I thought it was time I post a tribute to and about my little girl. I wanted you to see more of her personality and what a love she was. When I brought Snookie home she was so tiny she could almost fit into one hand. I bought her toys and balls and sweaters and everything she might need before I ever picked up my precious bundle of joy and brought her home.

Those eyes of hers really thrilled my soul and it was love at first sight. Oh how I miss those eyes that had the most wonderful look of love in them. She would gaze into my eyes and it was like looking into her soul the look said she loved me more than anything in this world. To me she was the most wonderful loving girl and the best gift I could have ever received.

My children were around 16, 17, 18, and 19 so they all had busy lives but they still found time to play with her. My husband was still working and I knew that Snookie would keep me company and bring me much joy. I knew I was going to spoil her rotten and give her the best life a fur baby could ever have and she would never want for attention and love.

From the time she started playing wih toys Snookie would take both the squeaky and stuffed ones and ram them into the back of my legs as I walked. I thought it was one of the most thrilling things in the world. She was like a shadow and wherever I was or went there she was too.

Snookie loved long walks and playing ball and tug of war. Most of the time she would bring the toy back to me but now and then she would keep it just out of reach. Sometimes Snookie could be quite the tease and then she would grin at me.

I just loved dressing her in sweaters when the weather was cool out. She loved bows in her hair, scarves around her neck and things like that. My 3 girls used to dress her up too but my son said it was silly but he spent a lot of time playing with her.

Later as we were blessed with grand children as soon as they were old enough they dressed Snookie up and put jewelry on her and bows in her hair. They would fling themseves on Snookie, lay on her, fall asleep on her and she never minded it at all. She was the most gentle girl I could have ever asked for. Snookie loved all people and fur babies and played with our many grand furbabies my husband and I babysit for when the kids were at work or shopping and things like that.

When Snookie fell ill and had to go into the hospital it broke my heart. I had never been away from her before. She struggled for almost 11 months off and on getting sick then getting well again. When she first got sick we ran her to many vets seeking to hear the words I wanted to hear.

I did not want to believe she would die and that she had cancer and cushings disease. All said there was nothing they could do for her. She then got diabetes and was hypersensitive to the insulin. Then her pancreas shut down and she could not fight any longer.

Part of my heart died when she passed away on her own in my arms on December 26, 2004 at 1:48 pm. I could not bear to see her suffer as I loved her more than anything in this world. I was going to give her the most loving gift I could and in her love she gave me the gift of not having to do that last act.

Now I wait to join her in Heaven some people believe fur babies will not go to Heaven. But I know God loves us and He loves what we love and she was and is part of my heart and soul so I am going to believe with all of my heart that she will be there to greet me and I will embrace her once again.

Until then I will go on loving her with all my heart and soul for she is part of me and always will be. I would give anything, do anything, for one more look into those loving eyes of my darling little girl. But for now I will always have wonderful memories of her until I embrace her once again on streets of Gold in Heaven. I love you now always and forever my sweet Snookie Cookie. Thank you for almost 11 years of the best years of my life.
Ann
Snookie Lynn Howard
2-4-94 - 12-26-04

I wanted to put 4 poems that I wrote for Snookie plus some others that I really like and that mean so much to me.

My Precious Snookie
If not for the Rainbow Bridge I don't know what I would do.
For Snookie my thoughts are consumed with being with you.
My world was filled with joy it seemed so happy and bright.
My Love nothing made me as happy as to hold you so tight.

From this searing pain and agony there is no where to hide
and all I want is you my precious Snookie by my side.
My arms are so empty over the tears I have no control
So for a little while my darling I am going to let them flow.

Your Mama needs time and tears to mend this broken heart
Then I will concentrate on the day we will never more part.
Someday My Little Love I will come meet you beyond the sky
Where we will live in a Land where tears never fill the eye.
Written by Ann Howard 01-14-05
In Memory Of
Snookie Howard
2-4-94 - 12-26-04

If You Could See Into My Soul
Were there but a window looking into my broken soul
You would see that everything there is no longer whole.
There would be a picture of this woman's world torn apart
And you would see all the pieces of my lonely broken heart.

You would see memories of me holding my sweet girl so tight
and how I long for Snookie throughout the long weary night.
You'd hear my voice calling out my sweet Snookie's name
You'd view my broken soul and know I'd never be the same.

In a window of the past you'd see Snookie at her best
taking walks, running and playing and she and I at rest.
You would see the love and joy she brought into my life
You'd see how she made my life easier in this world of strife.

You'd see how Snookie curled upon my lap so content
You'd see how much to each other our love meant.
Those are the days my heart, body, soul and mind crave
they are the memories I, Ann, will carry to my grave.
Written by Ann Howard
Jan. 16, 2005
My Snookie Cookie
Snookie Lynn Howard
2-4-94 - 12-26-04

My Darling Snookie
My little Snookie everyday you made my life fun
I miss you so much my precious honey bun.
On our daily walks by my side you would trot
Now I stare at your picture and I cry a lot.

My darling I miss you sitting curled up in my lap
and hearing your heart beat when you took a nap.
I miss you playing with the kids and hearing their laughter
You were so bright eyed full of life yet so tired after.

You loved me so much and was never judgemental
You were loved by all for you were so kind and gentle.
Your wonderful eyes were so full of love and trust
I don't want to go on without you but somehow I must.

You went to work with me until you were to ill
Sick and in pain you wanted to go to work still.
It broke your heart when I left you and daddy knew
So daddy said quit work and spend time with you.

You fought so hard to stay on earth with me
but now of pain your body has been set free.
I will someday embrace you again My Love
When I meet you in that everlasting City of above.
Written by Ann Howard 1-17-05
Snookie Lynn Howard
2-4-94 - 12-26-04

A Different Life
My darling Snookie it broke my heart when you had to leave
Now I live a different life one while I long for you and grieve.
My tears blind my eyes because I did not want you to die
and my heart is in such pain from having to say good-bye.

I hold your loving memories so close within my broken heart
but some day My Love I will join you and never have to depart.
Snookie you wait for your mama to make Heaven her home
for on streets of purest gold together you and I will forever roam.

When I get to Heaven yours is the first face I want to see
for you are the most precious girl in this whole world to me.
I will see your face hear that bark I so dearly want to hear
and Snookie I will take you in my arms and hold you so near.
Written by Ann Howard January 31, 2005
Snookie Lynn Howard
2-04-94 - 12- 26- 04


I did not write these poems below, but they are beautiful.

GOD KNEW
God knew that you were suffering.
That the hills were hard to climb
So He gently closed your eyelids
And whispered "Peace be thine."
In tears we watched you sinking
We watched you fade away
Our hearts were surely broken
You fought so hard to stay
But when we saw you sleeping
So peaceful, free from pain
We could not wish you back
To suffer that again
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you did not go alone
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
Author Unknown


A Letter From Your Pet In Heaven
To my dearest family,
some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know,
that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from the Bridge.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here there's no more tears of sadness.
Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you
every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you
when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family,
They'll be here later on."
God gave me a list of things,
that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list,
was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night
the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you...
in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth,
and all those loving years,
because you are only human,
they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry:
it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers,
unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you
all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you,
you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain,
though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now,
than I ever was before.
There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it
by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world,
the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody
who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night...
"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...
that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along
I made somebody smile.
God says: "If you meet somebody
who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up,
as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street
with me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind."
"And when it's time for you to go...
from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...
you're coming here to me."

-Author Unknown

I love this poem and while Snookie was yet alive I clipped her hair from all the places this poem said so I would have a little of her with me.

"OLD DOG IN A LOCKET"

Old dog in a locket,
That lays next to my heart;
I will always love you,
As I did right from the start.

You were right beside me,
Through the darkest of my days;
It was your kind and gentle nature,
That made me want to stay.

Now I hold you in my arms,
Your breath still warm against my hand;
Our hearts still beat together,
And I wonder if you understand.

Through the hours that I held you,
Before the light did leave your soul;
I knew a way to keep you,
Forever in my hold.

I snipped the hair from around your eyes,
So I would always see;
The beauty that surrounds me,
Even in times of need.

I snipped the hair from around your ears,
So I would always hear;
Music in the distance,
To quiet any fears.

I snipped the hair from across your back,
To bring me strength in time of need;
And the power of your essence,
Would always be with me.

I snipped the hair from around your heart,
That beat in time with mine;
So I would know that love would find me,
At some distant time.

And so, your life slipped out of mine,
On a quiet Spring-like day;
But I knew that a part of you,
Was always here to stay.

Old dog in a locket,
That lays next to my heart;
I will always love you,
Even though we had to part.

AUTHOR--Heidi Stamm (Bainbridge Island, WA

Dear Ann,

What a wonderful tribute to Snookie Lynn. It sounds like the bond that you two had was one that formed at the moment you laid eyes on each other. I loved reading about her puppy antics and then how she matured into being a kind and sensitive adult. She was so patient to let your grandchildren dress her up, lay on top of her, etc.

To Snookie I'd just like to say...Snookie, you are such a beautiful, beautiful spirit. You are a reflection of your momma's love and beauty, and she is a reflection of yours.

Even though I never got to meet Snookie, I feel honored to have gotten to know her through you, Ann. Thank you for sharing her story.
Love,
Kathleen

Ann,
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful little girl from a beautiful lady.
Love,
Marcia

Dear Ann,

I too, feel like I have gotten to know Snookie through your posts. Your tribute to her is just beautiful. Those poems you wrote................so touching and the one by the unknown author from pets in Heaven...........I needed lots of kleenex to get through that one. Ann, you're such a kind, caring person. I feel so fortunate to have "met" you and everyone here at LS. You are all such special people.

Lynn

Thank you all so much for your beautiful words and your love you expressed for my little Snookie. I wrote another poem for her today and wanted to share it. I just can't say how much I loved and will always love that precious little girl of mine.

Ann's Greatest Blessing
I am so grateful that you lived to love for over 10 years.
Snookie I miss you, and its so hard to control my tears.
I miss crawling in the floor playing with your favorite toy
God blessed my life with loyalty, love, laughter and joy.

As I told you my secrets I let the tears and sadness flow
you gave me many kisses as I told you my pain and woe.
I believe even from the beginning God had it planned
to give you to me for He knew you would understand.

You were my baby girl, my stars, moon, and my sun light
our love was so strong we were together day and night.
Then came the time you fell ill and have to fight for your life
and oh baby girl my heart and soul were pierced with a knife.

The vet said there were no options he did all he could do
and how long you would fight to live was all up to you.
You couldn't stay your failing body had to take a rest
until I come to you I will declare I was so loved and blessed.

Written by Ann Howard
January 30, 2005
In Memory of
Snookie Lynn Howard
2-4-94 - 12-26- 04

I just wanted to add a few pictures of Snookie. She was a real doll and I thought she was the most beautiful girl in the world.
Ann

Cinny my grand fur baby is almost as big as Snookie he only weighs a few pound less than Snookie did. My little girl loved all the other animals she was around. She didn't care how small or large they were or if they were cats or dogs. I remember when she was at the vets and she wanted to play with all the other dogs they were all huge dogs and they just wanted to see each other. Poor Snookie sat by me and hung her little head until a couple of small ones came in and played with her. I felt so sorry for her she looked like the most rejected baby on the face of the earth when the big dogs ignored her that day.

Snookie has to be the luckiest little girl ever to have found a home with such a special person as you, Ann.

You really have such a wonderful and warm heart and all your animals must think you are an angel from heaven ... we need more people in the world like you Ann, and then the world would be a far far better place.

I love to read your posts with the special memories of dearSnookie and see her pictures too. I was smiling tonight reading about her birthday parties and all the fun you had together.

Happy birthday dear Snookie. Eleven today.
with love
jilly

My sweet friends thank you for posting your kind words in Snookie's tribute. My husband and I are so thankful that you were able to share with us the life of our little girl. It's wonderful friends like you that make our loss a little easier to bear. You are all truely a blessing to me.
Love, Ann

I wanted to post this in this section although I did write it in the death and dying section. This is a wonderful memory to me of my love one day while we were at work. Here is is:

I wanted to say one more thing that made me laugh so hard today. One day when Snookie and I was working at a place that made roofing products the factory was shut down and it was empty. However at least 2 dozen feral cats lived there, they had taken over the building and often jumped out at us. Snookie always acted a little nervous as we made our rounds since she always worried some of them would jump out at us.

On one particular day we went to check the pressure gauges on the computers they had in a little room. The guard that was there before me left the door open although it was his job to shut the door and to leave the lights on. He had shut the lights off and It was so dark I couldn't see anything.

I shined the flash light in the room so I could turn the light switch on. Several cats came screaming and running like crazy past us. I let out a scream of my own and I don't know who ran the fastest the kitty cats, Snookie or me, it didn't take me long to catch up with Snookie!!! We then went back to check the gauges and we quickly hurried back to the office. I told Snookie we were not very brave guards that day.

Your Snookie was an angel, Ann. You have indeed painted such a vivid picture of your life together and it is a very comforting story to read. Thanks for sharing the pics, too. Snookie was such a beauty and I'm glad you have such wonderful memories of your time together. And the poems you wrote......you are very gifted with words, Ann....they are simply beautiful....obviously written by someone with a great capacity to love.

Thanks Jim, I appreciate your kind words about my precious Snookie, and my poems. I have been 2 months without my precious Snookie. So many tears have been flowing the past couple of days. I always told my little girl she was an angel sent to me from Heaven. She was the most gentle girl I have even known. My heart continues to break from not being able to hold her and have her with me.
Ann

Dear Ann,

I love all the pictures of Snookie...especially the pic of Snookie and Cinny laying next to each other. I also love all the poems. This is such a beautiful tribute to sweet Snookie's memory.
Love,
Kathleen

My darling Snookie, I have been without your physical presence for 3 months now. I miss you so very much and I always will but I am trying so hard to move forward with my life. No other love was ever greater than yours and I was and am so blessed for almost 11 years that you were with me.

Precious pumpkin thank you for the dream you sent me to know it is ok to love Schnitzel and Gypsy Rose. You are a wonderful loving girl to let me know you would not be hurt nor jealous for me to love them. I know that you too my sweet girl will always be with me too, always loving me, protecting me, and comforting me. For you are never far away from me. I love you my sweet Snookie Cookie.
Love Always, Now and Forever,
Mama

Dear Ann,
What a precious puppy! I absolutely love Schnauzers...my mom had them growing up. Your little Snookie will always be with you. Continue to post about her and to honor her memory. Love, Jenny

Three years today December 26, I lost my precious little girl. When she first left this world I thought that I would not survive but I did. Somehow when we lose someone precious to us our hearts keep beating and we keep lliving and loving on because of all they taught us. I think about her all the time and I still miss her and wish she was in my arms. My life was filled with goodness and love because of her love for me. I do and will always carry Snookie and all her wonderful memories in my heart and soul until I see her and hold her again. Thank you my precious baby for sharing your life with me. I love you forever.
Ann

hugs to you Ann, a difficult time, we miss them so.