Thursday, June 22, 2006

Thursday Thirteen: In Memory of Dani

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Thirteen Things about In Loving Memory of Dani


I have been meaning to do this, but the thought has been too painful. I miss my baby girl so very much that my eyes are full of tears as I write this. I was going to put more pictures than the above with this, but I cry too much when I look at them all, and there are too many to choose from. I will, perhaps, put some up some day, but not yet.

1. Dani was our beloved dog. She was born on 13 May 1998, we got her on 13 July 1998, and she went to play with God on 2 June 2006, after a 9 month battle with cancer. Our first dog, Lucy, died on 9 May 1998 and we waited unti summer to get another dog. We got Dani at the first place we looked. We knew immediately that she was the one for us. We got her a teal-ish collar and it has been her color ever since. I will miss her forever.

2. Dani was an Australian Cattle Dog-German Shepherd mix. She was about the size of an Australian Cattle Dog, but looked more like a German Shepherd. Except, her ears were not so very German Shepherd. Her ears were so very expressive. Sometimes one would stick up really high. Sometimes she would have both up. Sometimes she would have them back. Sometimes they would flap in the wind when we took her on rides. When we went on walks, they would bounce along with her tail. She had the most beautiful, most soft reddish fur on her ears. Her tail was so gorgeous too, soft and long. Whenever I followed her up the stairs I would run my hand over it. When she was a puppy, her Australian Cattle Dog instincts were very strong. She would try to herd us! She would nip at our heels, especially my sister's. And she could jump! Right up on top of the picnic table. I will miss playing with her ears and tail.

3. Dani loved food, especially meat. Some of her favorites were Cadbury Mini-Eggs, the excellent beef jerky from a local butcher shop, bananas, Junior Bacon Cheeseburgers from Wendy's, and ice cream. Once my mother caught her pulling a bag of Mini-Eggs of the table in the tv room and then scarfing a bunch up. Whenever we had any out she would watch us intently. If she was sleeping, she would suddenly awaken and put her head up. She loved the Egger's beef jerky so much. She once stole a large piece off the napkin on my leg. Another time we got some for my dad for his birthday and tucked it with some of the other gifts. When we got the gifts out, Dani kept sniffing and sniffing the clothing. It took us awhile to figure out that she smelled beef jerky on them. When she was little she really liked bananas. Once I was home alone and she was sleeping in the back room. I pulled a banana off the fridge and she came running. Ice cream was her favorite treat. We always let her lick the bowls, cartons, and fast food containers, after we finished. Her eyes would get a very intense gleam and she looked rather scary. It was so very adorable and funny. After she got cancer we began giving her her own ice cream. She would get so excited whenever we got the carton out. I will miss sharing my food with her.

4. Dani loved to go on walks. If anyone touched the cupboard where her leash was kept, even to get out the dust mop, she would be there right away. Then, she would follow the person around with such excitement in her eyes. She and I had our own little route. She knew right where to go. I couldn't come downstairs in certain clothes or shoes, or go over by my discman, without her thinking it was time for a walk. We couldn't even say the word "Walk" without her perking up. When someone got the leash out, she would jump up on that person and bark for joy. Even after she got cancer, she would pull so hard on her leash and sniff everything. Sometimes it took forever to move her along the path. Sometimes she would just go over to the cupboard, sit down, and look up at it. She would nudge her nose at the cupboard door. How could anyone resist? I will miss taking walks with her.

5. Dani loved to sleep, especially in the lap of luxury! She loved blankets, pillows, pads on the floor, couches, and beds. She had her own little pillow and her own blankets (we spoiled her terribly). Yet, she still loved using ours. If my mother stretched out on the love seat in the tv room, Dani would go over and expect to get up on one half. My sister always moved over or off for Dani! Sometimes she would just be back there by herself, sleeping. Sometimes she would take herself up to take a nap or go to bed on my parents' bed, most especially on my mother's pillow. On occasion I would go into the back tv room and find Dani sleeping on a huge pile of blankets or on top of the pillows on top of the couch, in the oddest ways! If anyone was sleeping on the couch or the floor, Dani made it her business to say hello! If someone was staying at our house, and we were setting up a bed on a floor, Dani would always climb on and impede our ability to put the sheets on. She thought it was her new bed! Once, I was sitting on the couch, towards the middle, next to my dad. There was a pillow on my left. My mother was on the love seat and my sister on the floor. I got up to get something in another room. When I came back, Dani was in my spot. I picked her up, took her over to the open spot on the loveseat, and started back to my spot. She beat me to it! I picked her up and put her back again. I sat down in my spot. Dani came over and climbed up on to the pillow beside me and just glared. It was hilarious. She would go up to bed early with my mother and then not come down until late morning. I will miss her hogging the couch and finding her sleeping everywhere.

6. Dani loved to play with her toys. Sometimes on walks she would find tennis balls over by the university's tennis courts. She was so proud to come home with one. Sometimes she would take great pleasure in pulling the fuzz off of one or tossing it for herself. Sometimes she would have fun throwing it down the stairs and then running after it. She loved it when we would throw one in the back yard or at the playground for her or down the hall. She would run through the middle of the back yard, but, because of her cattle instincts, she always went to one of the sides to come back. It was so funny. Whenever she was finished playing, she would just lay down or not bring the ball back. Another of her favorite toys was plastic milk jugs! Actually, plastic bottles of any kind. She would steal them out of the recycling bin. It was hilarious to hear and watch her run around with a milk jug. It made such a funny noise and she just loved batting them around! She had lots of other toys: her plastic hot dogs (the first of which we have only a tiny tip of left---she chewed the rest to bits), her squeaky Old Navy bones, her other toy balls, her ropes, and the stuffed animal the wonderful people at the animal hospital gave her when she went into remission. She loved it when we stuck a tennis ball into an old sock and tied a knot. We would play tug with her or she would chew on it or fling it around. Sometimes, with the stuffed animal, the ball in the sock, or the ropes she would grab a hold and shake her head around like she was trying to kill it. We always wondered why she didn't stop when she hit herself in the head. I suppose it was just too much fun. It was amazing the way she knew where they all were. She would stick one some place and find it there weeks later. I will miss playing with her toys with her and seeing them every where.

7. Dani had sooooo many nicknames. They constantly evolved, but we always called her by the old and new ones. First, she was named for one of our favorite baseball players, former Mariners' catcher Danny Wilson. One of her first nicknames was "Devil Dog." When we got her she seemed so quiet. Boy, were we wrong! She had soooooo much energy! She would race around the house when we got home from work or school and let her in. She bounced off sofas and ran around in circles. Outside she would race around and then charge you and then dart off and go around again. Often, when she was little, she would look at you with a gleam in her eyes and then steal something from the garbage can or from the clean laundry that was being folded or your shoe or whatever. Then she would look at you and dart off down the hall. We would run after and chase her round and round the sofa. It was impossible to catch her! You would finally get something back and she would steal something else. Such a little devil! Other nicknames included: Dan-Dan, Daniella, Baby-ella, Little Baby-ella, Dan, Danner, Dan-Doll, Dolly, Danimal, Dani the Dog-faced Dog, Bobo the Clown Dog, Bobo, Tubby, Tub-Tub, Tubber, Puppy Wuppy, Pupper, Hairface, Furface, Dogface, Baby Dog, and so many more that I can't even think of right now. I will miss calling her by name.

8. Dani was a Pirate Dog! She had the loveliest black around her eyes (not the fur, but her eyelids, etc.), just like Captain Jack Sparrow! Last Halloween she dressed up as a pirate, with her own pirate hat, neck scarf, and monkey! She wasn't too please by the hat, I can tell you! But we got some good pictures. (You can see them here.)

9. We could never stay mad at Dani (see "Devil Dog" stories in #7). Once, when she was a little dog, she got in trouble for something and my dad put her out in the back yard. A short time later someone let her in. My dad was standing in the kitchen. Dani ran in and nipped at his foot and ran out of the room. It was absolutely hilarious and the story still makes me laugh! She never got mad either. Even if she was acting snappish, I would put my hand out and she would just lick it. The only person she would bite was my sister. They always got in trouble together. The only furniture Dani wasn't allowed on were the nice sofas in the front living room. She never got on them, really, until after she got cancer. My mother had, in emotion after learning of the diagnosis, declared that Dani could go where ever she wanted. After we started treatments and Dani was just fine, she said Dani didn't need to go up there. My sister, however, took it to heart and started putting Dani up there. One week, Dani just started going up on the couch on her own! We would look out and see her climbing up or already situated. And the thing was, she wouldn't get down! It was hilarious, but we had to be firm. My sister was scolded, but she still did it secretly. The truth came out after Dani went to play with God and we all had a good laugh. We could always tell she had been up there because of the warm spots! I will miss her getting up there!

10. Dani was afraid of little dogs and little kids, especially babies! She was quite a baby herself! Wind, thunder, pots and pans, and a sheet of paper falling down all scared her. She would cower under tables or come to you with her "tail tucked" (as my sister would say) and ears back, or hide in the bathroom or my parents' room. Sometimes we would put her on our laps (she wasn't a tiny dog!). Some of the things she was scared of were soooo silly, but she was scared just the same! On garbage day, she would make a big show, barking at the truck. But, when it came to our garbage can, she would retreat to the far side of the yard or her dog house, still barking. So tough! Sometimes a bird would be in the yard or someone would be going down the alley and Dani would just lay there or go about her business. If one of us looked out and she saw us, she would start barking as though to prove she was doing her job. Even if she was inside when the garbage truck came, she would run into the kitchen and bark her head off. Nothing would silence her! She would often run the length of the fence, barking all along, just to make her point. I will miss her fear and her courage.

11. Dani was always happy to see us. Even if I had been upstairs for an hour, she would wag her tail like mad and look so excited. When she was a puppy she would come in and wake us up in the mornings by jumping on our beds. The day after my high school senior all nighter, I was sleeping on the fold out couch in the bed because my sister's friend was using my bed. Dani burst through the door at least 3-4 different times and woke me up. It was adorable. Whenever she was happy to see us she would either rub up against us or rub her head on our legs. Sometimes she got excited when people were sitting next to each other and she would go under our legs and rub and then go around and do it again and again. It was so sweet. Whenever we left, she would either have her head out the fence or be looking out the front window. The smudge marks are still there. Sometimes she would bark when we left. She was always happy when we came back. I will miss her joy at seeing me.

12. Dani loved to play out in the yard with us. If my dad was watering the lawn, Dani would bark furiously at the hose and enjoyed getting sprayed by the water. She thought she could chase it. When she was a puppy and my mother was pulling weeds, Dani would grab the weeds from the pile and spread them all over the yard. She used to throw her tennis ball out the fence for our old neighbor to throw back in. One of her favorite spots was right behind the dog house. It was sort of shady there. Her favorite spot, however, was right on top of the picnic table! She would jump up there and sleep or survey her territory. It was always fun to look out the back door window and see her up there. She loved it. I will miss playing with her in the back yard.

13. Dani is now with God. She is playing with our first dog Lucy and is so happy and carefree. No more vet visits (though we have the greatest vet and animal hospital in the world), no more needles, no more thunderstorms. I thank God every day for her presence in my life. She was one of hte greatest gifts he could have given us. We will miss her every day of our lives, but we know we will meet her (and Lucy) again at Rainbow Bridge.

WE MISS YOU DANI!!!!
WE LOVE YOU DANI!!!!


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32 comments:

Christina said...

What a beautiful tribute to Dani! It really gave me a vivid picture of what it was like to live with her, and she sounds like she was such a wonderful companion and friend. No doubt she is at the Rainbow Bridge, far away from pain, thunderstorms, vets, and other such things, playing with other doggies and having a great time.

My T13 is up.

Ivÿ said...

i'm sorry Jane for your loss.
i felt sad reading your T13 tribute to dani. it reminded me of my dog that died. His name was Skubi. I missed him. And I feel guilty, too, for not bonding much with Sakura, our guradian dog (she guards our house day & night).

Anonymous said...

what a wonderful list. Our animals are so important to us, sometimes people who dont have animals cant understand just why we are so in love with our fur-babies.

Your fur-babies are waiting for you over the rainbow bridge. You see them again.

When my Dad was buried, we put the ashes of his little Shannon (his britney spanial) at his feet, where she always wanted to be.

YellowRose said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Dani sounded like an absolutely wonderful pet! This was a beautiful tribute!

Happy Thursday! My TT is up!!

Unknown said...

Jane,Dogs are such wonderful companions.It goes deeper than loyalty, they love with true unconditional love and they seem to sense when we need them most.Dani sounded like a wonderful dog. When my Dad's German Shepard died from a heart attack, my dad's heart broke. You have some incredible memories of Dani, and I'm sure she's at peace now,and of course missing you just as much!
Have a great Thursday! :P

Tracie Nall said...

I am sorry for your loss. Pets really are part of the family.

Anonymous said...

What A WONDERFULL tribute to your dog, I noticed she was born on the 13 and you found her on the 13 too...is Dani a short for danielle? she's sooo cute in that pirate outfit....I feel your loss and my heartfelt condolences, I love reading about her being scared of thunder etc and that she's a baby herself ...you spoilt her wonderfully!

Happy T13. mine is up.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful tribute to Dani. Pets sneak into our lives and wrap themselves around our hearts with such ease. I miss having a dog, but my disability would make it unfair. I still miss Kizzy, my little minnie pin who died a few years ago now. She was almost 18 years old.

kaye said...

lovely dog..i dont have a pet.but if i will have one,i wouldlove to have a dog.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely tribute to Dani, it was almost too heartbreaking to read I have a thing with animals, I hate to see them hurt, or in pain.. Losing a pet is like losing a child (believe me I've been there) and you may come to terms with it, but you'll never forget.

R.I.P Dani :=)

Mandy

Lazy Daisy said...

Dogs are the closest thing I know to unconditional love. So sorry for your loss.

Maribeth said...

I understand all you have written, and I understand how painful things still are for you. We losy our beloved Shubi in February and I still cannot stand it.
We went through a year of chemotherapy with her and fought hard to save her life. In the end, she went to be with God.
My heart is still broken

Carmen said...

Well, you made me cry too. Pets are a wonderful gift, and Dani sounds like she loved you so much. :)

Lisa said...

What a loving tribute to your pal. I know when my doggie goes to heaven, it's gonna take me a LONG time to get past that. He's a great buddy dog (like Dani was!).

Anyone who doesn't believe animals have souls has never loved a pet like this.

Thanks for sharing that. I know it was hard!

Peace to you

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry for your loss. Isn't it funny how dogs always know when you are going for a walk, ours did too.

Darla said...

Awww... {{{{hugs}}}}

What a nice tribute.

Lynn said...

What a great dog! I'm sorry for your loss. Dogs (and cats too) become such a special parts of our families. This was probably good for you to put all of these wonderful thoughts down.

We sometimes call our beagle "Devil Dog" because he has the black around his eyes;-)

Read over these memories when you miss him most.
Have a blessed day!

Just Me said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Our furbabies are so precious, aren't they?

I'm here to share my TT with you,
Elle
http://bellis.blogon.com

Changed by His Love said...

Sweet tribute to your dog...I have never had any dogs with cancer, but it's still painful losing them.
My TT is up!

Unknown said...

I know exactly how you feel. It is so painful.I have a nine year old dacshund and a one year old wiener. They are the 2nd and 3rd I've had. My first lived 14 years.

Mama Duck said...

*hugs* I lost a dog last September and it is still sad.

Anonymous said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful, sweet, loving tribute you have written to your sweet dog :)

Lady Jane said...

Oh my goodness! I am so overwhelmed by all of your comments! I'm crying right now because you are all so thoughtful! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! It means so much that you would take the time to read what I wrote and to write such wonderful, sweet comments and share your own stories! I had to go through and visit your blogs before I read these because I knew I would be crying and probably unable to write good comments on your lists.

Thank you for being so sweet! It really makes me feel better! God bless you all!

Sarah said...

Oh, I am so sorry. When my cat Jane died last summer at 19, I cried for days. Literally, days. It's funny how it fades, and then I say something like, "Well, at home our cats--" and then I realize there is only one cat. Sometimes people do not understand how much it means.

Anonymous said...

Your blog made me teary eyed, but in a good way. Dani was obviously a great companion to you.

My dog recently had surgery to have a lump removed and (thank God) it was only a fatty mass. I was such a wreck waiting to hear if it was cancer or not.

Pets are the best friends in the world. This was a beautiful TT tribute.

Janet said...

I'm so sorry to hear you lost Dani. Thanks for sharing the stories about her, I loved reading them, even tho it made me tear up.
hugs

Anonymous said...

Isn't it amazing how fast our pets become part of the family?!

Dani sounds like a wonderful dog--she definitely lived the life of a queen! Great name too :-)

Thanks for visiting me!

Anonymous said...

awwwhh, i wish I could have a dog,

what happiness and memories they bring. :)

Amy said...

That definitely made me tear up as I recently had to put my puppy of 13 1/2 years to sleep. I will never forget her. Thank you for sharing your memories! Also thanks for visiting. I'll be posting the answers to my 13 this week!

Anonymous said...

We are cat people at my house. I remember when I lost my childhood cat. He was 16 years old and he died when I was 16. It was devasting to lose such a close family member.

I'm so sorry about your loss. This was such a great tribute to a wonderful dog.

Pixie said...

My heart is aching for you. I know you must have loved Dani very much & I'm sure she loved you too.

Tracy S said...

aweee I am sorry to hear about Dani.. I know how hard it is. Our dogs are so much our babies too.

Beautiful tribute :)