Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Monday, March 1, 2010

Tribute to Georgie

This was posted on Schnauzers-Rule.com today.

Georgie was my first schnauzer, the one that made me love the breed. She was born Liebestraum's Georgie Girl belonging to Virginia Rice of Florida. A beautiful schnauzer from champion lines, just too small to show. When I met Georgie, she walked from the kennel up to the chair where I was sitting. She lifted one paw and lightly touched my leg. I asked if I could pick her up. Then she sat on my lap for the next hour while I talked about owning a mini schnauzer. She had already claimed me! She was regal, feisty, smart, stubborn, independent, curious and very vocal.

Georgie was very driven to put it mildly. Whatever she set her mind to, she could do. Every day she inspected the perimeter of the yard and chased squirrels. Only when her vision dimmed and arthritis slowed her down did she give it up to the younger dogs. We walked every day, even on her very last. She loved exploring and meeting people and other dogs along the way.

Georgie went everywhere I could take her. At the same time, I had a younger schnauzer named Annie, from the same mother, different litter. We were inseparable. We moved from Florida back to my home state of California. We drove and stayed at many places along the way. Everywhere they explored, met new people, made new pup friends. What a delight to travel with them. The traveling never stopped. Georgie has friends all over the US, Europe and Asia. No matter where we were, her favorite place to go was the beach. She ran like a pup every time we went no matter her age. She seemed to unleash joy and freedom.

Georgie lived with a variety of other dogs and pets ~ other schnauzers, shih tzus, an elderly golden retriever, cats and parrots. She was one of the smallest but was always the alpha of the pack. Her formidable presence kept everyone in line, but she was also a great example to the others. She taught others how to travel and how to chase squirrels, great lessons in our household.

We went through thick and thin, joyfulness and sadness, illness and health. I used to hold her in my arms and tell her "Georgie, you are my heart." She would look directly in my eyes and we would connect on a very deep level. That is probably what I miss the most ~ holding her in my arms and connecting on that love level. I know she is with me always, but I will be so glad some day to hold her again and to watch her run on the beach.

Georgie, thank you for teaching me about unconditional love and joy. Thank you for keeping me in the moment. Thank you for such sweetness and humor. Thank you for the little soul who still accompanies me - you are my heart and always will be!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Georgie

I lost my sweet Georgie Girl tonight. She had a massive stroke and her body couldn't function. She was my first schnauzer, the one who made me love the breed. She was my heart. Tonight I am heartbroken. 2009 brought so many losses to our family. I never imagined that I would be starting the new year without my Georgie. Run free sweet angel.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

For My Angels - Andrew & Randy

And for the pets we've lost over the last couple of years ~ Boomer, Annie, Socks, Molly & Tigger

We miss you all so much!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Retirement

I retired the last day in October. What a relief to not be on anyone else's time schedule. I still feel that I should be doing something, and feel guilt when I hang out a lot. I suppose I'll get over this some day. It's been a busy month with cataract surgery & recovery, then going out of town for Thanksgiving. Now it's already December. I don't know how I got so much done when I was working. The days seem to fly by!

I did get a new bike and a WalkyDog, an attachment for my dog. He loves running alongside me. He still requires a walk - I guess we all like some time just hanging out. Here is a photo of us.



I also have a new rescue dog - a cute tiny shih tzu. She is my project dog! She wasn't socialized and has some issues. She's improved dramatically over the last 2 months. She was abused and has a fractured jaw. Once she calms down, she'll get surgery. Poor little thing, she's been through so much. But she is adorable. Check her out on vacation with us in Oregon~





And that's only 2 of my 4 dogs. Georgie is almost 15 and doing well. She has Alzheimer's but she's happy & healthy. Winston is strong and healthy. I guess I have my hands full!

I have so many projects I want to do. And I want to volunteer in my community. We'll see what retirement brings!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Books As Art

http://www.robotnine.com/2009/03/books-as-art-not-writing-as-art-books.html