Owen,

You came into my life almost 13 years ago, after losing our beloved Bentley. As a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel of Irish descent, I decided to name you Owen. In Irish the name means gracious gift from God. And oh, how you were. Time has a way of slipping by so quickly in our lives and here, all these years later, I sit once again to post a memorial dedicated to you my little 'O, my Owey.

My precious, precious Owen. How I miss you. You departed from this life to the next, your tender little face resting in my hands. You were surrounded by those who loved you, your family, and the caregivers at the vet who loved you like their own. The first night you came into my life as a small puppy, you curled up in my lap contently resting. That night I made a promise to you--a promise so many years ago--to take care of you with all my heart and soul--to love you, to make sure you got the best care, to bring as much happiness to your life as you brought to me.

From the dawn of your life through the spring and summer of your youth, I watched you grow and bring us so many years of joy. As the years transitioned into fall, you were ever graceful. In this last year of winter of your life, you stoically continued to grace us with unconditional love. You fought bravely my boy as we managed your heart condition these last few years, only to have you robbed away from me with the diagnosis of cancer. Through it all, you continued to bring me so much love and joy. Oh Owen, how I miss you. So, so miss you. :(

From your puppyhood days of ripping up toilet paper in the bedroom, to your love of wearing "doggle" sunglasses and playing in the water in the backyard, to your most amazing trot as you walked through the neighborhood, I will have such fond memories of you. There are so many. We celebrated every birthday with a cake. This year was bittersweet that you were shy of a month from your 13th birthday, but we celebrated with a large cake on your final night on Earth as one final memory of all the happiness we've shared. I wish we could have spent one last holiday together. You are now in a better place and were meant to join the rest of our fur babies at Rainbow Bridge.

A month ago, as I sat in the vet office examination room waiting for you to come in from your health tests, the song "Just the Two of Us" played. I fought back the tears...

I see the crystal raindrops fall
And the beauty of it all is when the sun comes shining through
To make those rainbows in my mind when I think of you sometime
And I want to spend some time with you

Just the two of us
We can make it if we try
Just the two of us

Just the two of us
Building castles in the sky
Just the two of us
You and I

We look for love, no time for tears
Wasted water's all that is and it don't make no flowers grow
Good things might come to those who wait, not for those who wait too late
We've got to go for all we know

Just the two of us
We can make it if we try
Just the two of us

Just the two of us
Building them castles in the sky
Just the two of us
You and I

I hear the crystal raindrops fall on the window down the hall
And it becomes the morning dew
And, darling, when the morning comes and I see the morning sun
I want to be the one with you

Just the two of us
We can make it if we try
Just the two of us

Just the two of us
Building big castles way on high
Just the two of us
You and I

My dear Owen, your family and your fur companion Joey are thinking of you. Thank you for giving us close to 13 years of love and fun. I'll miss looking into those big, brown soulful eyes of yours. Today, one day after you departed for Rainbow Bridge, Joey and I went for a walk in the park. He sat down in the grass and stared off into the distance. He was looking up at the sky. We saw a profile of you in the clouds dancing amongst the sun and the birds, leaping forward into the horizon to chase the stars. Until I see you on the other side at Rainbow Bridge, continue to build castles in the sky.

Just the two of us, you and I.

Love your daddy, Mike

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

November 23, 2023

My little 'O,

My precious, precious Owen. Time has slipped by and so many changes have occurred. Your daddy was in a horrible car accident in 2019. Someone not paying attention and rear ended us at over 65 MPH. A small moment that ripples through time and changes so much. Covid struck the world in 2020. The world is forever altered from what was and now is. Family, friends, and relationships change. What was is no longer. Joey was there all through those troubling times. Your little companion lived to see almost 14. With all his struggles from puppy to senior he made it to see the golden years. He never complained and was always resilient. He passed on and over to Rainbow Bridge in July of 2021. I wasn't able to create a memorial for him. So many challenges during that time. It was heart breaking to have to see him leave us to join you. Oh how the two of you were the right dogs at the right time in life. I am ever so grateful for the two of you.

There was a time of silence. No pitter patters across the floor. No wagging of tails and sloppy kisses greeting me at the door. It wasn't time. Yet.

Then God saw to it to bring joy. Hope was found in a little girl Golden Retriever named Shyla. The breeder named her and I liked and kept her name. Little did I know until someone pointed out to me: do you know what her name means since they knew of my reason for naming you Owen. I named you Owen, which means gracious gift from God, and Shyla means goddess--the enduring name I called my grandma. The universe and God does work in magical ways.

The world will always be challenging. There will always be joy, sadness, and challenges. I wish it could always be joy.

But I am reminded, as the poem Desiderata states:

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

A new soul has entered my life. Thank you.

Always with love to you and Joey,
Your daddy Mike

p.s.
Shyla says hi in your photo album

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

PAST ENTRIES:

November 21, 2013

I couldn't sleep last night, little 'O. I actually cried myself to sleep with Joey laying beside me. Yesterday afternoon as I was backing the car out of the garage, two little dogs came walking down the breeze way with their daddy. Out of the corner of my eye, in that instance, one of them looked just like you. A little Brittany with similiar color and markings and the same happy, friendly walk. My iPod was on shuffle, and the song "Goodbye" by Depeche Mode came on. Tears streamed down my face.

I know it will take some time. The weather has turned cold and cloudy here in Southern California. Rain. I went back to work today, but I'm still numb and distant. The morning drive to the office was gray and raining. I tried to put a smile on my face.

At lunch time, more gray and rain. I went home to check on Joey and give him some love. I don't want him to feel my sadness. I played with him and give him all the love he deserves. I know he's hurting too.

On my drive back to work I was thinking of you. As I got closer to the office, the sky opened up a bit and a few rays of sunshine shone through. As I drove around the corner, I was greeted with a rainbow at the same time the song "Angel" by Depeche Mode played with Dave singing "a radiant rainbow was following me around..." I parked the car and sat there as the song finished playing. The rainbow gently disappeared into the white fluffy clouds.

A giant burden was lifted from my heart for these little synchronicities over the last two days just can't be by chance.

You sent me these signs to lift my heart and soul. As I chose the song "Just the Two of Us" to remember our times together, you chose to speak to me yesterday with the song "Goodbye" and graced me today with the song "Angel"--to read the lyrics and know, you are at home. Thank you for helping me find peace today, my little 'O.

"Angel" - Depeche Mode

The angel of love was upon me
And Lord, I felt so small
The legs beneath me weakened
I began to crawl

Confused and contented
I slithered around
Reveal is beyond me
I was lost. I was found

The angel of love was upon me
And Lord, I felt so weak
I felt my tongue move in my mouth
And I began to speak

A strange kind of language
I don't understand
A babbling fountain
I couldn't have planned

Oh leave me here
Forever more
I found the peace
I've been searching for

The angel of love was upon me
And Lord, I felt so high
I swear I could have reached up
Placed my hands upon the sky

A radiant rainbow
Was following me around
With elevated senses
I can see and taste sound

The angel of love was upon me
And Lord, I felt so clean
Like a preacher on Sunday
My heart was serene

I waded into the water
I was bathed. I was drowned
Like the sinners before me
I knelt down on the ground

Oh leave me here
Forever more
I found the peace
I've been searching for

Oh let me sleep
Forever more
I found the peace
I've been searching for

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

December 25, 2013

Thinking of you, my little 'O, on this first Christmas eve without you. I miss you. A week after you left on your journey to Rainbow Bridge, your ashes came back to me in a nice cedar box that is downstairs on the fireplace mantle. When the Spring arrives, I'll spread your ashes in your favorite places.

The family will be here for Christmas. I have a photo I took of you last year, sitting on my lap on Christmas night. You were staring contently at the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree. Sadly, that was our last Christmas together here on Earth.

I've received many kind words from people here at Rainbow Bridge, who I'll thank when I'm able to compose the right words to express my gratitude for their thoughts and prayers.

My little Owen, your youth is restored as you were in the days of old, as shown in the photo of you on the bridge overlooking the Koi pond. The sun shown brightly that Summer day as you looked lovingly at me with those soulful eyes. Until we see one another again under a radiant sun, you greeting me at Rainbow Bridge with those precious eyes, go and play with your new friends. You're forever in my heart. I love you, Owen. How, how, I loved you. Merry Christmas.

Love your daddy, Mike

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

November 18, 2014

My little 'O,

Tomorrow you had to leave me one year ago. A year. Where did it go? I've thought of you many times over these fleeting months. Countless times. On my walk in the park this morning my thoughts were of you as I took in the quiet solitude of the early sunrise. I thought back to one of our first ventures on the very path I was walking. Isn't that the true mystery of life? What path to choose, and with whom to share it? You taught me many things--patience, kindness, love, and responsibility. Qualities necessary to embrace an inquisitive and energetic puppy. You grew up to be such a handsome boy, a charmer who forged ahead on the path in front of us with an eager vigor. Your tail would sway confidently as if to say, "Onwards and upwards!" Your gait was fearless, confident, and determined. Traits I personally work on every day to embrace in my life. As I look ahead, the path winds further along into new territory we never covered together. When its time, I'm certain you'll see to it another companion finds his or her way into my life while you continue to be by my side in spirit. Fearless. Confident. Determined.

Onwards and upwards, my dear 'O. Onwards and upwards on the path ahead.

Love your daddy, Mike

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

November 18, 2015

My little 'O,

It is with great sadness and fondness that I remember you, especially at this time each passing year. Two years and it feels like only yesterday...

You have the bravest heart I've ever known
You have the strongest will I've seen
With every step you take you touch my soul
With every breath you will succeed

The soul of an angel
Touched from above
Your spirit is shining
Surrounded by Love

"Soul of an Angel" - Paul Oakenfold

...You're spirit is shining my little 'O, surrounded by Love.

Love your daddy, Mike

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

November 19, 2015

I feel you
Your sun it shines
I feel you
Within my mind
You take me there
You take me where
The kingdom comes
You take me to
And lead me through
Babylon

This is the morning of our love
It's just the dawning of our love

I feel you
Your heart it sings
I feel you
The joy it brings
Where Heaven waits
Those golden gates
And back again
You take me to
And lead me through
oblivion

This is the morning of our love
It's just the dawning of our love

I feel you
Your precious soul
And I am whole
I feel you
Your rising sun
My kingdom comes

I feel you
Each move you make
I feel you
Each breath you take
Where Angels sing
And spread their wings
My love's on high
You take me home
To glory's throne
By and by

This is the morning of our love
This is the dawning of our love
This is the morning of our love
It's just the dawning of our love

"I Feel You" - Depeche Mode

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

November 21, 2016

My little 'O,

Thinking of you. Our neighbor Michelle recently got a Golden Retriever. Her name is Bailey. She reminds me very much of you as a young and spirited puppy. I see you in the sparkle of her eyes as we played fetch yesterday. Joey is doing well and sends his love. We recently took out the birthday decorations for a family member's birthday and he totally remembers what those mean. He jumped up on the dining chair and was waiting to get his cake. :) I had to give him a treat to hold him over until his real birthday in February. Christmas decorations are starting to go up. We got the outside of the house done yesterday. I remember your first Christmas tree when you looked puzzled at this tree coming into the house. So many fond memories.

Love you, your daddy Mike

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

November 20, 2017

My little 'O,

I think of you at this time of year. You are always in my heart. Stay young and happy with your friends on the other side of Rainbow Bridge. You are always my little 'O.

With fond memories,

Your daddy Mike

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

November 21, 2018

My little 'O,

Five years on and great memories of you in my life are always on my mind and in my heart. I look at the gallery of photos of you on this page and remember exactly when and where you were when those photos were taken. So many, many great memories. Take care my little friend.

Love,

Your daddy Mike

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

November 20, 2019

My little 'O,

Thinking of you this week. Remembered I had to renew your memorial today. First rains of the season have arrived in California. Driving into work this morning I saw a rainbow. I know it was you.

So much has happened this year. A horrible car accident in January by a distracted driver that slammed into us from behind has left me and Aaron recovering from the accident. It has been a long and tough year. We take our lives for granted. Through it all Joey, your little buddy, has been by our side. He is quickly approaching 13 now, if you can believe it. He had a major health checkup last Saturday. Unfortunately, his heart has been enlarging like it happens with most Cavaliers in their senior years and he is now on heart medications. It just isn't fair how old age can phsycically rob the body while the spirit remains young. Just like you, he still has his youthful spirit.

He's been a constant companion over these years since you passed. I know we are approaching his sunset years now and I cherish each day with him. Please look after us. I know when the time comes and Joey passes on to the next life, you will be there waiting for him at Rainbow Bridge.

Take care my little 'O.

Love,

Your daddy Mike