And now for something completely different....

Well, clearly we've been preoccupied by Marley's illness and death for the last few posts, but now it's time to gently move on. So we'll start by talking about a subject near and dear to Marley's heart (and mine as well)...food.

Those of you that shop at our store know that we sell the dog and cat foods that are known as the "super premium" foods. Now while we don't much like that label, we do like the fact that the foods we sell are not loaded with junk. Not that we're picking on a particular brand of food, but we don't feel as though your dog or cat really needs "powdered cellulose" or "peanut hulls" in their diet.

Call us crazy but, we think that you should be able to pick up a bag of dog or cat food and understand the ingredients on the label without first having to head back to college to get a science degree. Simple is better we think, for you and for your pets.

Of course, the ideal would be for all of us, animals and people alike, to eat as much fresh, real food as possible and to minimize the processed foods in our diets. Again, shoppers in our store know that we advocate adding fresh foods to an animal's diet. We love to see people offer their animals things like fresh ground or lightly steamed vegetables, bits of plain meats and fish, organic eggs, yogurt, and cottage cheese.

We also know that it is hard enough to find the time to cook for ourselves and our families, let alone for our pets. So, in the interest of helping out a bit, we're bringing in some new foods such as Dr. Harvery's Veg-to-Bowl mix. This is blend of dried, mixed vegetables and herbs that can be rehydrated and added to your pets' meals. The ingredients include sweet potatoes, carrots, diced potatoes, zucchini, broccoli florets, green beans, peas, beets, parsley, fennel seed, fenugreek seed, garlic, ginger, papaya leaf and peppermint leaf.

We think this is the type of product that can help our customers add more high quality, real foods to their pets' diets without going crazy trying to fit it in to an already hectic schedule.

Marley comes home

We picked up Marley's ashes tonight and so, in a way, he has come home. We will bring some up to Ipswich, MA where Marley grew up and bring some to Provincetown, MA , where he so enjoyed visiting his Uncle Randy and playing on the beach. The remainder will come home with us to rest alongside Tina, another wonderful dog who passed away in 1996.

We'd like to once again thank everyone for being so wonderfully kind and empathetic to us during this difficult time. Please know that your cards, flowers, words, thoughts, and gifts have helped comfort us greatly. It's really been great to have a safe place to grieve the loss of our guy.

We definitely need to get Mary another pal as she is clearly missing her "brother". We have our eye on a little rescue boy that should be coming to us sometime in mid October. If all goes well with Mary and the store we'll be welcoming in a new addition. If not, we'll keep looking.



Rainbow Bridge

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.

All the animals who had been ill and 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 and times 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 together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the 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...

A tough week

This has been a pretty tough week for us because of the loss of our dear, dear Marley. We feel a tremendous loss and our other dog Mary, keeps looking around for him, and sniffing all his places. Unfortunately, we were not able to let her say a final good bye to him, so we think she might be a little confused, and certainly depressed, about what exactly has happened.

One bright spot in all of this though, has been the incredible love and support we have felt from our friends and customers. We've shared tears and stories about Marley. People have sent emails and cards. They've brought flowers and food. We are truly touched by how generously people have given of themselves, and we can't find the words to thank you all enough.

We're happy to know that our "little man" brought joy into others' lives as much as he brought joy into ours.

In loving memory of Marley

It is with great sadness that I write this tonight. One of our beloved dogs, Marley, passed away earlier this evening. He was suffering from a tumor on his spleen which invaded his liver. He finally grew so uncomfortable that we could not bear to see it go on. We elected to help him end his pain.

He was a fine little dog, energetic, mischievous, silly, and wonderful...all the things a perfect pal should be. We will always remember his antics. We thank him for being part of our lives. We thank all the people that have been so kind to him at the store.We will always love him. He'll always be our boy.