In this life we can't do great things...... We can only do small things with great love. Mother Theresa
Mikey
The Fluff List Angel
1/3/97- 6/10/97
They say Memories are golden
well, maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories
I only wanted you.
A million times I needed you,
A million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you,
you never would have died.
In life I loved you dearly.
In death I love you still,
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.
If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk a path to heaven
and bring you back again.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again,
GOD BLESS OUR PETS
Author unknown
Our dearest Mikey,
We are so proud to have been able to call you our own. The moment we looked into those beautiful dark eyes we knew we were bonded forever.
You brought so much love to our home and into our lives. We will remember always your love and devotion, the way you would make us laugh, the tolerance that you had with all that you had to go through and the way you would jump into your mom's arms after being separated for any time at all.
We'll treasure the hole that you chewed in the carpet next to the fireplace and dad will always miss the PUPPY ALARM hugs and kisses you used to wake him in the mornings.
Please wait for us ,our little angel, at the Rainbow Bridge. Someday we will be able to walk through the garden again together. You can tease mom once more by grabbing onto one of her favorite plants, playfully focusing your eyes on her til you knew it was time to move on. We'll long for the day that we can see you and your brother JJ, playing hide and seek behind the trees and ending it with a game of tag. And most of all we'll long for you to shower us once again with those precious puppy hugs and kisses that you gave so well.
I told you the night that you left to terrorize the angels that I would love you forever. You took your last breaths of life in my arms and I will take you with me forever in my heart. We both will.
Please enjoy your time til we meet again with our beloved JoJo, little Grant, Peggy Sue and all the furkids of our special friends who have passed before you along with those who will pass after you. God knew he needed a very special little guy to greet so many others. You are the perfect choice, our son.
We thank God every day for giving you to us. We wish it could have been for much longer. 5 months has given us a lifetime of memories. We'll cherish, forever, the few short months that we clung to the hope.... that we could make you well. God needed you more.
If we touch just one life in the way that you have touched so many, our lives will have been successful and worthwhile. The world would be a better place if everyone had a Mikey to love them. You have taught us so much.
You are forever in our hearts and will remain eternally. Your mom , dad, and brother JJ Special thanks to:
Sharon Tworek & kids - Quantum Training Center - Mooresville, Indiana
Dr. Lynne Boggs - Griffith Small Animal Hospital - Austin Texas
Dr. Rody Butler - Plainfield Animal Hospital - Plainfield, Indiana
Nancy Walton - Wildrose Shelties - Clinton Tennessee
Jill & Sonny Durham - Tuttweiller Bulldogs - Mooresville, Indiana
and especially, - All of our wonderful Fluffy friends and furkids.
We love you all very much. Mikey is as much a part of your lives as he is ours.
Mark & Cheryl Cromlich
Mikey may have been owned by Cheryl & Mark but he was loved by all the Fluffsters. This little guy touched all our hearts. This page is our tribute to this little trooper.
This is Mikeys Story - As seen by the Fluffies
On April 21, 1997 we received a letter from Nancy introducing Cheryl. Cheryl & Mikey officially joined us on April 27, 1997. Mikey, was 14 weeks old and had been diagnosed with Mitral Valve dysplasia on 3/17/97. At this point he was scheduled to have open-heart surgery on May 19th. Then on May 13th Cheryl received from the Cardiac Surgeon that they suspected a Fibrous mass that would prevent surgery but they couldn't tell for sure and wanted a Color Doppler view. We all prayed and sent vibes that all would go well. But it was not to be.
On June 4th we received word, via Nancy, that after a lot of tests and conferences with the heart specialist in Austin, it was been decided that Mikey will not be a candidate for heart surgery. And then Mikey took a turn for the worst and Cheryl had made the unselfish decision to let him go where he will have peace and contentment. He was in congestive heart failure and had trouble breathing, build up fluid in his lungs etc. Cheryl made the difficult decision to take him to the vets for the his trip to the Rainbow Bridge. The next day, after lots and lots of vibes, Mikey rallied and acted as if nothing was wrong! Cheryl also received a message for the heart surgeons that on the 16th they were going to review all of Mikey's tests! Oh, happy day!!
During all his travails Mikey enjoyed e-mail chats with some of the other list kids. There were talks about everyone meeting in Tucson at the 1998 National with dates set up with some of the list girls!!!
Then the bad news came and we lost Mikey. He died in Cheryl's arms on the way to the Vets.
Mikey - we miss you!
Tributes To Mikey
Fly - by Celine Dion
Fly, fly, little wing
Fly beyond imagining
The softest cloud, the whitest dove
Upon the wind of heaven's love
Past the planets and the stars
Leave this lonelyworld of ours
Escape the sorrow and the pain
And fly again.
Fly, fly precious one
Your endless journey has begun
Take your gentle happiness
Far too beautiful for this
Cross over to the other shore
There is peace forevermore
But hold this mem'ry bittersweet
Until we meet.
Fly, fly do not fear
Don't waste a breath, don't shed a tear
Your heart is pure, your soul is free
Be on your way, don't wait for me
Above the universe you'll climb
On beyond the hands of time
The moon will rise, the sun will set
But I won't forget.
Fly, fly little wing
Fly where only angels sing
Fly away, the time is right
Go now, find the light.
Nancy - It's 12:32 AM Tuesday. I was reading my mail late as I had been gone all day. An instant message came on the screen from Cheryl. She had just lost Mikey. He died on the way to the emergency clinic after having difficulty breathing. He died in Cheryl's arms. She is devastated and asked me to pass this information along. She will write you all tomorrow. This morning little Mr. Dibs, the puppy I sent to Cheryl just yesterday, woke Mikey up and they played. Hopefully, this little puppy will ease some of the pain and grief she is feeling. I am feeling very sad right now. Mikey was just a baby, only around 5 months old. His life was short but he had the most loving owner anyone could ever ask for! He had the best life any puppy could ask for..
Scott - Cheryl no words can express how sorry Nick and I are for your loss. Nick says that God must have really needed Mikey at the Rainbow Bridge.
Connie - Words can't express my sympathy. Having lost a very loved furkid myself, I have a good idea what you're going through, and my heart is with you. Mikey was sent to you for a purpose, and only time will tell what that purpose might be--maybe it was to bring Dibs to you. He was a special little guy, and I know he's at the Rainbow Bridge with my Fancy--and she'll take good care of him, I promise!
Sue - My tears are joining yours at this minute. I haven't cried over the loss of a pet since 1992 when I lost my old girl, Wintress. I didn't know Mikey except thru our posts, but I feel his loss almost as much as you. He was a stout fellow. God, I miss that little tyke - Sorry can't type any more....
Sandy - Know that Mikey is now up at the Rainbow Bridge, running and playing - never having to feel bad again. He will never suffer. Mikey played a very important part in your life. He loved you, and you loved him. You gave him the very best life he could have had. And, he brought you to us, and Dibs to you. We had the opportunity to get to know the two of you, and to love Mikey. We will all miss him.
Britt - While sometimes there are only the trite things we all can say to try and comfort someone who has lost a loved one, we all do mean what we say sincerely. Mikey is happily waiting for you on the Rainbow Bridge.
KathyK - I am so sorry. Mikey was wonderful and special. (can't type right now)
Kat - I wish I could put into words the sorrow I feel at your loss. It is never an easy thing to lose the things we love, just remember the love he gave you, and know he will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge with all the love and happiness you gave him here on earth.. My deepest sympathy goes out to you...
Gael - I am so, so sorry for your loss...Mikey is now at the Bridge with my Skunkie, and Granny's Jamie, and Webbie's Maggie May, and Sandy's Brenna...and all the other furbabies who have passed.... Mikey can now run and play...he doesn't get short of breath and he can truly be a puppy....God bless you for all the love and joy your gave him in his short lifetime....
Carolyn - t's hard to type. I've got tears in my eyes!! Mikey will be remembered forever by you and us. He joins so many of our furbabies at the Bridge. You got him for a reason. Maybe just to love him. Some day you will find out.
'Chelle - We are so sorry Cheryl. We know how deeply you loved him and we were all rooting for him so! Well, I know that when my kids go to the bridge Mikey will be there to greet them. Right now he can play as long as he likes and his body will not break down anymore and he is waiting patiently for his mommy angel.
JulieF - Remember one very important thing, Cheryl. Mikey loved you very much and there was nothing he wanted more than to get well so that he could give you more love. Mikey know how much you loved him and he knew he was safe in your arms. Yes, Cheryl, he was safe in your arms because you held him with love and devotion. You held him for his own puppy angel to take him to a better place - - Rainbow Bridge. There he will never hurt again. He'll romp and stomp with lots of friends he never knew he had. He'll tell his new friends about the dates that he had made and when the time comes he will introduce his earth buddies to his heaven buddies
Merr - Sometimes God gives us special gifts but he only gives them to us for a short time. This is to remind us the we must cherish each day that we are on this earth and be thankful for all the good things, people and special animals around us. Bless you for loving Mikey and making his time on earth very special.
Janet - I am so so sorry to hear about little Mikey. My prayers are with you for a fast recovery of your loss. You have a new baby to love you now, but I know it will never take the place of Mikey. God had other plans for him in heaven and you will get to be with him again someday.
SteveN - Our HUGS and our PRAYERS are with you. I know your sadness and my heart goes out to you! as i said I haven't posted much on the subject due to the fact it is very hard for me to deal with the loss of a pet.
CindiB - Words can never express how sorry I am. I really thought that a miracle would occur, but Mikey was needed elsewhere....more than he was needed here. I know that he has been given an extra *special* job at the Bridge. So don't worry Cheryl, he is surrounded by all the Fluffy Furkids at the Bridge and they will see to it that he is taken care of. And we are here to take *care* of you.
Kathy - We are thinking of you Cheryl. Know that Mikey will find my two puppies, Beau and Mischief, both going to Rainbow bridge at 1 1/2 years old each. They will romp together til we meet again.
Wanda - {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Cheryl}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}. I am truly sorry.
Ann - My dogs have been clinging to me all morning. They don't know why their mommy is crying. Yes, Mikey was a part of us all. I, too, would like to see a tribute to him. God is holding Mikey now, Cheryl, and Dibs is there to see you through this. There are a lot of tears in Fluffy Land this morning.
Harriet - not good with words of condolence....so will send you and angel
Mikey lots of hugs...thats what I am good at....
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Jan - I am very sorry on your loss of this SPECIAL and I really mean special to all of us....little guy..... I feel a hole in my heart also... but also a great big spot in my heart for Mikey remains there.... I am a little behind in posting this only to gain my composure...on this reply.... You were there when he needed you most and he would have TOLD you himself if he could.. He has touched many hearts....and just think we will ALL see him one day...this time is hard for you right now and will remain difficult for awhile...but the memories will bring a smile to your face...we send our love and prayers to you to make this time easier.
Phillip - This is not to be taken wrong but stop and think of all the others that are counting on you to support them And give them the love of a good pet owner For this is one thing that you are good at!! Now to help the others You must stay positive and have pride in ones self pass this on to the ones that you love for in doing so you are doing GODS work and showing that we as humans are charged with caring for the critters of the world And even though we may lose a few battles we will WIN THE WAR OF LOVE
Aussie Michelle - I was very sorry to hear about the loss of Mickey, he sounded one of those precious dogs that will be missed by not only his owner but this entire list. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of a wonderful little Fluff......
Joan - I've followed the story of Mikey with tears in my eyes, and the morning you lost him in your arms, I was devastated for you. You did everything & more humanly possible to help this child; but perhaps your role in his life, like mine in Maggie's, was to love this baby for the time he was allowed here and then let him go. I hope it is some comfort that my Maggie and all the other fluffy children were there to help him cross theBridge. He misses you, too, but he is surrounded by happy, healthy furkids to play with--and _he_ is healthy now, too. You'll see him and hug him again.
Rainbows for Mikey
All my life I have had too much heart…. It’s a hard thing to explain but to feel right I need to give a lot of love or it starts overflowing. So I am always looking for outlets to let some of it go. But, you know, if people know this about you, some will be take advantage and abuse you and others will make fun of you and sometimes they have no respect for you. So I must be guarded about who I give my love to. I have found one completely safe outlet for my problem….dogs. Now, dogs will never treat you badly or take advantage of you (well, maybe when it comes to raiding the trash can!). They are always open and willing to accept love as well as return it. So as long as I can be surrounded by these wonderful creatures, my soul can safely bask in contentment. Mikey was one of my many dog friends who allowed me to love him. Although I never got the chance to meet him, I loved him just the same. A sheltie’s heart is always a safe place to go. Because of Mikey, I have a new friend named Cheryl, who is as kind and gentle as any sweet sheltie. I am blessed to have her, along with the memories of her dear little puppy angel. And best of all, I have found a place to rest my fragile heart where it can be held in the arms of love. There really are rainbows in the midst of storms. Sometimes you just have to remember to look up.
Nancy Walton
Strange Happenings
Throughout time people have recorded strange or unusual things around the time a loved one died. The night Mikey went to the Rainbow Bridge, Fluffsters recounted the following unusual behaviors in their furkids (and post-it notes!).
Nick's Story - Sometime around 12:15-12:30 EST, Nick started to whimper, whine and bark then I said whats wrong. At this he ran over to hug m, (he gives actual hugs by putting his front legs over shoulders) then he started giving sloppy wet kisses which doesn't usually accompany the hugs.(Scott)
Cowboy's Story - at about 9:00 or 9:15 MDT, I was sitting on my front steps, and Cowboy kept coming up behind me and putting his paws on my shoulders and hugging me. He NEVER does that. (Connie)
Zane's Story - Sometime around 8:00-9:30 PST I went outside to have a ciggy and Zane insisted on following me (he's usually asleep at this time). I sat in my chair and he made it very plain that he wanted in my lap. Once there, he started hugging me (a paw on either shoulder and head pressed into my neck - This is one of his most endearing traits) But this time with a big difference - he really pressed his head into my neck and then started rubbing his head over my face, neck & chin. This went on for about 10 minutes. (Sue)
Lexi's Story - I didn't think anything of it at the time. I was sitting here,writing a letter to my Special Friend, and Lexi comes up, puts her front feet on my lap very gently, asking to be picked up. I pet her, then put her down. She did it again - I did the same thing. Then, she got up on the recliner beside the computer desk, and tried to climb up on it - she has *never* done this before! I finally had to pick her up, and she cuddled in, and stayed longer than she ever did before. I put her down, and continued my letter. She asked again to be picked up - I did, and we cuddled again. Now, she often asks to be picked up and petted, but has never been this insistant. As I think back now, I think it was around 12:30 to 1:00 AM EDT. (Sandy)
Cerah's Story - This is strange......Cerah, our rescue Sheltie, wouldn't leave us alone. She usually goes into the living room and stays with the girls, but she kept coming into our bedroom where the 'puter is and constantly wanted attention, this was around 10-10:30 CST. I thought maybe it was because the girls and I came home early that afternoon, but thought it weird she wanted so much attention. (Cindy)
Hayden's Story - Last night was Hayden's kennel night (where he learns that even special dogs sometimes have to sleep in a crate). About 1:15 this morning he began barking quite insistently and when I went to let him outside (thinking he HAD to go). He wouldn't go out, he just wanted to be held. I held him for a few minutes and then put him back to bed. Also kind of funny, Hayden's friend Arthur then climbed in bed with me to cuddle. He's usually too busy for that. (KathyK)
Gala Story - At about 1AM I heard Lacey (my daughter) voicing concern over the behavior of our four house dogs...said they kept whining and making soft barking sounds while staring out into the darkness...I got up to look out at the kennel..the dogs I could see on this side of the building were up pacing the runs...not barking...just walking back and forth..unusual as they have always been asleep at this time. (Gael)
Brewster's Story - My three acted really funny also. Brewster came up and begged for me to hold him and he didn't want to get down all he wanted was huggies. Heather wouldn't let us alone, she wanted to be touched constantly. Brittany was up and down out of my lap. (JulieF)
Cody & Bailey's Story - last night my two were driving me absolutely crazy from about 11PM to almost 2AM. Cody kept pacing the house and Bailey nudging my hands away from the keyboard while I was typing. I just thought that they were having one of those - if we bug her enough she'll take us for another walk nights... They finally settled down about 1:45AM. Even on those nights when they are exceptionally restless, it usually does NOT last until this late. (JulieB)
Joey's Story - This is really wierd. About 11 last night, Joey looked up at me so I reached down and gave him a pet. And he threw back his head and howled. This is a game we play - I howl and he howls with me. But this is the first time he has ever initiated the game. I just thought maybe he was telling me how neglected he was feeling what with puppies in the house and all. How truly strange.(Michelle)
The Post-It Note - This isn't about a dog, but still appropriate - and really wierd. I had put up a post-it on the edge of the shelf above my monitor (have 2 others to remind me of important letters I need to send out at a specific time). I had added a third to remind everyone to send vibes out on the 16th. Yesterday evening, all of a sudden, this note fell off - and wouldn't stay up, no matter how often I stuck it back up. The other two are still up there...(Sandy)
Remember (Christina Rossetti (1830-1894))
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you planned:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
JUST this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable......... Mikey joins his many fluffy friends at the bridge awaiting our arrival.
All of the Fluffies feel very honored to have our Mikey's page awarded The Gift Of Appreciation. Please visit their site.
