February 19, 2011 Colleyville, Texas
Condolences on loss of my Gizmeaux was
incredible and kind. Please also
visit the
Pet Corner
by Nelson Thibodeaux
Then number of responses to Jamie and I
expressing sympathy over the loss of our
Gizmeaux has been overwhelming. We
very much appreciate the kind words.
Once again I recognize those who have not
had this kind of loving relationship with a
friend like Gizmeaux may not get it..and
that's ok. But those who do get it
have been a great comfort.
I know I will probably leave someone out,
but Jamie and I want to tell folks have much
we were touched by your kindness.
Below is a list of some of these kind
people. Below the names are some of
the comments. I did not put names with
the comments because they were personal,
however readers who have suffered their own
loss may get some comfort that others
understand your sense of grief.
As Jamie described Gizmeaux, "He was the
perfect gentleman". He always wanted
to meet everyone in the room and made sure
he did not miss greeted every person one on
one. I know he'll enjoy the green grass at
the Rainbow Bridge, but he'll be greeting
every human that stops by until I can once
again hold him in my arms.
Waiting at Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a
place called the Rainbow
Bridge. When an animal dies,
who has been especially close to
someone here, the pet goes to
Rainbow Bridge. There are
meadows and hills for all 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.
All the animals who had been ill
or old are restored to health
and vigor; those who were hurt
or maimed are made whole and
strong again, just as we
remember them in our dreams of
days gone by. The animals are
happy and content, except for
one small thing: They each miss
someone very special to them who
had to be left behind. They all
run and play together, but the
day comes when one suddenly
stops and looks into the
distance. His bright eyes are
intent; his eager body quivers.
Suddenly he begins to run from
the group, flying over the green
grass, his legs carrying him
faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when
you and your special friend
finally meet, you cling to each
other in joyous reunion, never
to be parted again. The happy
kisses rain upon your face; your
hands again caress that beloved
head and you look once more into
the trusting eyes of your pet,
so long gone from your life but
never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge
together.
(Author Unknown) |
Thanks to everyone that
expressed their concern and
sympathy. I know someone
may be left out; but please know
we read every email on Facebook
and that were sent to the LNO
address. What a great honor to
have so many kind friends in
this area and across the
country.
|
Kelly Pace Bradley |
Chief Steve Dye |
Hillary Wreay Smith |
|
Rachel Stampley
Smith |
Rebecca Miller |
Anita Winters |
|
Dr, Stephanie
DeNaeyer |
Josh Rhoades |
Mitizi Long |
|
Judy Crider Butler |
Von Husbands |
Michael Garabedian |
|
Diane Dematteo |
Fay Fleming |
Laurie Graves |
|
Kathleen Herr |
Melissa Manley |
Stacey Cantu |
|
Michelle Orwin
Ortega |
Lavonne Mize |
Scott Suiter |
|
Leigh Wambsganss |
David Alvey |
Era Lee Caldwell |
|
David Hart & Staff |
Charlie Hewitt |
Linda Baker |
|
Maury Siskel |
Kila Gurule |
Chris Vickers |
|
Chris
Rinearson |
Mike King |
Frank & Bonnie
Carroll |
|
Sherrie Hart |
William Savage |
Jody Short |
|
Dennis & Linda
Johnson |
Councilman Tom Hart |
Jennifer Patterson |
|
Councilman Mike
Muhm |
Dr. John Gober |
The Wrobles
Family |
|
Jill Sullivan |
Ray Tanner |
Natalie Genco |
|
The Schaufele's |
Ann Gifford |
Tom Schneider |
|
Bobby Duckworth |
Marc Troup |
David Baum |
|
Cathy Peterson |
Dave Lieber |
Tom Westerman |
|
Councilperson
Carol Wollen |
Debbie Roach |
Chief Mike
Johnston |
|
Jackson Caldwell |
|
|
|
Please forgive
me if I left off
your name.
Your messages
written or
verbal touched
our hearts and
we thank you for
understanding
the kind of love
one can have for
their 4-legged
friends.
God Bless you
for being so
thoughtful |
|
| |
Nelson
I am so sorry to hear about
Gizmeaux. I would like to think
that he saw my cat Weezy
arriving at Rainbow Ridge
shortly after he did, as my poor
kitty also passed away last
Tuesday evening. It was before
his time, too. He had a bad
habit of trying to eat anything
he could get his paws on.
Eventually, he ate something
that tore him up on the inside
and he was unable to recover.
This is the first real loss of
one of my furry friends I have
experienced, so it hit me pretty
hard. I can’t think of anything
worse than how it feels to lose
a companion such as Gizmeaux or
Weezy.
Almost every day, I am amazed by
the bonds and friendships that
can be made between humans and
animals. To truly love a little
critter and actually know that
they love you back is a great
feeling. My little guys are my
friends that I can confide in
without the risk of being judged
or ridiculed. At the end of the
day, they really are your
friends and family, which makes
it all the more difficult to say
goodbye when the time comes.
Gizmeaux looked like a great pal
and even though I never saw him
in person, I still felt like I
had met him from all the
pictures of him on LNO. I know
how you feel, and I hope you
feel better. |
|
Dear
Nelson,
I am
so sad to hear of the passing of
Gizmeaux, he was such a great
friend to you and your family.
We lost our Maltese Ellie at the
age of 5, Dr Wilson and
Colleyville Animal Clinic are
the very best, we miss them.
After losing Ellie my husband
and I moved to Florida and when
I was ready for a new girl I
decided to only get a new pup
from a show breeder. If you
decide to get another Pom,
wanted to let you know that in
March the National Specialty for
Pomeranians will be held in
Louisville KY, this is a great
place to meet show breeders,
they have a website with all the
info. The American Pomeranian
Club has a list of breeders by
state this is a great place to
start. Again I am so sorry, I
am sure Gizmeaux is having a great
time at the bridge. |
|
So sorry to hear. God Bless.
|
|
My big sympathy!
You know how I feel about
doggies...." |
|
My big sympathy!
You know how I feel about
doggies...." |
Awww!!!
Nelson and Jaime, we are sorry
to hear about your beautiful
friend, or should I say furry
child. I always enjoyed seeing
what sweet parents you were to
Giz. I know you were all very
lucky to have each other. Also,
the tribute was so moving.
Brooke especially loved looking
at the pictures and she was
laughing out loud about what you
wrote about her leg!! Very cute!
Hugs to you both during this
difficult time.
|
|
I'm
hurting for you and your family,
too. Yes, God, please speed up
the grieving process. It gets
better, but it may seem to take
its sweet ole time doing it. So
sorry for your loss. |
|
You
have our sympathy, Nelson and
Jamie! |
|
Hi
Nelson,
I
don't have your personal e-mail
address, so I'm sending this to
your LNO address.
I
was so sorry to hear about the
passing of Gizmeaux. Being a dog
lover and having to say goodbye
to four precious furbabies over
the years, I understand the
tremendous hole you have in your
heart right now. Yes, dogs
aren't just pets but very
important members of
our families. It hurts a lot
when they have to leave us.
Reading the Rainbow Bridge poem
has helped me in the past, as
has visiting a great website,
petloss.com. Many times when I
couldn't sleep, I would turn on
my computer, go to that site and
read the articles and tributes
to beloved pets.
You
wrote a beautiful tribute.
Gizmeaux can never be replaced,
but I hope that with time, the
pain will give way to fond and
happy memories of your time
together. |
|
Sorry, the loss will be slow
but, you will get to a good
place with it after awhile. Mine
has been gone for 7 years and I
still miss her and think of her
everyday. |
|
So
sorry to hear about your loss.
It's never easy losing a part of
your family.
I'm
sure he knew how much he was
loved. You were great parents!
Cherish the times you had
together...your pictures are
wonderful!
We
will have your family in our
thoughts and prayers. |
|
WHAT?!! Oh Nelson, I'm so sorry.
I had no idea Gizmeaux was sick.
Poor little guy. I remember
meeting him when you first got
him: he was an adorable little
puffball. You gave him a
wonderful home. |
|
Aaawww I'm sorry. |
|
I am
so sorry to hear that. I will
keep you in my thoughts. |
|
I am
so sorry for your lost. Prayers
for you and your family. |
|
I'm
very sorry to hear that Gizmeaux
is gone, Nelson - my condolences
to you & your family. They are
so much more to us than pets! |
|
Nelson I am so sorry for your
loss . I pray that more pet
owners were just like you. You
gave your all for your beloved
pet and we all should learn to
be be more like you!
|
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So
very sorry nelson |
|
You
know in Proverbs is says " A
righteous man cares for the
needs of his pets" My friend , I
can say you did a job well done!
|
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So
sorry Nelson, we get so attached
to our 4 legged creatures they
are so loveable!!! He is resting
now in peace. |
|
I am
so sorry westlake ace well
truely miss are little man, send
all are love.
|
|
So
sorry for your very real
loss...it sounds to me that
Gizmeaux was blessed to have
such a loving family! |
|
I am
so sorry that Giz passed away. I
know he meant a lot to you and
Jamie as well as so many
Colleyville people. We will all
miss him, too. You know we love
ya Nelson and Jamie. God Bless! |
|
Awwww......Nelson & Jamie....
I'm sorry. |
|
I am sad, too,
for you. You all are sweet
people, and it sounds like your
precious Giz was pretty sweet
too. Love you guys. |
|
Nelson I hope you are doing
better today. send all my love |
|
Accounting makes sense. Love is
pure emotion. We can't choose
with whom we fall madly in love.
Your tribute to Giz brought
tears to my eyes. It was
beautiful and showed that Giz
loved you just as much. Giz was
a blessing from God and you will
always have wonderful memories.
Thanks for sharing your heart. |
|
Sorry to hear about your loss.
It's been 2 years since I lost
my companion (Alice) of 17 years
and I still miss her. |
|
NELSON AND JAMIE:
WE ARE SO SADDENED TO HEAR
OF THE LOSS OF GIZMEAUX. I
KNOW YOU ARE HURTING RIGHT
NOW. ALL OF US HAD TO CRY
OVER HERE. HE WAS A VERY
SPECIAL DOG. HE WILL BE WITH
YOU AND ALL OF US IN OUR
HEARTS AND MEMORIES.
GIDGET SAYS YOU CAN COME PET
HER ANY TIME YOU NEED TO,
AND YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE TO
BRING CHICKEN, ALTHOUGH
BRINGING CHICKEN IS
PREFERRED.
TO GIZMEAUX! A GREAT DOG,
AND TRULY MAN'S BEST FRIEND!
A DOG LIKE GIZMEAUX WOULD
WANT AND COULD HAVE NO
GREATER COMPLIMENT THAN THAT
OF "GOOD BOY" AND "MAN'S
BEST FRIEND!"
OUR THOUGHTS, PRAYERS AND
LOVE ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR
FAMILY.
WITH ALL OF OUR SYMPATHY,
|
|
Nelson,
Sorry to hear
about the loss of your dear
friend. I recall that you
posted a beautiful poem when you
lost Bear some years ago. Can
you post it again? (Posted
on top)
Perhaps Bear and Gizmeaux are
running through a field together
somewhere. All the best to you
and Jamie during this difficult
time. |
|
Nelson and Jamie,
I am so sorry about little Giz.
Your eulogy touched my heart and
you had told me beforehand it
was inevitable. |
|
Nelson and Jamie,
I
am so sorry about Gizmeaux. I
know ya’ll will miss him. He
was a precious little thing!!
Just
wanted you to know I was
thinking about ya’ll. Just
remember all the times he made
you smile (too many to count)!!
And the happiness he brought
everyone! |
Nelson,
I am sorry to hear about the
passing of Gizmeaux. He was the
best. Julie and I extend our
sincere sympathy for your loss.
|
Mr.
Thibodeaux,
I am so sorry to read about
Gizmeaux. My dogs are a part of
our family as yours are, so i
understand your pain. It is
obvious how much you loved your
dog, taking him all the way to
Iowa !! what a lucky dog to have
had you as part of his family. I
remember seending you a picture
of my dog when you were posting
pictures of your readers dogs
and mine made it on your
website,, i was so proud. Again,
i am so sorry for your loss, |
Dear
Nelson,
My heart goes out to you,
Gizmeaux, and all others in your
circle of friends. I'm very
sorry to learn that Gizmeaux has
lost his life and equally sorry
that you and yours have lost the
companionship of your friend.
Your loss takes on a special
significance for me because you
led to the signature on all of
my emails: Maury&Dog. This
happened during the NRH
political activities years ago
over the issues of driveway bans
and the senior tax freeze. In
one of my letters you published
in LNO, I made some humorous
reference to the opinions of my
dog as well as to my own; Even
though Jake was a big dog, you
added a cartoon of a little dog
in a food bowl marked Killer
Dog. From that time on, I have
signed all of my daily emails to
some 75+ family and friends as
Maury&Dog.
Jake was my friend and companion
for at least 14 years until
finally the effects of age made
it easier for him to be put him
to sleep a year ago. I hope you
might take some solace in
sharing the letter I sent out at
the time of Jake's passing since
you helped give him an even
greater part of my life for many
years. It is in this sense that
I can feel your hurt and your
loss. And it is in this sense
that I hope in time you will
find another dog to love and who
will love you. I'm only now
beginning to look for another
dog to share my days.
I'm sorry for your loss, Nelson.
Thanks you for the elevated role
that you gave Jake in my life
for many years
This was how I told friends and
family about losing Jake. I'm
sure you are experiencing
similar feelings, but we both
know that Gizmeaux feels the
same way. There just comes a
time ....
____________________
Once upon a time in a land far
away (actually in Ft. Worth Tx
about 14 years ago) an old man
agreed to keep temporarily a
mixed collie black lab frisky
pup for a friend. The pup was
intended to become a gift, but
the recipient no longer wanted a
dog. The old man agreed to keep
the dog a while longer and began
considering the dog to become a
permanent resident.
When I began working with Jake,
he would only approach when
called and dance around out of
reach. He simply refused to
'come' when called and was on
the verge of being returned to
his owner. But continued work on
a long leash finally led to
greater mutual trust and Jake
would come bounding across the
yard or walk calmly across the
living room when called.
Jake was very frightened at
first. He would only enter
another room in the house when I
stayed by his side. He had to be
walked through every door -- too
frightened to explore any place
alone. But he discovered soon
that I was a reliable source of
affection, food and water. A
relationship blossomed as I
discovered a great 95 lb. of
everlasting energy, full of
affection who greeted me with a
huge wagging tail and a big
smile every time I arrived home.
Whenever called, Jake came
bounding to the back door.
He cultivated a perpetual game
of tag with his pet rabbits and
squirrels in a large back yard.
He soon discovered that he did
not have their maneuverability,
but he and they seemed to enjoy
the chase game even as they all
knew that no one would be hurt
(or eaten). He was entirely at
home in the yard as well as in
the house -- he was freely
allowed either location at his
request. He often slept outside
even in below freezing
temperatures, but was equally
content indoors.
In the course of time, the old
man agreed to compete for a city
council seat. In a local
newspaper, someone depicted me
and my 'killer dog' with the
cartoon of a miniature dog
standing up on the inside of a
large food
dish with the lettering, Killer
Dog. Thus was Maury&Dog born. We
didn't win the election. but we
had a solid place in each
other's hearts; a great dog with
the Biggest Tongue in the West
who never gave the first thought
to growling at or biting anyone.
He was a careful friend to
toddlers and vigorously
affectionate with adults.
Maury&Dog remained a committed
pair then through many years of
mutual love and companionship.
We grew increasingly creaky with
the passing years. It has always
been great to have and to give
our company to each other. We
developed a vocabulary which had
consistent meanings. He waited
patiently when I was away for
over a month following heart
bypass surgery. He remained
always enjoying excellent health
and we cared greatly for each
other.
Dogs the size of Jake have an
average life expectancy of about
nine years. But it became
progressively more difficult for
him to cope with arthritic
joints -- he still walked the
backyard with head and tail high
and always came in when called
-- only a bit more slowly than
earlier years. Then he began to
wince a bit in certain
positions.
On December 30th with his head
in my lap on the floor in the
vets' office, Jake, after more
than fifteen years of great
living, was painlessly and
peacefully put down. I miss him
terribly.
|
Ooh,
I'm so sorry to hear about
Gizmeaux.
Thank you so much for sharing
this beautiful story with us.
I'm feeling the pain of the
biggest, broken heart in Texas.
Maybe this little story will
help......
One day, I was talking to God
after having lost my beloved
Soul Mate. I wasn't really
talking to God, I was a
'fussing'--typical spoiled
American woman.
I said, "God, I needed a hug
from the Love of My Life and he
is gone". God said, "I am here".
I said, "but I can't feel you".
God said, "Look up". I looked
up.
God said, "Do you see the sky?"
I said, "Yes". He said, "I am
hugging you. I am hugging the
whole world. When you need a
hug, look up."!!
May you always be able to 'look
up' and feel a big, huge loving
hug from God and Gizmeaux and
know you are loved. |
|
So
sorry to hear of your
loss...prayers are with you...I
know Giz will be missed greatly
by many. |
|
Hang in there
Nelson.. After seeing you last
night with your best friend, I
came home and gave Mr Jumper a
big hug!! |
I
can relate completely. It is
amazing how intelligent our pets
can get.
I always say our pets and
children are a direct reflection
of ourselves.
I am still trying to explain why
mine still mark their territory
even after being fixed. Must be
my wife.
Those of us that love our pets
understand it is just like
loosing a child. They simply
cannot be replaced.
But they can occupy our time-
remember when Gizmeaux was a
puppy? I believe our puppies
have been more time consuming
than _____.
I just took this video of my two
chasing each other. I hope it
puts a smile on your face for a
few moments in this difficult
time. |
|
We
are so sorry to hear about
Gizmeaux. We can totally relate
to the incredible sense of loss
you are experiencing. It is so
tough to lose your best friend.
We will keep you in our prayers.
|
My
condolences. We lost our dog of
15 years 2 weeks ago.
Hang in there! |
Hi
Nelson,
I am so sorry to hear about
Gizmeaux. It was always a
pleasure to see you guys around
town. It was always easy to tell
he was a happy dog living a
wonderful life with a family
that loved him very much.
I am sitting here typing this
with my two morkies at my feet (
Crosby and Bella). It is
difficult to explain in words
the happiness these little guys
can bring to our lives. After a
rough day at the office, all
stress quickly leaves when I
arrive at home with them jumping
up for me to hug them.
I too believe that God will
reunite us with that which
brought us joy here on Earth,
and obviously Gizzy will be
there waiting on you.
You guys are in our thoughts and
prayers, |
You
are making me so sad. I know how
you feel.
Just remember that whenever a
loved one leaves our lives,
someone new enters...that we may
end up loving even more. It does
not seem fair in the short run,
however. |
|
We
would like to extend our
sympathy to you during this
difficult time in the loss of
your precious doggy. May God
bring your comfort and you are
in our hearts/prayer. |
|
I am
sorry, I could not look through
all those precious pictures
right now because they made me
cry over your profound loss. My
heart, thoughts and prayers are
with you and your family right
now. The "G" was well known to
be see with your around
Colleyville. We will all miss
him very much!! You have lost a
precious member of the family.
|
Nelson,
May God bless you and your
family as you grieve the loss of
your little furry kid, and
that’s sue what they become!
Rest assured that you gave the
little guy a lot of love and
enjoyment during his too brief
life. Thanks for sharing the
photos and stories with your
readers. |
|
Nelson,
I am so sorry for the loss of
your BPF. My thoughts and
prayers are with you and the
family. |
Dear Mr. Thibodeaux,
Although we have never met I
certainly feel as though I know
you. Allow me to introduce
myself, my name is William
Savage, I am a firefighter with
the City of Colleyville. Our
paths most certainly had to have
crossed in the
four plus years I have been with
the city. I have been reading
your
website for a few years now, and
it certainly is right on the
mark. I read your tribute to
your beloved Gizmeaux and I
would just like to pass on my
condolences to you and your
family. My wife and I lost our
beloved Cooper last year from
kidney disease , even after
exhaustive treatments to extend
his life he just couldn't take
the discomfort anymore, so like
you, we made the decision to
euthanize( hate that term) him.
Take care and remember to
cherish the time you had with
him. |
|
I am
sorry to hear about Gizmeaux.
You always seemed very attached
at the run and other events
where I would see you together. |
|
We
always enjoyed Gizmeaux visits
to Lewisville Mitsubishi. He
will be missed. |
Gizmeaux.."The Perfect GENTLEpup" 2011
While not feeling great in my office..he
would not be left at home, he came to work
everyday. I miss him terribly.
|
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