How does one say good bye to such a good friend?

I knew Nonie for over twenty years and she was always there when I needed her. It did not matter if it was a personal issue or something to do with the dogs................if I needed her she was there.

I first met Nonie in 1986 at the huge "Expo" shows in British Columbia. I wanted one of her Dachshunds and she wanted nothing to do with me. I was persistent and finally she relented.
That was the start of an amazing friendship that I will always cherish.

I will miss our wonderful lunches, chatting over HOT Earl Gray tea (which she swore I messed up by putting cream and sugar in it), going over puppies together, whelping litters in the middle of the night, chatting on the phone into the wee hours of the morning and so much more.
I will especially miss the way she would smile, grab my face with her hands and say "love you".

Close to the end of Nonie's life her son Paul asked me to do them a favor. Nonie's beloved Doberman "Jenny" was quite old and not well. They needed someone to stay with her and comfort her as she went to the Rainbow Bridge. "Jenny" was a HUGE part of Nonie's everyday life and I felt a horrible guilt with what I had agreed to do.
My head told me it was what was right for Jenny and I knew it was what Nonie would have wanted me to do. However my heart ached for a different solution.
Paul's wife Patty brought Jenny into the veterinary clinic I work at on a beautiful July morning. We hugged then cried and Patty said her good-bye's. I walk with Jenny to our office and sat with her on the carpet while she was gently sedated. We sat there for what felt like forever. I talked endlessly about Nonie and she listened intently as she quietly fell asleep with her head in my lap. As Jenny slipped away I prayed that Nonie would understand that I had done my very best for her "best friend".

On August 1st, 2007 I lost a very special Dachshund. Her name was Ch. Treasure's Sweet and Low MSD "Sugar". As Sugar slipped away in the comfort of my arms a deep sadness overcame me. I had lost a very good friend and a very special dog in such a short period of time. How would I cope? I sat with Sugar for quite a while trying to say my final good bye. As I looked out a window close by a dark patch of clouds parted and the sun came shining through. It was so bright and so warm on my face. It truly felt as though Nonie was saying "don't worry dear Sugar is with me now".
At that moment in time I never had felt more comfort.

It is three months since Nonie passed. With each dog show that I am getting ready for I find myself wondering if I might see Nonie there. Then reality sets in and I still can't believe she is gone.
The 2007 Western Dachshund Club Specialty is coming up and the show is dedicated to Nonie. The club has graciously asked me to judge Sweeps. I know that Nonie will be standing right next to me.

Nonie has so many little dachshunds with her at the Rainbow Bridge and I know she will care for each one with the same tenderness she provided them with while here on earth.

Rest In Peace in Gods everlasting light my friend.
One day we will be able to share another cup of tea.
I miss you.

With all my love
Arlene