The life and times of an English Airedale Terrier puppy

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Goodbyes & Hellos

Firstly, thank you so much for continuing to visit Oscar's blog and for all the lovely messages you have left. It has been nice to feel you are all still there for us.

Thank you also for the many beautiful cards we have received. Amber-Mae, we have received the beautiful drawing & it is being framed. We will post a photo once it's done. Thank you so much for sending it to us, we will treasure it.

On Saturday we went to collect Oscar's ashes. It was a very emotional thing to do & definitely made it hit home that he was really gone. Before that it had almost seemed unreal or as if we were stuck in a bad dream. I am glad we chose to have him cremated and get his ashes back though. They came in a beautiful casket.

When we got the ashes, we almost couldn't bear to not have them in the house with us. We kept them with us over the weekend, and decided it was better to do what we originally intended. We went & bought a planter to put his casket in. Although it is rather plain, we both really liked this one. We placed his casket in the bottom and planted the rose bush from Poppy's mum. We have ordered a memorial pebble like the top one here which we will place in the front of the planter, then we can add more plants around it. We want his pot to be as colourful and full of life as possible. You all know how Oscar loved his gardening, but at least these plants will survive his pruning attempts. We can see the planter from the house, so will always be able to keep an eye on him, and if we were ever to move we can take him with us. I will post a collection of photos from Seven Fields soon.
We are still looking for a nice trophy, plate or statue for the training club award. We have a couple of ideas, and will let you know when we have chosen something. I am going to go along on Wednesday next week and take his new training dumb bell and a few of his tennis balls for their "toy box". I know I'll probably find it really hard, but I still feel like I want to go and see everyone and take something of Oscar's along.

Moving on to happier events, we went to see baby Leo on Monday. He's really teeny tiny still. We had lots of cuddles, I fed him and Martin even did a very smelly nappy change. He's a really good boy and barely made a whimper all day.

You can see how small he is on this photo. He was 5lbs 10oz when he was born, so I imagine he's only put on a little bit of weight since then. I'm not that used to handling babies, especially tiny ones so it took me a while to feel confident. With his 2 girls, Martin is a pro already as you can see.

Hopefully we'll be able to go over and see him regularly. They live about 1 1/2 hours drive away, so we should make the effort to go over every 6 - 8 weeks and see Leo grow up.


One thing we found quite hard about going to visit was that they have a 2 year old Border Collie. He's called Samwise (from Lord Of The Rings) and although he's a lovely boy, it was just hard being around a lively puppy for a whole day.

We gave him Oscar's harness as he's a puller when walking and it definitely helps, especially if Michelle is going to be pushing a pram and trying to walk him too. He is so good around the baby. We went out for a meal at the local pub and he lay by the pram lots as if to guard it and keep an eye on the baby, and in the house he does the same. He doesn't touch any of the baby's soft toys, he seems to know already that they're not his. I know Border Collies are very clever dogs, and Sam definitely seems to be true to type.

We are printing out all the pages of Oscar's blog & memorials. There certainly are a lot, and there are probably some we haven't found yet! Thank you again to everyone who has cared about us and Oscar so much.

Now we are feeling a little bit stronger, we will make our way around your blogs and see what you've all been up too. I'm sure there's lots to make us smile.

Katy & Martin xxx

62 comments:

Unknown said...

Still missing your sweet boy! I hope our blogs bring a smile to your hearts.


Loves
Nancy

Ruby Bleu said...

Hi Katy & Martin...
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a note for me and Ruby. The planter looks lovely and the pebble will be a perfect way to remember Oscar. He'll be watching over the yard that is for sure.

Baby Leo is so adorable. And Martin looks quite comfy holding him! So cute.

It will be tough for a while to visit with other pups, but hopefully it will get easier.

Lots of Love, Michele & Ruby

Molly the Airedale said...

It's so wonderful to hear from you Katy and Martin! Not a day goes by that we don't think of you and Oscar!

Love ya lots,
Maggie

Jackson's J1 and J2 said...

Hello Katy & Martin,

Thank you for updating us all. The planter looks wonderful and a lovely tribute. We're thinking of you and Oscar.

Lots of love,

Jackson and Jackie x

the many Bs said...

You and Oscar are in our thoughts all the time. We are glad to hear you are feeling a bit stronger. Oscar's ashes casket and the memorial stone are really nice.

Please keep visiting all of us and posting for us. All of us doggies and humans look forward to hearing from you!

Hugs and licks and woofers.
Peg & the 3Bs

Joe Stains said...

this was so nice to read and still so sad. we are sure that visiting with samwise was not easy, but that baby sure is a cutie.

we hope our blog makes you smile as we have been trying to make everyone laugh because we tend to be good at it.

Katherine and Pippa said...

Hi Katy and Martin

The casket looks beautiful. It is so difficult to decide on the right thing to do - but you will obviously get it right. Don't rush things.

We have been away so sorry we are a bit late with this comment - and don't visit Pippa's blog until tomorrow as I haven't written anything!

Very best wishes to you both. Kate, Adrian, Pippa

Boo Casanova said...

that's a lot of cards you got for oscar. and the casket is really beautiful. i'm sure oscar is running and playing at seven fields like he always did.

wet wet licks

Boo

Suki & Joey said...

I love the idea of planting a rose bush over him. It's beautiful.

I am glad you and Martin are feeling a little bit stronger, Katy. It takes time, and even years from now it will still hurt, just not as badly as it does now. Thank you for keeping us all updated; we still miss our friend, Oscar.

Puggy kisses,
Katy & Suki

Eddie N Peaches said...

Leo is a cutie. We'd like to give him licks.
Samwise looks like a smart guy. What a good boy to guard Leo like that.

Whoofs & Baroos,
Eddie & Peaches

Faya said...

C'est adorable tout comme l'était Oscar. Je ne sais pas si Oscar est un ange pour vous mais vous êtes de merveilleux anges pour veiller ainsi sur sa mémoire. Toujours pas un jour qui ne passe sans penser à lui et qu'une larme ne roule sur ma joue..
Amitié, Véronique et sa Faya

fee said...

dear katy and martin,

we're very happy to hear from you. yes, there really are a lot of tributes put up for oscar! fee's wft parents, although not very regular bloggers and did not have the chance to know oscar well, were very upset when they heard and have put up something in memory of oscar in their blog too: http://our-wiryways.blogspot.com/

we understand that you will continue to hurt and feel suspended in mid-air for a while; please don't feel compelled to 'feel better' quickly. just let your feelings flow. i believe oscar is around and with you still, but in a different way. and this song 'days', it's now oscar's song as far as we're concerned!

loves,
fee & mom

Cairo The Boxer said...

My whole family and I want to let you know how sorry we feel for your loss. Oscar was a great dog and I know he is in a better place. My he rest in peace.

Nugget said...

Hi Katy & Martin, It is great hearing from you. Leo is a sure a sweetie! I am happy to hear that you are feeling a bit stronger.

We look forward to the Seven Field pics.

Love & Licks,
Nugget & family :-)

Texas's Mum said...

Hey Katy & Martin,
We are still sad that Oscar
is not with us anymore but you
are family now and we have to stick
together.
The planter is very vibrant.
I hope that our blogs will
put a smile on your hearts.

Love and Licks
Texas (and his humans).

Opy - the Original GruffPuppy said...

Hey Katy & Martin,

Still thinking of you every day - we hope your pain lessons as time goes by. We will never forget dear Oscar.

Love

Opy & Brooke

Urban Smoothie Read said...

glad 2 read about ur update...d plant looks lovely..

hope sam can actually cheer u up...

Hammer said...

Hi Katy and Martin

We feel so sad for you. My mum suffers grief really bad even though she knows her special animal family in Heaven is still with her. She feels pain for you too.

Love from Hammer

jaffeboy said...

Thank you for keeping us posted on the "journey".

I'm sure the rose bush will do very well under Oscar's care.

Stay strong.

Amber-Mae said...

Oh look at all those lovely cards you both received! Oscar is really one loved boy...Oh & thank god the sketching reached you guys safely coz the person actually charged us the wrong postal price. But luckily she still sent it...Love to see it when it's framed & hung above Oscar's special wall where all the cards are now.

Oh my gosh, Leo is sooo cute. I've met a few babies before at a pet store & I think they are just adorable especially their nice smelling little pitter-patter feet! Heeheehee...I usually lick their feet & hands. I love kids & babies alot!

I'm glad to hear that you are feeling much stronger now & that's a great place to bury your darling Oscar. At least his close to you & you know he'll be safe & sound...

Love licks,
Solid Gold Dancer

Jake of Florida said...

Thank you for letting us know how you're doing. We know your sadness will share space with a smile when you look at the beautiful flowers.

Oscar is in our hearts. We think of him often during the day.

Jake and Justr Harry

Putter said...

Hi Katy and Martin ...

We think of you each and everyday here, along with our dear friend Oscar ... Please take good care and stay in close touch, okay ...

Your Friends,

Kate and Putter ...:)

Chilli the Dog said...

Hi Katy & Martin,

Thanks for updating us all. The rose bush looks lovely and the idea of a memorial stone is very good.

I'll continue to visit often. Oscar has been continuosly on our daily thoughts.

I'm glad Baby Leo is getting stronger everyday and he has his personal guardian watching over him. Samwise looks like a very gentle and caring dog.

Please stay strong and let us continue to be part of your lives.

Love
Chilli and Mummy Jean

Anonymous said...

Hi K & M,

the casket is beautiful. im sure Oscar would definitely love wat u've both done for him frm up there. sweet.

*sendin u wet licks*

Gwyn Valentine said...

HI Kathy & Martin,
Thanks for the updating.
The Casket is beautiful. Oscar is a very lucky dog.

Love,
Reina

Snowball said...

Hi Katy and Martin,

I am glad to know that you are feeling better. Please do go round and continue to visit us. We would like to keep in touch with you.

Baby Leo is really cute and I like the boder collie too.

Luv,
Snowball

Anonymous said...

hi Katy & Martin,
the planter looks great and Oscar is resting so nicely in the lovely casket.

you've done a lot and still is, am sure he'll be really happy.

we hope our blog brings you comfort too.

Bogart H. Devil said...

That's really lovely... we still think about Oscar every single day and it's so cool of you to update his blog so that we can all still send a kiss to sweet Oscar :)

Big Aire Kisses,
Love,
Bogart

Myeo said...

We are glad to still hear from you.We hope that things are better now. Oscar wouldnt want you to be sad.

Love
Boy n Baby & Mom

Lorenza said...

Thanks for the update.
Glad to know that you are feeling stronger.
We think about you and Oscar everyday.
Take care
Lorenza and mom.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Oscar. I lost my boy, Prince, on the same day so I can understand totally waht you've been going through. Prince has been with me ever since, and always will be - I'm sure you feel Oscar with you too.

I'm sending an enormous amount of love & support from a fellow griever xxx.

Anonymous said...

We still think alot about Oscar and continue to send our prayers of healing to you both, Katy and Martin. He was such a special little boy and we miss him very much. The rose bush with his ashes at the bottom is very lovely. Mom and I enjoyed seeing the photos of baby Leo. So cute!
Hugs,
Sitka & Tia

Stanley said...

Hey, Katy & Martin!

Thank you so much for keeping us up on how you are and what you are doing in memory of our Oscar Boy. The planter is such a cool idea. I'm sure the roses will be the most bootiful of all roses... ever.

My real tribute to Oscar was in a post I did here:
http://republicofgooberstan.blogspot.com/2007/08/runnin-like-wind.html

Oscar is such an inspiration!

Goober love,
Stanley (and his girl, Lisa)

Randi said...

Hi Katie & Martin -
Randi's mom here - When do the tears stop? I wish I knew...I adore the flower planter idea..especially since Oscar loved gardening....I didn't know Oscar very long..but was introduced to him at Nanook & Pooka's place, so I guess I checked in on you all for a few weeks before he went to hte bridge...We have Dublin's ashes with us in our bedroom...He always loved to sleep & was such a stubborn bum in the morning..so its quite fitting that he's in the bedroom....I always thought we would spread his ashes right away..but it just didn't feel right...I feel comforted that in some way he is still with us...Its a daily stuggle.
All our love to your dear baby, Oscar.
Love,
Randi's mom

Marvin -The Hollow Hound said...

Hi Katy and Martin, thank you so much for keeping us updated.

I think all your plans in memory of Oscar are wonderful, the planter is lovely and a beautiful tribute to dear sweet Oscar.

Baby Leo is just tickety boo, what a wee sweetheart.

And Samwise, looks an excellent pup, although I can understand how you must have felt when you first met.

Take care, you are in our thoughts as always.

love and much light from Jeannie, Keith and Marvin xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Kien said...

Hi Katy & Martin,

Thanks for the updates.. and everything seem so beautiful .. the cards, the casket.. the planter.. the flower.. and little leo.. samwise..

Oscar will be very happy to know how well u guys are getting..

Love
Golden Rossi

Anonymous said...

Dear Katy & Martin, Thank you for keeping us - your global & UK Family in YOUR thoughts at this time, when you are still frail and wobbly. It really is soo kind it shows us all what lovely people you are and why Oscar was given to you. You are just full of love & kindness. I read the attachment on Blue's message & thought it was soo sweet & just like your Oscar. You are still in our thoughts & prayers daily. Promise to be in touch soon (bit of a blip down here). What you have done for Oscar is beautiful & is an inspiration for us all. Hugs & a paw paw, G & M C. xx

Mary-Margaret O'Brien said...

Hello hello, from MEEEE, Mary-Margaret. Mom's got my Aunt Rose in the hutch cabinet in our kitchen. Aunt Rose loved the kitchen, so that's where she stays watching over us.

Your garden is perfect for Oscar. Mom says that's it's the memories we leave behind that determine the quality of the life we led. Seems Oscar was one heck of a pup to have left such an impression on so many people. He just filled us with so much love that he will live on for absolutely ever.

PS - Leo is pretty cute, for a human. And Samwise looks a lot like my boyfriend, Dirk (see blog).

Take care, you guys. Thanks for keeping the blog up. We love you.

Mary-Margaret and her mom

The Airechicks said...

Katy & Martin:

We think about Oscar everyday - I watch LeLe and Tris as they play together and know that Oscar is not far from you both -

What a beautiful idea the rose bush.

Please know that we LUV you both.

Lillie Valentine said...

We continue to think of you! Hopefully each day gets a little bit better. We are here for you if you need anything. What a beautiful way to celebrate Oscar- the plant and planter. Love, Lillie

Toby said...

Hi Katie and Martin,

Just wanted to let you know that we think of Oscar and you all the time. Oscar was a very special dude and he will furever be in our hearts.

Toby & Joyce

ToFFee said...

Hi Katy and Martin..

That's the sweetest thing you've done for Oscar.

I'm sure it will be hard to see other dogs which somehow remind you of darling Oscar. But I know Oscar don't want you to be sad..

We want you to be happy too..


Toffee, Irvi and Chris

JAZZ AND DIXIE said...

Hi Katy and Martin,
Thanks for updating with such a lovely tribute to Oscar. We continue to think about Oscar and you guys. It must have been hard to pick up his ashes but you have a beautiful memorial in the rose planter and pebble. Oscar will always be there with you watching over you.
Licks
Jazz and Dixie

Chelsea said...

What a beautiful idea for Oscar to rest.

We miss him so much.

xoxoxo
Chelsea and family

Chelsea said...

What a beautiful idea for Oscar to rest.

We miss him so much.

xoxoxo
Chelsea and family

PerfectTosca said...

Me and the woman both are crying seeing Oscar's casket. The planter is a great idea and forever. It's just that I miss Oscar a lot because he was my inspiration and my mother always pointed out what a handsome and clever boy he was and I aspired to have a blog as good as his too. We are never gonna forget Oscar, let me tell you.

Girl Girl Hamster said...

Dear Katy & Martin, I still miss Oscar very much. It's really nice of you to keep Oscar glose to his gardening.


~ Girl girl

Huskee and Hershey said...

Hi Katy and Martin,
Yes I still miss Oscar so much. Everytime I read the comments left on my blog, I inevitably look out for Oscar's comment. That's a pretty casket for our sweet Oscar..

Headgirl said...

Hi Katy & Martin,

Sorry I'm late commenting here!
All three of you are still very much in my thoughts.
Your words about Oscar loving his gardening, made my smile, I remember his attemts on the bushes @ the Tawny Owl - bless him!
The rose pot looks perfect.

Take care
Love
Diane

PreciOus said...

Hi Katy and Martin,

the rose bush is bright and lovely, just like Oscar. He's very much in our thoughts every now and then. Take care.

Snuggle,
Precious

PreciOus said...

Hi Katy and Martin,

the rose bush is bright and lovely, just like Oscar. He's very much in our thoughts every now and then. Take care.

Snuggle,
Precious

Juno said...

Hello Katy and Martin,
thank you so much for the update. We almost cried when we saw Oscar's casket because we often think of him. The rose planter is a great idea. He's very closed to you and he could move anywhere with you if necessary.

Love and hug,
Momo, mom and dad

Asta said...

Hello Katyand Martin,
thank you for letting us know what your plans are..I have to confess the sight of Oscar's little casket and that song made me very weepy again, but your ideas with the planter and rose bush and all the color and happy flowers are truly wonderful..Oscar will make sure its in top shape always..Asta found a stickie on vacation, and all we thought of was Oscar..you're always in our thoughts..baby Leo is adorable and we're glad he has such a good guardian..Take care of yourselves, much love and hugs, Ami and George and smoochie kisses from Asta

Casper and pals said...

Thank- you for keeping us updated and continuing with the blog. We love the rosebush, planter and pebble. it is a great rememberance of Oscar.

Woofs ,Casper, Nikki, Buddy, Winnie and our Momma

Ben & Darling said...

Hey Karty & Martin,

Im glad everything going well & you guys are Ok. Im sure Oscar love what his parents did for him. Take care.

Zen & BenBen

Sir Chance-Lot said...

Every day , several times I think of you Oscar~and send my biggest kisses and deepest ~heart salutes~ your way.
I hope very much your mamma and pappa has a chance to see "what dreams may come" Hope you are joyfully now reunited with many souls from other lives and at peace. Until we meet again Oscar, I am honored to know you.
Your heart friend
Sir Chancelot

Simba and Jazzi said...

The baby is adorable, for a human. We all miss Oscar too.

Simba xx

Tadpole said...

It is still so difficult for me to come and visit your blog - it just brings me to tears every time! I can imagine how difficult it is for you. But THANK YOU for continuing to update us on what's going on - everything you have done and are doing is lovely. What a perfect way for Oscar to live on in your (and others') hearts.

Leo sure is a cutie! I've never really been around "little" babies either, so I would be terrified! :-) It warms my heart to see Martin smiling.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you both.

~Tad's girl

Princess, Tank and Isaac: The Newfs of Hazard said...

Dear Katy and Martin,
That's a beautiful memorial for Oscar. We know he was proud to be your dog.

wally said...

Thank you for the update and stopping by to say hello! That little human puppy is quite cute--it's nice you will be able to visit him a lot!

wally.

Rachel said...

Hi Katy and Martin - Toby's mum here. What can I say? I've been offline through the summer due to various technical problems and I've only just seen the news.

I am so sorry! I'm still in shock...I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through. Oscar was such a charming gent and so well loved - I know that me and Tobes will never forget him.

All the best,
Rach
(and labbie licks from Toby)

Johann The Dog said...

Thank you for the Gotcha Day wishes! We be thinking about you often! - Woof, Johann