IN MEMORY OF

 

My first OES rescue dog, my good ole girl, my "Winnie-Winnie", 
my companion for over 12 years, 
went to Rainbow Bridge on November 14, 2001.

MY LIFE BEGAN WITH WINNIE WHEN......    

I had recently divorced, and just bought a home.  I went to the SPCA to find a 'guard dog".  I was looking for a big dog, a lab or equivalent.  I entered the cage area to view the big guys and gals for adoption.  Third cage on the right was Winnie, 10-month-old OES owner turn-in.  I don't know how many of you have had this experience, but the minute Winnie and I made eye contact, I knew what was to be.  I couldn't get the paperwork out of the cage hanging-folder quick enough, and going through the "orientation to adopt" routine seemed like an ETERNITY.  I could hardly wait to bring her home.

Once home, I discovered a growth on her hip, and when my vet examined her the next day, he was very concerned.  The prognosis turned out good.  My vet  removed it, and it was benign.  I believe that is why the  previous owners turned her in.....
she was going to cost "$"!

During the next couple of years, we dealt with a "football knee" and a cracked cartilage in her shoulder.....both due to, as the vet put it --- running, jumping, and being a puppy.  OH, she was a PUPPY until the day she left me.  She was full of happiness and joy, and always wanted to be in the same room where I was, which she always was!

She loved walks at night, and scratches on her rear which would bring her to her knees.  She wasn't much for snuggling on the bed at night, but her sweet face would always be in the front window at night when I arrived home from work, and she always expressed such happiness to see me.

She loved the water sprinkler running in the backyard, so she could "attack and kill" it.  Oh, and the garbage men!  They certainly never had a chance.  She would "kill" them from the front window twice a week, and was sure that SHE had made them leave.

Halloween was one of her favorite times.  We would both dress up, and with the baby-gate up to leave the front door open, we would together greet the little ghosts and goblins.....me passing out candy, and her receiving pats on the head for being such a cute girl.  The kids always loved petting her, and she totally enjoyed the attention.

I got into "OES Rescue" in the Autumn of Winnie's life.  I never took on a rescue who I thought would not get along with Winnie.  She was always tolerant of the fosters who boarded here, but each foster learned within 24 hours of their arrival who the "Queen Bitch" was.  I just chuckled at the 115# rescues who gained  immediate and total respect for the pecking system at my house....

Miss Winnie was #1!  Don't MESS with the QUEEN!

I went to work on the Nov. 14th, and Winnie was  resting by our bed, awake and attentive.  When my husband Art left about 9 a.m., she had moved positions to in front of the closet doors, still very alert.  That is where I found her when I arrived home ...... peacefully sleeping.  Her earthly body was there, but her heart and soul were at Rainbow Bridge, awaiting my arrival.

I will take her over with me when I get there.

I love her so, and I miss her so much.

   SHERRIE M. ROBERTS  
Co-Founder of TEXAS Old English Sheepdog RESCUE
and Winnie's faithful companion.


YOU GO, WINNIE-GIRL!
Enjoy seeing clearly, having no bodily pain, and bouncing on those clouds!

Visit my Winnie's Personal Pages at
http://www.geocities.com/winniethepooh9898/
 You may email me at sit_stay_2002@yahoo.com