• Cart
  • Checkout
  • My Account
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter

Aging Schmaging

Women's Issues Midlife And Beyond

  • Aging Schmaging
  • Home
  • Shop
    • Art
    • Cards
    • Photography
    • Scarves
  • Playshops
  • Blog
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
You are here: Home / The Best Part Of My Day / Angels on Earth…

Angels on Earth…

August 7, 2012 By Gail 7 Comments

Those of us lucky enough to love animals have wealth. How else can I describe the relationships and memories of the special pets we have known, and who have loved us back?

As a child we had a calico cat that managed life just fine with only three legs. She not only raised her kittens, but was a great mouser. She inspired me to get on with life despite perceived setbacks and shortcomings.

My first pony—Blacky—taught me that stubbornness is a valid, usable, characteristic, and not to be discarded lightly. He also taught me that working with him was much better than trying to control him by force. That lesson has served me well over the years in my relationships with both two and four-legged creatures.

My first horse, Flame, was a nervous beauty. Mom gave up on trying to gentle her and did not want me to ride her. With patience and time I discovered Flame had an extremely tender mouth. Once I stopped using a bridle with a bit, and went strictly with a hackamore (a way of guiding horses by pressure on the nose), Flame trusted me implicitly.  We had glorious rides throughout my teenage years. She was, and is, the horse by which I measure all others.

Of the dogs in my childhood, Charmin, a female Samoyed, was THE dog for me.  She was almost psychic in her ability to know what I was about to do, and where I would be. When I would sleep in my tree house over night, she slept beneath the tree to be as close to me as possible. It’s hard not to feel loved and almost experiencing a spiritual plane when in the presence of that kind of devotion.

In my adulthood our first Husky, Hunter, was a game changer. He was not an easy dog to be with—definitely an Alpha male—but he totally captured my heart over the years. When he died of cancer two years ago, a little piece of me withered too.

My daughter’s cat, Shadow, was the epitome of the word Diva, and one of the most fearless animals I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. The fact that she never topped eight pounds and was tiny escaped her reasoning. One day I found Alpha Hunter cowering in the corner while Shadow sat a few inches away glaring at him. It would have been nothing for him to snap her in two, but her fierce belief in her own power sent him reeling. Another good lesson to consider, by the way.

Spooky, a tiny orphaned kitten, was my angel cat. She seldom let me out of her sight and had the sweetest, purest, soul of any cat in my lifetime. She was my best study buddy when I returned to college in mid-life, and I cried for months when a mystery illness took her away far too soon.

Last week my friend Claudia’s bulldog, Zoey, passed away after a spectacular life. I fell helplessly in love after just one meeting with Miss Zoey, and found that love to be incurable.  Zoey very quickly learned I usually had treats in a pocket or purse. She would shower me with affection until the treats were gone, and then would walk away with nose in air. My purpose had been served. Claudia shared wondrous Zoey stories over the years,which never failed to send me in a good mood.

I believe Zoey was one of the special angel-animals that come to earth to make humans better, and she succeeded. I will miss Zoey in countless ways. And yet to be able to say I had the privilege of knowing her and retain treasured memories, is the best part of my day.

«
»

Filed Under: The Best Part Of My Day

Avatar photo

A Message From Gail

Through my blog and website, I hope to share beauty, laughter, inspiration, aging & midlife lessons and advice on dealing with menopause. I will also devote time to integrative health and healing tips and news. I want feedback and questions because, while we may be sharing the journey, every woman has her own experience and her own story.

Get Our FREE 
Coloring Book!

Comments

  1. Claudia says

    August 8, 2012 at 2:23 am

    Gail, your writing is always beautiful, but today’s stole a piece of my heart. Zoey adored you . . . yes, part of it was the treats, but she was an excellent judge of character. When I was going through chemo, Zoey would meet me at the door, and know something was different. During the 3 days a week that the chemo pump was running, Zoey never left my side. On the nights when I couldn’t sleep, she stayed right beside me no matter where I was. As soon as the chemo was over, she could relax and go back to her usual routine. She was not only a part of our hearts, but a part of my return to health. We will never get over missing her and we will never stop being grateful for all she gave us. It is rare in this life to meet a truly great spirit. We were privileged to know and love one . . .Miss Zoey Redbull. Thank you for the kind remembrances of her. She would have loved it and we do too.

    Reply
    • Gates says

      August 9, 2012 at 5:45 pm

      Claudia,

      I happen to know when Zoey was having sleepless nights because of her health issues, you were right there for her as well. You placed her comfort above yours even if that meant some groggy days in the aftermath. If I was a betting woman I’d bet the mortgage that lost sleep wasn’t even a consideration on your part. Zoey needed you as much as you needed her. Done.

      Isn’t it amazing how we communicate without words if our hearts are open? The tilt of a head, the pitch of the bark, or meow, or ???, the telling eyes–are all part of the human/animal conversation. Perhaps we conveniently place human emotions on animal behaviors, but I think there is far more to it. There is an inner knowing that can’t be explained by science, and that I do believe.

      You and I have been lucky. For reasons we may never understand we have shared lives with some of the best animal spirits. I know I’ve learned and been given more than I can ever repay because of those relationships.

      While we mourn their short visits, we will always remember their impact on our souls.

      Reply
  2. shoes christian louboutin says

    August 8, 2012 at 8:38 am

    I get pleasure from, result in I found just what I used to be taking a look for. You have ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

    Reply
  3. longchamp handbag says

    August 8, 2012 at 9:38 am

    I would like to express my affection for your kind-heartedness supporting those individuals that absolutely need help with the question. Your real dedication to getting the message all over became pretty informative and have always permitted individuals just like me to get to their pursuits. Your useful information means a lot a person like me and even more to my fellow workers. Thanks a lot; from everyone of us.

    Reply
  4. Cleveland Cavaliers Snapback says

    August 8, 2012 at 7:56 pm

    I would like to express my love for your kind-heartedness supporting those individuals that absolutely need guidance on the question. Your very own dedication to passing the message all over has been pretty useful and has always encouraged individuals much like me to achieve their pursuits. Your own important advice entails a lot to me and substantially more to my office workers. Best wishes; from each one of us.

    Reply
  5. Time To Obtain A Fashionable Party Dress Just For Fun says

    August 16, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    Very good info can be found on this web site.

    Reply
  6. Bridal says

    August 17, 2012 at 10:29 am

    I¡¯m still learning from you, while I¡¯m trying to reach my goals. I absolutely liked reading all that is written on your blog.Keep the stories coming. I liked it!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Download
Our FREE
Coloring Book!

Get Updates – Signup

Once a month one lucky winner from the sign up pool will receive a scarf courtesy of Aging Schmaging. Good luck!

Categories

  • Giveaways
  • Menopause
  • Midlife Sex
  • Musings About Aging
  • Recipes
  • Remembering
  • Sharing
  • The Best Part Of My Day

Recent Posts

  • Past, Present, and Future: What I am Learning as My Husband Recovers from A Stroke By Gail Gates
  • In One Stroke, My World Changed
  • Christmas Fingerprints On The Surface Of My Heart
  • Tears Water A Memorial Garden
  • Crap Wildlife Photography: How I received 1800 “Likes” From A Fugly Photo

Navigate My Site

  • Almost Done!
  • Free Coloring Book
  • Menopause And Women In Midlife Blog
  • Playshops
  • Privacy Policy
  • Return Policy
  • Shop
  • Silk Scarves Playshops Registration
  • Sitemap
  • Success!
  • Testimonials
  • About
  • Contact

Recent Posts

  • Past, Present, and Future: What I am Learning as My Husband Recovers from A Stroke By Gail Gates
  • In One Stroke, My World Changed
  • Christmas Fingerprints On The Surface Of My Heart
  • Tears Water A Memorial Garden
  • Crap Wildlife Photography: How I received 1800 “Likes” From A Fugly Photo

Connect With Me

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Featured From the Shop

  • habitoi silk scarf Habatoi Hand Painted Silk Scarf 101 $35.00
  • grand marais summer solstice Grand Marais Solstice $10.00 – $45.00

Copyright © 2023 · Gail Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Cleantalk Pixel