In Memory of Buddy

May 1999- August 2010

My Sweet Angel

As you may or may not be aware, Buddy, my dog in the book "Finally Home" had passed away in August of 2010.

He had been diagnosed with Sarcoma in mid-May and was responding well to his chemo treatments, however, before his last treatment-he collapsed and we took him to the vet on Tuesday, Aug 24, 2010.

The X-rays revealed that the cancer had rapidly spread and his red blood cells decreased from 37% to 19%.  It was only a matter of time.

With much dismay, we made the decision to let Buddy go peacefully without suffering an ounce of pain from his cancer. 

A beautiful blanket of an angel was spread out on the floor of the vet's office and a candle was lit.  Buddy rested his beautiful face on my husband's lap while we both kissed his face and pet him, telling him over and over what a good boy he was and how much he was loved.

He was alert and calm, and we tried our best to remain the same way.  His sister, Brandi was in the room with him as well, as we all said goodbye.

Every once in a while, you come across a person or an animal that grabs your heart and holds on tight.  Buddy was that for us. 

We hope he continues to keep that grip on us as he causes havoc with his furry friends over the Rainbow Bridge. 

Buddy's Legacy:

Everyone has something that they are passionate about.  It can be anything such as reading, writing, exercising, traveling, cooking, working…and so much more.   It can be one thing or a multitude of things.

For me, I have several.  One of them is my passion for animal rescue, especially dog rescue.  If you have read my book, “Finally Home,” then you probably know that about me already.  I’ve been told I have a “heart of gold” however, I playfully correct the person and tell them it is usually only for animals.  [Insert the overused smiley face here].

When I started writing, I had planned to donate a portion of the proceeds from “Finally Home” to dog rescue groups, since that book is about my sweet angel, Buddy, that we had rescued from a couple who was planning to give him to a shelter.

Since that book had been published, I have written four more, "Final Journey" “Unwanted Dreams” "Evil's Door" and “Phobia.”  I am happy to say that I will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of those books, as well.

It has been a great accomplishment to be able to donate each month, even if it is just a little bit, as these poor animals have been neglected, abandoned and abused, due to no fault of their own.

I’ve done some small book signings and book sale events and have met so many wonderful people who share my same enthusiasm.  They have told their rescue stories as well and most usually boast that they have more than three dogs or cats living in their home at once!

At a point in time when it seems there are only small traces of humanity left, I have come to realize from attending these events, that some people out there still have big hearts.  Whether they have rescued animals, donated money toward the cause or simply just volunteered some of their time, people generally want to contribute however they can.

It was a much needed eye opener for me and in a major way I thank Buddy, who has recently passed away, as he was the inspiration for me to start writing. I feel as if we were the luckiest people on earth for having known him at all. 

From wherever he is, his spirit still lives on as he is helping his animal friends here on earth, a little at a time.