ME AND MY PETS

Me and my pets

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Me and my pets

Since I was a child, I’ve always had my own animals, from cats, parrots and rabbits to dogs. I now own two dogs: beautiful Tervueren Raider Malinois Blueberry. We all live in Gothenburg together with my son Daniel and my man Tomi.

When I was a little girl I loved dogs very much, but my parents said I was too young to take care of a dog myself, so all I could do was to take walks with other people’s dogs :). I had a parrot named "Jaka", several cats and a rabbit named "Tufi". In Slovenia my Grandparents had a dog that I loved allot. First thing I did when visiting them, was to take a walk with him. When I was about 12 years old I got my first Grey Tervueren female named "Cindy". With her I started training Obedience and Agility. I also had a "dog friend" named Caroline. She had a white Poodle and we used to walk and train our dogs together.

This time of my life brings so many happy memories, enjoying life, no worries at all, plus dogs, dogs and dogs again :). Cindy was a gentle and beautiful female, we got many ribbons and trophys together.

Today I still train and compete in Obedience and Agility. Sometimes I enter dog shows, just for fun. I also run a web site and a Forum dedicated to Belgian Shepherds. I learned a lot from the people there and it got me many new friends all over the world! I guess dogs always have been and always will be a part of my life and lifestyle.

Photo 1: Caroline and me with our dogs
Photo 2: Me and Raider at a Agility competition

In memory of Cindy

There is a star shining for her every night and she will always be in my heart. My first dog; like many I am probably not too objective about my first dog anyway here is my story...

I loved animals since I can remember and always wanted to have my own dog. To satisfy my love of dogs I started walking other people’s dogs. When I was 13 years old I managed to convince my parents to get me a dog. The only condition was I had to promise that I will take care of the dog by my self; otherwise my mother would give her back to the breeder. Of course nobody believed that I would actually do it all by my self, but I did. I walked her, gave her food and water and she was my best friend.

One day we read in dog magazine that one kennel was looking co-owners for a gray 7 month Tervueren; we called and went for a visit the very same day. When I saw her for the first time she looked a little bit strange to me since she had more pointy nose then I was used to see in the old books about Belgian Shepherds, with wider (lets call it old lines) nose. I checked all their other dogs and decided to take her. A week later she was Home!

On the first walk I went to the woods I met Caroline with her white poodle named Buffy. Caroline asked me to unleash her so they could play together, I hesitated a little since I had her for an hour and was not sure if she would run away. I did let her go and our friendship started. We became inseparable and spent all days together. We trained obedience and talked all days while dogs were playing. We were a funny bunch.

Caroline and Buffy were training and competing in obedience and agility. Caroline talked a lot about this sports and I became interested. I and Cindy started to train both obedience and Agility together and that resulted in competing year after year. We got many trophies together both in shows and the sports. Cindy was a very spoiled girl, was always with me. She loved to sleep on the couch and never left my side, hack… she even went to the toilet with me :).

Cindy will always be remembered as my very first and best dog. I grew up by her side and she was devoted to only me. If someone would want to hurt me she would be there in a second, willing to die for me. It has gone some time since we had to put her to sleep, but not a day goes by without me thinking of her and the old happy days we spent together. I see her happy face looking back at me like in a dream when I think of her. I see her running on the field we always spent most of our time together. She will sure be remembered for ever, remembered as my first and best dog. Cooping with all the sadness when someone who is so near to you dies is not easy. Dogs are our family and they love us no matter what. I was preparing for the day when she will go to the rainbow bridge for years but I was still devastated. Many people who haven’t come to the big decision of letting a dog go wonder how can you do it and take your dog to veterinarian to let it go. This decision is never easy since you knowingly go there to end your pet’s life.

I believe that this is something every pet owner has to be ready to do from the first day they get their pet. You never know what happens (from car accidents to sickness) that may cause your pets life into suffering. Cindy was 16 years old, almost blind, deaf, had trouble walking and epileptic. She was getting worse and worse. Her life became suffering.

One day I thought about great things we went through together and than looked at my best friend suffering. Tears were going down my face.. She gave me best years of my life how could I be selfish and keep her alive just so I could have a little more time with her. I decided that I owe my girl peace she had to be put to sleep. It takes love to let go. She went to Rainbow Bridge on 2 Jan 2004. She was cremated and her ashes are now at her favourite place. Some people feel guilty for doing what had to be done.. Stop wondering what could have been done different and asking yourself what if. It took me a long time to heal my wounds and still sometimes I wish she would be with me. I believe as long as we remember those who passed away they are still alive in our hearts.