BRISTOL'S FINAL JOURNEY 29 DECEMBER 2007

Christine writes: Early this morning, Tim & I held Bristol as she peacefully made her way across The Bridge. It was her time, but it is hard to believe. Bristol has had orthopedic/neurological problems for a few years and she has been critically ill; every time she has bounced back and we have had her for more precious months. Today she was tired. We took her to McDonald's for hash browns this morning, which she enjoyed, and then it was time. I know there is that saying about dogs making your life whole and it is completely true with Bristol. Bristol is a dog like none that I have known. She has given me a whole life. I married her "dad". She introduced me to my dear friend and Airedale mentor, Elizabeth Mattison. She was my ticket into this very special internet community that I call my other family. The list of special people we have met covers several countries and many states . . . and all of you understand my loss. My love for her spilled over into my love for Airedale Rescue. I can't imagine my life without participation in Airedale Rescue. The friends we have made and the dogs we have helped; Bristol was the start of it all. Don't tell Eddie the poodle, but Bristol is also the best therapy dog that I ever worked. She was equally at home at the hospital or with the rowdy kids at the group home. She responded to children's sign language and also to augmentative things like the Dyna-vox with its mechanical voice. Her passing leaves a great hole in all of our lives. The Trio of Trouble is now the Duo of Destruction and they look lost. The foster boy Bravo has a very sad face and is uncharacteristically quiet today. Tim & I have been talking about the joy she brought to people but the pain is still raw. [Foster Boy Bravo has become a Sheffer Family Member.] SUE HEINZ & MAXWELL: Oh, Christine, I am so sorry for your loss. Our 'dales are so special. This is such a beautiful verse, but for right now, both are necessary . . . You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she's left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see her, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her only that she is gone, or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on. -- David Harkins I pray that your grief is short and your wonderful memories flood in like warming sunshine. KATHI & SIMON: I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Bristol. She sounds like she was your "heart" dog. I know too well the Airedale-shaped hole that is now carved out of the fabric of your lives. In time the pain subsides, and the good memories of Bristol will help mend the hole. Give the others extra hugs and belly rubs, as it is their loss too. Nothing further needs to be added. I am thinking of you. SHIRLEY SANBORN & FURGUS & CANNA: It is so sad. I do not know what to say. Christine is right: Bristol is the one that brought so many people together. Many years ago I met Christine & Tim through Bristol. Both my boys Otis & Milo were relatives. Last year, four days before Christmas, Christine was consoling me about losing the love of my live, Milo. This year, four days after Christmas, we all are consoling her & Tim. Just eight months ago, Bristol came out to welcome Otis to town while we were picking up my fur ball of terror, Furgus M'lo. It was Christine & Tim who made it possible for Canna Go Too to get to Delaware to grow up with her brother. It is amazing how we are all brought together by these great dogs. We have lost so many of the well-known great ones this past year. I hope they all meet up and are having one hell of a party up there talking about the old times with their owners & friends. Just think of the stories they can tell. I do not know what to say except . . . Christine & Tim, we are all with you . . . shedding tears around the globe. Time heals . . . but you never forget them. SUE FORRESTER & ASCHA, AEREM, CHESTER (HURTT) & BABY EMMA: The Airedale world weeps with you as we make our farewells to Bristol. A fine true-hearted Airedale has joined the Airespirits across the Bridge, and their welcome for her will be joyous. You drew inspiration from her in all your Rescue work, and in her name & honor it will continue, an enduring legacy of an Airedale so well-loved that she changed your life. Thank you for sharing Bristol so freely with us all, the smiles & the tears. Her Star is brilliant and will glow forever, in the skies and in our hearts. MARE MOORE & QUINCEY: Oh, Christine, I am so sorry! The Mooreside Gang mourns with you & Tim and we have lit a candle tonight in Bristol's memory. May your loving memories of her help to ease the pain of your loss. JACKIE McGUINNESS & THE WILD BUNCH: I was very sad to read about Bristol today What can I say to ease the pain of her passing? I think David Harkins has said it all so perfectly; I could not say better other than to let you know I'm thinking of you both.

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