Tribute to my beloved Elmo

My love of my life, Elmo passed away in my arms this morning. He went peacefully, thanks to the Winslow Animal Clinic here in Bainbridge Island, WA. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make....I did it for him, his quality of life was not good, he had a tumor on his front leg, and while it could have been removed, the recovery time for a dog his age would have been long, and painful. He also had a large lump on his lymph node. There are tests that could have been performed, but I don't think he would have wanted to spend his last time on earth having blood drawn, surgery after surgery on various parts of his body. I held his face in my hands and told him how much I love him, and that I will see him again at the Rainbow Bridge....for those of you who are not familiar with The Rainbow Bridge, here it is......

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

I know in my heart that Elmo is waiting for me there...he is healthy and happy and probably chasing squirrels.

Rest in Peace my precious Elmo...and thanks for being my dog. I love you.

Return to Dutch Harbor

Sister Cathy & ex-coworker Peat

Elaine & Cathy

Pam, my gorgeous husband, Scott & BFF Janbelle

Elaine & me (not looking so cute, but ever so cute in real life LOL)

Me & my darling husband :)

Smilin' Peat & me

Eagles on the Warrior (it WAS lunchtime)

Captain Scott & the Warrior

Mrs. Captain Scott & Warrior

Helllllooooo, where's lunch???

Great photo taken by sister Cathy out the truck window.

Sister Cathy at sister Sherrie's house

Rio (can her legs GET any further apart?) She is so darn cute!

CB and Cookie Dough at the Grand Aleutian hotel (Margaret's Bay Cafe)

Me & Cookie Dough

Pyramid Mountain.....never get tired of looking at this magnificent mountain!

Alaska Warrior tied up to and offloading to a tramper.

Easton Selle....absolutely adorable! He is going to be a linebacker in the NFL, I'm SURE of it.

My baby, Elmo and Rio.

Addilen Selle, she is absolutely gorgeous (just like her mom and grandma)

Had to sneak in a photo of crab pots ;)

And just in case you haven't had your fill of eagles (I NEVER get tired of looking at them)

I know this darling dog looks familiar to most of you....it's CHICO :)

And Chico's parents, Steve and Goldfish....I finally got to see their beautiful home. It is really nice, I'm impressed. They have done an excellent job making this house a home. Cozy, warm, inviting and beautifully decorated.

Another familiar sight......Steve's motorcycle :)

This is sad, the once World famous Elbow Room.....it's definitely seen better days.

And yet more eagle pictures....One of the things I miss most about Dutch Harbor is/are the eagles.....someone who will remain nameless said "they are just ocean rats"...I disagree wholeheartedly!

And more eagles......

Not done with eagle pics yet.

The Bishop's house just across from the Russian Orthodox church.

View from the Elbow room.

Russian Orthodox Church

There's my boy!

King Eider of Umnak with Kimo in the background.

Sisters.....Janbelle, Me, Cathy & Sherrie visiting Jan at Telalaska

Cathy at Memorial Park

Me sideways at Memorial Park

Elmo searching for his "prize" in Cathy's suitcase.

Three Dog Night

Is it a dog's butt OR an elephant face???

You'd think I would lose weight, with having 3 hungry mouths to feed.....but NOOOOO

Awwwww.....my what a big face you have!

Elmo with his "prize"

It was really fun going back to Dutch Harbor to visit, pick up my husband and my dog, Elmo....I was only there for one week, not near long enough to see everyone....I will always consider Dutch Harbor my home and will always miss it. As sister Sherrie said "the mud is in full bloom", boy she wasn't kidding. It snowed the first couple of days we were there, with that big yellow thing in the sky making an appearance here and there. I'm back to my new home now....Elmo survived the flights and is snoozing away in the living room right now. He has a vet appt. tomorrow morning, and I'm anxious to see what the doc will say. I'm hoping that with some good, quality vet care that he has at least a couple more years left. If he says his quality of life is not good, then I will do the right thing so that he doesn't suffer, I know he has slowed down considerably in the last few months, but don't we all slow down when we get older? I can't imagine my life without my beloved Elmo in it. He has brought me so much joy in the last 13 years, that is for sure. So, please say a prayer for him...thanks!

Misc photos & return to Dutch (YAY)

Nephew Tyler....such a nice kid :)

My new favorite flower....."bleeding hearts"....they look just like hearts......

Aren't they fabulous?

My adorable Grandmother at her 94th birthday party in Auburn, WA.

She doesn't look very happy, but she really did have a good time.....her daughter, Karen is standing behind her (my Aunt)

Ciscoe Morris of "Gardening with Ciscoe" OMG, this guy is out of his mind, so much energy and is absolutely hysterical!!!

Me, with my new "girlfriends" at the Northwest Women's Show at Qwest Field in Seattle.

I've been meaning to post for some time now, but having just moved into a new place on Bainbridge, planning and packing for my trip back to pick up Elmo...time has just gotten away from me.....I will be in Dutch Harbor from the 20th of April until the 27th....Elmo will be moving to Bainbridge with me.....he just turned 13 and needs to be with his mommy AND somewhere where there is adequate vet. care....I heard a horror story about the vet in Dutch, allegedly he PUNCHED someone's dog (this dog had just had surgery on his paw)..and the doctor was seen punching him! I am still beside myself about this......So, animal lovers, be aware before you bring your animal to him for treatment...I know there aren't options there, but think twice before leaving your "loved one" with this guy!!!