option. She was many things; vain was one of them. She would have died from the hair loss alone.

I was with her as they administered the drugs to end her life. I held her head in my lap and assured her it would be quick. She licked my leg and made me feel like she knew it was the right thing to do. It was over very fast. I stayed with her for a short time and left with a very empty heart.

I miss her. It is easier each day. I think more of the happy events we had with her. She brought so much happiness into many peoples hearts. I know she is once again running like the wind in heaven, chasing rabbits and squirrels. She even catches some of them now and again!

Kids Say the Funniest Things

Quinlan said the funniest thing today. He was complaing about his back end hurting. Jennifer asked what was wrong and he said, "my hydrogenated poop hurts!" I guess he does listen when we tell him that food with hydrogenated ingredients are not good for him. Classic.

Growing Up Happens To Quickly

Quinlan attended his school "introduction" meeting today. Jennifer and I decided that I should come a few minutes after they had arrived to ensure he would be focused on school instead of being excited to see me. Jennifer said that when they got there he RAN as fast as he could into the classroom and began exploring the area and the work that was available to him. So much for apprehension.

I arrived to find him sitting in his locker with his legs swinging back and forth with no cares in the world. He saw me an immediately ran into my arms, taking me here and there to show me his exciting new world. It is amazing to me that he is already preparing to venture into this new world of his formal education. He is yearning for it and I have no doubt will excel.

It seems like yesterday when I watched him enter this world. I am so proud of him I can hardly express it in words.Time is moving at such an incredible pace. I want it to slow down so I can absorb it all. I don't want to miss anything. He is truly a gift and I treasure him.

My Best Friend

My Best Friend

You always have a smile for me. I live to watch you discover new and wonderful things that surround us. I have been lucky enough witness many of your first adventures. You are always curious and are never out of questions to ask. Our first camping trip with mommy, mimi, and papa was great. I have never seen you want to go to bed so early! I look forward to millions of more adventures with you.

What life is all about!

Easter 2006