~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~
http://www.heartwarmers.com
The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
A hug is a handshake from the heart.


Sometimes a hug is all you need to make things right. Today,
Michael shares a story about a group of people who offer hugs -- free
of charge!
Is there a better deal on the planet than that?

____________________________________________

FREE HUGS
by Michael T. Smith

"Do you want a hug?" the young man asked Ginny.
He held a sign in his hand -- Free Hugs. I looked around.
There were other people with him. They held their handmade signs
high. The message was the same on all of them -- Free Hugs!
"Sure!" Ginny smiled and walked up to him. She reached up,
wrapped her arms around his neck, pulled him down to her level, and
hugged him with all the love she had in her heart.
"WOW!" he exclaimed. "That was the best hug I've had all day!"
"I'm a hugger," Ginny smiled at him.
He looked at me. "How about a hug?"
"You got it!" I walked into his open arms. We held briefly and parted.
A young lady walked up and hugged Ginny. She turned to me,
opened her arms, and hugged me too.
Ginny and I stepped back and watched the "free huggers" work
their magic with those who accepted them. They offered hugs to
anyone and everyone.
* * * *
Juan Mann returned to Sydney, Australia in 2004, after living in
Europe for several years. He was depressed over his parent's
divorce. Most of his friends had moved on. It was just him. He sat
for months.
Alone and depressed, Juan decided to make a difference and reach
out. He made a sign that read, Free Hugs, and stood at the Pitt
Street Mall -- one of the busiest streets in the center of Sydney.
He put his arms anyone who accepted his offer.
At first, he left his wallet at home, had a friend watch over
him, and expected to be ridiculed. After fifteen minutes, a woman
approached him.
"My dog died today," she said. "It's also the first anniversary
of my only daughter's death. I could use a hug."
Juan was quoted as saying, "That first woman, it was more than a
hug. It meant something to her."
Others joined Mann. They opened their arms to others. His
message spread across the city. Afraid of lawsuits, officials banned
the free hug movement. But the people protested and more than 10,000
people signed a petition to allow him to continue his mission.
Shimon Moore, the lead singer of The Sick Puppies happened to
see Juan. They hugged and became friends. Moore borrowed a video
camera and filmed Juan giving hugs. When Mann's grandmother died,
Moore put the video together with his band's song called, All The
Same, and posted the video on YouTube with the following caption:
"Sometimes, a hug is all we need. Free hugs is a real life
controversial story of Juan Mann, a man whose sole purpose mission
was to reach out and hug a stranger, to brighten up their lives."
The video was a hit. It spread around the world. Juan has
appeared on Oprah and several other major television shows. His idea
continues to gain support and grow.
After his first day on Pitt Street, Juan wondered if others were
doing the same. He found Amma, The Hugging Saint of India. Jason
Hunter in Atlanta, Georgia, and Jayson Littman in New York.
Jayson started his hugging campaign the same year as Juan. They
both felt a need to reach out to humanity. A financial analyst in
Manhattan, Jayson believed New Yorkers could use a hug. From 2004 to
2006, he spent one weekend afternoon a month holding his Free Hugs
sign in his hands and opened his arms to anyone who needed human
comfort.
Since then, Jayson's mission has been taken over by others who
believe -- hugs for all.
On the last Saturday afternoon of the month, you'll find them
gathered in Union Square in Lower Manhattan. They hold their signs
high and offer their open arms to all who need a human touch.
* * * *
The huggers worked the crowd. Most people ignored them or shook
their heads to indicate they were not interested. Those who opened
their arms in return, walked away with a smile on their face.
I felt a warmth -- a glow -- fill my heart. Ginny and I were
going through rough times. Money was scarce, bill collectors called
on a regular basis. We were stressed and worried, but on that
afternoon, for a brief moment, it was all forgotten.
It took a simple hug to make everything better.

-- Michael T. Smith

____________________________________________
Michael lives in Fort Lee New Jersey with his wonderful wife Ginny.
He works as a project manager in the telecommunications industry
during the day. In his spare time, Michael writes stories for a
collection to be called, From My Heart to Yours. You can sign up to
get Michael's stories by clicking here:
http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1101828445578&p=oi

You can see Juan Mann and the song about him at YouTube here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O6vZTvQl4o

You can see a video on the New York City Free Hugs project here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD6o49Uqv10


got this via email..

TJ is 9 years old! :)

Hi everyone,

Monday was TJ's Birthday. He is 9 years old now! Hard to believe my sweet carrot top had another birthday. I am getting older. ugh! LOL. :P We went to town to my eye dr appt first. He mentioned that my left eye had gotten worse than last time and it is still high pressure. I am not sure whatever that is. I will have to go back in a week for another check up again. I will ask again. I hope nothing is serious. hmm. ugh. ...

Afterward we went to Pizza hut for birthday lunch for TJ... Yum Yum we got so full and couldn't eat all of the foods. haha! That is ok because we took the leftovers home for dinner. After the lunch we went to Kids First to visit old teachers and caregivers. They couldn't believe TJ is taller now. I know the feeling! LOL. heh heh.

We also stopped by Cedar Lounge to see my sister Dorrie for a bit. While we were there, TJ went in asthma attack. It was right then that I realized Michelle didn't give me TJ's inhaler. So I drove fast like a batmobile zoom home to get the inhaler. TJ really scared me to death but he is ok now. Whew!

We had to come back to town as we need to go grocery shopping as we need foods. TJ is important as his health come first. What can I say? I know gas prices are high.:( Anyway we got home and had the party. TJ had fun and was happy with what he got from his momma for his birthday. Whew. :)

Yesterday I didn't feel well as i had dizziness and horrible bad headaches from not sleeping enough as TJ kept pulling my blanket all night long so I end up had insomina and watch movies all night. I finally slept some few hours yesterday afternoon but it didn't help somewhat. I woke up this morning and realize I still have the stupid headaches. I guess I need to rest more but I can't as I have few things to do around here. I will go to bed early tonight and hope I will feel better? :P

I hope all of you have a nice day! :)
As always,
Ginger :)


~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

Kids -- and pets -- grow up fast, don't they?
Kathy shares a short story today about how she and her husband
couldn't resist a cute little puppy -- a puppy who earned the name
"Hurricane Henry."
We're sure many of you have experienced the same thing.
And thank you for all your responses to last week's story.
We've included most of them in this Petwarmer.
___________________________________________


WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?
by Kathy Whirity

Hannah, our beloved Golden Retriever, was finally becoming the
perfect pet. It took five years of rambunctious behavior but our
patience had paid off. She now goes most everywhere with us. She
sits in the back seat of the Explorer as if she's our child. In a
sense she is. We rarely need a leash for she never leaves Bill's
side, ever the faithful fur kid.
For months we've been thwarting our daughters' unanimous opinion
that we should get another dog. After Holly, our Christmas puppy
from 1995, was put to sleep, Bill was adamant that we did not want
another dog -- Hannah was enough. Besides, life was just beginning
to calm down and we were enjoying a home with one canine companion.
And then, something unexplainable happened. We'd watched a
commercial of adorable Retriever puppies tumbling over each other and
in unison we'd both sigh, "Oh aren't they so cute!"
We found ourselves reminiscing about when Hannah was a blue
eyed, tiny bundle of golden fluff. She was also a Christmas gift,
when Jaime brought her home from college. Back then Holly was the
regal Retriever in residence and wanted no part of Hyper Hannah.
They eventually accepted each other. When Holly passed over to the
Rainbow Bridge, Hannah moved up to the ranks of queen of her master's
castle.
How could it be that five years have passed since Hannah came
into our lives when it seems like only yesterday?
The girls must have sensed the nostalgia was creating a
sentimental soft spot for when talks of gifting us with a puppy
resumed, Bill was receptive to the idea. It didn't take me long to
get excited about the new addition to the family. I wonder if this
is, perhaps, a side effect to the empty nest lifestyle.
In between the kids getting married and anxiously waiting for
news of impending grandchildren, maybe the pitter-patter of tiny paws
can fill the silence until the pitter-patter of grandchildren fills
the void.
Last Sunday, Bill and I were busy puppy proofing the backyard
while Jaime and husband Dan went to see a man about a dog. As we
wrapped chicken wire around the fence I started to get cold feet.
Did I really want to start all over again with the chewing, the late
night whining and the constant eyes in the back of our heads and to
be ready to run the pup outside each and every time his nose so much
as sniffed the floor? Were we nuts to take on the challenge when it
would mean that Hannah would also have to adjust to another four
legged tiny, teething terror nipping at her heels?
Before I could give credence to any lingering doubts, I looked
up to see Jaime and Dan walking down the gangway toward the backyard.
The cutest Golden Retriever puppy was hopping along side them.
In that moment, I knew that Henry had found his forever home.
Hannah may not be as enthusiastic as we are, but in time, she'll come
around.
It is now Hurricane Henry, a name passed down from a now calm
and docile Hannah. As I watch him tear around the yard with
lightening speed, to see all and do all, I take a peek at Hannah, in
hiding, and I can't help but wonder -- where does the time go?

-- Kathy Whirity

___________________________________________
Kathy is a newspaper columnist and author of the recently released
book, Life Is a Kaleidoscope. She is a contributing author to the
Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. She and her husband, Bill,
live in Chicago where they are enjoying life as empty nesters. You
can visit her website here: http://www.kathywhirity.com
___________________________________________

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS

I hope you will enjoy this as I did. :)


A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from
you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as
punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment,
but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do
understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I
could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask
yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting
the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be
getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please.
Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone.
Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you.
Always!

Got this from Petswarmers.. :)

100 Things About Me: Thanks to Katzie and Heather :)

100 Things About Me:


1. I was born in Morrilton the only city listed on geographical no name exist anywhere in the world but ONE right here in Arkansas and was raised in the country.
2. we still live here in the country where I grew up.
3. I moved out when I was 20 years old living on my own in Morrilton for the first time. It was scary!
4. I never met my dad's dad and mom as they died before I was born in 1960's.
5. My grandma had my dad when she was 39 years old.
6. I have 2 real sisters, 3 half brothers, 2 half sisters, 2 stepsisters and 1 stepbrother.
7. I never met my half brother and my half sister on my dad's side.
8. I was born hard of hearing due to rubella but can talk pretty good but not 100% perfect but I try. I can hear even without hearing aid.

9.I grew up using SEE signs... but now?? PSE.. :)

10. I am separated from my husband for almost one year.

11. I have 4 kids but TJ is the only living son. I had twin sons and a daughter.
12. I was a wild child.
13. I took apart my hearing aid when I was 2 years old and putting them back together.. Believe it or not they still worked! lol..
14. I wandered off when I was 2 and everyone looked for me all day.. Guess where I was.. asleep under the bed... LOL
15. I grew up around animals..We have had many different kind of pets.. dogs, cats, possum, snakes, crows, birds, cows, horse, chickens, roosters, rabbits, fishes, pigeons, turkey, peacocks, ducks, geese, pigs, etc...
16. I was 2 when I locked a young hen in a cabinet in the barn. I forgot about it days later and I remember about the chicken and went to let it out.. it was barely alive.. I just saved it from death.. it followed me everywhere and slept with me even in my bed...
17. I set the barn on fire and I lied and said it was God who sent the lightning that set it on fire. I set it on fire, oops! lol.. barn was not destroyed, thank goodness.
18. I set the field on fire too.. lol.. I was fascinated with fires.
19. I chased tornadoes.. but now I hate them as it hit Conway county 4 times less than within 5 months this year 2008- close call.
20. I got my first closed captioning device when I was 11 years old for my birthday.
21. I am a Scorpio.
22. My son is a cancer.
23. My twin sons were born on Oct 6, 1995 and TJ was born on June 23, 1999. June is the 6th month of the year and I was 23 when I had the twins...6-23 coincidence??
24. I was born at 1:24 AM and my son TJ was born at 1:24 PM.
25. most of my family all have brown and black hairs except me, my sister Sherry and TJ... we have red hairs..no one else....
26. My favorite color used to be red when I was young.. now its purple..
27. I refused to wear red T-shirt and blue short due to the nightmare that I had when I was young..
28. I still have nightmares of King Kong movie..
29. I used to wear make up when I was young but now? I don't ...
30. My favorite flowers are Sunflowers, Jonquil and Lilac.
31. My mom and my dad were never married. They were common in law marriage.
32. my mom had me when she was 34.
33. My dad died one day before his birthday of full blown AIDS in 1987.
34. My mom used to work at Levi's for many years till she found out I was born deaf so she stopped working to take care of me and drive me to therapy.
35. my favorite place is Beirut- our secret place in the woods.
36. I have 12 nephews and 5 nieces, 8 great nephews (one more haven't arrived.. he will be here next month so it will be 9) 8 great nieces.
37. I had 4 surgeries already
38. I was clumsy all of my life.. Broke my ankle and I cried in front of EVERYONE at public school when I was 14 and had a cast on plus spraining my ankles so many times that I lost counts.. Now I have plantar fasciitis in my right leg :(
39. I graduated from Arkansas School for the Deaf in 1991 with Honors Diploma and went to national Institue for the Deaf in Rochester, NY but short time.
40. I was popular when I was in school flirting with boys...
41. I had my first kiss when I was 11. lol..
42. my first love was Kenny... we were together for 7 years till he cheated on me with a lady name Michelle who he got pregnant and had to married her...
43. my second love was TJ's father... we were together and living together for 2 years till he cheated on me with a lady name Michelle.. they got married..
44. I hate the name Michelle.... no offense....
45. I have always have bad luck with number 6 for some reasons...
46. my first job was working in downtown office in Little Rock cleaning the office..
47. the longest job I ever have is working at Blue Bonnett for 12 years .. first it was a dishwasher then prep cook, then head cook
48. I volunteered lot of my time helping at TJ's school with activities and field trips.
49. I love stargazing and still love to look at sky...
50. I love reading books.. since I was young...
51. my mom didn't graduate from high school.. my 2 brothers and 2 sisters didn't graduate either.. my sister sherry and I are the only ones that graduated from High school.
52. all of my siblings finally got their Ged.. my brother got his GED 2 years ago.. Finally.
53. my siblings all got married before they turned 18 and divorced by the time they turned 20. I am the only one never married till 34 years old... lol
54. I am a quiet person and still is shy...
55. I love watching movies...
56. my dad refused to let us watch TV when we were young.. after dad moved out when I was 11.. we finally get to watch TV anytime we wanted to... Yay!
56. my last name is a rare name...it mean a baby girl horse. There is not many of it in the world.
58. I still keep my maiden name not the married name.
59. I watched my first xxx movie with my mom when I was 16... lol...
60. I love horror movies.. I kept watching them over and over...
61. I was suppose to be born on Halloween but born 2 days later..
62. I won First place for an art award for best artwork for Arkansas's State Park. I still have the certificate but not the artwork. It is somewhere in the state government building.
63. I grew up thinking clouds are ghosts...
64. I love doing arts painting, drawing, etc.. I still have the painting picture that I did of an owl. :)
65. my sister Dorrie and my niece Carissa both were born on Friday the 13th.
66. My favorite shows are Days of Our lives, ER, CSI: LV, CSI: Miami, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette
67. when I was a little girl- I wanted to own a yellow vw bug.
68. My dream was to get married somewhere in mountain overlook under an arch of flowers.. it never happened. ha..
69. my husband and I eloped to the courthouse in Morrilton. we never had a honeymoon. jeez.
70. I don't want to have more kids. I did had tubal ligation in 2003. I had complications. Now I have hysterectomy this past march 2008.
71. I am going thru menopause.. :(
72. My favorite season is Fall and Winter.
73. I love acting... I was in drama club and stage productions all of my life..
74. I love to sign to the songs...
75. I love riding on the bike in the rain...
76. I got bitten by a brown recluse spider on my left knee when I was 16.. it was painful and horrible summer using crutches and I couldn't go swimming... :(
77. I am allergic to amoxiciallian and sulfa.
78. I couldn't go to basketball tourney with the teams to Illinois due to being allergic to amoxiciallian.. I was so MAD! :(
79. my laughs sound like a witch... it goes like this... heheheh
80. I was told I look like Jodie Foster??? I don't know?? do I?? hmm
81. my son TJ is a miracle child.. :)
82. I don't have any patience at all :X .. I gotta have them get over with.. GRR
83. I can be funny...
84. I disliked shrimp... ugh! look at their beaded eyes.. they look horrible!
85. I used to go in the AOL deaf chat room every night till having a baby change.. now I don't go in there anymore.. LOL
86. I have been on Internet for 12 years now.
87. I have been smoke free for 10 years this month June 20th.
88. I have been drug free for 15 years now.
89. I still have a best friend who I talk to and keep in touch since we both were 2 years old.
90. I am not the only deaf person in my family. My cousin is deaf and he has CI. My sister was deaf for short time due to bus accident and while swimming I accidentally kicked her head and she was able to hear again after not hearing for 2 years. Lucky!
91. I have Meniere's Disease since 1997 due to auto accident.
92. I am right handed and my right hand is weak..I used to have pretty handwriting but not anymore. :(
93. I love pizza, cucumber in vinegar and water cookie dough's
94. I got to go to Bahamas for my Senior Trip. It was awesome!
95. I am the only one who have good memories with everyone's birthdays in my family.
96. I was known as Miss Map.
97. I love Social Sciences, Reading, and Science.
98. I was on Honor Roll many times and was on NHS too.
99. all of my families live in California.
100. I am a tomboy but yet still a hopeless romantic at heart. :)

Donkey- Smart Ass? lol

Hi everyone,

I am so fooking tired as I didn't have enough sleep the last couple of nights.... Here is what happened... ok it started the night before, the damn dumb ass (donkey) just walked by and freaked me out... That was 11:30 PM... I was like oh shit.. so I had to call my sister Jo Jo.. She was not home as she was out with her friend.. so I had to pet the donkey and keep him calm for one fooking hour till Jo Jo got here. She put him out in the pasture... So all is good ....Or I thought so...

Then my mom and I heard dogs barking.. I was like not again so I walked outside and sure enough dumb ass is right there by the gate waiting for me.. I was like what are you doing you dumb ass??? So I had to get the feed and give to him then I came back in and told mom to call Jo Jo again! Donkey is out again which she did. I went back outside and waited with the donkey...

I was watching the sky and it was a beautiful night- perfect for stargazing but damn gnats and mosquitos were eating me alive!!!! GRRR.. I petted the donkey and talked to him while waiting for Jo Jo.. She sure took her sweet time.. 45 fooking minutes..Damn finally she got here and said sorry they were out of gas and had to siphoned the gas out of the lawn mower.. I was like OK... So finally they tied up the donkey to the line out in the front yard... then they left again... So all is good..... right???

Wrong! 2 hours later I had a funny feeling so I thought I'd better check on the donkey.. so I went outside and looked at donkey.. OMG he was STUCK!!!! ropes were all over his body.. He was on ground and couldn't breath... and he kept yelling... Oh I felt so bad! :(

I tried to get the rope loose...I really tried.. DAMN it was SO fooking tight... I couldn't due to my weak hand.. so I had to hurry and told mom.. call JO JO NOW!! IT'S emergency!!!!! She called Jo Jo again.. She came within 10 minutes and her friend helped her and they finally got the donkey LOOSE.. Whew!

THANK GOD! He is Ok... He was close to death as he wouldn't get up.. He was in shock.. So we waited and give him water and wash him down because he was hot and sweating.. Finally a hour later he did got up and walked around. So we took him by the old house and tied him to the tree.. we tied 5 times.. I kept checking on him thinking he will be ok.. So by the time it was 4:30 AM- I went to bed sleeping but woke up at 8:20 am with DONKEY in my mind.. So I got up and went outside to check on him to make sure he is ok.. He is OK... but guess what??? Remember we tied 5 times?? Well it was tied one time now and fixed to get loose... LOL... Good thing I got up just in time to get him tied again... hahah....

It was funny... You know I have heard stories and told mom that I thought donkey is a dumb ass because they won't obey you and wont do anything for you but that damn donkey is SMART ASS... He know how to get out of the fence and want your attention... He is not a dumb ass after all now that's his nickname is Smart ASS!

Last night I couldn't sleep because I had to go outside every 2 hours and look to make sure donkey stay in the pasture... Finally thinking he will be ok so I went to bed after 3 AM... But I woke up at 8:10 AM and I got up to check on Donkey to make sure he stay in the pasture.. He is still there! Whew! :)

Now I got fooking bad headaches for not sleeping enough.. lol..It will be a long day for me but I will live like I always do. :P

Uh oh....We had a scare earlier as TJ said the smart ass is gone! OH FUCK...... Talking about a loose ass.. HA HA! He still is in the pasture... So I am relieved... Whew.... I hope Smart Ass will stay where he is or he will have a problem with me! lol... :D

Have a great day ya'll!

As always,
Ginger :)

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~ No Regrets

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~
http://www.heartwarmers.com
The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
Spread the diaper in the position of the diamond with
you at bat. Then fold second base down to home
and set the baby on the pitcher's mound. Put first
base and third together, bring up home plate and pin
the three together. Of course, in case of rain, you
gotta call the game and start all over again.
-- Jimmy Piersal, On How to Diaper a Baby, 1968


Happy Father's Day! We got a kick out of that "Thought for the
day" and hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.
Meanwhile, Marcia share a poignant story today about living a
life with dad with "no regrets." You might want to get your tissues
out.
Whether you have a tear in your eye, or chuckle on your cheek,
we hope all the fathers in your life, young or old, have a great day!

____________________________________________


NO REGRETS
by Marcia Hodge

When my father was diagnosed with cancer, he moved in with my
youngest brother.
Knowing my father didn't have much time left, my brother invited
me and our other siblings to stay with him. This allowed each of us
to spend as much time as possible with my father, as well as lean on
each other for support.
We learned so much during those few weeks and our love for him
grew with each passing day. For the first week he was there, we
would stay up until the early morning hours telling stories, singing,
listening to his words of wisdom, and most importantly, just enjoying
being with each other.
Shortly before his death, my father asked to speak to each of us
individually. We each waited our turn, knowing this would probably
be the last time he would be aware of our presence -- his organs had
begun to fail and his strength was fading quickly.
Finally, my turn came. When I entered the room, I could see
that his eyes were closed. I thought he might have drifted back to
sleep. I stood there for a moment watching him -- the face of an
angel.
I eased to the side of his bed and sat down. Without opening
his eyes, my father reached for my hand and smiled. As I sat there
watching this man quickly pass from us, I thought of all the things I
wanted to say. I wanted to tell him all of the things I was going to
miss -- the smell of his aftershave, the sound of his voice on the
other end of the phone, books to compare with the person with whom I
shared a love of reading, his unwavering faith in me, his Christian
example, and maybe most of all his smile -- the smile of an angel.
There were other things I wanted to say as well, such as "if only."
Instead, we sat in silence, holding hands, thankful for the closeness
we'd always shared.
After awhile I leaned over to kiss him goodnight. As I did, a
tear fell and landed on his cheek. Never opening his eyes, he smiled
and whispered, "No regrets."
With those two words, I knew there was nothing left unsaid. The
love we shared was far greater than any words. It was as if he could
see deep into my heart and know what I felt at that exact moment. He
didn't want me to worry about anything I could not change.
Instead, he wanted me to be happy with the memories I could
forever keep in my heart and not dwell on any of the "if only's." He
not only wanted me to be content with the relationship I had shared
with him, he wanted me to be content with the relationship I shared
with my family, friends and most importantly, my relationship with
Christ.
Of all things my father taught me over the years, the lesson I
learned that night was the greatest -- to try to live a life with "No
regrets."

-- Marcia Hodge

____________________________________________
Marcia is married with two children. She currently works full-time
as an Oncology Data Specialist and continues her passion and
enthusiasm for writing. She is currently working on a novel, as well
as collaborating on a screenplay.
____________________________________________


PLEASE SUPPORT A HEARTWARMERS WRITER
Lissa Coffey in competition for TV show

One of our outstanding writers and Today Show contributor, Lissa
Coffey, is in a contest to host a new local television show in Los
Angeles. The top 3 voter-getters win an audition. So, it's time for
Heartwarmers everywhere to unite and get behind our favorite
candidate! Please take a moment and support Lissa's efforts: It's
easy and it will only take a minute:
1) Click on this site:
http://1stlook.votigo.com/contests/showentry/30963
2) Then, click on the 5th star directly underneath the video
that will start playing.
3) You will be asked to sign-up (so they know you are a real
person.) Click on "sign-up" and fill out your email address, make up
a screen name for yourself, and info.
4) Once you sign up, you will be directed back to the video
page, and then you can click on the 5th star again and it will be
registered!
THANK YOU! Good luck, Lissa!

____________________________________________


GOODBYE, RON GOLD

Many of you will remember Ron Gold, one of our great writers,
who passed away recently. We just received this notice from his
friend, Diane:
"I just wanted to share this with those of you who knew Ron
Gold. We communicated often and I thought he was a very good writer.
His wife was very kind and shared about his illness over the past
year. Her last letter said that he was in a nursing home and would
be returning home as soon as he could use a wheelchair and get around
better, as he had a second amputation and no longer had his legs, due
to diabetes. I'll miss his witty emails and fine stories. He was a
friend."
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and legions of
admirers and friends. Thank you Ron, for being part of our
Heartwarmers family!

____________________________________________

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Jack was a pirate all right! But it wasn't until Jeanne was
able to lend a hand that things started to change in his life for the
better.
He had a very rough start. This story brings to light several
issues, including breeder responsibilities, the mental stability of
dog hoarders, and the dreadful topic of de-barking.
Fortunately, Jack found a loving home and enjoys getting into mischief.
Thanks Jeanne for sharing Jack's tale.
___________________________________________


SHIPWRECKED PIRATE
by Jeanne K Davis

As a dog trainer I see a lot of dogs at work. I have the
privilege of working with many different dogs and love them all.
But my passion is for sighthounds. I've been volunteering for
Greyhound rescue for 15 years and have fostered nearly 50 and adopted
nine of these lithe, graceful dogs. I also share my life with a
rescued Whippet and a beautiful rescued Borzoi girl named Nadya. So
whenever I see a sighthound, I'm drawn to it.
The day I met Jack Sparrow was a turning point in my life.
He came in with a girl who had just adopted him from his breeder
four days earlier. Jack is a wire haired Ibizan Hound and quite
rare. (Beezers look a little like red and white Greyhounds with very
large ears.)
The girl told me that he and his brother had been sold to a
woman up north who, as it turned out, had 80 dogs -- unbeknownst to
the breeder!
The woman had also had both of the boys debarked! Their vocal
cords had been cut to quiet their voices. When Jack barks he sounds
as if he has a sore throat. They both also had such bad untreated
food allergies that when they came back to the breeder, she thought
they had mange!
They were both treated, and Jack got back to a condition where
he only had one bald patch left on his side when the girl adopted
him. However, that patch was and red and scabby. I also noticed
that he was at least 10 pounds underweight.
About a week later, I got a call from Jack's young adopter. "My
German Shepherd hates Jack! She tries to kill him every day and it's
getting worse. How do I make her like him?"
I told her, "You can't MAKE her like him! Either she will or
she won't. You don't like everyone you meet, do you?" I also told
her that I could only see two options for her -- either keep them
separated for the rest of their lives or return him to the breeder
for rehoming.
She decided that rehoming would be the answer for Jack and she
asked me if I would take him. I told her I'd take him in a heartbeat
but she'd have to ask the breeder if it was OK. The next day, Jack's
breeder, Teresa called me. It was OK with her and I made
arrangements with Jack's adopter to meet and make the exchange.
When Jack walked into my house all six of my dogs rushed him
with noses twitching and sniffed him all over. He acted as if he was
a long lost brother finally coming home! It took about a week to get
the angry red bald patch on his side to heal and start growing hair
and he put weight on fast.
He is now the sleek and elegant Ibizan hound he was meant to be.
And what a sense of humor this dog has! Teresa told me that
beezers are the party boys of the sighthound world. She was so right!
Two weeks after arriving at my house, Jack stole a 5 pound roast
right off the top of my stove! I had put it up there to cool and let
my guard down.
I have a lot of big dogs and I didn't want to unjustly accuse
anyone, so there I was sniffing each dog's breath for the telltale
hint of beef! When I got to Jack, he still had grease on his chin!
I pointed at him and said, "IT WAS YOU! YOU..."
Jack sat looking up at me with his golden eyes, wagging his tail
and telling me, "But Dude! It was sooo good!"
I just can't stay mad at this guy! Besides, I figured the two
days of stomach upset he was facing would be punishment enough.
My sister said it best... "Well, Jack Sparrow WAS a pirate!"

-- Jeanne K Davis

___________________________________________
Jeanne says, "I live in Montrose, Pennsylvania, with my seven dogs
and my daughter. I am a dog trainer by trade and a pet artist by
night. I have had previous stories published in Petwarmers --
Margery's Meatloaf and Nadya's Hope."
___________________________________________

got this via email...

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How Internet Dating Really Works!

I found this off Alldeaf.com. It does sound like me. Dreaming happily when I found someone and then wake up snuggle with my pillow...Then I realized it's only a dream. The reality is that I am still alone.. grrrr.. It sucks but don't get me wrong. I am not desperate but it's been too long and I have been alone for many years. Oh well! It would be nice even to have a boyfriend and have fun and enjoy what life offer right now knowing tomorrow may not come? Sigh! :(

Anyway TJ still is not feeling well. We are going back to town and exchange the fan as it made noise! ahh! It is no good! :( Also do the errands that I didn't finish yesterday due to being distracted by TJ being sick and nauseated. I hope I can do it today without any distractions! GRRR. If it happens again, then I may have to leave TJ with my mom or his stepmother MIchelle. LOL...

Our sunflowers are growing. They are pretty and we can't wait for them to bloom! Hurry and Hurry! LOL pfft.

I hope all of you have a great day and take care! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

Not my day.... :(

It's only Tuesday... My mind is not thinking right, LOL. I guess due to not enough sleep the last couple of nights. I had to take TJ to Dentist yesterday morning but on the way. I got text from Michelle,TJ's stepmother said it is wrong day as it should be on 3rd. I was like grrrr.. so lucky I didn't go all way to Atkins instead I got off at Blackwell and went back home jeez! I was mad but what can I say? wasted my fking time! sigh.

Finally We went to Dentist appointment this morning on RIGHT day which is fking 3rd! ha ha whatever.. Anyway we went in and waited.. Finally TJ's name was called so we went to the room.. TJ said he is glad I am with him this time instead of his daddy or his stepmom. I was like that is so sweet. heh! Make my heart beam with pride! :)

Dentist came in and gave him 2 shots. I was like *oh my Goodness* I almost passed out but all along having to hold down TJ's legs. He didn't do well on that. Poor kid. The dentist did the job of fillings as he have cavity and pull one tooth out. After that they told him to go pick out a gift. He got a cobra snake stuffed animal. Yes it is his favorite. Believe it or not, ugh. haha.

Afterward the appointment, we went to walmart in Morrilton to do some shopping. I got him a package of Pokemon cards for being good at Dentist. He was so happy! :) We got home and TJ didn't feel well. I guess from reaction to gas or just been sick since last Sunday? I don't know. I hope he will feel better soon! :(

Anyway we got home and mom asked where is my stamps? I was like Oh I forgot, sorry. I told her TJ got me so damn distracted that I forgot to get few things. I guess today was not my day! :( grrr! I hope tomorrow will be a better day for me. I pray! ha! :)

TJ's birthday is coming up soon and I gotta get gifts for him. I haven't even started yet! LOL me bad but I know what he wanted so whew. heh :)

I hope all of you have a wonderful evening! :)

As always,
Ginger :)


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Tamara offers us a wonderful story that takes its twists and
turns. You'll be on an emotional roller coaster with this one.
Thanks Tamara, and Kelly -- and a VERY lucky dog!

___________________________________________


A PLACE TO HANG HIS HAT
by Tamara Lafler

Three years ago, I met a wonderful person named Kelly under some
very dire circumstances.
We both had puppies born with hepatic shunts and, by chance, we
both were at CSU on the same date and time, seeking a medical miracle
for our little charges.
We were strangers in that big waiting room of people, but one in
heart. We became fast friends that day and have kept in contact
through the pain, joys, and loss of our little furry companions.
Kelly's dog Honey Bear, a little Corgi/Aussie cross rescue, had
her surgery the same week as my little Lucy the Schnauzer. By
horrific chance, both surgeries were unsuccessful. We both were
devastated.
Kelly and I spent two very tearful years following a strict
regimen of medications and diet required to keep their livers going.
We gave them all the love we could and received back tenfold in
devotion from them. Honey Bear passed away December of 2006 and Lucy
passed away January 2007.
Then in the fall, Kelly and I both lost our senior dogs.
This is not meant to be a story of sadness, but rather a story
of friendship, kindness, and support.
Since the loss of our dogs, Kelly and I have remained in touch.
Kelly, busy with husband, four children, and fast paced job in the
city. Me, living in the country in western Nebraska, busy trying to
find homes for dogs who end up in dire straights.
I have sent many pictures to Kelly over the last year, hoping
one would catch her eye. While visiting the North Platte, Nebraska,
shelter, I walked by little one year old Rocky, an Aussie/Border
Collie mix. He and another dog had came into the shelter together,
surrendered by their owner. The other dog had been adopted right
away and Rocky was sitting there alone and very depressed.
Rocky, along with other dogs in the North Platte shelter, had
been passed over with no one interested in giving them a home or
taking them into rescue. The shelter was at capacity, so the dogs
were to be euthanized at 9am the following morning. Rocky was one of
the dogs on the schedule.
Staci B., working at the shelter, was kind enough to send
Rocky's picture to me. T he photo was sent on to Kelly that evening
when I returned home. I did not expect Rocky to be the dog for Kelly
-- he was many miles away and very different from Honey Bear. Kelly
and her family were still grieving and probably not yet ready to get
another dog. But I took a chance anyway.
Kelly opened the email at 10am the next day and fell in love
with a not so great picture of a waif of a dog, thinking he had
another day left. Late that morning, she emailed me that he would be
safe because he was the dog she was looking for -- she would adopt
him, and I was crushed.
It was too late!
I knew Rocky had until 9am that morning. I could not call Staci
that morning because I sat and cried instead -- for Rocky, myself,
Kelly, for Honey Bear, for Lucy, for all the dogs in shelters
everywhere.
By afternoon, I decided that I needed to tell Staci about it and
came to terms with yet another dog dying needlessly. I picked up the
phone, dialed the number, and lo and behold, by some small miracle,
Rocky was alive! He was on the schedule to go down that morning but
has mistakenly been overlooked. Staci did not know why.
To make a long story short, Rocky WAS adopted by Kelly and her
wonderful family. They paid for his boarding in Nebraska until they
could get the time to drive all the way from Denver, Colorado, to
pick him up on Saturday night.
Staci, like so many people in rescue, again went out of her way
to help Kelly's family pick up Rocky on a Saturday night, after hours.
On Kelly's trip home with Rocky, I got to see them again. We
both stopped at the rest area in Sterling, Colorado. It was late and
I was on my way back home from Denver transporting dogs. We hugged,
and cried, both in sadness and joy. I got lots of doggie kisses from
Rocky too. I would love to think that he was thanking me for helping
him find a place to hang his hat and that is what means the most.
Rocky now has a wonderful family who adore him. His new name is
Chance. Kelly told me that he is part Aussie and part Border Collie,
so therefore, Chance is made up of breeds from both dogs she lost --
the best of both.
People helping each other and the animals in need -- that's what
friendship and rescue are all about.

-- Tamara Lafler

___________________________________________
Tamara says, "I am first and foremost a dog lover. I have a small
rescue called NSN in Sidney, Nebraska. I do my best to find homes
for dogs in need. Schnauzers are my first love but I try to help all
dogs."