Re: bell question
Between name tags, "Home Again" chip id tag (you just never can be too careful) and rabies tag, I don't need bells on my babes, the jingle wherever they go. I like the idea of a bell though, give the squirrels a fighting chance (as if they need it, they sit in the trees and laugh at Clyde as it is, although he thinks he's hiding from them - big black dug in the middle of a little tree or bush - it's quite the sight!!). Regards Mandy Lionheart's Clyde v Pioneer BARC's Caledonian Princess
Re: bell question
My Winston used to love to wear his Swiss bell. When he was a puppy, I got a tiny wedding bell and put it on his collar just for fun. It didn't phase him at all and he wore it all the time on his collar. When I was at the Specialty in Wisconsin, I bought a beautiful, melodic Swiss bell for him and he always wore it when he pulled his cart for fun or in parades. It never seemed to bother him - in fact, he got excited when he heard it ring. The Public Safety people called this week to see if I would please bring Winston to the Antique Car Show that is being held in the main street area of Mt. Lebanon this weekend and also to the 4th of July celebration in the park.Last year he gave cart rides to the little kids during those events and was a huge hit!!! They felt so badly when we told them that he had died from malignant histiocytosis in January. I know that he would have had a good time this weekend and also on the 4th of July in the park. Bill told them that in a few years, we would continue the tradition with Nicky. I guess I better start getting him used to wearing a tiny bell. Joye Neff and Nick (just turned six months old today) (and Ben) Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh, PA --On Wednesday, June 25, 2003 2:06 PM -0400 Maria Crifasi <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:r Hi Linda, Both my Berners (Daisy and Buddy) are used to noises since I made it a habit to drop objects, etc. during their puppyhood. I bought two bells (small and medium) from the Care-A-Lot Pets catalog. They are not as loud as the Swiss bells. I think I could have hung the Liberty Bell from their collar and they would not have hesitated because they love to go for walks. I remember them looking at me with confusion when the bells first jangled but I just clapped, jumped up and down and then gave them a treat. The smaller bell makes a low tinkling sound -- just enough for me to figure out where Daisy is in the woods. I'd try a smaller bell, put it on your Berner, let it jangle, cheer, give your Berner a treat and immediately remove the collar and bell. Do this several times extending the time the collar/bell is worn. I'm sure the Berner-L pros will have some good ideas. Good luck! Maria Crifasi Catoctin Mountains, Maryland
The "I did it My Way" award
For those of you who may not know, the "I did it My Way" award is given for the most amusingly unique method of competing in obedience. Lisa paints a portrait of your dog from a photograph onto - but wait! You'll just have to see for yourself! So if you have any great stories such as your perfectly trained Berner racing around the ring in circles, or jumping over the fence for some cheese fries, or going bellyup during the long down, share them with us all! Many of us have been there, we can commiserate, but more importantly we can always have fun laughing at the special Berner antics! Pat Long (& Luther) Berwyn PA
RE: Puppy Mill Puppy?
Betsy, I have a pamphlet that a nameless hard worker put together for me, it's intended to be given to a pet shop in hopes that they will give it to whoever buys a Berner puppy. It doesn't say anything at all about where puppies should be bought, but it is an attempt to reach out to new Berner owners to get them a bit of support so that they don't add to the rescue burden. If we can get them into a regional club or onto the Berner-L (and we WELCOME them with open arms!), then they'll have somewhere to turn for help when their adolescent isn't quite so cute jumping up on them. I can email it to you for you to print, it's a PDF file intended to be a tri-fold with space on the back side for a local area contact. It's a start! Pat Long (& Luther) Berwyn PA
Re: Puppy Mill Puppy?
First I will say that anyone who has their pups being offered for sale in a petstore is not legit regardless of whether he is a commercial breeder or not. Remember NO RESPONSIBLE BREEDER WILL SELL HIS PUPS VIA A BROKER OR PET STORE. Dick Lawson is a USDA breeder. As to what you can do you might ask the petstore if they will give the buyer information on Bernese Mountain Dogs. You might print out some of the info on your local regional club, the BMDCA and/or some of the info from the info series offered by the BMDCA on raising and caring for a Bernese Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Wed, 25 Jun 2003 19:32:51 -0400 [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > A local store was advertising a long list of puppies for sale > including a Berner puppy. I called and was told that the puppy was > a male, 11 weeks old, AKC registered with no OFA or other > certifications for a price of $1500. I asked where the puppy was > bred and given the name Dick Lawson at 62781 E140, Miami OK. Does > anyone know if Lawson is legit or a puppy miller? Is there anything > I can do? > Thanks > Betsy Rich > > >
re: happy birthday boris
of course you all remember that boris is one of the proud recipients of the 'i did it my way' award. this just goes to show that boris is continuing to do it his way! lisa baldwin (dickens, bark & zel) seattle, wa [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Puppy Mill Puppy?
A local store was advertising a long list of puppies for sale including a Berner puppy. I called and was told that the puppy was a male, 11 weeks old, AKC registered with no OFA or other certifications for a price of $1500. I asked where the puppy was bred and given the name Dick Lawson at 62781 E140, Miami OK. Does anyone know if Lawson is legit or a puppy miller? Is there anything I can do? Thanks Betsy Rich
WESTCHESTER BERNER WALK 2003
What a delight!! What a great, old fashioned Berner event! And the weather cooperated in an unbelievable way - holding off showers for the 2 hours we needed to enjoy the SPECTACULAR scenery overlooking the Hudson River.Talk about beginners luck!! We all need to send a big hug to Betsy Rich, owned by the handsome Gus, a newcomer to the Berner world but an old friend, (our kids went to school together). Betsy had the idea while we were walking Gus & Belline one day at the Rockefeller Preserve and she posted it on the L, reposted it when a conflict arose, bought balloons, chocolate for a mini-raffle (we raised $64. for BARC, LOC and BHF) a table,umbrellas to keep the table dry & dog biscuits. She also provided a charming husband, Jamie, and enthusiastic son, Alex, to host newcomers.We put out BMDCA Info sheets and cheese & crackers. About 30 people and about a dozen Berners plus friends arrived to walk. How lovely to meet new people and put faces to the names I've read on the L.So relaxed, so pleasant, so non-competitive and non-political.Just friendly people who love their Berners enjoying each other's company and dogs. Betsy was a newbie who jumped in, volunteered and created a truly worthwhile Berner tradition.Thank you Betsy! Thanks also go to Hugh Hayes for taking great photos and posting them:http://www.hotdogfx.com/west_done/walk.html Please join us next Spring - we will certainly do this again and maybe get a sunny day so we can picnic and chat even longer.Luna's dad, Glen, said some of the weeping beech trees looked 200 years old - they were magnificent. Gratefully, Linda Seaver & Belline Bedford, NY
Karen and Stevie
Dear List, Just wanted to give an update, it just got to be too much to answer everyone individually. We are doing better today. I was finally able to get Trevor some clothing and shoes. Was back to the house to really survey the damage this morning. Nobody realizes the devastation of a fire until you have been through it. Unfortunately, this was the second one for our family in six years. I feel so badly for Trevor, he worked so very hard and valued his possessions so much, as any young person would. Trevor will be 22 in October. His big TV and stereo system, dvd player and satellite system were of course his pride and joy. With no insurance it is not likely that any of his things will be able to be replaced anytime soon. He is feeling so guilty and he has not been able to sleep too much since. The fire started in the kitchen when Trevor left a pot of hot grease on the stove in order to drive a stranded person to the gas station. Trevor didn't think twice about dropping what he was doing to help someone in need out. When he arrived at the station he realized what he had done and raced back at break neck speed to the house, but it was far too late and was well involved. He immediately called 911 and then proceeded to try to get into the house to save precious George. Trevor has a burn to his right arm and has had his hair shaved off as he had singed most of it off the right side of his head trying to beat the flames. But he will be ok. Alas, poor George did not fair as well. When they told me that he had more than likely perished in the fire I of course was devastated. However, he was found yesterday morning under the tree in the front of the yard. Still alive, but barely, horribly burned and in terrible pain. He was immediately euthanised. I feel so guilty for not looking for him more the other night. To think that he spent the whole night and morning, blind and in excruciating pain burdens me. He was such a comfort to Stevie when Stevie was first home after his accident. He put up with Stevie carrying him by the scruff of the neck all over the house and taking him to bed with him, not once did George complain. He was Stevie's shadow, to be sure. He would not eat his food, until you set his dish along side of the big gentle giant's while he was eating. George would happily eat right along side Stevie, even stealing a piece or two of food from under Stevie's slobbering jowls! I am hoping that the village will rally and have a benefit for Trevor and my ex. Trevor is like the mayor of the village, everyone knows him and loves him. He has a huge big heart and loves young and old, have's and have's nots. He is a very special young man. Thank you to all who have sent prayers and kind words. Once again I am humbled. I am so thankful that I have my sweet Stevie boy to comfort me during the long evenings and nights. "That which does not kill us, makes us strong" Food for thought indeed. Berner Hugs and Kisses to all. Karen and Stevie NB, Canada
Re: Migrating chip
Hi all, I think the AVID chips do have the anti-migrating feature now; I've been using them for six years in my dogs and all our puppies. To my knowledge none has moved out of position. The nice thing about the AVID Eurochip is that it can be read by all the different scanners, including the ones in other countries. That's a big bonus for us because we often travel with the dogs in Canada. Terry Thompson Missoula, Montana At 11:35 PM 06/24/03 -0400, you wrote: Out of curiosity, what kind of chip was it? We have had several in our hospital that have migrated - they have all been AVID chips. I don't think we're unique in our scanning method - we start at the shoulder blades and if we don't find one , we go all the way down the dog. We found one AVID chip in a pastern, and one by the sternum. Have never found a Home Again chip that migrated, but I do know of one we put in that was irritated by the dog's draft harness and created an abcess. We no longer use or recommend the AVID chips, though I have been told they now have an anti-migrating feature like Home Again. Joanne Prellberg Polaris Bernese Mtn. Dogs Scottsdale, AZ
Re: bell question
Hi Linda, Both my Berners (Daisy and Buddy) are used to noises since I made it a habit to drop objects, etc. during their puppyhood. I bought two bells (small and medium) from the Care-A-Lot Pets catalog. They are not as loud as the Swiss bells. I think I could have hung the Liberty Bell from their collar and they would not have hesitated because they love to go for walks. I remember them looking at me with confusion when the bells first jangled but I just clapped, jumped up and down and then gave them a treat. The smaller bell makes a low tinkling sound -- just enough for me to figure out where Daisy is in the woods. I'd try a smaller bell, put it on your Berner, let it jangle, cheer, give your Berner a treat and immediately remove the collar and bell. Do this several times extending the time the collar/bell is worn. I'm sure the Berner-L pros will have some good ideas. Good luck! Maria Crifasi Catoctin Mountains, Maryland
Re: like this is a berner?
At 01:43 PM 6/25/2003 -0400, you wrote: Doesn't look like a berner to me, more of an aussie poofed up or a mix? maybe that's the illustrious burmese mountain dog!
Re: caninetoday site: Mistake post
Berner-L list I'm so sorry to have posted this to the list w/the HTML & to post it to the list at all. It was ment for a friend not to the list. Really cute dog. Beth http://caninetoday.com/breed/bernese/ Check out this site?
like this is a berner?
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Farewell Kodi 10/11/93-6/25/03
Gweebarra Astion of Kodiak CD NDD 10/11/93-6/25/03 owned and loved by Liz Patschke Today is a sad day, for those that know Liz Patschke and her boy Kodi -- Kodi has been in declining health the last couple of months. I had word from Liz that she would be helping Kodi cross the Rainbow Bridge today. Kodi was one of my best friends (4-legged) we enjoyed a trip out to Colorado where Liz earned his NDD -- he introduced Liz to Obedience and Draft. Kodi was Ace's brother and I'll remember them both -- special memories are tucked away deep in my heart to never be forgotten. If anyone wants to send e-cards to Liz her email is [EMAIL PROTECTED] If you need her snail mail address for condolence cards contact me privately: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Pat Tackett Balch Springs, TX This letter has been delivered unencrypted. We'd like to remind you that the full protection of e-mail correspondence is provided by S-mail encryption mechanisms if only both, Sender and Recipient use S-mail. Register at S-mail.com: http://www.s-mail.com
bell question
I asked for suggestions a week or two ago about how to keep track of my dogs when hiking. Several of you suggested bells. I thought that was a great idea and ordered 2 swiss bells off of a web page. The arrived yesterday just as we were leaving for a hike. I put them on the dog's collars and immediately their tails went down and they looked scared by the noise. The noise isn't really that loud, just sounds like windchimes, especially with the 2 dogs together. I thought the car ride might help them get used to it. But even when we started hiking they would only walk right by my side off-leash and were too scared to run and explore like the normally do. So I took pity and took the bells off. This was their last hike before we leave tomorrow to visit my parents in Atlanta for 10 days where they are on-leash at all times due to the lack of a fence. I hated for them not to get out their energy. Did any of you have problems introducing bells on your dogs collars? How long did it take for them to get over it? My dogs tend to be very sensitive about noises and things they don't like. One of them is truly terrified by an alarm clock that I use when I travel. If I accidently make it beep in the house she will stay outdoors for hours and sometimes it affects her for days. I'd hate for the bells to have the same effect. Thanks for any advice!! Linda & Mocha & Latte Blacksburg VA
Re: Special B-Day 10 yrs...
Linda wrote:"Special day for Int'l, Am, Can, Ch Snobear's Gambling Fool "Baxter" He turns 10 yrs old today, and still running strong..." Happy Birthday Mr. "B" We are SO proud of you!!! You are beautiful in both personality and body. >From day one the show off puppy, always such class! You & your Mom accomplished so much in the show ring. Enjoy your "Lady" and your frosty paws!! : ) Long live the King of Best Bet, and our hearts! Thank you Linda, for being the best Mom Baxter could have! Love & Hugs from: Jeff, Mary, & The SnoBears Jeff & Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Tango is 4!
Just a Happy Birthday wish to my big sweet boy! I can't believe he is 4 already, it doesn't seem like all that long ago that I picked him up as a pup. On a side note, the GSD I rescued recently went to his new forever home. He is doing wonderfully (with the exception of still having diarrhea) and having the time of his life with their lab. It was very fulfilling to have been able to save him. In fact, we are making the drive again this weekend to pull a black lab for my brother and maybe a female Saint Bernard (Tango says he wants a big playmate his own size for his B-day, and a girl to boot, lol). Tina and Tango http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/2210/tango.htm
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Puppy biting own tail
My friends have recently bought a Border Collie from a breeder here in Nebraska. He seems to have an aggression issue with his own tail whenever he eats or has a bone. It isnt allergies, he actually growls at it and bares teeth while he is eating and bites his own tail. He has no fur left on the last half of his tail and has actually bitten the tip, 1/2 inch to an inch off his tail!! They have taken him to the vet and the vet is completly at a loss as to why he is doing it. He isnt just chewing on his tail while he is bored or anything, it is only when he eats or has a bone and he is actually "fighting" his own tail as if he thinks it is going to take his food. He has no aggression twards anyone or anything else, not even when he is eating, it is only his tail. They have been applying medicine to the tail and keeping it wrapped to try to let it heal. They do not let him eat without supervision, and have stopped giving him bones. They have talked to the breeder who has never heard of this issue before, and the vet is unsure of what to do besides one of those shade things around the neck while he eats to prevent him from biting himself. He is currently 4.5 months old. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing or have any advice for them. Thank you so much in advance!! Jayne Duncan
RE: Migrating chip
To make inferences about the effectiveness of one chip over another, one would need to compare the failure rate of AVID with the failure rates of competitive chips. Nancy Melone -Original Message- From: Mary-Ann Bowman [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2003 7:26 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Migrating chip Yes indeed it was an AVID chip that has migrated. The vet also told me that AVID had updated the chip to prevent it from traveling. I have no way to know if the chip was the updated version but I can tell you that it was just six months old. Since I microchipped that whole litter at eight weeks, I have asked all owners to take their puppies in for chip checks and it will be interesting to see if any other chips have done the southern migration. Mary-Ann Bowman
Pee spots in yard
Hi fellow L'ers, I know that this topic has already been covered, but I was hoping that someone could email me privately regarding if there is anything that can be done to prevent dead spots in the yard where the dog has pottied. I personnally dont have a dog yet, but a friend of mine says that her dog is killing her yard with urine and was wondering if there was anything that she could do to prevent a dead yard. Thanks in advance!!! Jayne Duncan
Re: Migrating chip
Yes indeed it was an AVID chip that has migrated. The vet also told me that AVID had updated the chip to prevent it from traveling. I have no way to know if the chip was the updated version but I can tell you that it was just six months old. Since I microchipped that whole litter at eight weeks, I have asked all owners to take their puppies in for chip checks and it will be interesting to see if any other chips have done the southern migration. Mary-Ann Bowman
Special B-Day 10 yrs...
Special day for Int'l, Am, Can, Ch Snobear's Gambling Fool "Baxter" He turns 10 yrs old today, and still running strong... He's not having a big party- Just a quiet intimate dinner for two with one of his lady friends :) Linda Morton In Sunny Sebastopol, Ca.
Announcing BMDCW.ORG
Announcing the new updated web site for the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Watchung. Marty Gasper, our web master, has done a wonderful job updating the site for the club & getting us our own domain name. Please check back for events & updates from the club. Beth Schmoyer Snowden & Misha Bethlehem, PA
RE: Migrating chip
I have had one out of many AVID chips migrate/malfunction. This was a chip that was inserted in 1998. According to the veterinary sources that I use, the Avid chip has been redesigned such that it would allow surrounding tissue to better secure it. In my particular case, we discovered it prior to doing the hip and elbow rads. I had 3 vet staff, independent of each other, scan the dog -- to no avail. We inserted a new (AVID) chip and took the rads. I have had not migration or malfunction problems with that chip or any other since. I microchip all my dogs (in case they are lost) and I DNA profile them (in case they are stolen). I also chip my Chocolate Point Siamese cats. As a matter of good practice, I always have my vet scan my animals at their annual wellness physicals to insure that everything is working properly. Nancy Melone, Ph.D. Mars, PA
Tilly
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RE: Puppy Playhouse (CA) Lawsuit 6/26/03
Hi Lisa, You might have more success with an ad in your local newspaper and contact your local veterinarians who may have had to treat some of these pets. Wishing you all the best for Thursday. Rose T -Original Message- From: Lisa Rhyne Jubas [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: June 24, 2003 7:49 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Puppy Playhouse (CA) Lawsuit 6/26/03 What we urgently need is emails/faxes of testimonials from people who've had dealings with Puppy Playhouse in La Crescenta, CA. We are going to Small Claims court this Thursday. The goal Thursday is to show that they misrepresent themselves and Jason Scheetz as well as misrepresent these animals. (basically, this constitutes fraud and bad faith). If we can show we are not the only people that they've lied to that will give Dean & I more credibility in court this Thurs. (there is strength in numbers). They claim they had to hire a lawyer to deal with us. (DOUBT IT.) So, they've filed a counter-suite for "reasonable attorney's fees" for $1,576.92. If we have enough written testimonials that back up what we're saying, we can win our suite and their counter-suite. If people will email me ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) or fax (310) 458-6125 Attn: Dean Jubas or if they'd like to show up at the trial this Thursday 6/26/03 at The Glendale Small Claims Court, 600 E. Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205. Time: 1:30 pm, you are most welcome. Again, thank you so much for joining our efforts. I do believe there is strength in numbers and that we are in the right and these people need to and can be shut down. Thank you ~ Lisa Jubas - Los Angeles, CA __ Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! http://sbc.yahoo.com
RE: update on limping pup
Hi Jenn, I don't know why it is but some human males seem intent on arm wrestling dogs and rough-housing them. This is not good! Ever! Most men have no concept of their strength, also in dog language the grabbing of legs and scruffs is a very aggressive gesture its what stud dogs do in a fight. Tell him to think of non-contact hockey when he wants to play with the dog and remind him that one day he will be 100lbs of hooligan whose respect for humans might be diminished if his aggression is heightened in rough play. Rose ps there is a lot of soft cartilage in an 18week old puppy and the joints are not hardened off yet.
41 brands of dog food contain anesthetizing agent
Hi everyone, I thought you all might be interested in this news report. Bernerly, Pippa Antonio, Col, Toby and Ulysses in Washington DC (in the middle of moving to Chesapeake, VA). http://www.wkyc.com/news/national/020513dogfood.asp Well this sounds like buying the natural dog foods from one of the non-41 brands listed would be a good idea! __ Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! http://sbc.yahoo.com
Reposted in Plain Text - Pam's Beloved Tilly
"Tis better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all." Definitely true when it comes to Berners. Unfortunately, I am sorry to update, our Berner family has lost a great friend. Our girl Tilly didn't make it. I arrived at the hospital Saturday morning and was greeted with a thunderous Tilly greeting. (It's amazing given how critically ill Tilly was that every time I arrived she jumped up, bounded to greet me, wagged her tail furiously, gave me a big Berner smile and howled as if she hadn't seen me in years.) Although Tilly's condition was stable and her numbers were holding Friday night, as she did many other days she again took a turn for the worse. I spent a few minutes with Tilly and then looked at her chart. My heart sank. Her PCV had dropped to 13. Her TS to 3.8. I looked at Tilly and saw it in her now sunken eyes. It was time to say good-bye. The DVM came in and based on my sobbing, he knew I knew. The first thing he said was "I'm sorry. We did everything we could." He told me her PCV and TS were down, her liver enzymes were up, he did not see any platelets on her blood smear and she was beginning to waste away. I looked at him, and sobbed "I want to take her home." They offered me to drive my truck around to the back to pick her up. But Tilly and I wanted to walk out the front door the way she came in. My girl wasn't going out anyone's back door. We gathered her things and began our walk to the truck. She was psyched. She knew she was "outta there." Tilly - the character she is wanted to make sure she had the last laugh. When we got to the middle of the waiting room Tilly proceeded to squat down and take the longest pee I have ever seen. The Vet just looked, chuckled and said "Well, that's okay. She can pee there." Being a Saturday morning, the waiting room was very full. Everyone was just watching. I'm sobbing and laughing saying, "It's okay girl. You pee where ever you want". People had to be wondering what the heck was going on. When she was done she picked up her head and proudly walked away leaving a spot about 2 feet wide and 3 feet long of pee. My funny girl Tilly decided that wasn't enough. We went outside and started down the walkway and just as Tilly reached the end of the walkway she squatted again and left a big poop right at the walkway entrance. The Vet laughed and said what a good dog she was, so good she would never go in her cage because she was so well trained. As soon as Tilly saw my open truck she started jogging towards it. The Vet remarked that she's one amazing dog. She certainly didn't look sick. He said all other dogs would have given up 5 days earlier and what remarkable spirit she has. We put her in the truck, I gave her a frosty paw for the ride and we started home. Tilly's favorite place in the world is at my parents - in the middle of 25 acres of woods. Tilly loved to chase the chipmunks and squirrels, dig holes, lay in my mother's garden and spend lots of time there. It was obvious that would be her final resting-place. We called our home Vet and he agreed to come over that afternoon. What a wonderful day we had. We laid down a blanket on the lawn, under a dogwood tree and spent the next 5 hours enjoying our time together. All Tilly's favorite people were with her. She never lost her ravenous appetite, had another frosty paw and stole a blueberry muffin, a tuna fish sandwich and some chips from our plates. My parents made her a special last meal, a Venison burger. You would have thought she hadn't eaten in years. Being the wonderful dog she is, despite her condition, twice she jumped up, walked off the lawn into the woods to pee and came to lie back down. She knows that Grammy and Grammpy prefer she didn't pee on the lawn. Then Tilly got up and went and laid down in the garden under the dogwood tree. We knew and she knew it was time. In Tilly's last moments she was surrounded by her favorite people and her Buddy Sasha (and her Golden Retriever cousin Winnie). I held her in my arms and told her it was okay and she didn't have to fight anymore. She peacefully went to sleep. Several odd things happened that day. Just minutes after Tilly was in her final resting place and we said our good-byes, what was a sunny day turned into a cloudy rainy day. Next, when I arrived home I went to the candle I had lit for Tilly a week earlier and it was down to the end and just about to go out. A friend said we should go for a ride just to get out and away. We're driving down the highway, it's 9pm, raining hard and there is low cloud cover. When up ahead I see a fireworks display. My friend and I just looked at each other in astonishment. Why on a random, rainy, cloudy June 21st? We pulled over and watched the fireworks and knew it was a sign. Tilly had crossed over the rainbow bridge and was letting us know she was okay. (she always did everything in big fashion.) Oddly enough while we were watching the fireworks I saw a vision in my head - the candle I had lit
