Elke Sundae
February 26, 1977 - February 20, 2008

BV, my buddy
8/10/82 - 12/23/07

BV and I met in 1993 and it was a long and loving friendship. When I first saw him he was a dull brown bay National Show horse/Half Arab standing in a back corral at a local show barn in Palos Verdes. The owner-trainer told me I could work with him if I would like but he was kind of lame. Indeed, at the time I began working with him he was lame with a degenerative joint disease and a ringbone that was so pronounced that there were lumps around the top of his front hooves. I began light exercise, playing with him in the ring and supplementing him with chondroitan sulfates. After a short time he began to respond and I was able to ride him short distances, but he kept coming up lame. I didn't like giving him a lot of bute so I did some research. I discovered an herbal tea that was advertised in a local horse paper. I ordered it and began treating him with it and a liquid chondroite/glucasomine mix. Well, this worked very well and he got sounder and sounder. His coast brightened to a deep blood bay color, he was quite handsome. Pretty soon we were going on 2 hour trail rides. Eventually, we even did some team penning together. The tea and the prayers I said for him actually dissolved the ringbone! He moved easily with a fluidity that only a well bred gaited horse has. We were completely happy together. My husband called him Buddy because, well, he was my buddy. I saw him daily bringing him carrots, feeding him his supplements and riding the beautiful hills of Palos Verdes 4-5 days a week. The owners gave him to me for my birthday, or did he get me for his birthday which was 2 days after mine? At any rate BV was not only my buddy but my equine therapist. We moved to a new barn and he had a 72 foot run and 5 other horses as his pals. He was such a comedian. He loved to play "elephant horse" whenever he could get his head into a bucket or bathtub of water. He would dunk underwater up to his eyes, and when he lifted his head he would blow the water out his nose soaking any one who happened to be standing near him. When he heard the squeals he quickly dunked into the water again to repeat the process. He also was nicknamed Houdini Horse as he could escape from any blanket, leaving all the straps fastened. A mystery until a friend of mine saw him on the ground one day doing what she described as a hootchie cootchie dance on his back and wriggled right out of the blanket. His favorite treats were peppermint candies and fortune cookies. Every morning he greeted me with his low 'baritone' nicker. During the week we would ride to the top of Storm's Hills and watch the sun rise over Los Angeles. We loved the cool crisp morning air and watching the sun come up over the hills. The day he fell ill we had gone for our pre-Christmas ride and he was decked out with his bells, tinsel and antlers bringing smiles and Christmas cheer to all as he pranced and gaited down the trails. Later on that day he came down with a case of colic.The vet came and did what he could for the pain and gave me a syringe instructing me to check on him later and give him another shot if needed. I spent the night with him, talking to him, singing to him, praying and being there for my friend. Hoping and praying he would bounce back and I would again see the twinkle in his eyes. Early the next morning I called the vet again as my buddy was still no better. The verdict after the exam and blood test was that he would probably be dead in a matter of a few hours. He had no chance at surviving surgery. The most merciful thing I could do at that point was to have him euthanized . I knelt by his side as he breathed his last and entered into his reward. I told him softly, " BV you are the best and the only horse for me. I love you." He sighed and a friend of mine who was there said, " I think he heard you." He died 2 days before Christmas. I like to think that he joined my mother who left us in October. She loved to ride when she was young. I can picture them together galloping through the green fields of heaven. I know that the day will come when he will return for me and we will ride into heaven together. Until then, Happy Trails to you, BV, 'til we meet again!

Royal Prince

In Remembrance of Royal Prince,
Also called Kitty, Your Royal Highness And Precious.

By: Hosannah Z. Von Luxonberg

Royal Prince would have been 16 years old today, July 4th, 2007. He saved my life in 1992. At that time a new medication was being tested by a Team of Cardiologists at the UCLA Harbor Hospital. For me, this was an opportunity to help others and myself by participating in the experimental cure of heart abnormalities; in my case mitral valve prolapse. Therefore, I willing heartedly took my first dosage at bedtime as directed by the Cardiologist. The second dosage should have been taken later thereafter; probably around two o’clock in the morning. Voila! The radio alarm sounded. I was unable to exert my will power to arise. I was totally subdued by my reaction to the drug. Then Precious foresaw danger!!! He acted quickly! He was determined to prevent it!

Thus he started jumping up-and-down on my bed, simultaneously tapping my face with his paws, and meowing perseveringly, until I arose and took the medication. Then, he returned to his bed and slept, cozily, blissfully, AS A MIGHTY HERO!!!

At the Hospital, my doctor told me, “If you had not taken that drug you could have had a stroke, and possibly DEATH. Therefore, your CAT SAVED YOUR LIFE.”

Even though fifteen years have passed, the vivid reminiscence of that event is still a live in the recondite of my heart. Therefore, today, my gratitude is expressed in writing, to the Almighty God, as well as to Royal Prince, His Royal Highness, my TURKISH VAN CAT.

Snoopy Chamberlain

CR Star Attraction

Daisy

Erin and Straw Zone

Rumpole

Chrissie

On 12/28/06 we lost our beloved Chrissie to fungal pneumonia. It is a very rare disease which dogs contract from sniffing the soil. Apparently, in order to be susceptible Chrissie’s immune system had most likely been in a weakened condition.

We adopted Chrissie in July 2002 from the local Santa Barbara animal shelter where my wife, Kimberly, volunteers. Chrissie, we later discovered, was just over seven years old when we adopted her. She became my full time project for six months; getting her health back, building her confidence , feeding her a steady and healthy diet, walking her two to three times a day, taking her on errands and to meetings with me. In short I tried to provide her with the most healthy and loving environment a dog could have. The fact is that Chrissie and I were never apart for even five minutes during our first six months together. The end result of this time spent was truly the most rewarding experience of my life. She and I had such a unique bond of mutual respect and love that my wife sometimes described it to other people as “unnatural” ( in a positive way of course). She had health issues all her life probably due to her miserable first home. We treated them all regularly including weekly acupuncture sessions for her arthritis.

Chrissie turned into the most wonderful companion imaginable. We hope we can find another adoptable female dog to take Chrissie’s place in our home where she lived with Kimberly and me and our 5 ½ year old male Akita/Pointer mix whom she adored. His name is Buster and he misses her very much.

As the attached photos show, Chrissie grew to become a beautiful creature. She weighed between 60-65 lbs, had very large paws, broad shoulders, strong legs, and expressive eyes. Very few dog walkers were able to pass by us without stopping, remarking how beautiful she was, and asking what breed (s) she was. We wish we knew. Her mix was Border Collie and at least one other larger breed, perhaps Shepherd.

As unique as her appearance was, her personality was truly special to us. She may have had Border Collie markings, but her disposition did not conform to the breed. She focused 100% of her love and energies towards her family. She was never mean to other dogs or people, but it is fair to say she was indifferent toward others and ignored all but the occasional new playmate whom she chose very selectively. She was a very happy dog and clearly appreciated every effort we made towards making her life a good one. Chrissie was affectionate but not a cuddler. She was very sensitive, reserved, calm, confident and a bit aloof. Yet she was also curious, playful, and at times mischievous. She loved riding in the car and was polite in shops and meetings. We nicknamed her “The Princess” because that’s the way she was treated and acted. Chrissie loved to chase after squirrels, rabbits, and other small wildlife. It was all about the chase. She loved following the scents. She could spend hours running around in the underbrush.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Chrissie. We hope her soul will find us again in another dog’s body.

Domino Lehr

“Best dog in the whole wide world”
April 10, 2007
My pit bill mix adopted from the Santa Monica shelter 12 years ago – furry soul mate, friend, protector, and vicious wagger of the tail –thump, thump, thump. I miss you every moment of every day.
Forever in my heart,
Andrea

My beloved Justin

Most people never really got to know Justin. He had some very special traits that always amazed me. For example he would stand in his corral with his head over the fence watching my bedroom window every night until I turned out the light. Once the light was turned out he would go into his stall, lay down in the shavings and go to sleep. Somehow it was his job to watch over me and make sure I was safe.

I will never forget one evening I heard him nickering almost constantly. I went out to see what was going on and he was staring across the valley carrying on like there was a herd of wild horses in the field across the street.

To my surprise there was a massive meteor shower going on and he would nicker every time one would streak across the sky. Whether it was he mother ship coming to take him home or? I have no idea. But he was enjoying every minute of it!

Then there was the time in 1996 when he saved my life. I was kicked by horse at a rodeo and my right leg was shattered into pieces. As I lay in the arena unable to get up, I looked to see that same crazed mare now at a dead run coming straight for me again. Justin bolted towards her and began kicking her repeatedly and drove her off. He came back and stood over me until I could be carried from the arena. My protector was again looking out for me.

Justin loved to play. We would chase each other all over the arena, play hide and go seek, and we even played a game where I would throw a rope to him and he would snap it out of the air using his teeth. We played like little kids and it felt good! These were memories I will cherish forever.

Justin did not however share my love for Country Music. Whenever he was loose in the barn and the radio was on he would always change the channel. No matter what I did he would always figured out how to work the tuner. If he could get to it you could guarantee it would be changed to a rock and roll station. He would do this for many years and we would replace a lot of radios.

One of Justin’s other true pleasures was water. He loved to swim and splash and play in the creek. I loved sitting on the bank of the creek watching him lunge up and down the river chasing the fish. I think he loved terrorizing the fish and much as he did the water itself.

When Justin wasn’t busy watching TV through the sliding glass window he would be on the patio mooching cookies and treats. His absolute favorite was Birkholmes Danish cookies. So every year we would make a trip to Solvang to buy buckets full of their cookies.

A lifetime was not enough.

Dwayne

My dearest little Sugar Bear,

No words can describe how very much I miss you, though I know deep within my heart that you are forever with me.

You were the most amazing dog, my closest and most cherished friend, always a happy and trusting soul filled with sweetness and enormous love. You were my heart, sweet angel ... loving you taught me to love myself ... a life lesson so pure ... a gift so great. Wherever life takes me, so will you be, my sweet baby girl ... always.

For what seems like such a short time that we were able to spend, I will always remember the nearly 9 years that I was blessed by your adoring presence .... that ever so innocent puppy face that never aged .... the resilience of your spirit to overcome the horribly difficult 1st year of your life .... you rose above all, my little angel, and stood proud and confident .... I adored you up close, and likewise when I'd be gone to work or away from home .... never had I seen a spirit soar so boldly. You approached every person with a heart full of love ... welcoming them, loving them ... and missing them. You were a little person, Sugar Bear ... so smart, so full of life ... your smile never ever fading ... even as life began to dim. I laughed so much with you ... watching you mutilate your "babies" ... getting body slammed when I'd turn away .... seeing those front paws lift up above the ground, and your sweet little mouth form a perfect O shape as you'd "ooOOhhhhh" in your own language, which somehow I think I came to understand. You spoke to me ... often ... and I loved it. Sleeping alongside you was such a beautiful feeling .... I was overwhelmed with warmth to find you facing me, your arms tucked in close to your body (just so you could get closer to me) .... and feeling your warm breath on my face . The smiles you brought me were endless ... just as your love was endless.
My heart aches so deeply ... I miss you with all my heart ..... I miss kissing you between your eyes ... I miss scratching your back .... I miss holding you, and feeling your generous kisses (nearly a bath) all over my face.

When things in life turned, despite your strength and the skill of the doctors, I had to face my heart. For all that you've been ... for all that you will continue to be .... I found myself knowing that the most loving thing I could do for you, my most cherished baby girl, was to set you free ..... to soar amongst the stars, leaving behind the pain and discomfort that had snuck in.
I could never have been prepared for that moment, and yet that moment came .... please know that with all the love you awakened in my heart, the lessons in courage that you taught me ... it was you, my sweet baby ... you ... that helped me be what I knew I had to be ... for you.
And, angel .... as huge and unselfish as your heart has always been .... you left me with a smile ... a peace like no other .... and a memory of a return to puppy hood, if but for a moment .... getting those cat food kisses (after you chowed 2 cans of cat food), laughing with you as you snapped at a dog passing by, watching you jump your front paws up on a table in the waiting room (as you showed your beautiful colors of confidence), hearing the chomp of the many "boneys" you devoured .... YOU ARE THE MOST PRECIOUS SUGAR BOO BEAR BABY GIRL ... always, and in all ways. Thank you, my love ... I will love you ... deeply ... forever.
Be free, sweet angel .... I know we will meet again .....

Sugar stepped into new clothes and a land free from trouble and sickness on Tuesday evening, January 16th, 2007, assisted by the loving hands of oncologist, Dr. Rodney Ayl, surrounded by those who loved her most, and in whom her love will live on forever. In the safe and compassionate comfort of Andrea Lehr at Guardian Animal Aftercare on Saturday morning, January 20th, 2007, Sugar grew her wings from ash, and soared.
Since then, in the warm and caring embrace, and ever intuitive expertise and guidance of grief counselor, Dr. Kathleen Ayl, Sugar's human has learned to smile again.
Sugar will never be forgotten.

Lovina

Love My Chessy Girl

I recently had to make the decision to have my equine soul sister to be euthanized. I was blessed with 12 years of her friendship. She was my “rock” and was there for me through a bad marriage and divorce. She also shared some highlights in life, as I married the right man, gave birth to my children, and supported me as my son left for college. My four legged therapist!
Coincidentally about the same time I started asking this question, I started working at a pet crematory, Guardian Animal Aftercare.

Comforted by the idea of “whole horse” equine cremation, I knew I had found the answer with Guardian. Over the last couple of years, I have performed and participated in small animal and equine cremations. I work with a great group of people who really care and do a great service in what may be considered a “difficult” or “hard” job. Guardian is not a disposal facility. All animals whether big, small, feathered, or fluffy are treated with dignity, respect and always with the knowledge that these animals are loved and all cremations at Guardian are performed with the utmost care.

Her passing was peaceful. I had complete faith with staff at Guardian in the handling of my Chessy girl. I am very grateful to everyone at Guardian for the love and support they have given to me and the care they gave to Chessy.

Thank you to Steve and Audra MacCorkle, Farrell, Jason, Carol, Christy, Vernon, Felicity, Johnny, and Natasha.

Andrea Lehr
Accountant and Cremator
Guardian Animal Aftercare

The Guardian staff will try and accommodate and honor all requests involved in the cremation of your pet.

Ziggy

Thank you so much for your care of my beloved horse Ziggy in his final journey. I don't know if it's possible, but you and your kind staff made this terribly difficult time a little bit better for me. I appreciate your love and respect of my most treasured animal, and thank you for giving him his final groom.
Sincerely, Tracey