Full Heart

In my last post here, ages ago (well, in June), I linked to another blogger's tribute to her dog, Sadie, who had recently passed. At the time, I didn't know that blogger; I just knew of her.

Six weeks later, I met Secret Agent Mama (who has a real name, too: Mishi!) at the BlogHer conference. I was thrilled to spend the afternoon with her and two others at a watering hole near the Sears Tower, and we got to know each other. I'm so glad that we did. We became friends and now keep in touch.

I sent her a copy of Remembering Ruby to share with her kids.

A few weeks ago, Mishi sent me the link to something her daughter Olivia had written in tribute to Sadie. Apparently my book inspired her to write it. I was deeply humbled; I initially wrote my book for my own family, but hoped that it would help others work through their grief (especially children!). I have said since its publication that I just wanted to "help one kid through it". I've been told on a couple occasions that my book did help a youngster cope with their loss, and Olivia's well-written tribute seals it for me: I did what I came to do.

Now I'm feeling greedy. I hope this book helps hundreds of kids.

I want to thank Mishi for sharing Olivia's work with me!

Also, a note to Olivia: You are a wonderful writer, Olivia! Keep it up; I look forward to reading more of your work someday!

Sadie

I was directed by a friend to this heartbreakingly beautiful post about Sadie, and I wanted to share it with you.

Click here.

If you have blogged a tribute to a pet or know someone who has, please pass it on to me; I may post a link to it here.

Remembering Ruby Hits Television!

My friend Kim Martucci, meteorologist at WUSA-9 in Washington DC, was kind enough to put the book on the air this morning! Thanks Kim, I really, REALLY appreciate it. The link to her blog entry about it (including the tv clip!) is here!

Remembering Ruby Reviewed By...A Dog!

That's the best kind of review, right?

I'm happy to say that Harry the Pug (whose master is Shawna Coronado, "The Casual Gardener" and author of Gardening Nude, a guide to getting green, getting involved in your community, and helping the earth) gave the book five wags.

Read the review here!

A Familiar Feeling Tribute

Yes, it's been months since I've updated this. Sorry about that. I have had big plans for posts, but little time to do it right. Soon, hopefully.

In the meantime, Duke and Inky, beloved pets of two of my friends, have passed on. Their losses are felt deeply and although I know that the grieving process will be difficult as it runs its course for my friends, Duke and Inky will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved them.

I also want to post a video that I think I have been putting off watching, but finally did today. My sister sent me the link to it back in DECEMBER after she discovered it on Dooce's website. It is long, almost eleven minutes. It is sad. You will cry that ugly cry, the one that makes you all blotchy. (I did; I'm a total mess.) But if you have ever loved and lost a dog, the feelings portrayed in the film will ring extremely familiar.

It is a Japanese short film and is from a compilation of short films from 2005 called "All About My Dog".

Now I'm Really Out There...

Oh my.

I was just checking the stats on this blog and discovered via the referral information that the interview I did with Dogcast Radio is now "out there". YIKES!

So...if you want to take a listen, go here.

Many thanks to Julie of Dogcast: she is truly a delight! It was great speaking with you!

A Lovely Tribute!

After recently winning a copy of my book, Jules at Just Because took the time to write a beautiful Haiku about it for Haiku Friday. I am honored that she did it and appreciate it so much! To read it, click here.

Thanks Jules!! You're awesome!