Mama, it has been such a fun week to watch all of my friends! I saw you all at Match Day and you raised $23,215.00 to help animals for my fund! MacKenzie and I are so proud to be such helpers!

It was so nice to see Rugby, Pixie, Ruger, Stella, Zubie and Annie working so hard to help my fun. Lots of kissing going on, it was way cool!

And today I saw you again with Annie, Zubie, Rugby, Ruger, Cinci and Pixie at the schools. I so miss the earth children. They are so dear. I do love my children up here though, such happy souls. Playing, laughing and running with all the dogs and kitties.

Mama you need to keep working with Journey. I think she has possibilities. I know she is goofy like any boxer pup but I can see the size of her heart from here. Mama it’s a big heart, she will grown up and learn to work like a Therapy Dog.

I love you Mama, hugs from Riley

 

 

 

Oh Mama tonight is another puppy class for Journey. I so loved going to classes with you. We started with me as a puppy and on to behavior classes with Sam, Denise and Gwen. And then I was such a awesome Therapy Dog and I so loved AKC Rally Obedience.  Everything about being a team with you Mama I loved it.

 Tonight I will watch you, Glenda, Barb and Lonnie teach all the puppies and the dogs. I especially will watch my sister Journey. She is such a wild and happy girl. She tries so hard. She has a big heart. It will be a fun night!

I love to watch all the dog and puppies… Around and around, sits and down, treats and fun! I can hardly wait! Really it is the best ever. And from here I can see a far, far ways… Really, it’s awesome!

Hugs, Riley

Mama, 

Again it’s been a long time since I have written to you but you are in my heart every day. You know it is a very busy place up here. And well, the big guy he says I am his right hand in the animal kingdom. It’s a big responsibility like I had in your earth world being the helper and the healer. Here I am the big guys helper. Good thing he has me he could never keep up. Actually, things have slowed a bit here for me.

I have three helpers now. I know that you know Tanker always helped, we are quite a team. Two striking guys, so handsome, if I do say so myself. And when Britta crossed the bridge it really helped us a lot. Well that is after she got used to the fact that ears can hear. That was the best ever. She loves to sit and listen to the angels sing. So for a time we just let her. So peaceful…

So the three of us helped them cross for nearly a year, each of them over and over. Then as you remember… There was a joyous day when Lexy came across the bridge. Sweet Lexy, my sister, your old soul… like me. We are quite a team here. You would be so very proud. I, the big guys right hand in the animal kingdom and Lexy my right paw. Really Mama I know you miss us dearly but we need to be here. I often think about the sadness that overwhelmed you when we left your earth world.

You know up here everything is perfect, everything.  But Lexy and I we could feel your pain when we crossed over. In spite of all of the perfect. You said it was that trust thing. We always had each others back. Like the Police man and his working dog. Some people just don’t get it. When you have a working dog it’s often a bigger loss that you can stand as a human, they cross the beautiful bridge and you are glad they are no longer in pain, but your own pain is nearly bigger than you can stand.

I think for you part of it was that Doc Don tried so hard to save me and Doc Jim tried equally as hard to save Lexy. But just like rescue dogs, we go where we are supposed to. The other part that was so terribly hard was that we were so many things to each other. We had your back, that trust, that love. For you it was losing a confidant, a friend, a child, a co-worker and half of your entire self. So hard…

So when Lexy came I shared my worry blanket with her. Like I said it’s perfect here. But you became so sad when I left and then Lexy left that the big guy he gave me a dark soft cloud to sit on. We sat on the dark cloud, our worry blanket, on a hill under a large maple. When things were the worst for you the cloud came and I curled up with Lexy in the middle of our worry blanket and we cried tears of rain for you. And finally the big guy said its time… and he started to work on fixing things.  

When I left you remember the big guy and I we sent Traveler. You needed each other so much. Both of you broken, nearly beyond repair. Together you healed. And it was joyous. Lexy loves Traveler. He is so cool. Well not as cool as me but cool, you know in his own kind of coolness.

Then Lexy… well she needed to cross the bridge. She was so painful. I know you understood. You loved us so, you would never wish us stay. Never. She and I we danced like no one has every danced here before. It was splendid. Two white stars dancing in the night. Weeks went by and we watched over you. We never though the worry blanket would have to come out. But it did. And it rained tears on you once again for a long time. I hope the worry blanket goes away and never has to come back. But Mama you are so connected to us, we are your people.

You tried your best to make things better by yourself, Dad worried. You tried, Dad worried for days. Soon a little white boxer pup was born and you thought she might help. So you visited her and hugged her. She nearly came home. You know we have always been snow white. All of your white angel boxers. Libby, me, Lexy,  Britta and Traveler. Always white…

But the big guy knew you could not do this yourself. So once again like with Traveler he stepped in. The worry blanket went back in the big oak trunk. And she came. At first I thought he had made a huge mistake. She lived with a very nice man. He called her Blessing, and she was that… a blessing. He was young and busy and he could not keep his little Blessing. So once again a dog child would come to you from Boxer Haven Rescue… a blessing.

Ronda called you, she said I have your puppy. This puppy could have gone to a hundred different people but she came for you. Come meet her. It was so hard for you, you were to be quite honest, a mess. So much a mess you said to Traveler. I can’t make a decision. We will go and see her and you chose. I trust you. And so it began that circle of trust.

I told Traveler, take her home buddy. She will think you are so cool. Really there is nothing like being the big brother. Traveler met her and in spite of the fact that he thought I played a joke on him he said. Mama she can be my creepy little sister. And your Journey began. And you said to her, Life’s Journey is a Blessing. You will be my Journey puppy. And she and Traveler began to make you whole. For Lexy and I had worked so hard to help you. And joy came again.

I know you thought it strange that Traveler, Lexy, and I sent you the wrong color puppy.  Really you said, a red and black brindle puppy and with a tail. Oh, Mama I love her tail, we have them here you know. They are really quite wonderful. Traveler’s tail is in a box waiting for him. But it will have to wait a while, he’s staying with you for now. But your Journey pup her tail came early. That is to let you know she is going to be someone special, a helper and a healer. It will take time but I promise it will come. 

And her color, I know that still confuses  you so tonight when she cuddles up by you look closely. Each stripe, each black mark of color… they are your story. Your life with all of us who you love so dearly. Those wavy brindle lines that make her coat so beautiful are your people, human and canine. All of the stories of your life. And the darkest, blackest lines, they are your pain, when it was nearly unbearable. Do you notice how few of them there are compared to the light wild happy moving lines of color. Those colorful lines are all of us and those that we helped. So in the end your Journey was worth it.

 I see it all Mama, your Journey, your tears and your joy. Because Mama from here I can see a far, far ways.

Hugs, Riley and Lexy too.

Dear Mama,

It has been so long since I have written you. I am so busy here at the rainbow bridge. Today was the best day ever and then I realized that your heart must be breaking. The trumpets sounded and Britta, Grandma Scott and I ran to the bridge for we knew today was a very special day.

The miracle child Lexy had just begun to cross over our bridge. There was much hustle and bustle here. Lexy had a hard time leaving you but oh Mama when she saw her big brother… I just wish you could have been here to see the joy on her face.

It was wonderful. The angels sang the Hallelujah Corus in a funky kind of way and God smiled. And the children, you should have seen them run to see Lexy. You know the children love her.

Thank you Mama for sharing her with us. I know your heart is so sad and you miss us all but you know we see you… Because from here I can see a far, far, ways.

Hugs Riley

Hi Mama,

You know I am so very busy here but I wanted to write you and let you know that we love having Britta here. She is just a joy to everyone she meets, the angels especially love her because she has such a kind heart.

Of course it was glorious when she crossed the bridge. Especially when she heard the angels sing to her. You know Mama she never minded being deaf but this hearing thing, she says it is way cool.

I thought you would want to know she already has a awesome job. I think in your heart you know exactly what job she has, she is the watcher and the keeper of all of the children here. Yep, I knew you would know. Of course she misses all of you but the children keep her so busy and happy. She is also in the lead of the parade when a child crosses the bridge. She gives them much comfort.

Mama I know it was so hard for you when Britta had to come to me, but you need to know she is my right hand helper and I am so thankful for all she does.

We watch you walk in the field Mama, every day, and we know you feel us with your heart. That gentle wind Mama, it’s us… me and Britty. Because you know Mama from here we can see a far, far ways.

Hugs, Riley

To my Sissy,

I love you for always. I want you to know that when your boy crossed over we all helped him. I remember the summer that he came to stay at my house, he was just a pup. My dad babysat him. Tyler and Mac (the foster dogs) played like crazy with him all summer. Mac and Tyler were right at the head of the procession for Jake with Grandma Frozen Cookie… and of course with me.

I always lead the processions, it’s my job, has been ever since I came here. The big guy, he put me in charge of the helping. I suppose that is because I have been the helper all of my life. It’s a good job.

I hope you know that Jake is happy here, except for missing you. He and I we watch you and Mama all of the time. We always will because what we had was so special when we were on your earth. Heart Dogs, they come only once in your life and they love you with all that they have. It is a very special bond… one like no other.

Jake wants you to know it is wonderful here. There is no pain and it is always sunny and warm. There are bowls full of food and cool clear water. Jake looks so handsome, almost puppy like. He has a beautiful fur coat again and he is sleek and shiny. He has a very special heart box, just like me. His is lined with emerald green velvet. It has a piece of your heart in it, you know from when he left you and your heart broke. We all have a box like that mine is lined with purple velvet and of course has a piece of Mamas heart in it.

Jake wants you to know that he will always be with you. Just like I am with Mama, always and forever. I know it was hard to let him go. It is the hardest gift that you will ever give to Jake. It is a gift a real true love.

He loves Grandma Frozen Cookie. Jake says she has the best lap ever, well of course next to his own Mamas lap. She is so happy that she has Jake for a lap dog. “The Frozen One” she says it is her connection to you, and that is the most wonderful thing of all…for she too loves you a great deal.

Hugs to you my sissy, we will always be here when you need us, me and “Mostly” because from here we can see a far, far ways.

Riley

Hey Mama! It’s been so long since I’ve got out the old laptop. You know I watch you every single day and I feel all of your hugs and love to me even though we are so very busy. But today Mama, I just had to send you a quick note. Well Ruby and I did. You know how Ruby loves parades. Remember Mama, when she lived with us and you always said that since she left the puppy mill and had a home with pillows and all, you know, our home. Well, anyway you always said that to Ruby life was one big parade…

Well Mama we had the biggest parade ever today. Everyone here in heaven joined into the parade. Grandma Frozen Cookie, with Ruby on her left and me on her right led everyone to the rainbow bridge. I know you know all about it in your heart Mama but I had to tell you.

The parade was for Maggie Byrne. That is why the parade was so very huge. Because you know Mama that Maggie’s own Mama, Carol was my best friend on the whole earth. I loved her just as much as you and Dad. And today I saw my Carol and her heart was so broken when she took Maggie to see kind Dr. Duflo.

Maggie told us she did not want to leave her own Mama but she was ready to come to us. She hurt so much. In my heart I was so glad that Dr. Duflo and Dr. Esterle with Dr. Scott helped her so much. She was a very special girl. She was so lucky when my Carol adopted her from MidWest Boston Terrier Rescue… they were both lucky my Carol and her Maggie.

Mama you should have seen the procession. Really it was quite spectacular, like when I came here. Of course with me leading the parade it was really marvelous. You know how handsome I am. They came from all of the corners of heaven when the angels called and the trumpets sounded. For Maggie they came in all of their finery.

We saw her approach like they all do, in pain and so very tired. And then comes the magic, just like always. A paw touches the bridge and the magic well it happens in just an instant! It is wonderful Mama. Someday I will call them all for a parade just for you and I someday…

Oh Mama, Carol’s heart would not be so heavy if she saw her Maggie dancing now. She danced the dance of joy with my sister Ruby for a long, long time. I thought the dancing would never end. Ruby and Maggie dancing and dancing. I love you Mama.

Hugs,
Riley

Dear Mama,

I got your back. I just wanted to remind you that I see you and your Britta. I am here if she needs me, we all are. Just waiting if she needs us. Because from here I can see a far, far, ways.

Hugs, Riley

Here we are again at the beginning of a new year! There is so much going on in my fund. Mama just went to a Mecosta County Community Foundation meeting and we have an endowment that now that will last forever to help animals in need! How cool is that.

This month we are spaying and neutering animals like crazy! All the veterinarians who live near my house are helping. We love the fixing!

Mama and all the people on my board of directors are getting ready for the $1.00 hearts to be sold near my house at businesses. Everyone gives a little and it sure helps. Mama is also very busy turning in all our year end financials to Jennifer at Baker Management. We love that Jen!

Today I saw Mama sending out posters and tickets for my “Hands Helping Paws” fundraiser on March 3rd. People donate so much cool stuff. And it sure helps. This year it is going to be at Cranker’s Brewery. Dad will like that. If I still lived with my Dad I’d probably go and have a beer with him. Today Traveler went shopping at Speedway and filled Mama’s car with gas for her. He and Dad go every Sunday. Today even Mac, the creepy little brother got to go. Car rides, they are just the best ever!

Guess I better go I have football playoffs to watch. It’s very important stuff you know. When I lived with Mama I did great head fakes when I played ball with my brothers and sisters.

Hugs, Riley

For me and for my fund it has been a unbelievable year. The helping is wonderful. Over 150 dogs and cats got spayed and neutered and over 200 total were helped just last year, and that does not even count the thousands of pet food my fund provided. It will be five years of helping this year.

Sometimes MacKenzie and I we just sit and watch all of the people working so hard to help others. It really is quite magic. The people on my board of directors, you know my friends, they are so kind and they work so hard… every single minute thinking of animals in need. Yep, it’s just magic that’s what it is.

And then there are the doctors and all of their staff who save the lives and fix us all up. Really, how can we ever tell them how grateful we are. A world full of love that is what it is, a world full of love. We are lucky Kenzie and I, so lucky to be a part of the helping.

Days come and go up here and many new ones come. Often Mama’s lets us know in advance when they are coming, like last week. Mama said so many are coming today, it’s a hard day, you will help them won’t you? Of course I whispered to Mama, the trumpets are already sounding and the bridge is ready… and Mama you know when they touch the bridge, you know Mama on that first step… the pain is gone and there is only love.

Then there are the ones who surprise my own Mama. For I see her, she worries about them, like Spike. She said I think Spike will be coming and he is a good boy, help him will you? Of course, I say for I am a good boy and I always help Mama. But Spike did not come, his Doctors and his Vet Techs were magic that day and when Mama arrived at work the first thing she heard was Spike yelling and his people saying Spike, “Quiet!” And Mama smiled because Spike lived, for his family he lived. Surprises they are the best really.

Another year has come and gone and I whisper to Mama, I love you forever. And Mama whispers it back, and a tear rolls down her face, and there he comes… Traveler, to kiss the tears away. Thank you Trav, from here I can see a far, far, ways and I will always be much obliged to you for loving my Mama.

Hugs, Riley