It's been a long time since our last update....SORRY for the wait! Hopefully you all have
been as busy as we have and haven't noticed !!!
Let's see...where to start.
Sad news ~ Mr. Sampson, our Great Dane who has been a welcome addition in our home since February had to be put to sleep on
Tuesday this past week. It was not altogether
unexpected as you might have read due to a serious heart condition. We had been getting ready to go on a 24 hour trip
to Tulsa to see a friends annual production of "Shakespeare in the Park" and Shari was going to take him with her...not only
for company but because he had been feeling under the weather and she didn't want to abandon him in his time of potential
need. Sammie-ammie-ampson told her all of the sudden, as she was preparing to leave, spirit to spirit, in no uncertain
terms that he was ready to go to the Rainbow Bridge (Where all pets wait for their loved ones). He was not only ready,
he wanted to go. Shari can't speak too well of this experience because it was very spiritual in nature.
Even our other dogs Kat and Willy knew and before we left. Shari asked them
to come say good-bye and they both came over and licked his face very gently. It was a very touching moment. Truly,
looking back, we don't think he would have survived the trip. He was struggling to breathe and was truly fading
before our eyes. We're glad we could make it more comfortable for him feel like since he asked us to do this
how could we refuse? We weren't ready to say good-bye but it wasn't about us as we all know.
As we rode to the vet Sampson rested his head on
the back, top of the seat behind him and stared peacefully up into the heavens. It was a good thing. A vet tech
friend of ours told us afterwards that we were right on...the reason he was having trouble breathing was due to
fluid build up in his chest. He said that when that happens they usually have less than 24 hours. We had prayed
earnestly that this dog who had five homes in four years and who had not know much love apparently until he came here
would be taken peacefully when the time came and we truly believe that we were inspired as to the time and this was indeed
an answer to our prayers. We're glad our Heavenly Father cares even about the Doggie souls!
We're so glad he came to live in our house ~ we packed years worth of life and love into those few short months
and know that he knew. He will be buried and a tree planted
in his memory at Pine Hill Pet Cemetary north of town.
Upon returning home we got a new dog named...believe
it or not...Sammy, which was shortened from Sampson. We decided to keep him named after the "Original" Sampson as a
title of honor. Sammy looks just like our Sampson and like him is a very special boy (See the Doggie Page for more photos).
He was afflicted with a disease called neosporosis which attacks and progressively paralyzes muscles all over the body.
He had some very acute care for many months and is a miracle dog in that he has made a remarkable recovery. The
rescue people put over $2000 of time and love worth much more into him. He is a very happy and determined dog. He has
limited movement in his front legs and has a funny little walk...not to mention his tail doesn't wag but he has a permanent
smile, is in no pain, and his personality and prognosis is excellent! He is really a lover and we feel blessed to have
yet another special beast in our midst. It is like our Sampson sent him to our home. Like our friend Sara at Great
Dane Rescue says: "I know the original Sampson is smiling down, proud you are opening your home and hearts to another special
fawn boy with soft ears named Sampson."
Shari is helping a friend plan her wedding with
very short notice and this friend has been staying here at our home on a pretty regular basis so we are enjoying a little
added excitement around the house.
She has also taken over the medical billing for her father
and is enjoying a little extra income but has really had her hands full of organization and catch up work!
We have worked hard on the trailer that is almost functional now...just needs some new tires and wheels and a few final touches
and then it will be operational and able to be used to pull our new Gelding "Denver" around town.
We enjoyed a week long trip to South Padre Island
in Texas with Mom and Dad Sloane a few weeks back. We went down to visit Teri (Dad's daughter and Shari's 1/2 sister)
who lives there and "Owns" the Island. I.C.O.E. as she would say (In Charge Of Everything). We boated, Ate, visited
Mexico, Ate, Slept, Ate, etc. Teri let us stay in a Condo that she had that was right on the beach so we had very comfortable
accomodations and a great view to boot!
We enjoyed walks on the beach every morning for
excersize but Shari finished her trip in the emergency room due to food poisoning from "All-You-Can-Eat" Crab (Her favorite).
She had a bad IV stick which has caused her
to have some problems with some of the veins in her hands and pain into the fingers. It caused her one time
to go back to the emergency room but the Dr.'s think with a little time, patience and exercise that she will be close to normal
again.
Shari has been losing a lot of weight that she
put on during the time of her back surgery and is really getting excited! She is down 10-15 lbs and enjoying baggy
clothes and exersizing every day. She's about 1/2 way back to where she wants and needs to be. She's
been doing sister Teri's diet, basically nothing White. She doesn't eat much if any sugar, dairy, bread, flour
or rice and I makes sure to exercise and eat every couple of hours to keep blood sugar up. Not to mention she's drinking
a ton of water. The diet consists of LOTS of vegetable soup and V8 juice. Shari can't stand Vegetables and
this is the easiest way to get them down.
Shari and some friends rode in a parade yesterday for
the opening of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Ft. Worth. It was fun but it made for a really long day.
Walter says to add that he's thrilled that his
wife mows the lawn. He's excited about the possibility that he might get to do some work in Puerto Rico in the near
future. He got some new toys that he likes playing with too. Of course he didn't tell Shari about
it....(Think this is a man thing!)
We have planted a bunch of trees around the yard,
probably upwards of 30 transplants from the creek...everywhere from 6 inches or less tall to six feet. They are mainly
pecan, oak and redbud trees and not only have most made it but many are growing very well. We wanted to get some "Up
and commers" so that when and if some of our nice, big trees die we have some coming along behind them. Trees will replenish
themselves but if you always mow them down when the big ones die you won't have any more. Trees are rare here in
Texas and because we lucked out and got a place with lots of trees we want to protect our investment!
We haven't heard any more news on the adoption front but Shari did buy a couple of baby outfits and other essentials.
We also had everyone out to the house for our Traditional Memorial Day BBQ in celebration of
Shari's 35th birthday on the 25th. It was lots of fun and Shari did go off her diet that day! Nothing like a good
burger and homemade ice cream!!!
For those of you who weren't here: Shame on you!!!
There's always next year!
We better run for now but please keep in touch.
We love you all!
Shari, Walter and Resident Doggies.
