Say hello to heaven

Sometimes we are privileged to meet animals who make us better people. We strive to emulate their patience, kindness, and big heart. One such sweetie pie was our periodic house guest, adorable Zoe. We consider ourselves unbelievably lucky to have known her. Zoe passed away on April 2nd and now our hearts are heavy.

Zoe was a huge Bernese Mountain Dog. She was the largest in the litter - so big that no one wanted her. Our friends adopted her and she proved to be filled with the gentlest spirit you have ever seen. Everyone loved Zoe. We were lucky to have her in our home a few weeks a year when her family traveled. Our house is tiny and having Zoe was like having a small pony with us, but she was never loud or rough.

Noodlebug was completely smitten with Zoe - and Zoe's enormous food bowl! Her dry food was kept out for all-day snacking and Noodlebug never hesitated to visit this trough, often right in front of Zoe. The slow, kind, gentle puppy-girl never minded sharing, waiting patiently until Noodle was finished. Noodle would play with Zoe's tail as it continuously waved like a happy flag, but she never once got angry with Noodle.

This is Maizie with Zoe's little girl, Kyra, in 2007, when the girls were in third grade. Kyra owned Zoe, a few kitties and a pet bunny too. If Zoe was sleeping on the floor, the bunny would hop right on Zoe's back and over the other side! Zoe-girl didn't mind.

Zoe loved winter! The colder the better for her. She wanted to play and stay out in the snow for hours. There were times when I was fretting and worrying about my horses and wondering if I should bring them into the barn because of snow or sleet, but then I'd see Zoe, happily sleeping in the snow. No amount of coaxing from me could get her inside. I got her to come in at night but it was never easy in the winter!

I wish I could be as gentle and patient as Zoe. The world was certainly blessed to have her in it.