Category Archives: talking dogs

A Tree Grown With Love…

23 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by in animal families, border collies, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Fall, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, spirituality, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, trees

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Baileys tree fall 2013Bailey looking so gorgeous

Dearest Bailey,

Your tree in Buhl Park looks so beautiful this third week of October, 2013. It has started to blush more frequently with its beautiful Red Maple leaves. Red of course was your color, although you always looked brilliant and all colors became you.

I think of you everyday of course, but the 28th is the second anniversary of you leaving us for over the Rainbow Bridge and not a day goes by that you are not with me. You know that and I just had to tell you. Joy reminds me SO much of you except you had no fear of people like she still does of some. I am sure she knows how to sniff out the ones I do not like anyway. She is such a little lover girl and is very happy with her life. Like you, she has the great life that you left behind, but I know you are having lots of fun with Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Anwen and all your pals and students that love you so much in Hyfryd.

I meant to ask you something. Has Molly found you all? I wished a special thought that she would find her way to your neighborhood. I know if she did you have welcomed her to the pack. John and Tracy miss her and so  do I – somehow it is not the same without her barking next door when she sees us pull into our driveway. I always liked that she said hello. Please let me know about her okay?

Our book, Letters To Each Other, is selling well. If anyone who reads this blog is interested they can find it here: http://tinyurl.com/n4jzkgw

 It makes me very proud that we finished the book, but it really is a continuing story and it will never end, really. Love is infinite and so are you. On my mind, in my heart and in my soul. I love you Sweet Bailey. Write me soon.
Love and Kisses,
your mommy

 

A Leaf and a Paw…

05 Saturday Oct 2013

Posted by in border collies, cats, dog kisses, doggy kisses, dogs, Fall, letters, missing your dog, sky, spirituality, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, trees

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bailey red leaf

Saafari writes to Bailey

 

Dear Mommy,

I am sending you these two pictures. What? You did not know I could Send YOU pictures did you? It’s something new that this really. really cool donkey named Colby invented. People think donkeys are stupid, but they really aren’t. In fact, Colby is super smart and adorable too., You would LOVE him – not as much as you love me of course, but you know what I mean.

His idea is called Rainbow Pic and he heard about all this cloud stuff you all are doing on earth. People put pictures and papers into their clouds, which we think is very funny because we LIVE in the clouds. I saw you looking out the plane when you went to Chicago. You always look at the clouds and think of me – I KNOW! I can see you and I miss you. DO me a favor though and never take that tiny plane again back to Pittsburgh, okay? Good!

Anyway, Rainbow Pic has been SUCH a phenomenon here because everyone is it. We take pictures a bit differently than you do. We just point our paw, claw or hoof at what we want to capture and viola!  We heard that new iPhone has some kind of fingerprint recognition and everyone thinks that is cool. Imagine what they would think of our way. Literally “point and shoot!” ha!

I saw you sit down this morning to do some work and it was funny how Safari was trying to write. I think it was his way of saying hello. He must miss me sooooo much! Joy sure herds him around quite a bit. I do not think he likes it so much but he needs to move around and I do thinks he loves attention – not that he does not get enough from you!

So you like how the one lone red leaf changed? I like to get my tree going slowly! The same thing happened last year, remember? It’s my very special leaf just for you to show you that I am still there with you always.

I know it is been too long since I wrote but classes have been crazy busy. Seems like there is a lot of abuse going on down there and our classes are so needed. No one here understand why anyone would treat an innocent animal anyway but sweetly. The physical world needs more kindness to animals and toward other people! We think it’s hurting the whole earth in so many ways. I mean even the government cannot get along! That is so ridiculous. Here everyone gets along and love and kindness is all that there is. Of course only the nice ones get all this!

Well, I just wanted to say good morning. I love you so much and miss you touching me, but when you stroke Joy’s fur, I know you think of me as well.

Yours forever,

Bailey Girl

A Bird, a Bug and a Rustle of Wind…

17 Monday Jun 2013

Posted by in border collies, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, Dogs named Bailey, letters, loving dogs, spirituality, summer, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, Working Dogs

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I KNOW, I KNOW! I AM SO SORRY! It was NOT that I was not excited that the book arrived! I AM SO excited, except it was only the proof copy! haha! Okay, I know I am being terrible, but I know you that YOU KNEW it was me the other day when you felt that bug gently kiss you on the face! Then today I told that bird to chirp and then I rustled the leaves on our tree at Buhl Park! You know that was my apology for not writing sooner. I have JUST been so crazy busy finishing up the den – it is all finished now and it’s so big! Tarzie, Cheetah and Freedom’s place are all attached and of course Barkley – It’s like we have 3 Towndog Dens in one! It is fantastic!!

I really am so excited. I cannot WAIT though until it is finally ALL done and in your hands and at the library and everywhere! Having the summer off is so nice, but I do have some preparation to do before classes start in the Fall again, but it will be nice to just play and have some fun now that the big project is finally done. Our place in the coolest in Hyfryd. Everyone comes by to admire it. I know that sounds a bit braggadocios, but it is really true! haha! We love it. I have to tell you that Tarzan of yours is quite the funny guy. He is a really good worker. He is so feisty, I can only imagine what HE was like as a kitten. Cheetah told me she used to unravel all the toilet paper when she was a kitten. She is so puuuurrrrrfect, I cannot imagine her doing anything wrong. You really have quite a long history mommy of interesting critter characters! Every one of them are so wonderful. Freedom is the most cuddly thing, always rubbing up against me. You could not have had better cats.  Being your first and very best dog (yeah, yeah I know you LOVE Joy too! – It’s Ok!) well, I know I set the bar high because I am a nice girl now aren’t I mommy?

I know I just do not write back fast enough sometimes and I feel especially bad about it since you told me the book was complete. Call them tomorrow and see what is going on with your final edit! I know you will listen to my advice because you have to as I AM THE CO-AUTHOR!

Well, I just wanted to say how much I love you and how proud I am that we will soon be promoting our book – that is the next project! You always have so much work on your desk mommy, sometimes I feel bad for you but I know you like it most of the time, just like me. We girls rather be busy than bored! Write me back soon, even though I do not deserve a letter so quickly – haha! I will be seeing you at the park! I am very jealous of all the whipped crème Joy gets at Starbucks, by the way. I could not have it very often due to my sensitive tummy, but now I can have all I want and it’s ALWAYS in my fridge! It’s so sweet, just like YOU!

I love you so very much and miss you each day,

Your Sweet Bailey Girl

Looking Up…

20 Monday May 2013

Posted by in birds, border collies, Journaling, joy, loving dogs, missing your dog, rainbow bridge, sky, spirituality, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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bailey looking upDearest Bailey,

I just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you today. I was lying in Bob and Jamie’s pool on a raft, staring at the sky after working on two long press releases and I needed a break from the computer.

Often when I look up, I think of you and wonder what you are doing and if you are looking at me. At that very moment a big bird appeared out of no where and was swooping the mostly cloudy sky. It was a dark bird, so he or she contrasted well against the clouds. As soon as I whispered, “Bailey is that you?” The bird swooped more down and then up again toward the big cloud that blocked the sun. It sailed on the air as I watched it and then it went through the cloud and I could no longer see it.

I always take those as signs of you, those little pieces of nature that just tends to happen randomly, I love those quiet moments because they are rare for me and so needed. When I do have those quiet moments, I am glad that my thoughts turn to you my sweet girl. I miss you so much; you can never know how much. Joy continues to be a joy and that is all because you took the time to find me the perfect girl. Papa said today, “Joy is so much like you!” I told him that he always said the same thing about you and me! Although I have always seen myself as more of a cat, the only dog I could ever be is a Border Collie because of their wonderful work ethic which is so important to me.

I just wanted to say if that was you, thanks for “appearing,” in whatever shape or form you can accommodate. You are so near and dear to me, I truly feel your presence everyday, I really do and I hope you feel the same.

By the way, I am awaiting the arrival of the first printed book before it really goes to press. I have to read it cover to cover once again to make sure it is perfect! I am so excited and I know you are as well.

Goodnight my beautiful girl. Write me soon. I await your words. Your love I have, always.

From Earth to the Sky,   xoxoxoox

Mommy

Your Kiss in the Sky….

02 Thursday May 2013

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, border collies, cats, coincidence, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, joy, letters, spirituality, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized

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Kiss in the Sky

Dear Bailey,

Did you know the book was about to be finished? This must have been your kiss in the sky for me and I really loved it. I am sorry I have been sooooooooo remiss in getting back to you but you know I have been frantically working to get our book done and to the publisher. I have also been working to create a website for it too and like, you I am always so busy working!

What has been interesting is the editing. I have read it over and over and  hope I have caught all the misspellings but what has moved me the most is how connected we remain and yes, always will be. I have to admit that during this book process I have cried – a lot. Sorry. You know me, I am just a big mushball and perhaps I am too sentimental, but I think it’s one of my good qualities. I am empathetic and I think MORE people should be! Having to read our work over and over brings up so many memories. Also yesterday I got some bad news. Remember when you told me that only very special human people get to cross over the Rainbow Bridge? Well, I learned that my ffriend and former vet Marla, from Chicago, is not doing well and that her cancer has taken over her beautiful person. It has not however, taken her soul, which is one of the sweetest ones I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. When we first adopted you and you were having all sorts of problems with your tummy, I called her to discuss them. Even though I did not even live in Chicago anymore, she was always willing to chat about the problems fur kids face. I mention her in our book, if you recall. She was the one who always told me, “Sherri, I know you love cats, but having a dog is a different relationship.” I have always remembered that and I will always remember her. Always. I want you tell everyone out there to look out for Marla Menuskin. She is a special one, alright. No one ever hugged me harder and longer than her. She is genuine love. Keep an eye out for her, please.

We will be heading up north soon and you know I will anxious to see your tree and see how much bigger it has gotten. I miss you so much and cannot believe how much time has passed. At this time last year we were planning on meeting Joy. This year her birthday will land exactly on Mother’s Day. How perfect is that? Did you have anything to do with the calendar this year? Somehow I think you all have magical powers in Hyfryd, but no one more than you.

Write me soon sweet girl and I will look forward to your letter. Thank you again for your sky kiss. It was a perfect gift for Mother’s Day or any other day….

Loving you all the time,

me

The Leader of All Things Good…

22 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by in animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog adoption., dog kisses, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, Spring, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge

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img_07371Dearest Bailey,

Okay, Okay, I know. My apologies this time for being so delayed in my letter, but I have been working hard to get the book all together! I am so excited for you to see it. Getting all the pictures in one place was a lot of work too! Who could have a book about you without pictures? You are so photogenic and beautiful! I love this picture of you running on the beach. Not sure Joy can go there with all the other dogs and people might be too much for her. Not you! You loved all the people and doggies – well most of them.

How are your classes? I expect that you will be entering Spring break this week or next? Are you going to get to relax? I need this trip to restore so I can complete the work needed for the book because our team is waiting! I was planning on getting a lot of work done today as well. It’s so exciting, but then I think once it is done, it will be over and that sort of makes me sad, as I have enjoyed the process, but I have to say that reading everything over and over again made me cry more than once.

Then, I ran into Evan the other day at Starbucks and I asked how his Bailey was and he told me that she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge two weeks ago, so you need to look for that little Sheltie. She was 14, so she led a great life, but he is very sad, just like I was. I told him about our blog and the book coming out and hopefully it will help him.

I hope that you are well my lovely girl. Soon, we will be going back North and I will see how much our tree has grown. I do not expect it to have grown too much as winter has been very cold there. When I am at sea, I will think of you. Send me your signs – you know which ones I mean and if you get the chance to write me back today, please do I miss you!!! Give me love to Barkley, Onwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky for me. You are my great leader of all things good.

With infinite amounts of kisses and hugs….

me xoxoox

100 Letters to Each Other – Book One

31 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog kisses, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Doing Your Best, Journaling, joy, kisses, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, New Year's Eve, rememberence, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, Working Dogs

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Bailey and me on the day she was adopted

Dear Mom,

I get to go first because the book is really all about me, right? Ha! This is our 100th letter, can you believe it? I can hardly imagine all this time has passed, 429 days since we last saw each other to be exact. Where does the time go? If you would have told me that I would have gone from being your simple, walk-in-the-park-meet-people-Bailey Girl, to a very busy teacher who helps dogs, cats and other animals deal with their new life over the Rainbow Bridge, I would have told you that you were crazy! You and I were always busy riding around in the car or going into the stores in Florida together (I loved that!) and I sat by you while you wrote; now I have to write all these things for classes that I never dreamed of teaching. It’s funny how things work out sometimes.

I am so happy you had this idea to write to each other. Of course this was bound to happen because we are so close it truly is amazing. The fact that you always receive my signs and rainbows and sense the moments in the breeze when I am near is astounding to me and I want others who are so close on earth to know that when they are separated by one’s passing, they can still be together. It is beautiful here in Hyfryd, but our life was beautiful together on earth as well. I am happy I found you Joy and that she is a good dog that follows in my paw steps, because she did have big paws to fill! haha!

I go back to work on the 7th and I assume by then you will be arranging for the book to be published, RIGHT? You had better be because everyone here wants copies and I promised to bring it to class. I am sure you will be able to arrange for a special delivery to get me some, since I am its star character! I know this will take a little bit of time, but not oo much! Get busy! I know you will, you are as excited as I am, of that I am sure.

So there is only 90 more minutes until 2013 and that means our book will be published and the second one commences! I could not have anything more exciting to look forward to. Please kiss Papa, Safari and Joy for me. I send you my love and doggy kisses via the wind and I know you do the same. Okay your turn. Write me back before midnight. The year is to be a great one. I love you more than anything.

xoxo00, Your Sweet Bailey Girl

Dear Bailey,

Happy New Year my sweet girl. I always seem to have a story for you. I was cleaning out the desk drawer the other day when I cam across a tiny sim card, which I guess is from old, not-smart phone. I put it into the thingy that connects to the computer so I could see what was on there and those two sepia tone pictures of you and two videos, one of you and one of Safari were on it. The two pictures were from the first week you were adopted. I can see one is at Dr. Crago’s office when I brought you in to be checked out after adopting the sweetest senior girl on earth. You look emaciated in those early pictures so it’s amazing what you wound up looking like later after you got good food, love and care from us –  that is why I put those next to each other for you and all to see. I always saw your gorgeous face, even when you were so ridiculously underweight and in need of  a little medical care.

It was your big brown eyes,  and the kiss you gave me at the shelter. That one true  kiss said, “Take me with you, please. I have been here for a whole year and even though I am the office dog I hate sleeping here with other barking dogs. I want a soft place to sleep and people to love me.” What did it take me? Five minutes to tell them, I wanted to take you home? Maybe less. We belonged together that is for sure. I had no doubt in my mind just as I had no doubt that when you left me that we would continue to love each other and communicate forever and share our story with others. I want people to know they too can be connected no matter where they are physically. Love, after all, is a state of mind and heart.

Yes, yes I will begin to put the wheels in motion to get the book published as soon as possible. We are ready for book 2 now. I cannot believe so much time has passed but not a day goes by when you are not spoke of. I got the stats on how many people read this blog this year and I am dumbfounded. People from all over the world read our letters, so I am hopeful that more people would receive our message if it was in book form. If we help only 1 person that would be amazing, right? I want to hear how your first day of classes goes in this new year, so write me after that, okay and I will give you a report on the state of the book which needs a lot of editing.

I miss you everyday my sweet girl; our story will continue.. I am sending New year’s love to  You,  Onwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Lucky and everyone else. You are my lovely inspiration and it all started with a true kiss between us.

Here is to the next 100 letters…… My Forever Love,

me…..xoxoxoox

My Rainbow In Your Sink…

26 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by in animal families, Christmas, coincidence, dog/human relationships, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, missing your dog, New Year's Eve, Poetry, rememberence, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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Hi Mommy!

So you saw the Rainbow I sent you. I did not mean for it to land in the bathroom sink, but maybe that is where it was supposed to land since that is where you were at that exact moment! That was my other Christmas present to you. I am sure that you liked it because you sure rushed to get the camera! ha! The day was not that sunny, so it probably did not last too long, but I thought it was a great gift to give you, the colorful light of my energy.

I just realized that this si the 99th letter! Wow! So I guess one more will make our 100th and here we go to the bookstore!  WOOF! It’s going to be a lot of editing work that is for sure! A new project for 2013! I am so excited. I guess we might have to split letter 100, l okay? Then we will BOTH have the last word of the first book! haha! I like that idea. We have to do it before 2012 ends, right. Right!

Christmas with everyone here was quiet, much like at your house. I prefer it that way – a good time for reflection and you have always been one to write about a year in summation – me too. We will have a great 100th letter. Let’s think about what we want to say and meet back here this week and finish our work for the book. I cannot wait!

I love you forever,

Your Bailey Always xoxoxoox

I Should Have Written Sooner…

16 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by in border collies, cancer in dogs, Christmas, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Holidays, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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744I am SO SORRY I should have written sooner! I was so busy finishing all the classes before the break, so I am sending you this adorable picture of me and you with hopes that you will forgive me. Oh yeah, I’m Bailey, you ALWAYS forgave anything I did! hahaha – Although let’s face it, I never was really bad ever! I know yua re saying, “yes that is true,” right now!

Sometimes around the holidays all the critters here in Hyfryd really have a hard time with missing their people, but Onwen and I try to teach them that the “spirit” of the holidays are really always there – just like you and I know each other is just a whisper away.

That is what I teach the people here. I try to explain that everyone will be reunited with their people in the future – some sooner than later and vice versa. I want people on both side of the Rainbow Bridge to be grateful for what they have now; that is what is most important. So many people take it all for granted. You and I never will.

I am so happy that you adopted Joy. It’s funny she has the perfect name for this season, huh? I can see she makes you laugh like me. We are very similar, that I see. I was just more outgoing than her. Remember how you thought I was so friendly that I would just go with anyone? I never would have, you know. Joy, on the other paw, would bark at them and protect you to the nth degree! I like that quality in her, actually. I can see how much progress she has made already in her socialization. You just keep taking her places and she will do fine. She is QUITE the squirrel chaser like I was, huh? Very funny!

I do have to say that I am ready and happy for the holiday break from school. I don’t resume classes until January 7th. I never thought I would be THIS busy over the Rainbow Bridge, but hey, what’s a Border Collie to do? We are working dogs and I love helping people. I always think about that movie, It’s a Wonderful Life that we watched each Christmas. If you had not adopted me, I might never have been a teacher. I certainly would not have had the great experiences in my senior years that you guys gave me. It was so great of you to adopt a senior dog, really, cause nobody wants the older dogs and cats. Of course I should not say that – there are some, but for the MOST part people want the young ones. We certainly chose each other and on this second Christmas without you, papa and safari, I am thinking about that. I am thinking how grateful I am to have had a wonderful three years with you because the first part of my life was not good and I block it all out. You truly loved me with all your soul and heart and I feel that everyday, even today over the bridge.

Guess what? We only have three more stories before we go into a book! I am SOOOO excited!!! I cannot wait. We ARE going to do a second one too, right? Yes, I figured as much. That is great because there is so much to say and so many people to help understand how to deal with this new part of life! Oh and I wanted to tell you that yes, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Lucky and a bunch more others will be here with me, Onwen and Barkley. Barkley has been so great at school. I have given him a new class to teach come January. He will be teaching a class of very young folk who crossed way too early due to accidents, just like his. He is such a wonderful guy I just love his enthusiasm.

Write me soon, okay? I promise to write quicker! We have to move on to the 100th blog!!! – I love you and will talk to you before Christmas.

All my love, Bailey Girl….

Holiday Thoughts…..

03 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Christmas, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, Journaling, joy, loving dogs, missing your dog, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, The Holidays, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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Bailey's Santa Look!Dearest Bailey,

Last year we did not celebrate the holidays. I tried for Safari’s sake, but your crossing over the Rainbow Bridge took a lot out of me. Sometimes I still call Joy, “Bailey.” She hears me talk about you all the time. I know Safari gets what I am saying, but I often think that Joy is wondering, “Who is the Bailey I keep hearing about? I know we walk by her tree up North at the park!”

Joy had big paws to fill upon her adoption, but the funny thing is, you did such a great job in helping me find her on www.petfinder.com  she is perfect. I will show you a picture of her in the Santa hat at the end of this note. I cannot help but think how playful the two of you would have been together. True, Joy is a young one and you were my senior girl, but you both have equally sweet dispositions. Look at your face in this picture. It is so precious you should hang it in your den when you get my letter and show Onwen and all your friends.

I hope that you will write to be when you get your Christmas break next week. I think you said you would be off school for a long break – and I am sure much-deserved. Here is the thing though, we only have a few more letters before it’s time to get the blogs together for the book! I know you are so excited and so am I. It’s going to be lots of work but you and I do not mind that, do we?

I hope you will put up a tree and decorate it with some cute stuff. I put one of your pictures with Santa out in the living room – so cute. Miss Joy would NEVER pose with Santa! I think that she would bark at him! haha! I might try it next year though! I started going to the dog park again. The first day was hard since you loved to go there and Joy REALLY loves to go – we were there today and people talk about how they miss you but they love Joy. It’s funny I was not sure that she would like it there and I could not have been more off-base. She loves it and I am very happy about that. She plays so well with the other dogs and they all love her. She is very gentle just like you.

The holidays are bittersweet for me. It’s only our second Christmas without you but I am focused on the book and getting that done and I am so thankful that we have worked on this project together and we will continue and make a whole series of books with the hope of helping others come to terms with the loss of their animal companions. Work to do!

Here is a picture of Joy with her Santa Hat for your den: She was not too thrilled with having anything on her head but I did it while she was sort of sleepy and would not mind as much! haha! Oh how I love you both.

Write to me soon my sweet Bailey girl. Let me know how you and your friends  are celebrating the holiday. I hope that you will also be with Onwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky and whomever else you love.

With all my love always and forever……

IMG_1881IMG_1877  PS – Safari wanted me to send you his picture as well. He was half alseep – I will work on new ones!