On Wednesday we went out to Michigan to visit with Julie. This was a highly emotional trip for us. After a lot of soul-searching and getting advice from many, we decided that we need to fill the void in our lives with another Alta-Tollhaus puppy. This quote from Irene helped us with our decision:
“Each arrived in our lives and home ready to take us on an unrivaled adventure. They all did those shepherd things that have us addicted to this breed. However, each one also arrived with a special mission and tackling it head on. They knew they weren’t here to fill a hole in our hearts left by their amazing predecessors. They came to make a new place, new memories and to show us how to move on. They came to teach us that moving forward and loving again is the best way to honor those who came before”.
After arriving and meeting with Julie we were pleased and surprised that Tiffany, Andrea, Michelle and Lisa took time out of their day to be there to support us. We all got the chance to play with the A and B litters. After playing with the pups we went to lunch and were joined by Charlene. It is so nice to meet AT family members in person that we have only gotten to know on the blog. Just before leaving to go Gustavo’s to watch the training, Julie presented us with a memorial in Celebration of Ivan’s life. A large donation from many in the AT family was made to both the “Vested Interest in K-9’s, Inc”. for a gunshot/stab proof vest for a working K9 and the “Cape and Islands Police K-9 Relief Fund” all in Ivan’s memory. We were overwhelmed by the generosity.
Thank you all so much for your love, support and understanding during this most difficult time for us. A special thanks to Barb for all the work she did to provide this very special honor for Ivan.
Although we did not post this before, we also received this beautiful Japanese Maple tree from Alta-Tollhaus in memory of Ivan. It has been planted in a prominent spot in our front garden.
Lynda and Jack
The tree is beautiful and so fitting for the black and red boy Ivan. He will live in your heart and you will watch that tree grow over the years and always remember he gave you his all while he was here on earth with you. A puppy won’t take his place but a puppy will make you laugh and ease the pain of Ivan’s loss a little at a time. I think of you often and wondered how you were all doing.
You are going to make one lucky puppy very, very happy. I wish I could have been there with you guys.
Lots of love from me and Batman.
Dear Lynda and Jack:
I am so happy to hear that you have another puppy, he/she will so enrich your life’s and you his/hers.
I would have loved to meet you when you were here. Wishing you all the best and am looking forward to seeing your great blog entries again soon.
Hugs from Patti and Fred, AKA Alta-Tollhaus Xander
Hi Patti,
We do not have a new puppy yet but we hope to get one of the “A” boys in a couple of weeks.
Would love to meet you and Fred (Xander) one day too.
Lynda
Lynda & Jack,
It was so nice to see you again. I really enjoyed the time we were able to spend together. I had a blast playing with those gorgeous puppies! Your puppy will be so blessed to have you & Jack (and of course Dylan & the kitties too) as family. I look forward to meeting Dylan in person, he’s such a handsome guy!
The tree looks magnificent in your front yard.
See ya soon!
Raj says that Ivan is very proud of you. Don’t ask me how he knows–he and Ivan had a special connection.
I agree with Ann—and she and Raj are very wise.
We look forward to stories and adventures with your new pup! Tiffany and Julie will pick a great one for you. 😉
A Maika puppy?!! I am so happy to hear that you are getting another pup. What a lucky lucky pup. 🙂
I love that tree, its beautiful. Big big hugs to you and Jack.
Wonderful to see you again yestereday. I hope you weren’t too tired by the time you got back to Chicago. We are looking forward to your return trip in a couple of weeks. Until then take care.
I am sorry I missed you guys! Hopefully your next visit will occur on a weekend so I can say hello. I was very happy to hear you are going to be adding a pup to your life… that is going to be one lucky boy!
You forgot to mention we had the waitress came to the table asking if there was a Jack and Lynda there. That split second and I mean only a namo second of “what the hell” on Jack’s face was priceless. Jack is always so cool and things never rattle him…at least visibly.
I didn’t want you two to leave. I felt like grabbing on to you and not letting you go.
I loved how everyone was so excited for you to watch their dogs work at Gustavo’s.
BIG HUG XO
Julie
So glad to have met you on Wednesday. Little A boy will be going to he best puppy parents ever and he will have his own bg brother waiting and of course Owen and Lamont ready to teach him about kitty etiquette. We need to find a way to get together w/the kids more often. Until then, catch up on your sleep and have sweer puppy breath dreams. Hugs to you all, Lisa, Libby and Ziva.
We are thrilled to hear that a little puppy will soon be part of your beautiful family. The beautiful quote from Irene was so inspirational – and so true. There is no better tribute to Ivan than moving forward as you create new memories through the depth of your love and the devotion to your outstanding training.
Hugs from Beverly, Scott, Dutch, and Beaumont,