Good day my friends! Well it looks as though Spring may slowly be arriving. I see a glimpse of renewed energy in so many of you as the sun has reappeared and the white stuff is staying away. Even though we don’t see the seasonal changes here in ‘doggy heaven’ we still sense the rebirth is beginning to take place. It seems to be ingrained in our senses, since we all experienced Springs arrival after a long cold winters sleep, in our earthly homes.
      This morning, like every morning, my heavenly pals and I gather around on the top of the hill overlooking the endless green grassy meadows below, allowing the sun to warm our fur, when we overhear Lucky and Squeeky, the felines of the bunch, reminiscing about their excitement at the first signs of Spring. Lucky meows, “when the door was finally opened and we were released to the fresh air of the outdoors after being cooped up all winter” “Ooooooh, free to be on the prowl again, as the great hunter inside us takes over, and we search for the little varmints that might be scurrying about” Squeeky purrs. Then they went on to say how proud they were as they returned to the door, cleaning their fur and paws from battle and once inside, feeling the comfort and security of their home, they’d take a nap.
      Kachina, my black lab brother, recalls how Spring was so exhilarating. The air smelled so fresh and clean, and he remembers hearing the birds seem to come to life as their songs echoed through the air. The sun would warm his fur ever so slightly, but the sunlight would rejuvenate him and he’d run through the grass. How wonderful it felt to stretch those legs, and then realize that age had added one more year and that his body is somewhat slower to respond than last Spring. His master would pick up a stick and toss it into the air as he’d jump to retrieve it. Oh how alive, how free he felt. Walking alongside his master as the earth began to awaken from the long winter, how glorious it was! He’d begin to run away and his master would call reminding him of his boundaries and where he must stay. He remarked at how he’d return, even though there were times he wanted to keep on running, but knowing that he never wishes to leave his masters side. His master always kept him safe, fed him, loved him and the best of all, he allowed hIm to sleep next to him on that big comfy bed, ahhhhhh!
      ....yes, how thankful we are for our masters! No howling can express the gratitude we will always carry in our hearts their undconditional love and care. I recalled how my master would take me outdoors when the Spring weather appeared. He’d pull out tennis balls that he had tucked into his pocket to toss my way, for he knew that is what I loved to do. I’d dream of chasing those tennis balls all winter, just something within me, I had to run after that ball, fetch it, and my master was such a good sport, he’d throw it over and over and over. The best part was just him and me playing, without my sister Mia who would always beat me to the ball and run away with it. I was alone with my master and he made me feel so special. He’d secretely tell me how we’d soon be in the woods camping, sitting around the campfire, playing in the creek, just the two of us. Yes springtime......it’s arrived......
      ..... a new beginning, a time of new growth, a time of renewed energy, an awakening within. All my heavenly pals suddenly sprang to their paws and barked in unison....Everyone can feel it. Everyone can see it! Spring is a gift for everyone! It’s a bit of Heaven on earth! Our tails are a waggin’.....
     
     
      “It’s spring fever. That is what the name
      of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want—oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache,
      you want it so!”
      -- Mark Twain
     
      Gretta, a Golden Retriever, spent almost 15 years at
      The Boardman News. She greeted all who entered with a wag of her tail! She died in November of 2012.
      Send your animal tributes/stories to: The Boardman News, 8302 Southern Blvd., S2A, Boardman, OH 44512 or
      email to: gwen@boardmannews.net