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ANDREA DENNINGER:

Today [20 April 2007] has been the first day in quite some time that I've been able to sit on the deck, with the dogs enjoying the yard & deck. When I brought out the Mars Coat thingie and the thinning shears, Rico jumped right onto the table, ready for some grooming . . . .

While grooming him, I started thinking about Eileen, whom I had met several years earlier, online, through my ADD (Andréa's Doggie 'Danas); she bought some for her rescues, and we met on the highway as she passed by my city on her way to another rescue or home visit, I wasn't quite clear. Mainly, 'cause I wasn't involved in Cairns, other than having Cari. I was still involved exclusively in Airedales and Airedale Rescue.

We talked, took some photos, and she went her way north and I went back home.

Several years later, when a Cairn was for sale in our local paper, I contacted Eileen; she & Alyce Peters worked with me to get the dog . . . my first rescue & my first Foster Failure - Rico became my dog within a few days of my getting him. Alyce counseled me on belly bands, which was the clincher to keeping him.

Eileen came up from Illinois to do the Home Visit, as she only 'knew' me from the business and the one meeting in the Shoney's parking lot . . . we spent a pleasant afternoon, celebrating Rico's birthday, on this very deck . . . you can see the celebration HERE.

Fast forward several years, to a phone call from Shell Lewis immediately after my retirement, and I became a CRUSA worker. My only regret is that after Eileen no longer read her emails, I never snailmailed her to tell her that eventually she got her way - I was working in Cairn Rescue! She'd have been glad about that, I'm sure.

Well, back outside . . . dogs are barking, yard needs raking . . . as does Cari's still-full coat. And I raise my grooming tools to Eileen Czablewski!

ALYCE PETERS:

When asking people to volunteer for rescue, they should be told, "You will meet the most wonderful, loving, caring, PEOPLE, too!!"

DIANE GAUL:

I think of Eileen a lot . . . I want to kick myself in the butt; we always think later, later . . . I have missed her for a long time, I will miss her for a long time to come . . . I loved our talks & gripe sessions . . . wicked sense of humor that one . . . but she would be glad to know you think of her now & then . . . .

TONI BONNEY:

When I think of Eileen, I think of all the times she gave her heart to the "old" guys. Seems like she was always taking in the senior Cairns and when I asked her if she thought we could find a home for them, she said that it was all right, they do not take much room in her home. She could not bear to see them not get a home.

ANDREA DENNINGER:

How sweet . . . she'd have liked DaisyTwoLegs, and Miss RosieVi the Shy - they, too, don't 'take up much room in the home', but they sure take up room in the heart!

TONI BONNEY:

I bet she is smiling at you & your guys. It seemed as if that was a special mission for her.

PATTI SUNDLING:

I feel the same way. Always kept saying I was going to drive up north for a visit. We emailed and talked on the phone since I adopted Rosie. One year, Eileen was going to come with me to the Westie Connection Picnic but, it turned out to be one of those 90+ days and she decided at the last minute that it would be best for her to stay at home. It was after the first round of chemo.

I was hoping she was in remission and busy with her son's wedding. It was quite a shock to see the email about Eileen passing. And nice to see such a lovely picture of her with my Rosie. Eileen really loved Rosie and did much screening before she placed her in our home. I am always grateful to her for picking us to be Rosie's Forever Parents.

Today the weather is beautiful & sunny. I got in the car first thing this morning and drove to the cemetery. One of the workers there helped me find Eileen's grave. She is in great company. Eileen is right across from my father-in-law and down the row from a wonderful friend who raised seven boys and loved life. I sat there and told her how much everyone misses her and how happy we were to have her in our lives. On a nearby tree someone had decorated with Christmas ornaments & wind chimes. How quiet & serene it is. I picked up a bouquet of red, white & blue silk flowers with an American flag to put on her unmarked grave. A truly wonderful lady with a heart of gold.

Please visit the CRUSA Website HERE
if you wish to make a donation
in Eileen's name to help the furkids she so loved.
A personalized card acknowledging your donation
will be sent to Eileen's family.

dogs have joined Misha (@RB), April (@RB), Cari & Rico on the couch since 16 AUGUST 1996. We hope you all were comfy!!

 INTRODUCING MISHA (@RB), APRIL (@RB), CARI, & RICO

Remember to bring along your virtual pooper-scooper!