Beemer is the Best

"No amount of time will erase the memory of a good great dog."

Today was a bad day. I lost my best friend. I know he's "just a dog" but he was a great friend. He gave me a love, companionship and loyalty that I don't deserve. I will miss him greatly. 

Beemer is the Best.

I posted these missives once before about dogs in general and Beemer specifically. They only begin to describe how much we will miss him. He was a great dog.

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender.You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours to the last beat of his heart.You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."

      - Anonymous

 --

Just a Dog

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand."

Author Unknown

 ~;::::::;( )">   

Loyal dog guards serviceman's coffin | The Sun |News

Yup, just a dog....<"( );::::::;~




Loyal dog guards serviceman's coffin | The Sun |News:

"THE dog of a slain US Navy SEAL remained loyal even in death — refusing to walk away from his owner's casket during the funeral service.

A heart-wrenching photo showed how Labrador Hawkeye remained by his master's side during the emotional ceremony for Petty Officer Jon Tumilson, 35.

Killed ... Jon Tumilson

The trooper, from San Diego, was one of 38 coalition troops killed in Afghanistan when a Chinook helicopter was shot down by Taliban insurgents on August 6.

During his funeral last Friday, in Iowa, Hawkeye walked up to the casket, heaved a sigh and lay down in front of it for the duration of the memorial.

Mr Tumlinson's cousin, Lisa Pembleton, photographed the dog resting by the casket at the service attended by 1500 people.

Miss Pembleton, who posted the heart-breaking photo on a military blog, said Hawkeye was Jon's "loyal 'son'".

She added: "I hadn't planned on taking any pictures other than with family.

"However, from my seat at the funeral, I felt compelled to take one photo to share with family members who couldn't make it or couldn't see what I could from the aisle.""

Cavs owner puts Billy Goat style curse on LeBron

WOW!! Somebody is taking LeBron's decision to move to Miami pretty hard.

QUITTER...COWARD....JUDAS....NARCISSIST...CHILDISH.....Gilbert pulls no punches. And guarantees a championship in Cleveland before one appears in Miami. And he puts a billy-goat like Cubs-style curse on LeBron and the Heat to boot. Better watch out for those karma induced curses Bronny, they can be a beeyatch. Ask the Cubbies.

Careful about those promises made in the heat of an emotionally traumatic event, though. It seems as if many bad marriages start in a similar cauldron fueled mainly by hormonally charged, over-heated vows and proclamations. But good luck to you, Mr. Gilbert and your fair city.

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html

Open Letter to Fans from Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE"

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that's simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And "who" we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called "curse" on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former "King" will be taking the "curse" with him down south. And until he does "right" by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day....

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue....



Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers

UPDATE:

The definition of a narcissist is:

Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without the commensurate achievements).
Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance.
Requires excessive admiration.
Has a sense of entitlement (i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations).
Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.

LeBron looks like he's finally ready to leave home....How sad!!

There's not much more I can add about the faux-LeBron sweepstakes that will hopefully end tonight in a made for ESPN show/announcement.

Somewhere in Mississippi, fellow attention-whore Brett Favre is crying "WHY, WHY, WHY didn't I think of having my own show". Sorry, Brett. LeBron is smarter than you. Plus, he doesn't want any of the ESPN "reporters" stalking his house while he makes a decision. Smart move, LeBron.

The NBA has done nothing to prevent itself from becoming a glorified collection of AAU teams in this mess. In fact, they seem to revel in the attention. I guess any off-season publicity is good off-season publicity, but this takes the cake.

LeBron will go on national TV and explain why his loyalty to his home-town has limits. He has to get his ring. No matter how much he has to prostitute himself to do it.

Before you label him the greatest of all-time, let's remember that Lew Alcindor (aka Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) took a near expansion Milwaukee Bucks team--that had only won a handful of games in it's history--and along with 4th round draft pick (that's right, FOURTH ROUNDER) Bob Dandridge and an aging HOF'er Oscar Robertson as his BIG THREE and won a championship in 1971.

Two years after he was drafted. Very under-rated superstar that Alcindor-Jabbar. And Oscar Robertson for that matter.

Now, these guys can assemble their own team like some drunken fantasy league GM, and expect the championship rings to follow.

Well, I wish the Big Three well in Miami. (if as I expect, LeBron joins Mr. Bosch and Mr. Wade)

Actually, I really don't. This might make me want to root for Kobe or Carmelo instead. How pathetic is that?

The only thing Miami will gain after these signings is the honor of becoming the city with the highest ratio of pole dancers and gold diggers per square mile in the country. If they didn't already hold that distinction to begin with. Good Luck with that LeBron.

Maybe Florida can balance its budget by enacting a pole tax.... ;)

PRESS HERE:
http://instantrimshot.com/index.php?sound=rimshot&play=true

MIRACLE GAME-CHANGING SHOT ENDS GAME

YOU HAVE MAIL: THIS MESSAGE IS TO SOMALI PIRATES, FROM THE U.S. NAVY SEALS, YOU'RE GOING TO NEED A HARDER HAT THAN THAT, BITCH!!!

From the story title, you probably think this is about the heroics of a Lebron James or Kobe Bryant or any one of a number of athletes who are lionized for their ability to perform in the clutch.

Under normal conditions it would be. I always marvel at the ability of these guys to come through for their teams under though situations. We define it as clutch situation. There's nothing better you can say about a player than he comes through in the clutch.

A lot of guys don't even want to be in the position of taking the last shot to win or lose a game for their team. So we elevate the guys who step up and accept the responsibility of winning or losing a game on their shoulders.

I don't want to get to Barkley-esque but the real-life heroes revealed themselves far away from home--outside of Somalia--in what will be known as the "Easter Miracle" for more than just the family and friends of Capt. Richard Phillips.

Three Navy SEAL snipers stepped up and took the last shot--in a game of life or death for Capt. Phillips--and the GOOD GUYS WON.

The details of the game changer can be found here and they are phenomenal:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/13/somalia.rescue.breakdown/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

In the end, it was a single moment that brought the hostage crisis to its dramatic finish.

Three gunshots. All three fatal. Fired in the dark by three specially trained U.S. Navy SEALs as the pirates' boat rocked in the water off Somalia.

"Phenomenal shots -- 75 feet away," said Navy Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, who oversees the region.

Even with the small boat "moving up and down a couple of feet," the SEALs hit their targets. "Remarkable marksmanship," Gortney said.

This was a last second shot in a high stakes game of life of death and these guys took it and made it.

In his CNN commentary, Bob Greene asks the question "where heroes like this come from":
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/13/greene.seals/index.html

Part of it is adherence to the following creed.

"My loyalty to country and team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans, always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own. I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. ... In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. ... I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight."

They may not want the adulation that we instead shower on our "heroes" in the sports world, but events like this show that they will always deserve it.

Loyalty beyond reproach....
humble service as guardian to their neighbors....
defender of those unable to defend themselves....
service with honor.....

We know that there are arenas where kids are learning lessons like these all over the country.

We know that those, like the Somali pirates will never be able to match the strength of character--that comes from righteousness of mission--that these guys have. In the aftermath, in some strange, perverted, twisted logic they continue to shake the stick at America for their "aggression" in rescuing a kidnapped hostage.

Sorry, save that speech for the United Nations, if you dare. The Navy delivered a message that even the historically docile French seem to understand. The best way to handle bullies and thugs is to stand up and smack them across the mouth.

What a wonderful world-view these folks seem to have. We seem like we would have a lot in common. I'm sure we could negotiate with knuckleheads like this, perhaps we could begin with no preconditions and a blame the U.S.-first apology chaser.

NO THANKS. I'LL TAKE THE NAVY SEAL APPROACH, IF YOU PLEASE.

At times we may question where we will find the likes of these young Navy SEALS, I would just say this Easter, Thank God they are on our side.

IF YOUR SCORING AT HOME, IT'S U.S. NAVY 4, SOMALI PIRATES 0.

A MUST READ: How Could You?

This was originally posted on December 25, 2005 on the following site:
http://vettechs.blogspot.com/

Originally I think it was aimed at pet owners who abandon their pets but it touched me nontheless due to our own recent events. The two poems that follow are also perfectly on point.


My pets are valued members of my family and right now I think I'll leave you with this from 2001 and go snuggle with my critters.

I hope you read every word of this page

A man in Grand Rapids, Michigan, took out a $7,000 full page ad in the paper to present the following essay to the people of his community:

HOW COULD YOU?

By Jim Willis, 2001

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend.

Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?"- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more Perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home At the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" --still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her.

I was happy because you were happy. Then the human Babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of Love." As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch--because your touch was now so infrequent--and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.

There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter.

It smelled of Dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will Find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you A pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my Dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?" They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow.

They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind-that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago.

She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?" Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself--a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever.

May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

This hurts, it's sad, it's sad. Caring owners renounce euthanasia you see.

And then there's this essay and a poem from author's unknown:

Just a Dog

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand."

Author Unknown


"He is your friend, your partner, your defender.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."

- Anonymous