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Oh what a precious memory! It sounds like there may have been a little sibling rivalry between your daughter and Zoe. :) I hope the good memories will outweigh the bad this Thanksgiving, but I know that even the good memories can cause their own kind of pain and longing. I'm glad you have Koko to keep you hopping. Maybe he will share his turkey with you this year. ;)
Wish I knew Zoe but am learning a little about her now...She sounds like a little Diva:p You still have your memories to celebrate, nothing will ever take that away. Hope your mom can make it. Pats for Koko.
I loved those days when you put on the oldies and you and zoe and koko danced around the kitchen and house. That always put a smile on my face as I could see it so clearly.
Zoe was a character and queen of her domain, never any doubt about that. She was also, just entirely precocious and so much of that was the bond between the two of you.
I will never forget the summer of her eye problems and how you too the time off work to be with her and give her all the various drops every so many hours apart. You got it cleared up though!
Yes there are Zoe memories all over the place, but my most special ones are always of the interaction between the two of you.
love and hugs!
Oh yeah I liked the dancing to the old radio shows... could just imagine you all in the kitchen!!
I also like how you used to share your breakfast and give her a lick of the bowl!!! All those little routines that Zoe knew backwards and to her advantage smart little minx!! xxxxx
Addy, back when you first posted them, I so loved seeing those videos of Zoe and Koko and the jumping game. "Dogs Stay" "Dogs Jump!!!" :) :)
Zoe's eyes never left you for a moment. Not for one moment. Even when the jumping was a bit premature :rolleyes:, she was running straight to her mom.
What I also love most about those videos is your own laughter. Sheer, pure delight! When I think about Zoe, at the top of my list of memories is the joy she gave you and that you ended up sharing with us all.
That's how she became "our" girl. Such a bright little bundle of joy all wrapped up in a fur coat. That was our little girl.
All of your memories are so dear and I love them all, thank you for sharing them. They are at the top of my list for Zozo moments, golden oldies was a biggie and so was jump:):):)
I was always looking for new tricks and new games to play. I read about teaching your pup to jump in a low box. I thought that might be fun so I brought home a box from work and hauled out the clicker and chicken. First I was to teach touch the box, then put their head in the box and lastly, they were to jump inside the box. Zoe went straight from touching the box to jumping inside in a few tries and then would not get out of the box, just smile, eyes blazing and said arg, arg, arg:rolleyes:
Koko never graduated past touch the box. He did not want to jump in for some reason, it bothered him.
Zoe jumped in that dang box every time, oh and Marianne, it was pure joy and delight fo rme to watch her face when she did it.
I even bought a hula hoop and had them jumping through that.
We loved playing together and Koko is waiting right now for a game of hide and seek and puzzle before Mama goes to work. I love that.
Beautiful time and memories. Zoe was the boss,the queen. Miss reading about her.
Hugs Sonja and Angel Apollo
Browsing through our bookcases, I came upon a copy of How to Speak Dog written by Stanley Coren. I had purchased the book a few months after Zoe came to live with us. It has been more than five years since I last read the book. I love to reread all of my dog books.
As I was reading the third chapter, I suddenly remembered when I taught Zoe how to “speak”. We had just completed our first clicker training course. Zoe excelled at clicker training. She adored it because the clicker meant food. It was winter, our walks were limited. Zoe’s paws would freeze at the first drop in temperatures. I was looking for ways to occupy her time when I stumbled upon how to do Free Shaping with a clicker. Retrieving the clicker and a pile of tiny chicken bites, Zoe and I sat on the floor facing each other. The idea was for Zoe to start throwing out different behaviors to get me to click and treat. I was to wait for her to give me a behavior I liked, click and treat, then wait for her to repeat. Eventually we would “name” the behavior so Zoe would do it when asked.
Zoe threw out a few of her current tricks. I did not acknowledge them. She gave me a puzzled look and lay down on the floor in front of me. I continued to sit still. Suddenly, she reached out with her right paw, tapping it softly on the floor. Immediately, I clicked and treated, then waited. Zoe thought about that for a good few minutes and again gave me a quizzical look. As soon as she moved her right paw just a tiny bit, I clicked and again treated with more treats. Soon, her right paw was tapping on the floor. Each time she tapped, I clicked and treated, laughing and laughing. My laughing only encouraged her, along with rapid fire treats. Now Zoe was pawing at the floor as if she were counting!!!!
Success!!! The next day, Zoe and I once again sat on the floor with a pile of chicken and the clicker. Her dark rimmed eyes were blazing with excitement. She seemed confused about whether I wanted her to count with her paw. I did not give the command to count. Frustrated, she woofed at me. I clicked and treated and thus, teaching Zoe to speak was how “Bark Fest” was born. We added the command “speak” along with a duck quaking hand gesture. Zoe barked and barked, apparently, she had a lot to talk about.
Zoe never stopped speaking after that day. She asked for everything, woofing and barking through the remainder of her life; talking to me every day. I loved every minute of Bark Fest. Sometimes she would throw in “count” for good measure.
The house is very quiet now. I miss Zoe “speaking”. If I close my eyes and wish very hard, I can still hear her talking to me. I will always remember her voice and I know I will never forget one single minute of Bark Fest.
Thank you all for helping remember my girl and I hope we all Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!
What a sweet story and a smart dog! :-)
How funny they can be with their individual quirks.
Daisy had no interest in boxes, she LOVED anything soft and cuddly. Often walked around the house with her blanket still across her back.
Bella has forced the cats to share their cardboard boxes with her :)
Thank you for sharing your special Zoe memories with us Addy. I can just see her tapping the floor to count and telling you about her day. When I close my eyes, I can see that too.:p
Ahh yes, Bark Fest. Definitely Zoe's special communication.
love ya
Message for Addy..... http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/albu...pictureid=7261 :D:D xxxxxxxx
ROLF. Can't stop laughing, thank you for the start to my Friday:D:D
lol I have tears in my eyes from laughing so hard!
Dearest family,
It looks like my beloved Knollwood will go on to a new generation. Our house sold in one day. Zoe's vase filled with flowers showcased our home and brought us luck. Thank you darling Zoe, my fiesty chicken lloving, potato eating girl. There will be no face at the door even as an illusion but that most beautiful face will never be forgotten.
Koko, hubby and I move forward to start our new life' and will spend the remaining month enjoying, loving and remembering.
I love you and miss you all. I will post more when I can.
Addy -- I am sure this transition is bitter-sweet but sweet Zoe really amped up the luck factor!
Oh Addy, I'm happy for you and your husband that your hard work on your house has been paid off but why am I crying so?
Oh Song, truly said. So truly said. :o
So many mixed emotions for all of you.:o Surrounding you with tons of love.
Kathy
My tears join Song's. But our sweet Zoe will be with you no matter where you are. I am willing to bet she will show you a sign very soon after you get to your new place to let you know that is now her new home, too.
Many hugs, dear lady.
Dear Addy, life continues, but Zoe will be with you no matter where you are and she will give you a sign.
You are starting the next chapter of your life.
Sonja,Apollo,Ariel
It is a new chapter, bittersweet. We found a small townhouse in the city to rent for a year until we know what we want. We also have one on hold in the suburbs but I don't think the move in date will work.
We have not lived in the city for 16 years. There is a small dog park a block away and we took Koko there last night. He got a bit too worked up seeing so many people and dogs, sounds and smells.
I hope he will adjust ok as it is only ten minutes from my office. I could even hop a bus and ditch my car. We can even walk to the grocery store.
It felt so different but it felt good too.
I will let you know where we end up.
I think Zoe is showing us the way.
I hope Koko handles it, he has been a quiet, suburb dog used to this sprawling lot. The urban density is startling at times.
Thank you all for understanding. It has been a roller coaster of emotions.
I know that where ever you end up it will be the beginning of a grand new adventure for you hubby and Koko too.
Our friends here have just done the same thing. Sold their house and bought a condo by High Park. It has not been without some traumatic moments as it is a lifestyle change. But change can be good and I hope this is the one that you and hubby will come to embrace thoroughly. Walk to the store. The park. New smells and doggie friends for Koko.
Big hugs and lotsa love
Hey darl! A fast sale is a good sale :) funnily enough my house is on the market at the moment too. I am on work/holiday over in Australia right now so have suggested to agent be good if it sold while I am away! So will see what happens, has already been some interest from the weekend open home so waiting for an offer. Haven't bought new place yet either, if I don't find one soon will bunk in Mum and Dads garage with Flynn till we do. I am sure he will be most pleased to be living in the house of constant spoiling with me there too! But no hurry so if I do not get the price I want, can easily take it back off. I am home on Sunday, is exhausting this holidaying :)
Flynny doing good with mum and dad, but for wouldn't you know it, dad ended up in hospital on Sunday night, nothing major but a trip in the ambulance nonetheless. I am sure they save it up for when I am gone!! They did not tell me till he was home again because they knew I would fly straight home. Fingers crossed they all behave from now on!
I keep telling myself a change is as good as a holiday, re the house moving business, yes new things to get used too, but it will be positive I am sure, thinking of you Addy with much love xxx
I read your post last nite and tears just flowed. I know how hard it was to leave a space you shared with Zoe. But I know she wants you to be happy no matter where you are....and that she will always be by your side no matter where you are. But it is just so hard to walk away from those tangible things that are connected to our memories.
My best to you, hubby and Koko as you start this new adventure together.
Much love and many hugs,
Leslie
Oh my goodness, I came here to Zoe because at noon I was face timing Kate as she was so excited about her 3 days in Paris and was at the Louve, the next thing I know there are terrorist attacks and we can't find my Kate and all I could see was her glowing happy face at the Louve. finally, finally, she answered her phone and is safe in her friend's apartment, scared to death.
I thought for a moment, no I can't lose her too, not Zoe and my Kate.
But she is safe and now we have to figure out how to bring her home.
I can't stop crying so I came here. I have never been so scared in my whole life
Zoe, your sister is safe, we will bring her home now.
OMG Addy, What a scare for you and I am so very happy that Kate is safe.
Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and hugs, Lori
Thank goodness Kate is safe! I did see a phone number on the screen when watching CNN that could be used by Americans in Paris to receive assistance. It might have been a local (Parisian) number to reach the State Department.
Omg. Scared the bejeebes out of me for a moment there. Yes the consulate should be able to advise Americans on how to revise travel arrangements. I imagine the borders are closed until they sort out who might be still alive and involved but I can't see it as an arrangement that will last very long. Too hard with Paris being a major travel hub could just be a delay of flights is all. In the mean time she has friends there you said that she can be with.
Hopefully we will know more tomorrow on how things will proceed. Deep breaths doll.
Love
Awwww Addy, so glad you came to Zoe and us. Circling you with tight hugs and much love, like we do so well. Kate is safe and she's coming home. We'll wait it out together. Please keep us updated as you're able.
Circle of love,
Kathy
Those Americans in France needing assistance should call 001-202-501-4444. Americans concerned about loved ones in Paris should call 1-888-407-4747. An official told CNN the hotline was flooded with calls.
Posted on CNN
Awesome find Sharlene!!!! :p
Addy,
So glad to hear that Kate is safe. It is a terrible and frightening situation to be near. Hope she is home again very soon.
Linda
Oh Addy! Just like Kathy said, I am so glad you came here to Zoe and to us last night. Thank goodness you could talk to Kate!!! Please let us know just as soon as you have more news.
Oh Addy! I am so so glad you have heard from Kate! I know that horrible feeling in your Soul and pray you never ever experience it again. Zoe will keep an eye on her Sissy til she is home again. Let us know when you can how she is doing and when she will be getting out of there to come home.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))) ))))))))))))
Finally, we received emails from the school,program and IES. I had been searching on line for numbers to call and could not come back here.
She is stuck in the apartment near Eiffel Tower, the school will arrange to bring her back to Granada as soon as the borders open and a flight is available.
She is very scared but safe. I feel better knowing we now have direct phone numbers to call to people in direct contact with her.
They have notified the American Embassy she is there.
Hopefully, there will be no more attacks.
What a terrible thing, Kate said she is in shock. We were a bit worried when she went to Morocco. I wasn't the least bit worried about Paris.
I still can't believe this is happening.
Those mama bear hormones kicked in and I had no control of the situation and was helpless. I was going to book the next flight there but then they closed the borders.
Sharlene, thank you for those numbers as we had missed the last four digits. Just in case we need them, good to have.
I heard from Kate this morning and she won't leave the apartment until the government tells her it is ok.
Thank you all, I was a wreck and could not think I just kept googling looking for help
I am ever so glad she is safe and you have means of communicating with her. I continue to pray for her and all of France...a candle is lit in her name as well. Know your family here is by your side and will be every second until she is safe in your arms once again.
Thank you Leslie, my heartfelt thanks.
Gawd darl, way to get the heartbeat racing. Thank god she is OK... what a horrible thing for her to experience, but she is safe and will be home soon with quite a story to tell no doubt. Not being a stranger to disasters when I travel I sometimes think it is worse for those wondering what the heck is going on, worrying about their safety... than it is when you there. Unless you are getting shot at of course, then it is way worse! My thoughts are with all those affected by this horrible senseless tradegy in Paris. I love that city xxxx
Good to hear from you girlfriend, wasn't it just a week or two ago we were cheering on the All Blacks? Lol I even have hubby watching videos of your team!
Yeah, it has been a hard 24 hours for sure for those of us here not knowing exactly what is happening, especially for control freak Addy:o
Surreal actually, my heart breaks for France. Thursday night I told her, soak all of it in, fall in love with Paris and cry when you say goodbye. She was so excited and I was so thrilled she realized her dream.
Thanks, Trish, for checking in. Hope your mum and dad are well and Ella cat too. Hope your goofy neighbor got over his fence:rolleyes:
Love you and give our boy Flynn kisses from me.