Happy Tails - Mr Russ Weir
October 17, 2009

Some of you knew Mr Russ Weir and his gentle dog Ginger.
Some of you know his daughter Ms Darla Huddleston & Freckles and his
granddaughter Ms Kayla Ross. Darla & Kayla and Russ are all Therapy Dog
handlers with HappyTails Therapy Dogs.

Russ was up there in years but that didn't slow him down. He was always
willing to help out when ever he could. Russ loved  visiting the seniors at
Crown Court Assisted Living facility  in Inverness, Fl as well as with the
children at the Sumter County Youth Center.
At the Youth Center you would see Russ & Ginger mixing it up with the
children. Then we would move on to the Read-to-the-Dog program.

I remember seeing Russ walking across the grounds with a cane in one hand
and Ginger, on lead, on the other hand.  The event was for the American
Cancer Society's Relay for Life walk.

Shortly after arriving a massive thunder storm hit us and everyone
scattered. Russ never complained.  He was upset that the storm ruined the
event but he was always the gentleman.

We will miss you Russ Weir, but we won't ever forget you.
We also lost a long time good friend named
Wicket in 2009.
He was the love of Jean & Dick Stott, therapy
dog handlers.
Wicket was lovable, friendly and a great therapy
dog.
Here are some photos of Mr Wicket in action.
Mr. Wicket
Today, Feb 11, 2010 we heard from Cecil & Deanna Rogers. Sometime in his
sleep "Tucker" left us and crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.

Hopefully Tucker & Wicket will meet up with some of our other lost  friends.
                                     
                                                                                    July 2010

Mr. Blues crossed over the Rainbow Bridge suddenly while undergoing medical treatment. The sudden passing of this                
magnificent dog has left our friends devastated.

No one goes thru something like this easily but when it hits home it is worse than one imagines.

Gale & I met Mr. Blues one day while walking thru a local flea market.
Gale asked Neil if we could pat Blues. Neil said OK and that was the beginning of a new friendship, a friendship with Neil            
& Cheryl but with Blues as well.

We asked Neil if he ever thought of having Blues go thru a therapy dog training workshop?

Within a short time both Neil & Cheryl joined us in class and registered their big black Rottie with Therapy Dog Inc. Of                  
 Wyoming.

Living South of us Neil & Cheryl found places to visit in their neighborhood but whenever I asked them to help us they                  
were there.  

As with our other Buddies who have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, Cody, Wicket, Tucker will now greet Blues as he             
reaches the other side.

Please contact me if you would like to e-mail or send condolences to Mr. & Mrs. Neil O'Neil.

Carl                    (Double click on small photos to enlarge them...)
Mr. Blues, Neil & Cheryl at the annual
Salvation Army Bell Ringing event.
Cheryl & Neil talking to Paul &
Barbara while Blues eyeballs
goldilocks... True Love I guess.

Cheryl & Blues
Lorraine introduces Sparky to Blues
Blues & Sodapop hanging out...
Blues meets some kids during the
Bell Ringing event at Wal-Mart.

Blues loved the kiddies...
If Blues leaned any further Neil
would have gone over...
Neil, Cheryl O' Neil
& Blues
What a BIG dog...  Solid muscle
Mr Blues loved the kids...
Visiting Cape Cod, Ma
Loved to give kisses.
Up North somewhere...
Time for a  nice swim dad.. Ha
I Loved you all...

         Additional photos of Neil & Cheryl O' Neil with their "other"  dog named 'Bob'
       I had forgotten that our friends had a second dog and when a few of us met for lunch earlier this month we met 'Bob'.

       Bob is a Service Dog (puppy) In Training.  Neil & Cheryl have had Bob for some time now and when his training period is over he will be evaluated for              
        continued Service Dog training or possibly for a different form of training.

       Having Bob in Neil & Cheryl's life at the time of losing Mr. Blues helped them tremendously with their grieving. Being able to hug and or hold on to this           
        beautiful dog would be helpful to anyone.  Bob is a lovable and friendly dog and one day someone in need of a Service Dog will receive Bob and that              
        persons life will be enriched, by one great dog.

       Gale made a suggestion to Neil that he take Bob to the facilities where he took Mr. Blues.  Neil contacted the organization who has ownership of Bob and       
        they authorized Bob to go on Therapy Dog visits.

       The reasoning behind this that the organization holds insurance on Bob and the visits to medical facilities would be of great  value to Bob and his training.

        Now that is a Win Win situation.
How Cute I am
Getting used to Trains...
Bob & Mr. Blues became instant buddys.  Blues loved the little guy.
Time to check out the Bus Station
Bob, checking out a "Spot" to leave his
Pee Mail...