In love longing
I listen to the monk's bell.
I will never forget you
Even for an interval
Short as those between the bell notes.

Beloved Frieda - owned first by Meredith, the webmaster of this site, and Amanda Chesterton, and later by Chris Wood who adopted her when he married Amanda.

Frieda Chesterton-Wood
December 2009, 11 years, 1 month, 13 days old

From Chris - Frieda's beloved Daddy.

Frieda and her brother, Mr Bruno, are the first dogs I've ever owned, having become their adopted daddy after meeting my now wife, Amanda.

At first Frieda didn't like me at all and I saw more of her pearly white dentures than her sweet, expressive little eyebrows. Then one day she just decided I was her best friend and that was it. I can only assume she realised playing hard to get was getting her nowhere!

I'm sad I only knew her for a few years, but feel strangely flattered to know that she loved me so much and was *always* excited to see me, even after horrible days at work. Of course, if I ever had to be away from home because of work, I got told off by her most abruptly when I got home, too.

A loved dog has many names, and she had hundreds: Frieda, Fred, Freddie, Fredrick, Frieda Paws, Frieda Pants, Frieda Face, Miss Silver Beard, Mrs Kisses...

She was a fine vocalist too, and loved singing along to Roy Orbison songs with me, though she was typically half a bar behind.

She'd probably be concerned I'm spending so much time typing this eulogy, since she always felt that typing was a waste of a hand that could be used for a good neck rub instead.

She's missed sorely but remembered with much joy, and she's no longer in the discomfort she never, ever deserved.

Love you, Baby Fred.

We tried so hard to keep Frieda with us, giving her 'round-the-clock care for the last month. But the following poem - one of my favourite Bridge tributes - says it all. My precious Freedee - I'll never stop loving you. Big Mama.

May I Go? May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days
And endless lonely nights?

I've lived my life and done my best,
An example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
And set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
To a warm and loving light.

I want to go. I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day,

To give you time to care for me
And share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and so afraid,
Because I see your tears.

I'll not be far, I promise that,
And hope you'll always know
That my spirit will be close to you,
Wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you, too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
And end this life with you.

So hold me now, just one more time
And let me hear you say,
Because you care so much for me,
You'll let me go today.

(by Susan A. Jackson)

Colonel Sirius Entwhistle
'Dreamer' Nelson - December 2009, 15 years, 10 months old

Dreamer joined his sister Dezi at the Bridge today. You were the original and our very first Little Man. There never was a speedier or more noble little dog than you, and Daddy and Mommy know you are racing Dezi again (and probably beating her handily, as usual). We will always remember how much you loved pizza, Seventh Heaven, and curling up in front of the fireplace. You fought so hard at the end, we miss you like crazy but are happy that you can now be your self again. We send kisses to your sweet little leathery nose, and pets to your soft velvet head. Mommy, Daddy, Cecil, and your hoo-brother William love you very much, and know that you and your little red lady will wait for us by the Bridge.

Rudy Dingas - December 2009, 13 years old

Rudy, AKA 'Rudster', went to the Bridge today, 4 December 2009. We couldn't bear to let him go nor let him suffer. So we did what we have done for the past 13 years; we gave him what he needed. Release. You fought so bravely at the end but we knew it was time to let you go.

We have cried ourselves sick all day, already feeling the hole in our hearts caused by his passing. His little habits and mannerisms have worked into the daily fabric of our lives. The way he knew when it was treat time; always 8:00 in the evening. Weekend walks to the mailbox to get the morning newspaper. Resting on the rug in the bathroom while Mommie got ready for the day. Sleeping contentedly at the head of the bed or burrowed under the sheets. And so many others. It breaks our hearts to know that he won't be there to fulfil those activities.

He was a loving and wonderful pet, so full of character and attitude. We hope that we were as good at being his people as he was at being our pet. We love you, Rudy, with all our hearts.

Dad and Mom

Teckel - Tek Tekalina, Cute little Teckel - December 2009, 11 years old

Sometimes little dogs die, but it is never expected or easy - especially when Teckel died. The day before she was just her regular self, playing with the other dogs, and trying to steal food, and the next day she was gone. She went very quickly, without any warning, or even a chance to get her to the vet.

In a way, during the last two years she had been on borrowed time. In February of 2007 she became paralyzed in her back legs. The first vet we took her too basically told us to just put her to sleep. There was no way we would even consider that, so we got online and with the help of people on Dodger's List we found a wonderful vet who gave us hope for her to live a good, if different life. At first it was hard, but once we got used to taking care of her, and once she got used to scooting around, life really returned, more or less, to normal. Teckel really never lost her zest for life, and wasn't in any pain. She quickly developed strength in her front legs and got around just about as well as she always had. Her best dog-buddy, Spike - a decent-size beagle - almost never left her side, and when they played Spike just knew what she could and couldn't do.

I guess we just thought Teckel would always be with us, or at least that we would have more time with her. She was the sweetest little dog, but she had her personality, too. She hated when Yoshi (one of the other dogs) came into HER room and would scoot along the floor giving him hell until he left, even though Yoshi was 10 times bigger than Teckel. And he always left too.

Teckel was a great food thief. No food was safe around her! Forget about eating a hamburger and talking with your hands at the same time. Hamburgers were known to disappear in mid-air. And she loved her BoBo toys. That is, she loved to tear them apart with her little dog teeth and take the squeeker out. Once that was gone she lost all interest. She was a real cuddle bug and always wanted to be with me, or her real love, my son, Noah. She would would bounce up and down and just look at you 'till you picked her up - which usually wasn't very long. I still can't believe she is gone and still expect to see her sitting in my son's lap while he does his homework. But we have so many happy memories with her also, and those will never die.

Rest in peace, little one, rest in peace. We love you and miss you. Teresa and Noah