Before Christmas my family asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I told them all I wanted was to have my precious Snookie with me. Nothing else would make my heart full and complete like that would.

On Christmas Eve I told my little girl that I knew she was so sick but that it would soon be Christmas and I was so happy she was with me and that her being with me meant everything in the world to me.

I told her I would help her open her gifts since I did not think she could do it on her own. When it did come time to open gifts she held her head up to watch everyone but could not open her own without help.

I did not take any pictures of her with them since it hurt me so much to see her so sick and so helpless. My greatest gift was that she held on for me because it meant so much to have her with me and with all my heart I believe she stayed just for me.

The day after Christmas we all told her if she could not hold on that it was alright for her to go, we did not want her to be in pain. I told her because I loved her more than life I could not bear to see her so sick. Snookie lifted her head and she let out such a long loud sighing moan, one that will never ever be forgotten. She died in the arms of my husband Clair, and our daughter Paula and me her Mama.

The vet said he thinks that her pancreas shut down due to the diabetes. I thought she would die from the cancer or the cushings but then she got that diabetes and became so ill. My darling girl fought so hard for so long with all that was wrong with her. For 10 long months she held on for me our love was so strong for each other.

My heart is shattered but her love will get me through this horrible pain that feels like a hole in my heart. I will survive and her love will carry me through. I was loved more than anyone has ever been loved before and I loved her just as much with all my being.

Some day my little love when it is my time I will come to you. Until then pumpkin run and play with Chili Bean and all our fur babies from here at LS. Mama loves you so very much.
Ann

Dear Ann,

I am crying so much after reading your post and seeing her photo. The day will come where my second furbaby will leave me too. It could be soon, but perhaps he'll hold on. I am just so moved by the strength of these animals.

It's remarkable that your Snookie held on through Christmas with you. She gave you this gift. You are right that you have to hold on for her sake.

Luba and the others are taking good care of your two beloved babies.

Hi Ann & Family.................

Dearest Ann...............I KNOW HOW YOUR HEART IS FEELING TONIGHT.............. , and, you and your family have been in
my thoughts soooooooooooo much for quite awhile....

Your sweet, darling, precious Snookie was there with you on Christmas Day..............

The last "vision" that you have of your beautiful Snookie Cookie, will remain there, right in your head, like it is right now,
for awhile.....

After awhile............you will begin to remember Snookie with laughter and smiles....but first, there will be tears and sadness....
And, even when you start remembering with smiles & laughter...........those tears will just SHOW UP!!!! I remember that
happening for quite awhile.............
And, TEARS ARE HEALING!!!!!!
I know that you have heard that sooooo much hear at LS........

Even when lil' Chili Bean went to Rainbow Bridge............ I'm sure that you think of precious Chili with smiles & laughter,
but, on occasion.........you will start crying..........
That is sooooooooo normal.......

The grieving process ------ that's what happens!!! And, it's okay.........

I remember crying quite often, even in a crowded grocery store..........and, I didn't mind (at all), being in public.... I couldn't keep that awful LUMP in my throat.....
I needed to let those tears flow....

Sweet Snookie will ALWAYS & FOREVER REMAIN IN YOUR HEART, YOUR SOUL, YOUR HEAD......

Reading all of your loving posts, chatting with you, Ann..................SNOOKIE IS A SWEET FAMILY MEMBER THAT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER!!
That's for sure--------NO QUESTION THERE!!!!!!

Your baby girl DIDN'T WANT HER MOMMY TO MAKE THAT DECISION............
OUR LORD TOOK HER TO HEAVEN, ANN......... AND, I DO BELIEVE THAT THAT WAS THE WAY THAT YOUR PRECIOUS GIRL
WANTED TO GO.....

I KNOW THAT SHE DID THAT "FOR YOU, ANN".......
For being the BESTEST MOMMY IN THE WORLD.............SHE WANTED TO GIVE YOU A VERY, VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT, AND THAT WAS THAT THE GOOD LORD TAKE HER TO ST. FRANCIS.............AND, THEN ON TO "RAINBOW'S BRIDGE"....

I feel that's true.........., given the very, very special LOVE THAT YOU TWO SHARED...........

The photos that I've seen of you, Ann, and your baby Snookie..........."it was (and, WILL ALWAYS BE), true, precious LOVE"!!!



Yes Ann..............I REALLY KNOW AND I KNOW THAT ALL OF US HERE AT LIGHTNING-STRIKE KNOW THAT "SHATTERING OF THE HEART" FEELING............
You're right, your sweet Snookie.....her love will help you to get through this horrible pain..........

I remember saying that "My heart felt like a big serrated knife was going in and out of my heart", after Ernestine was put to sleep.....It hurt terribly, and IT HURT LIKE HELL!!!!!!!

The relationship that you and your sweet Snookie shared.............THAT LOVE WILL SEE YOU THROUGH EVERYTHING, ANN.

I can assure you of that, 100%!!!!!!

It has always given me a feeling of peace and love, that Ernestine is up at Rainbow's Bridge, and that she is playing with, and having a wonderful time with all of my friends babies, up at Rainbow's Bridge...............

That thought comforts me, as I hope it will you and your family!!!!

Our sweet, precious babies are OKAY, Ann...........

If ever, you need someone to talk with, who understands what you are going through, please, don't hesitate to call me, Okay?????

Lightning-Strike is EXTRAORDINARY IN THAT WE ALL UNDERSTAND EACH-OTHER'S PAIN..........

LS HAS ALWAYS BEEN SUCH A GIFT TO ME!!!!!!

I wish you and your family Ann, everything wonderful for 2005!!!!!

Happy New Year......
Goodnight & God Bless You and Yours.......

Love, Denise, Ben, Ms. Lucy and Mr. Yoster xoxo

p.s........ 40 seconds to New Year!!!! God Bless You!!

Hi Ann. I just wanted to wish you and yours a happy new year, although i'm sure you aren't feeling very happy right now. You've spent the majority of 2004 losing Snookie and Chili Bean so i know it is a year you would like to forget. I truly hope 2005 is a great and healthy year for you and your family and all the furbabies in your life.

Steve

May you find the peace you so deserve in 2005. May we all find it.

Dear Ann - How courageous of little Snookie to have stayed with you until Christmas. I do believe, as you said that she stayed just for you. When you and your family told her, the day after Christmas that is was OK for her to go, she heard you. She listened to you and knew she could go then because you all would be alright. Snookie was a special girl with a big heart, just like yours.

Take care.......Wishing you and your family a peaceful new year.

Love,

Lynn