FarOut Fields Brittanys

We first saw you on the Brittany adoption website. You were introduced as “Tail”, adult, female, shy, attentive, gentle, and one who would be at our side at all times. You sounded too good to be true, but after numerous inquiries we knew that you were just the companion we were looking for. Were you still available? Your foster mom told us another family had adopted you earlier but had brought you back because you were so shy. Thank you! But your name, what to do about your name? “Tail” just didn’t fit. You were such a petite, great, little lady. She told me you were too old for a name change – unless it was so similar that you’d easily recognize it. I stewed and stewed. Then early one morning I woke up thinking, “Tay-lor” that’s her name - Taylor. It sounded like “Tail” and it fit perfectly because we knew you were Taylor-made for us. Taylor it had to be. Jackie wanted to try it out on you – she said you turned immediately in response – proof positive that your were Taylor-made for us.

We brought you into our family 8 years ago and you forever changed our lives. Each and every day you gave us all the love you had to give. Your quiet, gentle nature, your steadfast devotion and loyalty will forever warm our hearts. We’ll miss all the times we saw you at the front door where you watched for our car to return and then your greeting when we walked into the house. How did you know it was us in that car? We’ll miss having you follow us room-to-room during our days. How many times did I have to say, “stay” rather than have you get up just to walk to the laundry room and back again? We’ll miss your “dance” when you wanted a treat. We’ll miss having you curl up beside us on the couch and the nudge you’d give us to pet you. (Was that for your benefit – or ours?) We’ll miss your barks of joy when we celebrated our team’s touchdowns. We’ll miss your excitement and smiling face when we’d say, “let’s go to the beach”. We’ll miss seeing you play in the surf. You never quite got the hang of the swimming thing but were so proud of yourself when you got your belly wet. We’ll miss all the times you’d then run back looking for a treat for this great accomplishment. Even when you were so sick you still smiled at the word “beach” and always accepted our invitation. We couldn’t walk as far, nor as fast – but watching you enjoying yourself always made us smile.

Did you know that because of you both Maggie and Razia found homes in our extended family? You paved the way! What fun it was when Maggie came over for play days and what a joy it was to watch you two together. I really think she taught you how to play since you didn’t have much opportunity in your former kennel life. She sure does miss you! We’re quite suspicious that the special bond you two shared had a lot to do with the fact that she was also a Brittany. How do dogs know these things? And, you were finally able to hold the #1 dog position – being the senior dog and all - which both Maggie and Razia respected. We’ll all miss you at our family gatherings. Although you’d shy away when it got so confusing, we knew you’d join us again when we sat down to eat. We’ll miss the gentle taps you’d give from under the table, asking each to sneak you something off their plate – and you were very successful! (Is it possible you helped the grandchildren clean their plates?) So many memories!

Our days are empty and lonely without you. Our hearts are broken but also filled with all the joy you gave us. Because of you, one day we’ll welcome a new “best friend” into our home. Because of you, our lives are incomplete without a dog that shows us daily the meaning of “unconditional love.” Did you hear me when I whispered, “good girl, rest in peace dear friend. Your work is done?”

To my dear Rocky-dog

In your 13 years of living, you shared your strong will to live.

I wished I could give you so much better, as you deserved.
Your exploits and escape attempts are legendary.
Your voice was American Idol-worthy.
The finesse with which you bounded on furniture was that of an Olympiad.
The gratitude you had for each visitor was apparent.
You were ready to drag me on the leash any time I was willing.
You rode shotgun on long drives and shared Ritz crackers.
The Ohio snow made you excel as a cross-country runner.
You would be one of the world's great explorers, with lots of beach time, if given the chance.
Your excavation of the backyard was highly motivated.
Your appetite for an azalea bush helped it flourish and bloom.
You ran through a screen door and merely sneezed.
The eyebrows, voice, and tail revealed genuine emotions.
Your silky hair and tender curls made everyone want to know your breed.
Barely a gray hair ever graced your chocolate-freckled face.
The sunny outlook you had was bursting with joy for everyone.
You meant everything to Yauger, who needed your security and leadership to become whole.
You nearly sweltered in base housing, which I wish I could go back and undo.
You lacked any freedom until we had a real house and a secure yard.
You spent way too many hours waiting for your friends to come home.
You were the Pootsie in the happiest of times, with so many endearing nicknames, your owners could not keep track.
Even when your health faded, you welcomed a belly-rub and offered a smooch.

I hope on some level you always knew, in spite of everything you had to endure --
you were so very loved.
Your spirit will always be with me.


The Loyal Order of the Pootsie
March 1996 - 6 June 2009

Teresa Crawford

Caroline was approximately 12 years old. She was with us for 7
of those years. She left in peace for a far easier and pleasant
existence. She was brave, strong and loyal beyond words. She
loved us without question and was unafraid to demonstrate that
love. We never once betrayed her trust nor her loyalty. We
returned to her all the love denied when she was abused.
So, Caroline has now begun the next journey. Losing her is
just unbelievably difficult. She'll be forever missed by all
of us that knew and loved her.

This angel graced our home for 3 short years. Not nearly enough
time! Iffy came to us in 2005 from Far Out Fields rescue and made
our life and home complete. She was the most loving, warm and
affectionate soul we have ever had the pleasure to own. And funny,
loaded with personality. She will be dearly missed - missed
but never forgotten.

Sharon Hancock & Family


A Parting Prayer
Dear Lord, please open your gates
and call St. Francis
to come escort this beloved companion
across the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign her to a place of honor,
for she has been a faithful servant
and has always done her best to please me.

Bless the hands that send her to you,
for they are doing so in love and compassion,
freeing her from pain and suffering.

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss.
Help me remember the details of her life
with the love she has shown me.
And grant me the courage to honor her
by sharing those memories with others.

Let her remember me as well
and let her know that I will always love her.
And when it's my time to pass over into your paradise,
please allow her to accompany those
who will bring me home.

Thank you, Lord,
for the gift of her companionship
and for the time we've had together.

And thank you, Lord,
for granting me the strength
to give her to you now.

Amen.

Freddie was always afraid of thunderstorms and I used to sing a
song to her during a storm that went "Through all kinds of
weather, what if the sky should fall, just as long as we're
together, it doesn't matter at all." There is a line later on in
the song that I had put on her urn which best sums up our
relationship. "We'll be traveling along, singing a song, side
by side." Freddie was my heart dog and I miss her terribly.

Gerry Brent

I lost a close friend who had a sixth sense
Nova always knew what we did not tell
She’s the girl who had a tale
She overcame some sights to see
Nova what happened shouldn’t be

I wanted an answer about you
Nova you were hit by a car that drove through
I hoped you were injured to help stop our cries
The call was made, and the response didn’t lie
How could it be?
Nova you’re the one we can no longer see?

It started with our watching you
And still contains our loving you
We miss you Nova...
Arlene, Jasmine, Roney, Trinity, Jaden