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Saturday, January 31, 2009

I Lost My Best Friend...a tribute to Alexis

Alexis...1994-2009

I remember when Alexis was born. The breeder was a friend and I was showing my boy 'Conrad' at the time. Alexis was the boss of the litter...keeping all her siblings in their places. She had this beautiful little square body, feisty attitude, we could tell she was going to have a wonderful hard coat...the signature for a Standard Schnauzer. Alexis was was the 'pick show female' of the liter.

Alexis was purchased by a man as a 'show' puppy at 8 weeks. She was returned to the breeder at 6 months on the premise that she was 'untrainable'....THE MAN HAD BEATEN HER.

My friend and I were heartbroken...this man had not trained her, he had attempted to force her into submission. She came back a broken abused puppy. She became mine that very weekend.

When I first brought her home she wouldn't even respond to her name and if you picked up a magazine or a yard stick to measure something, she was gone...as far away as she could get. If you moved to quickly, she coward and shook. With love and patience Alexis came out of most of her 'fright' but never returned completely to that trusting little puppy she was when I first saw her.

Conrad, gentleman as he was, allowed Alexis to rule the roost and she certainly did. Her problem was with people not with other dogs and Conrad seemed to understand. He was a stable, soft, gentle spirit...and I think this helped Alexis adjust.

Alexis was the 'first born' and trust me was going to be first in everything in life, and would almost knock Conrad and I down to get there. She was first to get outside, first into the van (to get the best seat), and when we went on walks...she always had to be 'just a little' ahead of Conrad.

When it came to sharing...Alexis didn't. She 'hid' all their toys under the glass top coffee table (as if they were out of sight!). If Conrad had a toy, she would 'steal' it the minuet he wasn't watching and put it in her stash...stand back, take a look, and then readjust it until she was happy that it was appropriately hidden.

Alexis didn't want to share me either. If Conrad and I were 'lovin', Alexis would pester him until he just moved over and let her in. Alexis became my shadow...always wanting to be where I was at and as close as possible. I believe Conrad understood her needs.

When Conrad became sick their rolls reversed...Alexis became devoted to Conrad and mothered and looked after him. She would come get me when he was having one of his spells and mourned him for weeks after he passed away. For a long time after, if I corrected her she would go into the other room and lay in his bed for comfort.

In Conrad's absence she became even more attached to me...bringing joy, laughter, and companionship to my everyday life. Her presence filled the house and today there is such an emptiness.

Alexis had sever liver issues...the tumors grew at a rapid rate causing problems with her other organs. She would have been 16 next month, an age where surgery and treatment were not an option. In the end she and I both knew it was time. She was barely eating and could no longer support herself to go potty. Her organs were shutting down and the ornery little twinkle in her eyes was just not there anymore.

Her last night, she wanted in bed with me. I put a piece of plastic down and a blanket on top...we just cuddled. In the morning I took her to the vet and stayed with her while the sedative was administered. "My last act of love for my Best Friend."

I've been through this too often. Even though you know it's the right thing, it's so hard. The quiet in my home is deafening. The void is palpable. I just hate it.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Weekend Chat Line...My suitcase is still packed

Teddy's poster for his Bar Mitzvah

The last time I posted on my blog I told you my suitcase was laying out, ready to be packed for my trip to New York to visit my daughter and grandson. Well, I'm embarrassed to say that I've been back since December 30 and it's still packed...or at least partially.

No, I'm not planning another trip soon. It's just one of those things, I took out the necessities, laid it in the corner of the bedroom and there it remained. Taking care of this is on the top of my to do list for this weekend!

My travel was perfect...no delayed flights and wonderful weather. I was really concerned as we had bad ice storms here in central Illinois the three days prior to my leaving. Several of my salon clients were unable to make it in for their Christmas hair appointments. I felt really bad but there was nothing I could do.

The visit was quite hectic...not much down time or 'private' time with my daughter and grandson. There were many out of town guests in and out all weekend. The Bar Mitzvah ceremony was beautiful, and it was great meeting Teddy's extended family for the first time. He did such a wonderful job. I am so proud of him.

I arrived back home absolutely exhausted and went back to work the next day (new year's eve). The rest of the weekend was pretty much a waste. It consisted of going from the chair to the bed, paying a few bills, back to the couch, eating, back to the chair, look at the suitcase, take a nap....get the picture?

It definitely took a few days to recoup but I'm now ready to 'whip the world' and yes, get that suitcase off my bedroom floor!

I've been considering my personal and artistic goals for 2009...right now they are mostly in my head. I need to get them organized on paper. I try to be realistic but there are always a few of those lofty 'couldn't reach in a million years' type goals on my list. I will be sharing soon.

If you recall, Henry, my trusty computer of five years had his issues. Well, Henry's replacement is arriving this afternoon. I know many were wondering whether my new computer would be a boy or a girl. Alexis (my standard schnauzer) and I had a little talk and we both agreed that we needed a strong man in the house...so we decided to name the new arrival Charles Edwin, after my Grandfather.

I will be updating you on how well Charles Edwin blends into the 'family'...and if we can get along!

So I ask...Have you recovered from the Holidays? Since I seem to be running a tad behind here...did you make any goals for the new year? Do you have a secret for sticking to your goals and resolutions?

The "Chat Line" is open... Remember...when you share, others are blessed.
_________________________________

It was so wonderful seeing my family again after such a long time apart. I can still feel the hugs and kisses...still hear the sweet conversations...and still feel their unconditional love.

It's great to go and it's always good to be back home in my own surroundings. There is just nothing like family. I hope your holidays were as wonderful as mine.


PS..This is my 'vacation month' from blogging. I always take the month of January to regroup....clean up my computer files, my studio, and simply 'regroup' for the year ahead. See you in February with a new outlook, new ideas, and hopefully a new, fresh,energized outlook for 2009.

Sincerely,
Marsha

Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

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