Codie

I Am Barking

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Codie

I nearly barked out loud as I came down the driveway towards the house. What once had been a humble split rail fence at the entrance to the property was now a sturdy six foot fence and gate. There was only one explanation for such an enormous fence: Asher.

That little rascal loved an adventure from the time he could walk. Even when I was still there to keep an eye on him, he would slip off to explore the ravine. I wonder how long this fence will hold him.

I passed through the closed gate without effort. No longer clothed in fur and flesh I can go anywhere.

It is slightly more than one year ago that I left my body behind. You cannot cross the rainbow bridge burdened with a worn out body. I am not ready to encounter Asher or my people. I am still getting used to the experience of life without physical being.

There is so much to bark about – my last days, the passage, what I found on the other side. Honestly I don’t know where to start or how to describe where I have been and what I have seen. Please be patient as I try to make sense of things. For now I will pass my thoughts to Asher so he can tell the others. In time I may be able to tell my own story. I will bark more later.

Asher, Codie

The Sign of the Rose

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Before she died Codie told me her spirit would return to watch over us. She said she had to stay on the other side of the rainbow bridge for a whole year, but once the year had passed she would be free to come and go.

Codie said I would know when she was back. It has been a year since she left us, so I’ve been watching for her sign.

Mom was restless this morning and went out early to check on the chickens. As she passed her favorite rosebush she saw a beautiful new rose. It was the only fresh rose on the bush and it was perfect.

Mom and I looked at each other. We knew it was a sign from Codie. From the time she was little Codie was a princess. She had dainty feet and loved to lounge on soft pillows. She always slept in bed with her people. Her chosen sign was elegant, befitting a princess.

It’s not clear to me how to communicate with Codie. For now it is enough to know that she is present with us in some form. I know she will tell of her travels across the rainbow bridge and what she found on the other side when she is ready.

Mom put Codie’s rose next to the spirit weight that contains a lock of Codie’s hair. I’ll write more about the spirit weight another time. Right now I’m going to sit by the front gate and wait for Codie. We’ve missed her so much. I hope she comes soon.

Codie

Asher

My Girl

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Tess and Ash

I’m a lucky dog. I’ve always had a family. I’ve never been hungry. When I got hurt once mom took me to the vet and I got all patched up. And for the last year I’ve had my own girlfriend.

I’ve barked about Tess before but not as often as I should. Sometimes I take her for granted because she’s always there. But today I really need to bark about why she’s so special.

See Tess with the ball? She’s not teasing me, she’s inviting me to play. Tess knows I love the ball and it’s a sure way to get me to play with her. Sometimes she just grabs a hunk of my fur to get my attention.

Tess is like a little mother. Once she’s decided you’re part of the pack she’ll do her best to protect you. A few weeks ago a guest dog jumped Jack. Because he’s deaf Jack didn’t hear the attack coming. Mom wasn’t close enough to stop it. So Tess threw herself on the guest dog to save Jack. I was getting ready to jump in but mom got there first and pulled everybody apart.

I was so proud of Tess. After the fight she kept licking Jack to make sure he was okay. I could tell it meant a lot to Jack. He’s had some fights in his life but now that he’s older and can’t hear, he’s easy prey for some punk dog.

I don’t mind that Tess always goes in the truck with dad. It means so much to her. She gets this great big smile on her face. She lifts her beautiful tail real high and prances around. When dad opens the door she races to the truck and jumps in the front seat.

I really love Tess. After Codie died my life was pretty lonely. I didn’t have a dog pal anymore. That’s when mom told me I needed a girlfriend and she found me Tess. Wow, how lucky is that? Thanks mom! Gotta run.

Taking a Break