Saturday Silliness...

Corgi Zoomies Cartoon via Facebook

 Corgis love zoomies!

Tag's Brother, Trip...

Tag's brother, Trip on the left, and Tag on the right.

This post is long overdue, but was set aside during my anniversary giveaway week. I didn't want to wait any longer to share it with you. 

I only know one of the other puppies from Tag's litter. That's his brother, Trip who went to live with our dear friends, Doug and Marion in Michigan. I've written about them before, sharing photographs of us together in Florida, Michigan, and then here at the farmhouse after we moved back to Wisconsin. 

Marion and I frequently shared conversations about our two lowriders, comparing notes about their personalities and antics. Even after Tag left us, she would tell me stories about Trip with their old Labrador, Nicky - and after Nicky's passing - their new Lab mix, Gibbs.

Trip went on walkabout when he was young and was hit by a car in their neighborhood. The only lasting injury from that accident was that he became deaf. As many Corgis prefer not to listen anyway (at least that was true with Tag), it didn't seem to bother him after he got used to it. He was living a happy life with the best family.

Marion grieved with me when Tag lost control of his back legs and we knew it was his time. They've been in our place before, having to make that hardest, most unselfish decision, so they knew what we went through.

Trip Walter

In mid-March this year, I had a phone conversation with Marion. Trip was having a harder time getting around and she felt his time was getting toward "his time". She repeated that she never dreamed Trip, with new health issues in his later years would outlive Tag, but here we were.

On March 22nd, I received a text. All it said was, "It's done". I knew she wouldn't be up for an immediate call, so we texted back and forth for a while through tears, promising to talk on the phone when she was ready. When she called about a week later, hoping that she and I could talk without crying, she told me that - just like Tag - he just completely lost control of his back legs. 

While many people with dogs that face this issue put them into wheeled carts so they can walk and run using their front legs, that's just something that Marion, our spouses and I agreed we'd never do with our dogs. They both became incontinent with their condition, so we both saw the downside of them using the carts. The agonizing decision was made to let Trip go. He lived just past a year longer than my boy. 

We ended our conversation in tears, and promised to talk again soon about other things. My comfort is two-fold. One, that our brothers are playing together again, and two, that we have great faith that we'll see them when it's our time. I've said more than once, "If my dogs (and all pets) aren't going to meet me in Heaven, then I ain't going".

So, dammit, here I am in tears again as I write this post. People who know me, know that I miss my boy every day. Every day. The tears and emotion are never far from the surface, so it's no surprise that I'm bawling again. I guess that's a good thing, right? I loved him so much, that my grief is an expression of the depth of my love. Tomorrow would have been Tag's fourteenth Birthday. I promise to remember him, but I won't be writing about him tomorrow. I wouldn't do that to you two days in a row. I'll write about something creative instead. He'd understand.

Sorry if you're in tears, too, as you read this. Honestly it wasn't my intention. I only wanted to honor the life and loss of his brother. Run free, Trip. I hope you and Tag (and the rest of your litter who may be with you) snuggle up every night and wait for us at The Bridge. Until then, know you're loved and missed.

I'm taking a deep breath now and pulling myself together. I worked my six hours yesterday, but Handsome and I went back to work after 8 pm last night. There was an incident after I clocked out that left the cashier on the night shift rattled. We only live three miles away, so we decided to go back up and stay at the store with her until her shift was over.

My boss had told me if I did that to clock back in, and I don't feel right clocking in for two hours without doing anything, so I worked scrubbing in the kitchen. (As an aside: When I saw the doctor this week, he put me on medication to help my knee.) 

I tackled the food warmer and the pans that needed to be cleaned from the day's use sparkling clean. As I was banging metal pans around in the stainless sink, Handsome came in and said, "You know why you're doing this, right?" I said, "Sure. I can't just sit still on the clock." He laughed and replied, "No. It's the prednisone." I laughed. I hadn't realized it, but I guess he was right. Steroids can really amp you up. At least that's what's happened to me. Also, unlike many, rather than making me hungry. They take away my appetite. I just get busy.

Anyway, the rest of the evening was uneventful, except that the weather turned crappy and we ended up coming home in a driving snowstorm that turned to high winds and rain beating against the farmhouse overnight. Gotta love Wisconsin springs.

Thanks for reading this far today. I admit it's kind of a roller coaster ride. Today, I'm going to finish up the last of the giveaway gifts that have yet to be posted. These last few will mail tomorrow, so if you haven't received yours yet, you will soon. I'm going to have a coffee now, and get my act together. Talk about a Hump Day!

Mini Grannies...

If you're in my Brynwood Needleworks Facebook group, you've seen the post I put up recently with a granny square piece constructed from 2,000 small grannies. Each one was created using sewing thread and a 0.5 size hook. It took the woman two years to construct, and it's pretty impressive.

It reminded me of the few mini squares I started years ago using #12 pearl cotton and a size 1 hook. I seem to remember starting them to use for artist trading cards, or some other small project. These are all I've made (so far), but now it's got me thinking about using them to create a table mat or runner. Not a blanket, for sure! I do have more colors set aside in a plastic divided container, and most of the colors are represented in the squares you see here. 

I have a number of other projects that are in line ahead of this, but it would be easy to make a few each night while sitting with Handsome. I really just wanted to show these to my crocheting friends for a little inspiration. 

I took it pretty easy yesterday. I'm sorry I didn't respond to the past few posts until last night. Missing Tag hit me all at once, and it just hurt too much to stop to thank all of you for your kind words. Even so, I was in tears as I typed each reply. If you've ever lost a dear pet, I know you understand. It's a hurt that never really leaves. You just learn to live with it. One year out was still to overwhelming for me. Thank you for being there for me, and for all your kind thoughts. I really appreciated reading your memories of him, too.

I think I may start that squirrel today! The spoolies are fun, little projects, but when I'm working on them, I'm totally immersed. It will be fun to see what I can come up with. I'll share more tomorrow. 

It was snowing and blowing all day yesterday. I'm hoping for a quieter day today. Even the little girls (the cats) didn't want to go out in it. Bella and Carly didn't mind so much, but they didn't hang around outside any longer than they had to either.

I'm off to take care of all the girls, and then have a little breakfast myself before I get going with my day. I'll be back tomorrow!

It's Been A Year...

Brynwood's Taggart • 04/03/2011 - 03/04/2024

Can you believe it's been a year already? AND the anniversary of saying goodbye to my boy is on a Tuesday, no less? I'd planned to pull all manner of photos of him to share today, but truthfully, it's too hard to look at them through the tears that still fall so readily. In my heart, it still feels like yesterday.

I miss his antics (good and bad) every day. I miss that he always found a way to make us laugh. I miss white fur on the furniture amidst the black Labrador hairs. I miss snuggling into his neck fur and having him curl up next to me for an afternoon nap. I miss rubbing those beautiful, big ears and his handsome face. I miss the smell of his Frito feet. I miss everything about him.

The one thing that makes his absence bearable is my deep faith that Heaven will include all the dogs (all pets) we've loved before, and that all of them will greet me at The Bridge when it's my time. I know that Tag will be at the front of the pack, leading the rest of the dogs I've loved and still miss. What a wonderful day that will be.

I hope you're having fun with the rest of the pack, Bubby. Mom misses you, but I know you already know that. I know you're close and watching over us. I know time is different there, so just know that while it's going to be a while for me, for you it will seem like the blink of your beautiful eyes.

Mom loves you.

Having Faith...

Wood Shed Queen Anne's Lace

I took a walk around our yard yesterday. Once I was up behind the wood shed, I saw all the huge patches of Queen Anne's Lace. I thought the shed made an interesting backdrop of my favorite wildflowers.

I'm missing Tag so much this week. Maybe seeing Grace sparked it. Maybe it's just that I miss having him underfoot as a work in the kitchen; as we eat dinner; chasing him in the yard; or just having him to cuddle. I needed the walk to clear my head, or to walk barefoot in the grass to ground myself again. I'll still miss him, but being in nature helps to push it down again for a little while.

Handsome is doing so much better, and I have the girls (canine and feline) to help me snap out of it. I have so much for which to be grateful. Today will be better. I just know it. Rather, I have faith that it will be. 

A Day Of Remembrance...

Today would have been Fezzik's fourteenth birthday. I think it's only right to take a little time to remember the little boy who made me fall in love with Corgis. He was my first, and at ten and a half months old, I lost him far too soon.

If you were around at that time, you know just how devastated I was. I could barely breathe for weeks. It was only when I realized I needed a second Corgi to help me recover from his loss, that I began to heal. I'll forever miss him and the bright light he was in our lives, and I look forward to seeing him again when my time finally arrives.

Then, there's this boy. My Taggart. The boy who healed me from the loss of Fezzik. I was blessed to have him for nearly thirteen years. Today marks three months that we've been without him. 

I know he'll be waiting for me at The Bridge, too, but like all those dogs we've loved before, I'll miss him until the day I can again bury my nose in his fur. 

Thanks again to Twyla of Two Crazy Crafters blog who made the most beautiful prayer shawl for me when Fezzik died. The prayer she prayed into every stitch was that I would get a second Corgi to heal me. When it arrived, I wrapped myself in it as I grieved his passing. It was then that I realized I needed to find another. 

Many times over the years, I've wrapped myself in that shawl, grateful for the gift from my blogging friend, and again, I wrapped it around my shoulders when I cried over losing Tag. Her wonderful gift helps me remember good times, and makes each passing day a little easier. It's a kindness I'll never forget.

So, another milestone has passed. When I see litters of Corgi puppies shared online by my Corgi Nation friends, I admit I long for another one. However, Bella would have a difficult time with another puppy, and truthfully, I'm no spring chicken. I think at some point after she's gone, I'll just go to a local shelter to rescue the oldest dog there and give them a loving home for their golden years. Hopefully, that time is a long way down the road, as we've still got good years left with her (She's only nine).

For now, we'll be grateful for the time we had with all the dogs we've loved before, and give extra snuggles to Bella and Carly. Occasional treats will be in their futures, too! 

Prototype Complete!...

 I finished my Ltd. Ed Corgi Brooch last night after work. It is now, officially a brooch.

I'm very happy with the details and color choices, so the next one will go even faster. Plus, I'll be able to fine tune the colors if someone should purchase one in different colors.  The brooch measures approximately 2" tall x 1 1/4" wide (at the base). Which I think might be a perfect size to affix to a lapel or on a jacket. The pin is backed with cork fabric.

Of course, I signed and attached my signature acorn to the back. The second one I make will be the fundraiser piece. I'm going to share this on Facebook to whet the appetites of the Corgi owners we refer to as "Corgi Nation". They're wonderful when raising funds to support CorgiAid, and I think they'll kinda like this little brooch.

I'll probably do an Etsy listing, too, that would be created after purchase, in case the colors need to be changed for the different Corgi colorations. The listing will go live some time tomorrow. We had storms yesterday, but I'm hoping it clears off today so I can take a short video to add to the listing.

I'm filling in for another coworker today from 11-4, so I'd better get cracking. I don't want to be late!

Then, I Danced...

I was able to sit at my needlework stand yesterday, and I completed the goldwork for my Lt. Ed. Corgi Brooch. I'm so tickled with how the first one turned out! 

The body of the Corgi is a bright check purl color called "cider" and the white ruff is a thread in an opal color. It really sparkles in the light, and once the brooch is complete, I'll do a little outdoor video to show you just how much the light bounces around on the purls.

I'm hoping to release the work from the ground fabric and turn it into a brooch when I get home from work late this afternoon. I really can't wait to see it finished now. 

I got a chance to get a little stitching in yesterday. My choice, by far, over standing on my feet making hickory syrup for a few hours before going to work for six hours. 

In the time I had to lose myself in this project, I managed to add the chipping to my Corgi's face. I still have to do the white on his paws, but I really wanted to finish the facial features before turning my attention back to the white couching. I'm glad I did. I love the look of the cider-colored brilliant check thread, with a bit of gold accenting the ear and the forehead area (referred to as a "stop" on dogs).

I'll work on this again on Saturday, and hope to complete it over the weekend. I do work on Sunday, filling in for another clerk who needed the time off. She'll be working a day for me next week.

Well? Do you like how he's looking so far? I think he'll make a beautiful brooch, and I'm looking forward to seeing this one to completion. Then, I'll make another for a CorgiAid fund raiser in honor of Tag. I hope to raise some money to help other Corgis in need.

We have a milestone occasion this weekend, and I can't wait to tell you about it...tomorrow. Happy Friday!!

Happy Birthday, Tag...

If you were here, we'd be celebrating your 13th in fine style, buddy boy. As it is, I'm sure you're celebrating your Birthday with all your friends at The Bridge. Instead, I'll share some of my favorite photographs of you with your friends here, and tell you that I miss you every day. 

 

Happy Birthday, Tag.

Newest Labels and a Plan...

I know I told you that I've been working on a few ideas to honor Tag. Yesterday, the labels arrived for packaging my ideas. Anything that bears this label will have a portion of the proceeds donated to CorgiAid to benefit Corgis and Corgi mixes.  I love how the labels turned out!

Beginning next week, you'll be able to find more items in my Etsy shop under the "For The Love of a Corgi" section. The first item that went into that section is the Sheep Pendant Necklace. (There's still one available, by the way.)

I'm also creating a Limited Edition Goldwork Corgi Brooch, a Beverage Coozie or two, Tag Labels, Labrador Girls Labels, and taking orders for the Corgi totes and wallets I showed you a couple weeks ago. I'll add to the collection as inspiration strikes.

I posted a video on Instagram to highlight my new labels, so if you're interested in seeing it, you can click HERE.

Thinking About My Boy....

I got home from work yesterday to find an email from our friend and dog trainer extraordinaire, Mike Sommers. Handsome had spoken with him while in Florida last week and told him about Tag. The email expressed his and his wife's condolences for Tag's passing. He included this image that hangs framed in his kennel building. He said he'd never forget my boy.

I vividly remember the day this photograph was taken at the training property Mike owned. I took lots of pictures, as this was our mid-training appointment to see how Tag was doing with the program. As always, he loved running with the big dogs. When his training was over about a month later, I remember Mike's surprise when I told him Tag was only eight months old. He thought he was at least a year old.

I went back into my computer and pulled up the rest of the photos I'd stored from that day and thought I'd share a few more with you. So, without more words, I present Mike, Tag and the Labradors (all in training)...

Those are some happy memories.

Listed...

 

The first items in my "For The Love of a Corgi" collection have dropped in my Etsy shop. I'll be making more of these, as well as a selection of limited edition new items. They'll be located in my shop in the section of the same name.

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of these items will be donated in Tag's name to CorgiAid, as I mentioned yesterday. This is my way of honoring my boy.

I intend to make some of the Corgi wallets and totes, as well as a very limited quantity of Corgi goldwork brooches that I'm currently designing. The set shown above features a tri-colored dog, but the ones I'm doing will be colored like Taggart, unless special ordered. I'll have wallets available separately, too.

If you're interested in any of the items shown here, you may contact me for pricing and I'll custom make your pieces ahead of the rest I'll be making. I thought I'd share this with my readers first before posting to Instagram and Facebook. 

Finality and Time For Something Fun...

 

Tag's remains came home late yesterday. The clinic and crematorium sent along wonderful memories for us, too. In addition to the beautiful box containing his ashes, we received a certificate, his paw print in ink and in plaster, a lock of his fur, and a bone of handmade paper embedded with wildflower seeds to plant in the spring. I was sad for a minute when I first saw everything, but these are the building blocks of the memorial to my beautiful boy and all our great memories of him. 

I'll start concentrating on all the fun things we did, the times he made us laugh, the times he scared the pants off me when he ran off, watching him swim or retrieve, and all the times he just sat and looked in my eyes as I spoke to him. There's too much good to sit around crying for what was. Instead I'll celebrate my boy and try to be happy. I'm sharing this with you so you can see how much care our vet clinic and the crematorium took with him - and with us.

I'm leaving first thing this morning for Portage for this month's craft day at Adrienne's. It's earlier than usual this month, because our friend who is teaching this time couldn't make it later in the month. My understanding is that we're doing something Easter-themed. You just know I'll have photos for your on Monday!

I'm going to run. It's an hour and fifteen minutes to Adrienne's from here and I don't want to be late. We had rain all evening yesterday, which has turned into winds for the rest of the weekend. I don't want to feel rushed in traffic, so I'm taking extra time for the drive. I'll see you with more after the weekend.

Sweet Gifts...

Actually, dear friends, I'm doing better than I expected to by now. It's only been a few days, but thinking about Tag, reading and responding to your comments here - and the hundreds on Facebook - have really been a great help.

Knowing that others share my grief and sadness, and that many are praying for my healing has helped more than you know. Also having unshakable faith that I'll be reunited, not only with my Taggart, but with all our loved ones when we're called home is very comforting.

I really don't want anyone to feel more sadness with this post. That's not my intent at all. I have my boy tucked away in my heart, knowing that he isn't suffering any longer.

For those who wonder what happened, our vet believes that he suffered from IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease), with probably a Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) component as well. If you don't know about IVDD and would like to understand what it is, HERE is a link. I also have a DM link HERE if you aren't familiar with this devastating disease. It's the canine version of ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease and it's insidious, striking many corgis. Once there is a cure for one, there will be a cure for the other (DM/ALS). 

Tag's breeder lied to me when I first inquired about her litters, telling me that she didn't have DM in her bloodlines. I learned differently months later, so I sent for a test kid from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). I returned the swab as directed, and the results came back that Tag carried both genes for DM, making him an "at risk" dog. Symptoms don't usually show until dogs pass their tenth birthday. He showed no symptoms until last week, although Tag had pain, and there is no pain associated with DM. The dogs feel nothing at all.

We are not aware that Tag did anything to hasten an injury in the past few weeks. He was getting slower coming up the porch stairs, and I frequently carried him down to get out, and back up to go into the house. He'd quit coming to the second floor months ago, choosing to lie at the bottom of the stairs to wait for me to come back down. Other than that, we hadn't seen him falter, fall or yip in the course of his day, so we can't attribute his rapid decline to a specific event.

We can only surmise that this condition just got worse as he grew older, and there was nothing to be done at his age. Surgery would have been a painful process with a long recuperation that would have held no guarantees he would ever walk again. It would have been selfish to put him through that. So, the tearful decision was made to hold him close, give him treats (ginger snaps from the vet), and set him free.

From my friend, Sandy M.

This is an AI image that my friend, Sandy generate to share with me. I haven't played around with any of those programs, but I've seen other images Sandy has done through this medium and they're pretty impressive. I love that she did this for me. It's not an actual photograph of Tag, but it's a close likeness, for sure.

Shared by my friend, Laura J.

My friend, Laura sent this one to me. This is where I truly believe he is...in our Savior's arms...and with all the much-loved pets, family and friends who have gone before him. I know they'll be waiting for us in due time.

Thanks again for all your wonderful comments. I wish my blog posts had just a "like" button, as with Facebook, so you could acknowledge, but not feel compelled to comment to these posts. I suppose I could just turn off comments for this one, but I'll leave the settings as they are. I only hope that this post will bring a smile to your face, and you, too, might feel less sad over Tag's passing. He lived his entire life making people happy. I don't think he'd want that to change now. 

We love you all, friends.