| ~ November 1, 2002 ~ We are hopefully going to be adopting a rescued golden (abused, stressed, has his fur shaved because he has boo-boos and hot spots that are healing, and needs to gain about 15 to 20 pounds). We pick him up tomorrow and he won't be "signed" over to us until he is neutered and he can't be neutered until he gains weight. He is currently adopted by the rescue. He apparently had been in animal hospital for about 10 days, rough shape and we saw him last night and the rescue worker who now has him in her home said he's so much better than when he first arrived at the hospital. No one has claimed him and he has been a stray for who knows how long. Tomorrow we get him, and Monday, Gino brings him in for a visit to the hospital and the rescue lady meet with him there for the vet follow up appointment. He's supposed to have a five day follow up. He has got all his shots, is microchipped, just needs to heal all his skin wounds (which they are doing well she said), grow some fur and gain weight and de-stress. She's feeding him about 7 or so cups of food to he'll fill out. Right now you can see his ribs. This lady and her husband are dog trainers, judge in competitions, breed goldens plus have six golden retrievers of their own. I really appreciate how strict everything is because that is the way I would be if I were in their position. They are lovely people - they love animals BIG TIME - The lady spoke with me so nicely on the phone when I was inquiring and talking about our loss too. She of course, knew all about love and loss of animals since she is such an avid doggy lover. When he gets fixed, she will meet us at the hospital and sign everyone over to us and we reimburse for his microschip, neutering. I told her it will be like a ribbon cutting ceremony. Please keep your fingers crossed that all goes well and I will send pictures in a few weeks once I am settled and hopefully a very happy doggy mommy. Gino is so thrilled too. We miss the dogs terribly and the condo is so empty without them. We named the dog Bello (Italian for handsome). I just pray that he does well cuz I know we have a LOT of love to give this guy. ~ December 24, 2002 ~ Happy Holidays Everyone from The Cacciatore Family! Gino took some pics of Bello and myself with antlers on! It was a bit of a feat to get the antlers to stay on Bello as he wanted to chew them! In the pics I am giving him some homemade dog treats from Judy in Illinois. (Thank you Judy!) The printed fabric on my lap is a doggy placemat she sent me as well for Bello! He's one spoiled dog! :-) It's Bello's first Christmas with us and he is such a goofball! He has a very loud bark and today when it actually snowed a bit, he started "bellowing" at the snow and his fur went UP! Health and Happiness to all! All the best in the New Year! Sincerely, Lori, Gino and Bello |
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| Hunter, Keesha & Friends |
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| ~ My Heart with the Golden Hair ~ In the blink of a sleepy eye, you caught mine, and ran off with my heart,I raced after you into your world as if you were the horse and I the cart, You showed me the value of squeaky toys versus things that like to fray, Through exasperation and inspiration, I love you more with each passing day. From puppy breath to doggy drool, you greet me with such glee. You smile and grin from ear to ear, and your kisses set me free. With all the wonder in this world, I wonder even more, “How did I ever manage without your fuzzy face before?” You laugh with me, sing with me, and listen with great intent. I don’t know where the time has gone, but it’s been happily spent! On frisky walks we stop and talk to others passing by, We are quite silly and not so well trained, but my heart swells up with pride. You with us, through thick and thin, how I can I repay the joy you bring to me? Neither a pat nor a hug, could articulate my love, as your head rests upon my knee. With a sleepy sound, you turn around and curl up beside my chair, I want you with me forevermore; you are my heart with the golden hair. ~ Mommy Lori Cacciatore -2002 ~ |
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| Hunter |
| Keesha |
| ~ Tribute To A Best Friend ~ Sunlight streams through window pane unto a spot on the floor.... then I remember, it's where you used to lie, but now you are no more. Our feet walk down a hall of carpet, and muted echoes sound.... then I remember, It's where your paws would joyously abound. A voice is heard along the road, and up beyond the hill, then I remember it can't be yours.... your golden voice is still. But I'll take that vacant spot of floor and empty muted hall and lay them with the absent voice and unused dish along the wall. I'll wrap these treasured memorials in a blanket of my love and keep them for my best friend until we meet above. ~ Author Unknown ~ |
| ~ We Have A Secret ~ We have a secret you and I that no one else shall know, for who but I can see you lie each night in fire glow? And who but I can reach my hand before we go to bed and feel the living warmth of you and touch your silken head? And only I walk woodland paths and see ahead of me, your small form racing with the wind so young again and free. And only I can see you swim in every brook I pass and when I call, no one but I can see the bending grass. ~ Author unknown ~ |
| "He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. "He is just my dog" ~ Gene Hill ~ |
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| Bello |
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| ~ THE GOLD HAS TURNED TO GRAY ~ Under silky brows, brown eyes peek up and gaze upon my face, They speak to me as no words could, they show no fear, no not a trace. The eyes, they say, “I am going home, to my rest and eternal Grace”. It is hard to accept that the time has come for him to leave this earthly place. The eyes, they say, “I’m ready now, despair not, I’ll wait for you, And until then I’ll romp and play under the golden sun and delight in the sky so blue”. It’s so hard to let go, his eyes, they slumber; it’s time to let him pass through The Golden Gates of Paradise where his spirit will be renewed. He’ll wait for me; I know he will - his eyes told me he would stay, And keep watch over me to ensure I’m safe, and even though he’s far away I will sense him near, standing guard; from my thoughts he will never stray, He will dwell in my heart forevermore, even though the gold has turned to gray. In Memory of all dogs, especially Keesha and Hunter By Lori Cacciatore, Mommy of Hunter & Keesha |
| New Arrival Stork |
| Bello |