Hello to you all. I know if you're reading this you've also suffered great loss and will be feeling heartbroken too.
Over the weeks since Noushka left us to become another of my 'Angel Dogs' I have looked on this site many times and found some comfort from knowing that I am not alone. The messages, poems, stories written on here about beloved pets are so beautiful and they have kept me going.
I am finding things very hard at the moment . It's now about 10 weeks since I said goodbye to Noushka and almost 4 years since Tasha. They are now both in the garden they loved to play in. We planted two white flowering shrubs and lots of snowdrops around them. They 're Samoyeds and loved to play in the snow. I will miss them so much this Christmas and I'm dreading the first snowfall.
I try to keep thinking of all the happy times and how much love we shared but I feel so lost and empty without them. Losing Noushka has brought back the pain of losing Tasha. I just try to think that now they are together again. I do believe that they are with me in spirit and know that as in life they will always be by my side.
Thanks for reading this and if anyone can help me I would love to hear from them.
Love

Hi Jan, madi here, I have just read your post and yes, I understand how it is with Christmas coming up soon and like me, you are not looking forward to facing it without your cherished ones. In my case, being on the other side of the world, it was first spring that I dreaded, because Ulriich used to sit out in the sun with me and I dreaded sitting out in the spring garden without him. I visited a friend last night and her husband showed me where he had put to rest his two much loved dogs, Blue and Billy. He only lost Billy two months ago and Blue about a year ago and they had these two beautiful resting spots under a tree, complete with little crosses and stones and beautiful flowers everywhere. I felt a bond with him as I shared his loss, as it's only us animal lovers that can really understand how each other feels. It is difficult to think of the happy times when you are unhappy, because you still miss them and that seems pretty normal to me. Grieving takes it's toll on you doesn't it? I don't sleep much, but I do try to mix with my friends as much as possible to keep the depression at bay. Blessings to you Jan.

madi xx

Janika, I wish I had something to tell you to help. But since I am at the 11 week mark myself, I'm at a loss on how to best handle Christmas. I guess we just have one another on this site to keep reminding ourselves that we aren't alone. That's the only thing that really helps me. I hope that the snow and Christmas won't be as painful as you fear. I really do.
-Donna

Mommy, We Hear your Voice on the Wind! And We Hear you call out our names! Bring us your Peace and our wounds they will Heal! We are the Voice of the past that will Always Be! We are the Voice of your hunger and pain. Answer our call, and we'll set you Free!

We are the Force that in Springtime will Grow!

We are the Voice of the Future! We Will Remain!

Thanks to all of you who have read my posting and sent kind thoughts and prayers and especially to Madi, Donna and Dottie(Angel) for the kind words. Dottie the pictures and poem you did are beautiful. And you did snow dogs too. Thanks so much.
I know you are all going through so much pain and sadness yourselves and my heart goes out to all of you.
Dottie, How is your Styx ? I have been thinking of him and hope he is not suffering, bless him.
I feel slightly more positive today, helped by your lovely messages. I hope you will all have a good day too. Yesterday was dreadful, I just couldn't stop crying, and then I snapped myself out of it as my Angel Darlings will hate to see me upset. When they were here with me they used to nuzzle and push up my hand to stroke them and lay their heads on me if ever I was down or sad.
I'm looking forward to spring and the flowering of their snowdrops on and around where they are in our garden.
Thanks once again to all of you.
Thinking of you with love
Jan ******x

I'm so sorry you are hurting.

Thank you for your kind words Chele.
I read your posts about your darling Callie, so I know you understand how I am feeling.

I am pleased that Callie helped you to find Sandie, and I am so happy that things are working out for you both.

Love Jan x

Dearest Jan,

I read your post, what you said about them being Samoyeds who loved to play in the snow and you were dreading Christmas. Then I found what I felt would bring you the most comfort using images and this particular song since I usually express myself so much better that way than with words. I'm so pleased you liked it and it brought you some solace.

I Wish You Peace!!!



Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

I think you might like this one much better, Jan.



Many Comforting Hugs!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Hi Dear Dottie

I couldn't believe it when I saw the samoyed picture you have done for me. I will try and find pics of Tasha and Noushka to post on here as you have captured them both , exactly. It is absolutely amazing and it made me so happy, thankyou so much.
I'm sure you must be in touch with my Angel Dogs as the picture is perfect, an exact likeness of them both.

Just tried to upload some pics of them both, but saying file size too big. I'll keep trying.

Hope Styx kitty is still doing ok.
Thinking of you.
Lots of love
Jan xx

Hi, Dear Jan. Who knows? We all have that third eye at least at times.
I'd love to think your fur babies have visited me.

Oh, and Styx kitty is hanging in there. Bless his heart!

Please do try to share one or more photos of your Angel Fur Kids Tasha and Noushka when you're able. Until then, I hope you like this one, too.



More Comforting Hugs and Love!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Dottie, it is just unbelievable. It is just like looking at a photo of my Tasha and Noushka. I feel a sense of comfort as I am sure it is their way of letting me know, through you, that they are together and watching over me.
I am thinking of you and Styx Kitty, I was worried as I hadn't seen you on here for a couple of days.
I read your story and couldn't believe what you went through. Your dreadful experience and suffering has given you the ability to help so many people on this forum. You are a very special lady.

Still trying to upload my pics onto here so that you can see how spot on you are with the picture.

Love and hugs
Jan xx

Had a bad day again. I know you are all suffering too and I try to be positive, but it's so hard.
Sheppie I hope you are ok, I've been thinking about you all day and it brought back the memories of when we had to pick up Noushkas ashes.
I've been looking at photos of my angel girls all day. Oh I miss them so much. The house seems so quiet and empty now.
The leads are still hanging in the cupboard. I still keep finding beautiful samoyed hair . I do vaccum but always make sure that some hair is left.
Every time I come home I expect my wonderful greeting and to see Noushka, tail wagging,and hear that lovely woowoo sound that sammies make.
Tasha, was my first samoyed. She's been my Angel dog for almost 4 years now. She had diabetes for the last 7 years of her life. She was blind but still had such a happy life. She came willingly for her insulin injections twice daily, and never flinched. When she was 14 and had lost all quality of life I had to make the decision for the vet to come to our home to give her peace from her suffering. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. I hugged her right to the end.It broke my heart.
Twelve weeks ago Noushka who had been slowing down a lot but was still enjoying a slow walk every day, went off her food for a couple of days. I called the vets and they said she's probably just having an off day.
She quite often went off her food so I wasn't too worried, but thought she should be checked out after a further couple of days. The vet found mammary tumours and said that her breathing was bad. She said she would keep her in over night for tests.
She called me later that evening and said that Noushka had Pneumonia. She said it was treatable but would be very lengthy and expensive and no guarantees, then they would have to investigate the mammary growths. I said to treat the pneumonia and to do everything she could. She said I could call in the morning to see how she was and that the treatment would be 5 to 10 days. I didn't sleep at all that night. I just wanted to go and see her. At 8.30 am the vet called and said Noushka hadn't made it through the night.
It was like a nightmare. I still feel as if I'm living a nightmare. How could she go so quickly and I wasn't even with her. I felt so guilty that I hadn't taken her to the vets earlier. Then I felt guilty that I Had taken her to the vets and she wasn't at home at the end. Then I felt bad that I hadn't said a final goodbye. Oh I just hope she knew how much I loved her.
Thankyou for reading this. This forum has really helped me. I know that there are so many of you that understand how I feel and you have been such a comfort to me.
Love you my darlings, Tasha and Noushka ***x

Love to you all
Jan xx

My thoughts are with you Jan, those bad days seem to throw you right back to square one don't they? Just take one day at a time, 3 months is not very long, my loss is at the 6 month stage now, it's better than at 3 months, but I still miss that boy heaps. Last night I dreamed I was looking for Ulriich with a torch and I found him sitting near the pantry where he stood out vividly with the torch light surrounding him. I suppose that's because I was out looking for him with my torch in the dark the night he died. I wish I could post a photo of my boy on here, but I can't see him without wanting him and it kills me. I have photos and videos still on my phone and I wish I could get over this, other people seem to be able to face this part. Anyway Jan, I am thinking of you and Noushka and Tasha and sending you love and hugs. Hang in there dear lady.

madi xx

Dearest Jan, I know it hurts. Your pain is palpable. I can see your tears, hear you weep and sometimes you even forget to breath. I am so sorry this is happening. It seems to be a not so very funny cosmic joke that we are destined to outlive our most cherished and beloved fur and feather kids by decades. Somehow, I'll bet that Noushka and Tasha get that "joke" from their vantage point in that Great Catbird Seat. It still doesn't make it any easier when we lose our darling fur kids no matter how young or old they are.

This may sound simple, and probably is, but I do talk with Alex a lot, write to him, make him pretty pictures because he loved them so much and gift him with the videos he used to watch with me as he sat on my right shoulder. He loved that so much and it does bring me some small solace. Still, what we'd all give to have them back. Even if just for a moment or two or three. And, the really simply part is that I'd love to think of him and all my past fur and feather kids as Angels watching over me.

Jan, I hope, wish and pray with all my heart that one day you'll have only the most wonderful memories of Noushka and Tasha instead of it all serving as only hurtful reminders at this time. And, don't let anyone tell you how long or short to grieve. You take as long as you need to feel all you do. Please keep coming back to talk as much and often as you're able. It's by sharing and caring that we help each other get through this gosh awful terrible time in our lives and begin to find that Healing Path.



Big Hugs to You and Angel Fur Kids Noushka and Tasha!!!

I Wish You Peace!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Thanks again Dottie, and for the lovely Pic. They loved to push their noses along in the snow and emerge with their faces covered in snow. Happy memories ........ aaaah !!
I managed to sleep ok so hopefully will have a better day today. I found some more photo's of my angel dogs yesterday so I will scan them in. Like you say it does help when you do something constructive like that. I wish I had your ability to create such wonderful images. You certainly have many gifts which you use to help so many on here.
My son visited yesterday with his girlfriend, and we were all talking about our angel girls and all the funny little things they used to do. He called round 2 days before we lost Noushka and she was so pleased to see him, even though she was obviously so poorly she managed to wag her tail and come to sit with him. Also my daughter and her family visited at the same time. I was so pleased that she saw them all, and of course that they had seen her, before the awful day we took her into the vets. She loved them all so much.
I know Tasha will have looked after her through her passing. That gives me comfort.

I am thinking of you and Buddy looking after your Styx Kitty. I do hope she isn't suffering. From what you say she sounds to be quite peaceful. She will feel all the love around her. Alex will be watching too and looking after you all.

My love and thoughts are with you.

Jan xx

Madi thanks for your love and kind words.
I know that you too are hurting so much and missing your darling Ulriich. This pain is the worst. I hope you can take comfort from your other furry friend. It's amazing what a furry hug and a cuddle can do to make things feel better.
I hope that soon you will be able to post a photo of Ulriich on here as I would love to see him. When the time is right of course.
Hopefully today will be a little better than yesterday....... for us all.
I hope the temperature is better for you. That must be swealtering heat. Doesn't look too bad here in Uk, very grey and overcast (quite usual) but the storms and rain seem to have abated. No snow as yet. I'm waiting for it with mixed feelings... so many memories of my sammies in the snow.

Love and hugs

Jan xx

Click to view attachment

Hello I'm trying to upload some pictures of my Angel dogs. Hope this works. This is Tasha as a puppy.

Love Jan x

Click to view attachmentClick to view attachment

Tasha and Noushka, my Angel dogs.

Love you so much sweet darlings.

Love Mummy Jan xx

Dearest Jan,

They are so very, very beautiful!!!

Please tell me if that's Tasha on the left and Noushka on the right? Thanks so much!

Many Comforting Hugs!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Dearest Jan,

They are so very, very beautiful!!!

Please tell me if that's Tasha on the left and Noushka on the right? Thanks so much!

Many Comforting Hugs!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Hi Dottie

So pleased you like the pics of my darlings. Yes Tasha is on the left. You see how spot on you were with those pics you did of them. Tasha's ears were slightly smaller and closer together. Both had lovely smiley faces, typical of samoyeds. Noushka had her serious face on in this pic. I had a job finding pics that weren't too big to upload, then when they came out on the posting , they looked enormous. Maybe it's my lack of techno expertise.
I hope Styx Kitty is ok. Please give her a hug for me.

Love and hugs

Jan xx

Hi Jan,

They sure are beautiful!!! And, the bigger the photo, the better it is to work with.

Please give me some time because the hosting place where I create many times gets temperamental when I add all the animations. Then it times me out usually when I'm about 15 seconds from being done, boots me off my PC, then I begin again. No worries, it happens all the time. I just want you to know why it may be taking so much time. Okay? Okay.

I'll be sure to give Styx kitty a hug and kiss from you.

Blessings to you and your Angel Fur Kids Tasha and Noushka!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Thanks Dottie, no worries, it's comforting to know I'm not the only one who gets booted off PC.

I've beeen searching through photos all day, so it's been quite an emotional but rewarding day for me.

Love and hugs to you and your fur friends.

Jan xx

Hi Jan,

I'm sorry it's taking so long. I did begin working on Tasha's picture straight away and got timed out three times so decided to turn off the PC, turn off the modem and give this contraption some rest.

Photobucket hosting site calls it a "Runtime Error" with a lot of other jargon which only means that it's not going to let you continue and not let you even save what you've done. Really, it is my fault because I want all images I put into your pictures to be the exact same size, color, spacing and so forth. In other words, I can make the hearts, stars, butterflies etc any color of the rainbow. To assure all are the same color, I copy that color code and use it for each star. It may take a different color code to make the butterflies the color I want, so will copy that color code to assure each butterfly is the same color and so on ...

The good part is that I can do certain things in stages and can save to Photobucket all I do that doesn't have any animation. Also, I can change the color of the border even after saving to file then go back and begin again with where I left off. However, if you try to save to file and edit anything that has any sort of animation at all including the text, then all animation will stop. That's where one needs to work faster, get everything perfect size, color, spacing, etceteras.

You saw the cute photo I made of Peaches kitten in the car. It's in the Tribute area. Well, take a look at the text on the bottom. I should have raised it at least one sixteenth of an inch higher. So, I'll probably redo and replace it sometime down the line when I get a chance. I often do that with images I make for people then realize an imperfection. For those who I know save their images to file, I make sure to let them know I've done that for them.

Anyway, let me show you what I've done so far with Tasha and let you know what I had before being timed out. Actually, it's good that the Runtime Error occurred because I made the border (the black area) too high and not wide enough, so will be sure to crop that correctly the next time. Here's the original image you attached ...

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd291/M...e_Dog_Tasha.jpg

See where there are several places on her fur that have a tiny, little, teeny bit of black possibly from the camera lens? Well, I'm able to actually use my mouse curser to "grab color." That means the very same exact color of anything within that photo that I wish to grab. Then I can use that color to "draw" in tiny pin point dots or up to very large strokes. So,
I "grabbed" the color right next to those black spots and filled it with a dot of Tasha's fur color right next to it. I also enhanced the image ...

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd291/M...Dog_Tasha-1.jpg

Oops. I missed that one black dot on the sofa to the right. I'll get that. No worries. Now, this next part is important, Jan. I have a question: When I enhanced, did I sharpen Tasha's image too much? Now that I take another look and compare it to the original, I feel that I did. However, it's up to you and I want to make this the most beautiful Tasha photo for you. So, please be very honest with me. Okay? Is that second picture sharpened too much? Do let me know because, as I said, I need to fix the border (black area) when I redo it again. Okay? Thanks, Jan!

Next, and this is using that cleaned up, enhanced photo which may be too sharp so will fix that if you wish. No problem. Honest. See the top and bottom part of the black border? It's too high. The left and right are not wide enough. So, I'll fix that along with making the image less sharp if you wish. Here's the link to click on ...

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd291/M...g_Tasha-1-1.jpg

Let me tell you what all I had right before I received the runtime error that third time: Within the photo itself (not the border), I put the double red hearts at the upper left. I can make them gold if you wish, but not once it's all done unless I make it over again. That, of course, would be my honor to do for you, Dear one. Next: To the right and still within the photo itself, I wrote Tasha's name in very fancy text and made it glitter silver so it looked like snow. Lovely!

Next: I chose to make the black border into a light yellow so that the blue snowflakes will show up. The snowflakes are a light blue, all different shapes, and they're stickers so not animated. That means that I can put them in, save the image to file, then come back and keep working on the picture. Also, I can still change the border color even after saving to file since it's not animated. I used 5 different shapes of snowflakes and arranged them five on the left side of the border, 5 on the right side of the border, and made sure that the ones on the left matched the ones on the right. Pretty!

Next: I used gold glitter text at the top which said: "Hi Mommy! I Love You!" But, not in quotes. Jan? Since the photo is so large, you don't need to used all cap letters, but we can if you wish like this: "HI MOMMY! I LOVE YOU!" Please let me know if you have a preference or would like me to do what I feel looks most lovely. Okay? Then, at the bottom, I put: "I Am Your Angel!" But, without the quote marks.

Next: I saved the butterflies for next to last because I know they use the most runtime. I made four gold butterflies, put two on each side of the text at the bottom when I realized I needed the border wider to put the other two on each side of the text at the top. Oops. We'll fix that. So, I knew I needed to hurry at that point. Made a halo for Tasha of gold and silver, used tiny open gold stars to the left and right of the text at the top, put blue shimmering stars inside those open glittering gold stars to the left and right of the text at the top.

Next: Glittering Angel wings. Well, they have those in the non animated stickers, too. So what I can do when I begin again, make the border the correct size and so on, is to use those non animated sticker Angel wings along with the snowflakes, then when I go back, I'll know exactly where I want to position the gold glittering Angel wings right on top of the sticker Angel wings using them as a guide.

Well, that's what we have so far, Jan. Again, I'm so sorry it's taking this long. Please be certain to let me know if you prefer Tasha's original photo instead of the one that I sharpened in hopes to bring more life to her fur. Since the photo is so large, it may not need to be sharpened that much. One more thing, as I said before, the bigger the photo, the better it is to work with and that's a great photo of beautiful Tasha!!! Noushka will be next, of course.

Many Comforting Hugs to You and Your Angel Fur Babies!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

No wonder you miss then Jan, I feel like I'd love to hug them as well, what beautiful, well cared for and happy creatures they were. Their faces say it all, they were so loved. I wish I could take your pain away.

madi xx

Hi Dear Dottie

The Image of Tasha looks perfect, not too sharp at all. You are putting so much care and love into this I am sure whatever you do will be beautiful and something for me to treasure. Please do the lettering and details as you think fit. I trust you to make the best choices. Thankyou for all that you are doing for me and for other fellow pet lovers . I love the one you did for Peaches and her Dad. So beautiful.

I know you are busy looking after Styx Kitty so don't worry if this has to wait , Dottie. I am thinking of you both and Buddy Dog of course and your beloved Alex.

Love and hugs

Jan xx

Hi Dear Madi

Thankyou for your lovely thoughts and words. They sure are beautiful my angel girls and yes you just want to hug them, and they loved being hugged. Very affectionate with wonderful friendly natures. Everyone who knew them loved them so.

I spent all day yesterday, looking at photo's, so I shed a few tears again, but generally I think it helped. Brought back so many happy memories. I had a job finding ones that weren't too large to upload onto here and had to crop them quite a bit. The one of Tasha is where she is sitting upright on a sunlounger, ha , she was a comic, had to do what we were doing. Noushka is in her favourite place on the sofa. Dottie (angel) is working hard to make beautiful pictures for me using the photo's as you've probably read on here.

I hope that you are not suffering too much and that your days are getting easier. I suppose like me you just think you are feeling a bit better and then, the sadness comes over you again like a big black cloud. We must keep going for the sake of our loved ones. I see that you also have some dogs. I would love to hear about them . Also your daughters kitty. I am sending you and them and darling Ulriich my love.

Love and hugs
Jan xx

Hi Jan,

In my next post to you, I'm going to put Tasha's photo since I want it to stand alone. But, I wanted to tell you some things and ask you a few questions so will do that here.

First of all, I did crop and make the black border wider at the left and right then less high at the top and bottom. It worked out nicely! Next: I made the image less bright, added the gold frame which I feel is too dark, then brightened the image again after having added the gold frame to make the frame a bright gold.

Next: While still there, I added the very pastel blue snowflakes to the left and right of the border while still black, enlarged, positioned them and saved to file without adding the yellow background first. I was very happily surprised to see how dark blue the snowflake stickers became as soon as I added the yellow background with them already there. So much prettier! See? There's always a reason for everything and I'll know what to do when I enhance Tasha's photo again as well as when I do Noushka's next.

I have a question to you about the snowflake stickers: Since they're not animated, would you love me to put a gold or blue glitter star in the center of each one? That would be very easy to do and may look lovely!

I feel I went a bit overboard with the many layers of shimmering gold and silver halos so know not to do that next time. Unless you love it that way, of course. Next: Since I had positioned the snowflake stickers the way I did, it wouldn't have looked good to add glittering Angel wings. So, I know next time to erase all but the top and bottom stickers to make way for her gold, glittering Angel Wings. Sorry about that. Well, my PC was giving me signs that the Runtime error was coming so I really needed to save and can always redo.

Some questions that will also help me with Noushka's photo ...

About Tasha's name? Would you like it to just say Tasha? Tasha Angel? Tasha Angel Girl? Tasha along with one or two other words of endearment? If so, then what, please? Also, I can put Tasha's name in gold glitter, but being where it is, the gold has to be a lot lighter than the other gold text you see on the yellow border and it looks a bit on the yellow/orange side. It's very pretty though! Still, would you like to see that along with what other words, if any, you choose to go with Tasha's name?

About the heart? Would you like it to stay red? Make it gold? I'm sure I have a lot more questions to ask and all this will help me when I do Noushka's photo as well.

Here you go ....

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Edit: Oh no! I accidenally put a dot of color on Tasha's right (camera left) ear when I was grabbing color and repairing the black dot on the sun lounger. I missed seeing that. I'm so sorry! No worries. I still have the framed photo with the snowflake stickers in save so will repair that after doing Noushka's picture. So sorry about that, Jan. I sure do wish the program would allow us to edit things like that without all the animation stopping. Oh well, I also need to move Tasha's name up just a bit and add any other changes you wish. We'll make her perfect, Hon. Hugs!!!

Hey, wait a moment. I just thought of something for a temporary fix until I can redo the image. Let's give it a try. First, here's the URL link to the one I just said has the yellow dot on Tasha's right (camera left) ear ...

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd291/M...1-1-1-1-1-1.gif

Next, I took the image to an Online Image Editor that won't stop the animation. Found the color that matches as close to that area as possible. It is silver. Used the text font "Ariel Bold" and the capital letter "I" then positioned the silver letter over that yellow dot area and saved. Repeated three times to cover that entire area. It's not perfect nor exact but perhaps looks better than having that yellow dot on her ear. Below is the result until I redo it. More Hugs!!!

Oh Dottie, I love it. It's so beautiful just the way it is. It must have taken you ages but it is well worth it for me and my Tasha. Thankyou so very much.
I hope Styx Kitty is doing ok and that you all managed to get some sleep.
Bed time for me now and I hopefully will dream of my angel dogs. I can go to sleep thinking of that lovely picture.

I will say goodnight and god bless to you and your fur and feather babies.

Love and hugs


Jan xx

Hi Jan,

I'm so glad you love the picture! It's such a pleasure for me making them for you and the others, too. It sure is.

to You and Your Angel Fur Kids Tasha and Noushka!!!

Sleep well, Dear one.



Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Hi, Mommy! Guess what Tasha and I found out here at The Rainbow Bridge. Well, it's like this. When you Wish upon a Star, it makes no difference who you are. Then anything your Heart desires will come to you. And it really does too, Mommy. We'll let our good friend Jiminy Cricket tell you what Tasha and I are talking about. And, we'll show you some of the awesome beauty that we see all the time here at The Bridge. Okay? Okay. Oodles of Hugs and Kisses!!!

Click to view attachmentClick to view attachmentHi Dear Dottie

Thankyou again so much. I love the picture of my Noushka. I will treasure the pictures you have done of my darling angels.
Also the 'When you wish upon a star' is so beautiful, it's one of my favourite songs.

I love to think of them playing happily together again. Thats whats keeping me going. Just missing them so badly though, the pain is still unbearable at times. But thanks to you and everyone who has left messages on here for helping me so much. I truly feel for you all as I know we are all suffering the same.

The 2nd picture didn't come out, Dottie, it was just blank. Something to do with this pc techno stuff I suppose, but I'm sure you will have put a lot of care and time into doing it, so thought I'd better let you know.
I hope that you and all your fur and feather babies are ok.

Managed to upload 2 more pics of my babies, Tasha (top) Noushka(bottom).

Love and hugs

Jan xx

Hi Jan, how white they are, how did you keep them so clean? I recently looked after my daughter's dog for her, his name is Gin Gin and he lived with us for 9 months. He is a poodle x maltese terrier and I had to keep him indoors most of the time because he used to get so dirty outside. I had to keep him closely clipped at all times and I used to use my husband's clippers on him ( unbeknown to my husband of course) in between salon visits. Very high maintenance compared to my two short haired kelpies and miniature fox terrier. Thank goodness cats clean themselves. I have been trying to download some photos of my various pets, including Ulriich, but I am having so much trouble. Keeps saying they are coming from an illegal source," whatever" but I'll keep trying.

madi xx

Hi Madi
The girls always looked so lovely and white until you saw them in the snow, then they looked a bit cream coloured, bless them. As far as keeping them clean all that's needed is regular grooming, which Tasha loved and Noushka didn't. We rescued Noushka at about 9 months and we think she had been mistreated. She was scared at first whenever I got the brush and comb out, but gradually improved, although she never really enjoyed the grooming time like Tasha did, who had been gently groomed from the day we got her at 7 weeks. Did you see the pic of her as a puppy?
Poor little Noushka she was so matted up when we got her from the Rescue centre. Took me about a week to get her knots and tangles out, but it gave us good bonding time, with Tasha always nearby waiting for playtime with this rather neurotic newcomer. They soon became best of friends, but took some time to sort out who was alpha female around the place.... certainly not me !!!!!!!

Samoyeds coats are made up of a short dense(very soft and lovely) undercoat and then a coarser long haired top coat, which is also beautiful and sort of sparkles in the sunlight. Dirt , mud etc is best left to dry and then just drops off the coat, or can be brushed off (usually onto my carpet hehe). They are never clipped. They lose coat sometimes twice a year and then it's masses of hair everywhere. The secret is never wear black and get yourself a very good vacuum. And maybe get a spinning wheel as it makes wonderful yarn. I was never into that side of it by the way, but I have seen Samoyed hair cardigans and all sorts at the Sammie Dog shows.


So, as long as they are groomed regularly they keep themselves quite clean. I must say cleaner than our black lab, Sooty who, used to get in quite a state. He was the first dog we had when our children were young. We lost him aged 7 with liver failure and severe epilepsy. He was a sweety. We got Tasha about 6 months after losing him and then rescued Noushka 5 years later.


I hope you can manage to upload some photos. I certainly had a lot of trouble too, as it kept saying the file size was too big. So I've been cropping the pics . Ooh I wonder why you're getting the 'illegal source ' message, ha, I will never understand this technology stuff. Maybe there's a 'help' line on here or something in FAQ's. Anyway I hope you can manage to sort it out as I would love to see pics of Ulriich and your other babies.

No snow as yet over here as its still quite mild, but we have had torrential rain and high winds. Looking very grey and wintry. I hope your temperature has cooled a bit.
Give you fur babies a hug for me. I just stopped a lady who was walking by our house with two adorable miniature dachshunds, and begged a cuddle with them. Luckily she was very understanding, and they didn't mind either !


Thinking of you.
Love Jan

Hi, Madi. How are you doing? I've read most of your posts in other people's threads. How are you holding up? Please be sure to let us know. Okay? Ulriich was indeed a very special, uniqure fur baby boy. Many Hugs and Kisses to your Fur Kid Angel Ulriich! Take your time and do post a photo or two when you feel up to it. Okay? Hugs!!!

Hi, Jan. I'm so glad you like Noushka's picture and the song. I love that song, too. Especially with all the photos from Hubble, other high powered telescopes and satellites. But, looking at Noushka's photo again, I see that the same thing happened on the top right snowflake that did with Tasha's photo and I missed seeing it so didn't grab color to repair it as I did with Tasha's photo.

Also, I think Noushka's name may look a lot better in gold. I did grab several colors to repair (actually fix cosmetically) her left (camera right) eye since she looked like she was right in the middle of blinking so I wanted to make both eyes the same size. I sure hope that's saved along with the blank photo with border, frame and snowflakes. If so, this one won't be difficult at all to do again. Not much Runtime at all.

Most of all, I want to fix her tongue making it look a little more like Tasha's. Where was my head? I am so pleased you like it so far and the song I chose. Jan? You said "The 2nd picture didn't come out, Dottie, it was just blank." Which photo do you mean? I can see two very, very beautiful photos above. Such awesome fur kids!!! It's easy to see they are so loved and are themselves so loving! No wonder it shattered your world to lose them, Dear One. I'm so sorry!

Now that I've seen previous photos, I'm pretty certain that's Tasha on top in her bed and Noushka on the bottom wearing her dainty, lovely pink bow. Am I correct? I want to be certain. And, don't worry about the line on the top photo's left (camera right) cheek and dot on the chest. I always do a lot of grab color and removing of those blemishes before I continue with any photo. Okay? It's a wonderful and handy feature! I simply wish I had thought to fix Noushka tongue color. I think it may have slipped my mind as I concentrated so much on the eye repair. Well, not repair really. I simply felt you'd love to see both eyes open to the same size and that did come out very well. Reshaping and/or repairing doggie's eyes is not that difficult. Cat's eyes are hard due to the "diamond" shapes of their pupils. Still, it can be done, too.

Looking though all these photos mush be very emotional for you. {{{{{Jan}}}}} I hope, wish and pray that you are having some lovely memories through your tears. I know I'd be crying, too. Bless you! Take your time and take breaks whenever you feel you need to when going though the photos. Okay? Remember that tears are cleansing so that your eyes can then see things with a whole new, and hopefully joyful, perspective.

Here is a very old Native American Indian blessing I wish to bestow upon you, Jan: "May the stars carry your sadness away, May the flowers fill your heart with beauty, May hope forever wipe away your tears, And, above all, may silence make you strong." - Chief Dan George.

Here are a series of the real to life "Bambi and Thumper" as I affectionately refer to them. Since there are so many photos and they're so large, I'll post the first photo then put the URL links here for you to click so the rest of the photographs will pop up. I do believe you'll love them. I sure do. And, most of the real life photos are in the snow which I recall your beloved fur Angels Noushka and Tasha love so much! Yes, I said love and not loved because they're still with you, Dear One. Only a breath away from you which is not too far at all from where you are. Right there by your side.



http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/My...r_Rabbit_02.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/My...r_Rabbit_03.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/My...r_Rabbit_04.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/My...r_Rabbit_05.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/My...r_Rabbit_06.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/My...r_Rabbit_07.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/My...r_Rabbit_08.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/My...r_Rabbit_09.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/My...-Rabbit-010.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/My..._Rabbit_011.jpg

Hope you enjoyed and please remember to let me know if I got it right about Tasha's and Noushka's photos being on the top and bottom. Okay? Take care, Jan. And be kind to you. You do that. I Wish You Peace!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Hi Dottie
Just a quick reply before I look at the links you posted for me. Yes Tasha is at the top in her bed and Noushka with the pink bow at the bottom.
Thanks for opening her eye, as yes she was blinking I believe, or winking maybe, ha ,quite a character.

I love the pictures that you have done and I can't see any mistakes. You are certainly a perfectionist but I know it is beacuse you care so much.
Thanks once again. I will look at the links you sent now.

Love and hugs

Jan xx

The Thumper and Bambi photos are so beautiful. Also the Indian poem. Thanks for those Dottie. I also played the You tube
Lullaby by Secret Garden that you posted for Sheppie. That is hauntingly beautiful. I listened to it just before going to bed, and I did have a really good nights sleep. the first in a long time.

Noushka and Tasha, I've been missing you so much, I've had a few bad days again. I don't want you to worry, mummy will be ok, but I just want you both to know how much I love you.

Your spring flowers, the snowdrops, are just starting to peep through, and there are lots of buds on Tasha's Star Magnolia. Noushka, your little flowering shrub has taken well and looks very pretty. I know you can see them, and I know you're there with me as I walk round our garden.

Be happy my angels. Love and cuddles from your Mummy ******************x

Hi Jan,

I'm so pleased you enjoyed the real life Bambi and Thumper photographs. So cute! And, the Indian blessing is beautiful indeed. As for the "Sleep Song" by Secret Garden, I feel it's just about one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard and did gift it to my Alex, but a different video with lots of Kagaya images. So dream like. Ahhh, and it did help you to sleep. You know, the one I put with the lovely ladies, Fairies, and Angels will go well with Tasha's photo in her bed. I'll remember that!

I've been working on Tasha's image for the past half hour cleaning up her fur, the bed, and I made a mess when trying to repair that one place on the wall paper since the only shape I have with which to draw is round. Then, I decided to work on her eyes. Oh Dear! I know I made them far too big and when I thought it would be lovely to take her beautiful eyes a shade lighter in brown, I went too light. Still, it looked great until I felt her iris would look awesome if just a tiny bit larger. Now, she looks ..... Oh Dear! I don't even want to show you ...

Hey, no worries. All is easily put back the way it was and even made better. Like I said before, it's all a process. However, I could tell I was about to hit that Runtime error so I quickly saved the image to go back later and fix my boo boos. Noushka's photo will be much easier and very little if anything to clean up and/or repair. That's why I decided to work on Tasha in her bed first. I'll show you what I have but you'll have to promise not to get upset cuz I really goofed big time on Tasha's eyes.

Oh My Goodness! Honest though, I'll just put her iris size and color back to normal then grab her fur color around her eyes and use that to make them normal size again. Hugs!!! Errr ... Ya wanna see it? Ya gotta promise not to freak though. All will be repaired. Heck, I just went to town. Oy. Will talk atcha real soon, Jan. Hang in there. Okay? Okay.

I Wish You Peace!!!





Always
Dottie xoxoxox

Hi Dottie

I'm sure the finished picture will be beautiful. I trust you implicitly.
I've just been listening to Sleep Song again..... ooh I love it so. Just forwarded it on to my daughter, who has two young children and is expecting our third grandchild in February.

How is Styx Kitty, is he hanging on in there, bless him. I know you will be looking after him. Please give him a hug and love to your Buddy . Alex will be there with you all too, be sure of that.

Love
Jan and my angel girls x

Love really doesn't have any boundaries does it Dotti? Last Monday night I watched a program about animals and their unusual relationships. One was between a '"tuxedo" kitty cat, just like my Ulriich and a black crow. They were together for 6 yrs, they ate together, slept together and most amazingly played together and the cat never even came close to hurting that bird. Another was a lioness and a wildebeest that were the best of friends, which was so bizarre, a predator of that calibre and it's prey being friends defies all the laws of nature. One was a dog and a monkey, the list was endless and all of them were animals that were usually natural enemies. i loved the program and I am trying to find out what it was called so that I can get a copy of it. How is your darling Styx going Dottie?

madi xx

Hi Madi,

I haven't seen the one about the lioness and wildebeest as best friends, but sure hope to view that documentary. Perhaps I can locate a part of it on You tube. I love watching all kinds of documentaries regarding just about everything. The one about the lioness and wildebeest as friends is of special interest to me especially since they usually attack and make wildebeests their food whenever possible along with other animals, of course.

As far as the kitten and crow, that would be Cassie kitty and Moses the wild crow. It all began as a horrible act of cruelty when someone tossed a bag over someone's fence with the orphaned kitten in it. The elderly home owners Ann and Wally Collito thought she was a rat because she was so very tiny. Enter Moses the wild crow who adopted her, fed her like she would a baby bird (probably worms, bugs, berries and the like), then continued to care for her. I have several videos in save of Cassie cat and Moses crow growing, playing and loving each other. Here's one showing how it all began ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fAGzY9rnaA

For the longest time, she Cassie kitty trusted no one but the crow and Moses protected, defended and cared for that kitten like it was her own baby. When Ann would put dry cat food kibbles out in the yard for Cassie kitten, she'd have to then back away because, at least for a while, the kitten feared her and everyone else except Moses the wild crow. See how the crow still fed Cassie and always backed away giving the kitten first dibs.

I also have videos about dogs adopting squirrels and other species of animals, cats who adopt bunnies, squirrels, and other species of animals. There's the one of the pig who adopted the white tiger then later that same white tiger returned the favor by adopting a litter of pigs. Horses with goats, cats, chickens and other friends. Even an elephant and dog best friends! Monkeys with dogs, kittens and other friends. Of course, there's the famous gorilla Cocoa with her kitten. And, a zoo gorilla that rescued and protected a little boy (human) who fell into the pit. That one is amazing! If you wish, I'd be glad to post the video links and some photos of all the above on your thread. Would you like that, Madi? Just say the word. I'd be very pleased to go through my saved You Tubes and fetch them for you. It would be no trouble at all and I'd love you to see some of them.

As you said, "Love really doesn't have any boundaries. " So true!



Many Comforting Hugs to You and Your Fur Kid Angel Ulriich!!!

I Wish You Peace!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

I just loved it, I would love any videos you have of animals please Dottie. Cassie looked so much like Ulriich too, I never ever saw Ulriich hiss, scratch or show any malice toward another creature, he was a lovely natured boy. I am still trying to upload a photo of my boy so that you can put angel wings on him, but doing something wrong apparently.

madi xx

{{{{{Madi}}}}} Your wish is my command! It will just take me a while to gather all those videos, so I'll post just a few at a time. Oh, I forgot to tell you about the dog that adopted an orphaned baby deer. Awesome cute, too! Okay, I already have a few that I can post to your thread at my fingertips so will do some at a time in separate posts.

Would you like some help attaching one or more of Ulriich's photos? I've never done an attachment here before, but could read the instructions and do my best to walk you through it. Or, if you wish, you can email me a photo attachment or hosted photo. I can PM you and give you my email address. Would that be easier for you? Do let me know. Okay?

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

I think I could email a photo to you, I think that would work actually. I would like to try. I'll send you a private message through the friend list.

madi xx

Okie Dokie, Madi. That would work great!

I'm on my way to your thread to post dozens of animal videos and I ain't even begun yet.

I'll be looking for your message.

Many Comforting Hugs!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends on here across the big pond, from Me and my angel dogs in UK.
For lots of you it will be a sad time I know as we think of the times when our beloved pets were here with us to celebrate these occasions. I am sure they will all be with you in spirit and wanting you to be happy.

Sending love and hugs to you all

Jan, Tasha and Noushka x

I just posted to you on Madi's thread and have more to say. Since it will be so much easier to enhance Noushka's photo wearing her pink bow, I'm going to do that one first then continue to work on Tasha in her bed. Okay? Okay. Both will be lovely and I'm sure you'll be happy. Again, so sorry it's taking this long. Hugs!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Thanks Dottie, I look forward to seeing them, but no rush as you are a very busy lady.

I'm so pleased you liked the polar bear and husky pic. There's also a You Tube clip of Huskies and Polar Bears playing, it's amazing. I will try and find the link, unless you have already seen it.

The Pomeranium with the monkey was so sweet. I still have some more of the clips to watch.

Hope you're having a good Thanksgiving Day.

Love Jan x