The gift that made me cry ... sweet tears.

I received a parcel from Sandy last night, it was there when I arrived home from school feeling flat, and knowing I wanted to take my time over the contents I left it as I went to meet some people. A meeting which upset me a little. So on arrival home I gathered the box, a cup of tea, and headed to sit on my cosy bed. This is what I found.
Do you recognise my babies? After Maggie girl, and Hamish died Sandy was (as many were) so very supportive. Sandy told me in a little note within this parcel that she contacted Mo,of froyandolo, and asked her to make me some cards. Mo visited my blog and read about my love for the furry ones and made these beautiful sets of cards and tags: Maggie and Hamish, Hamish alone and Maggie alone. Mo then refused to take payment because she had read the blog and understood. Do you see why I cried? My furries, who I miss so much (even with the dear little Archer asleep on my lap and Phantom by my side); permission to remember, the kindness of two women; one I have not met face-to-face and the other I had never heard of. How my heart swells.

This sweet doll has so much detail, even 24 hours later I am still finding stitches and charms, patterns and pictures. Each time I turn her over I get a lump in my throat; her label says: 'Julie's doll August 2007' - those simple word's move me. Sandy has some of her beaded work headed for a gallery (in New Hampshire) very soon - pop over to her blog and have a look.

And if those two precious gifts were not enough, some wall paper tags, and deluxe charms ... I am so very spoilt. Thank you.

A visitor made me clucky.

On a wet and cold afternoon, as Maggie and I trudged over a large granite rock, we met Emily. We knew this was Emily because her heart shaped tag said so. We knew she was loved - the pink diamante collar with two heart tags was a give-away. We also knew all was not right in Emily's world - she was alone.
After standing huddled together in the drizzle for some time, calling for Emily's Mum, we decided to go home and phone her. Emily came happily and settled down quickly with one of Maggie's old bones. Then we hit a snag - an answering machine - not a doggy Mum. And so Emily got ready to spend the night - Maggie encouraged her through the flea treatment I deem essential for overnight guests who wish to sleep inside, blankets were laid in a basket and Phantom moved to the right of the mat in front of the fire - creating room for one little beagle with a very active nose.
There began three days of surprises. Emily sniffed a lot! She would need at least another week to finish following trails in my little house. Phantom loved her. Maggie was OK about her, and Charles my warrior, was terrified - perhaps because she ignored him. You can see Hamish's reaction below - just have to kiss that squishy face (BTW do you see the pillow - came, purred, conquered?) ...
And then this morning, the call, Emily's Mum was home and a happy reunion occurred soon after.
I am now clucky, I realised it is 2 1/2 years since we rescued Phantom, Hamish and Charles came as 5 week old kittens - over four years ago, and Maggie was a pup a decade ago. Umm ... will we give in?