Goodbye Ari-Man

Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.

And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes,

is certain for those who are friends.

………..Richard Bach

Tomorrow

When you wake alone tomorrow and I’m not there with you,
Just think of all the GOOD times and THAT will get you thru.

You raised me from a PUP, you did, and it was SO much fun.
And you made SURE we always had the BEST time in the sun.

I LOVED my pool, my sandbox too, and Josie was a HOOT!
I thought she was the COOLEST friend and lots of FUN to boot!

We MOVED out to the country where I could RUN and run,
And I DISCOVERED birds and woods and had a TON of fun!

There were OTHERS living with us but you could NOT deny,
That ALWAYS and forever I was your SPECIAL guy!

We were a TEAM just you and I, and ALWAYS did our best.
We struggled YEARS to get it right so WE could pass the test.

Remember when we TRAVELED, to places NEAR and far,
And where we went we tried our BEST to ALWAYS raise the bar.

There were times we MISSED the mark & REALLY blew the game,
But THOSE times we knew for sure we had the MOST to gain.

There was a TIME my name was called, I thought I’d have to go,
But your love was oh, SO strong, I stopped and said “no, NO”.

You SAT by me and stroked my head and CRIED so many tears.
And it was THEN I knew for sure we had a few more years.

We had a few more things to do, a few more tests to take.
But SOON I knew the time had come to MAKE that final break.

I passed the torch to Brita, who GLADLY took the lead.
And so I TAUGHT her all I knew so SHE was up to speed.

I taught her all the GOOD things, like how to bite REAL hard
BUT along the way I taught her the SECRETS of the yard.

The TRAILS I made along the fence, the ONES behind the woods
The CRITTERS in the wood piles and a PLACE to hide the goods.

Then it got HARD to even walk and VERY painful too.
So it became apparent and you KNEW just what to do.

It WAS so hard, I KNOW it was, but something we both knew,
Was that DEEP down in our hearts, that, NO.. I've not left you.

No matter where you EVER go I'm ALWAYS by your side.
So keep your ears and eyes ALERT for NOW I am your guide.

So WHEN you rise tomorrow, don't THINK we're far apart,
For every TIME you think of me, I'm right THERE, in your heart.

Arsenal vom Keashaborn (Ari) CGC, Therapy Dog, BH, TR1, RN, PSA-TC, PSA-PDC, PSA-1 Novice

Click here to view slideshow

Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished:
If you're alive, it isn't. ….Richard Bach

The rugs are gone….

….. I took them up.  They aren’t needed now.

It just got too much for Ari and when he collapsed 3 feet from where he sleeps last night and looked at me, I knew. He had hung on way longer than I thought he could and what a great end of summer and fall we had.  It really is hard to believe that three weeks ago he went along to training.  

This afternoon, Marilyn talked to him and confirmed what I thought.  Last night spirits came to help him cross but he wanted to be with me when he left so he hung on until this afternoon.  I know now why in the middle of the night Olivia and Kobie had disappeared from the living room and Joshua was thrashing in his cage. 

Great Lakes Vet Clinic now has a special room with couches and dog blankets where you can say goodbye in private.  It is very peaceful and calming.  I brought Ari home and will lay him to rest tomorrow next to Teddy in the spot I prepared for him.

Arsenal vom Keashaborn (Ari)
(April 21, 1999 – December 18, 2009)
CGC, Therapy Dog, BH, TR1, RN
PSA-TC, PSA-PDC, PSA-1 Novice

I think when someone’s pet dies we all can relate and memories return of a special friend that we may have lost.  The sheer number of EMAIL MESSAGES, posts on FACEBOOK and a MESSAGE BOARD, entries in the GUEST BOOK at critters.com and phone calls have humbled me.  Please also read what a very good friend wrote on her blog.  Thank you all for your compassion and caring at this special time of the year. 

~~~ Laurel

Epilogue (written 12/21/09)

I received so many emails and was answering them individually.  Then I realized that I needed to put it all together so I wouldn’t miss anything.  Ari’s health challenges this year started at the end of April.  I wrote the poem in May expecting to lose him then.  He was up and down… not very far up and very far down from then until mid August.  Those ups and downs are documented in posts in this journal…. in fact, that’s why I started it – to keep track.  There is a video of him barely able to stand and each time he was bad I gave him days. 

Then the upturn until about early December.  From then on, Ari went downhill really quickly.  My regular entries in his journal started Saturday the 5th...  before that they were sporadic.  I had an appointment for Monday the 22nd (today) for him to get his shot for his Addison’s and I was unsure whether he might need it before then so I picked the shot up in case I had to give it over the weekend.  This was Thursday...  ($63)  I assure you that I would not have gotten it if I knew how events would turn around.  So was I expecting it to happen as fast as it did….no.

Read this to see what I wrote on Friday morning before work  
http://arigsdjournal.blogspot.com/2009/12/he-couldnt-walk.html   

And read this post from when I got home.
http://arigsdjournal.blogspot.com/2009/12/rugs-are-gone.html

I wrote this to someone yesterday (12/20/09)....

I am very calm about it.  I shed SO many tears over Ari since May when I thought he was a goner that every day he was better was a blessing.  I never would have even hoped to have all the good days and times that we had since mid August until... honest to god... 3 weeks ago when I took him to training and he was doing bitework and trotting around with a sleeve in his mouth! Here it is documented on video. 
http://arigsdjournal.blogspot.com/2009/11/what-fun-ari-and-brita-had.html

Friday I had a class that was over at 1:00 and had an appointment for him at the vet at 3:30.  On the way to it I finally connected with Marilyn (my animal communicator friend) who I could tell was crying.  I asked her if she had time to contact him and her answer was “I just did”.  The conversation is on the site. http://arigsdjournal.blogspot.com/2009/12/marilyn-and-ari.html 

...so I get to the vet sobbing and call them from the parking lot to tell them I’m there.  When a room is ready, they came to the van to get me and take me straight in to an exam room.  When I say “yes” after an exam by the vet, “I've made the decision”; they take me to a quiet room with leather couches and dog blankets on the floor and let me there for as long as I wanted to be with Ari.  A sense of calm came over me and I was fine, as was Ari.  There were no more tears - just talking to him as he lay by my side. In about 20 min. the vet came in. I didn't cry.  It was so peaceful.  Ari passed in my arms just like he showed Marilyn he would.  It WAS his time.  He had given me 4 extra months I didn't think we'd have.  As I said, I wrote the poem in May because I thought it would happen then but it didn't. Now, he just couldn't give me more.  It actually felt "right". 

Dr. Jeff put Ari in the van and I went to Walgreens and got some dark chocolate (that felt right also) and bought the other dogs some large knuckle bones.  Then I went to Dairy Queen for a peanut butter cup blizzard  ...Ari would have approved!

Ari IS still with me and I'll be with him again.  As my beliefs changed over the years I know that he is simply changing form and he is still all around me.... he's just not in his worn out body that was keeping him from doing all that he wanted to do.  

Do I cry...of course... when I read some of the notes people write.  The outpouring of love has been amazing.  Not only did Ari touch many lives but his passing brings back memories to people of their experiences with the loss of their pets.  Ari wanted me to get on with things and that's what I'm doing.  He and I spent so much time together when he was here because he was my competition dog I trained and traveled with.  There is a special bond I have with him that I don't have with any of my other dogs that only comes from working really, really hard together at something and succeeding.  He truly was my teacher.  He taught me that I can do anything I want to do enough, even though others say it can't be done.  He taught me how to be resilient and to take setbacks as a learning experience.  He taught me that failing is ok and if you aren't out there doing it regardless of failure, it's never going to get done.  And he taught me to make it fun, no matter what. 

This has been an incredible dog year.  First Tori came back in to my life last fall and her saga ... raising the money for her health issues was so emotional and then placing her was gut wrenching.  Then losing Teddy a few months later in February was heartbreaking, he was such a great dog...  and then 2 months later, Ari's health issues started and I thought he was gone in May, then June, then July...  and then he improved.  I knew each day was a gift not to be taken for granted. As I said before, three weeks ago I took him to training with Brita and I and he got to play with the decoy and take the sleeve and run around the yard.  We marveled at the decent weather at the end of November and I knew THAT day would be the last session for Ari.  As soon as the weather got cold I saw a change in him.  He needed to wear a coat constantly to stay warm and life was no fun anymore not being able to go outside.  I believe that is why he went now and as fast as he did.  

He lived a good life and crossed when his body wore out... you can't ask for more.  He was a great dog and touched many lives and I will miss him desperately but know for sure we'll be together again.  I refuse to be sad because it is life and we couldn't have asked for more.

Arsenal vom Keashaborn (Ari)
(April 21, 1999 – December 18, 2009)
CGC, Therapy Dog, BH, TR1, RN PSA-TC, PSA-PDC, PSA-1 Novice

Marilyn and Ari….

I talked to Ari at about 3PM 12-18-2009

Immediately upon checking in with Ari I got the impression that it was hard work to move or keep his muscles going. Shoulders ache. Elbows ache – something systemic is coursing through his body (a systemic illness or disease). Pain in left knee. Everything feels old.

Ari: (proudly) I should not have been walking this whole time, but I did it. [Marilyn’s note: He says this as though he should not have been able to even walk or get on as well as he has these past months, but he is proud of his ability to override his body and still have a good quality of life. He shows me a picture of him just lying down and watching – watching everything that is going on around him. It’s very peaceful.  He likes to be able to just sit and observe.]

Ari: They came for me last night, but I told them to go. I wanted to say good-bye [to Laurel] and the time was not appropriate when they came so I sent them away. [Marilyn’s note: he shows me a beautiful array of spirits - so light and bright… a full entourage ready to escort him to the other side, but Ari was firm in his decision to stay until he could say good-bye to you in his own way. He did not want to ‘die in his sleep’ he wanted to be with you when he left.] You are a good mom!

[Now he shows me a picture of how he will cross, it is an image of his body lying and you at his head. The body is empty/hollow and very dead and his spirit rises out of it, a feeling of floating and total release – very peaceful, very zen. He calls this “Spirit Release”

Ari: It’s okay. You’ll [Laurel] be okay. It’s time for Brita now. You’ve taken good care of me and I of you.

[He tells me it’s not just his skeletal/muscular systems failing, but also his heart and organs.

Marilyn: Ari, did you tell her [Laurel] it was time.

Ari: Not yet.  I don’t want to go, but my body says otherwise. My body is making this decision for me, but we will see each other again.  I’m going to see Teddy and we have some work to do together.  There are others there that wait for me, too.  They have been waiting a long time, because I was supposed to have left this plane already.  And I could have left, too, if I wanted to.  But I did not want to and I am stronger than my body, or at least I was… for a while. I love my life. I love my love [Laurel], and I love my friends [other dogs and Joshua].

[He shows me a picture of a fire or a bonfire in your back yard]

{Back end and hips are not working, poop and pee is difficult to control/hold] He says: sorry about that.

He says: He wanted to be with you today when he goes, so he waited for you.  He loves you so, so very much. You are only separated by dimension, which is an illusion. In truth you are One and neither of you could love the other any more. You have his heart. You have done right by him and you have learned much from each other. Hold on to what you know and be You.

Marilyn Tokach
Training & Behavior Specialist
Pure Spirit ~ Animal Communication, Training & Behavior Solutions
www.Pure-Spirit.com
Direct: 952-226-2622
Scheduling: 952-226-2660 (Office Manager: Kimberly)
Proud Pets. Proud Pet Owners

The Spirit Of A Dog

I was standing on a hillside in a field of blowing wheat,

And the spirit of a dog was lying at my feet.

He looked at me with kind dark eyes, ancient wisdom shining through.

In the essence of his being, I saw the love there too.

 

His mind did lock upon my heart as I stood there on that day,

And he told me of this story about a place so far away.
As I stood upon that hillside in a field of blowing wheat,

In a twinkling of a second his spirit left my feet.

His tale did put my heart at ease, all my fears did fade away

About what lay ahead of me on another distant day.

"I live among God's creatures now in the heavens of your mind,
So do not grieve for me, my friend as I am with my kind.

 

My collar is a rainbow's hue, my leash is a shooting star.
My boundaries are the Milky Way where I sparkle from afar.

There are no pens or kennels here for I am not confined,

But I'm free to roam God's heaven among the Doggie kind.

 

I nap the day on a snowy cloud gentle breezes rocking me,
And dream the dreams of earthlings, and how it used to be.

For we're all winners in this place; we have no faults, you see.
And god passes out those ribbons to each one, even me.

 

I drink from waters laced with gold, my world a beauty to behold;
And wise old dogs do form my pride to amble at my very side.

At night I sleep in angel's arms, her wings protecting me,

And moonbeams dance about us as stardust falls on thee.

So when your life on earth is spent and you stand at Heaven's gate,
Have no fear of loneliness-- for here, you know, I wait".

~ author unknown

 

 

 

 

Ari  1999-2009

He couldn’t walk…

…last night and collapsed about 3 feet from the crate in the bedroom that he was heading for.  It was like all his legs gave out…  This morning he made it outside and wobbled back to a crate he likes in the living room….  I wanted him to go out before I left and he couldn’t make it on his own…  I’m off to school now… it’s 8am and I’m worried about leaving him alone although he’ll probably sleep the whole time.

 
The strangest thing happened during the night.  Joshua (my parrot) was in a panic and thrashing in his cage. This hasn’t happened in a very long time so when he didn’t stop, I got up, went to him, talked for a bit and went back to bed.  The thrashing started again and again I went to him.  The 3rd time (now I’m pretty cranky) I found a really dark blanket to cover his cage and that put an end to it.  Olivia and Kobie were nowhere around.  They have access to the basement and outside so I assumed that’s where they were.   It seemed really bizarre.  

 

Comment – Read the post Marilyn and Ari for an update to this.

The Circle

December 19, 2009 ~ The Circle from Michelle Goodrum's website: Gone to the Dogs

Sometimes you have to do things that breaks your heart. I remember when I lost my old dog Bear. Slowly watching him deteriorate over the last six months of his life was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I woke up one morning to take him out and before we got to the door he just started to urinate and didn't even realise it. When I got to the door and it puddled around his feet he looked down and then up at me with the most miserable look on his face that I had ever seen. I knew then he was done. No matter how hard it was for me, I couldn't let him continue to live that way. Lifting him into the truck to drive him to the vets office knowing how much he hated going there, yet knowing it was for the best. A mix breed dog that brought a lot of silliness and happiness to my life, I had him for 13 1/2 years. We had our good times and our bad times, just like any relationship. I remember the things he used to do that made me laugh and the things that made me want to pull my hair out! I also remember going to pick out my new puppy. Watching all the puppies run around doing puppy things. One in particular caught my eye. He was looking for a place to go potty and backed up to the fence and tried to poop through the fence. I knew then, that's the one. Bear hated having poop anywhere he could step in it. He would back up to fences, tree stumps, whatever he could to keep it out of the yard. We brought Chief home and he wandered around the house and ended up in my bedroom. When he found the spot that Bear used to sleep, he curled up, closed his eyes, and let out a big sigh. He seemed to be saying, "I'm home." When we registered him we added the initials LB at the end of his name. It stands for "Little Bear" our tribute to the dog that brought so much to my life.

Yesterday, a friend of mine lost one of her dogs.It's extremely heartbreaking when these magnificant animals have to say good-bye. Today, another friend had a litter of four males. 
The circle of life continues.

R.I.P Arsenal vom Keashaborn (Ari)
CGC, Therapy Dog, BH, TR1, RN, PSA-TC, PSA-PDC, PSA-1 Novice l 
http://arigsdjournal.blogspot.com

 

You're on our minds and in our hearts.
Love Renee & Herb

What People Said on Critters.com

Ari has a memorial site at http://ari-man.critters.com/.  These are guest book entries.

12-26-2009 9:03 PM -- By: Jason Gillis,  From: Appleton  
Ari was so great.  He was also so happy to see me whenever I came over, and just loved being scratched, as well as playing tug in the yard.  When I first met him he was on his original donwslide as far as health goes, but he was strong-willed and was glad to just be able to get around a little bit and be around Laurel and the girls.  Then all of a sudden he got quite a bit better, and I was able to see some of the athlete that he once was.  He was so happy to be able to run around the yard with the girls again and do a little bitework on training weekends.  Those are my last memories of Ari, and although I wish I could have said goodbye, I'm glad I'll always remember him as that strong, tough-willed dog that defied his body for a short time and showed everyone what spirit is all about.  I'll miss him terribly, especially whenever I go over to Laurel's house and he's no longer at the door to emphatically greet me as I walk in.  He is the definition of spirit, and an inspiration to everybody that knew him.

12-24-2009 9:54 AM -- By: Eric Lund,  From: Green Bay  
I remember when I was in my basement in the whelping room, I had built for my beautiful Keasha and her first litter.  Ari came out the biggest, strongest, boldest, little monster.  He was my favorite and hard to give up.  Laurel and I were schutzhund training together and I had my hands full with Keasha and Jenny.  I couldn't have found a better home for him.  I am so thankful for Laurel.  I always knew that Ari was loved and lived a life that anyone would want.  Keasha, his mother, is getting older and I can tell her time is coming and I dread the day.  She is lying at my feet.  Ari reminded me so much of her.  Thanks Laurel for loving him and taking such good care of him.

12-22-2009 11:06 PM -- By: Mark Plonsky,  From: stevens point, wi  
Ari, You had a hard bite and a big heart. You made your person a good companion.  You are in my memories.

12-22-2009 2:10 PM -- By: Nancy Nestler,  From: Cedar Grove  
Laurel,  I am so sorry to hear about Ari. The photos of him are amazing, showing the beauty he brought to this world. I love that you brought him out for a last bite, giving him the opportunity to strut his stuff one last time on this earth. No matter how much we love our dogs, they always give more than they take and I know your Ari was that kind of dog. I am so sorry for the difficult year you've had and the sadness, but I hope the joy these wonderful dogs have given you through the years will ease your heartache. All dogs lovers cry when a friend loses their dog, not for the dog who's gone on to a happy place but for the friend who"s left behind.

12-21-2009 7:56 PM -- By: LINDA MARX,  From: APPLETON  
LAUREL I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I CRIED AND MY THOUGHTS AND HUGS ARE WITH YOU.I DIDN'T REALIZE HE WAS SO BAD AGAIN AND YOU WERE THERE FOR ME WHEN MY LITTLE SADIE WAS SO SICK AND NOT SURE IF SHE HAD CANCER BUT ALL CAME OUT WELL. WE WILL ALL HAVE A GREAT TIME UPSTAIRS WHEN WE ALL MEET EACH OTHER AGAIN. THE JOY WILL BE HEAVENLY' LOVE AND HUGS LINDA

12-20-2009 11:43 PM -- By: Kim ,  From: Appleton, WI  
Laurel,  I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of Ari. I'm honored to have had the opportunity to watch him work & play with you in your amazing yard.

12-20-2009 4:09 PM -- By: Brittany Voigt,  From: Neenah, WI  
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, Laurel.  Ari will truly be missed.  I will miss hearing all the new stories about him, he was a great companion!

12-20-2009 2:24 PM -- By: Janeen,  From: Red Wing, MN  
I'm so sorry to hear that Ari has passed on.  I still see him as a beautiful, spirited, young dog.   I remember many wonderful days training with Laurel and Ari (and many others) at Winnegamie and out at Laurel's place.  Laurel and Ari also spent a weekend at our place here in Red Wing a couple of years ago - he was a wonderful guest - a perfect gentleman.  He will be much missed...

12-20-2009 7:38 AM -- By: Judy Boguski,  From: Green Bay, WI  
Goodbye, Ari, for now,. I did not know you personally but I know your mom, Laurel.  I think soon that my Mopar will be joining you,  so please watch for him. What a wonderful  tribute your mom has written  for you.  I can;t see the keys for my tears.  "For one brief  shining moment there was once a Camelot"!!!!!!!

12-20-2009 6:37 AM -- By: Diane,  From: Sarasota FL  
Although I did not meet Ari in person I know how special he was and that his tremendous spirit lives on in the love he shared. 

12-19-2009 10:06 PM -- By: Lisa Hansen,  From: Kaukauna, WI  
As Ari's former groomer, I can remember how hard he struggled to get me soaked every time I bathed him!  He was a fiesty little puppy when I first groomed him and very full of his little self!  I was impressed with all of his antics and KNEW he would grow up to be a GREAT working dog.  He didn't dissapoint!  It was a pleasure to have known Ari.  I will miss him.  RIP. 

12-19-2009 11:35 AM -- By: Carolyn Burkhardt,  From: Mountain, WI  
Ari,  I didn't know you, but I know the love between a dog & it's master.  Travel well...Laurel will never forget you.

12-19-2009 6:45 AM -- By: Angie FInk,  From: Campbellsport  
Even though Ari didn't get to come out much to training, when he did he had a good time , he looked good and he was happy to be here, he will be missed,

12-19-2009 12:18 PM -- By: Wayne Stephens,  From: Oregon IL  
I didnt have the opportunity to get to know Ari as well as I would of liked to, but the day you brought him out on the field for a bite, he came across the field at me I saw his face light up and that sparkle in his eyes where two strangers became the best of friends. Ari I will never forget you R.I.P.   From one of the decoys that had the honor of working with you.

12-19-2009 11:52 AM -- By: Michelle,  From: Oregon IL  
The look of pride on his face when you took him out at SteinigTal and sent him across the field to bite Wayne. After he got the sleeve and came back to you it seemed he was saying "Look Mom! I got it!"

 

 

What People Said on Facebook

Laurel Stone
RIP Ari-Man April 21, 1999 - December 18, 2009 .... It was a good run!

Ari's Journal  arigsdjournal.blogspot.com

It just got too much for Ari and when he collapsed 3 feet from where he sleeps last night and looked at me, I knew. He had hung on way longer than I thought he could and what a great end of summer and ...

Arsenal vom Keashaborn (Ari) CGC, Therapy Dog, BH, TR1, RN, PSA-TC, PSA-PDC, PSA-1 Novice

http://arigsdjournal.blogspot.com/

RIP Ari-Man 4/21/99 - 12/18/09

Lisa Geller…..I'm so sorry Laurel -- Ari was a great gsd

Robert W Voss….It's never easy to lose them. Thinking of you...

Michelle Testa….I'm sorry Laurel

Shari Blohm….I am so sorry Laurel. Without Ari - I wouldn't have Coach.

Michael Eugene West….so sorry i liked that dog

Mark Veith-West….We understand. We don't know what's keeping Roscoe going. Last night he had a burst of energy. He is somehow surviving all of his old friends. We have been blessed with so many wonderful years.

Melissa Mims….I am so sorry, laurel.

Robert Rienow….sorry laurel...but what a run indeed and what a touching journal. My dog also waited til I was at her side.

Sara Schnell …I know how close you are to all your babies.... sorry to hear...

Renée Lamoureux…So sorry to hear that Laurel!

Gladys Cataline…Laurel, sorry about your dog

Wayne Stephens…Ari was a dog with true heart and will be missed by everyone that knew him…R.I.P.

Kathy Moacanin…:(

Christine Gruen Gibson…I am so sorry for your loss. Ari looks like a sweet, sweet, dog.

Teresa Shields Cowart…so sorry for your loss.

Patti Paul Snyder…Laurel I am so sorry about Ari. He was such a beautiful dog and definitely gave Josephine a run for her money. I hope they are playing and running together and eating ice cream! My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tammy McDowell …Oh no Laurel, I'm sorry.

Denise Wittman…I'm sorry. He had a wonderful home.

.Marilyn Tokach…Thinking of you.

Jeannie Tews…(((HUGS)))

Paul Bilecki…I'm very sorry for your loss.

Melinda Dougharty Bilecki…Oh noooo - what sad news. I'm so sorry, Laurel. Ari was AWESOME! I'm so glad I had the chance to know him and see him work.

Jay Van Tuyl…Ari was a really great dog! Im so sorry. Im very happy to have had the opertunity to work him!

Sally Griffin…So sorry Laurel, I know how hard it is to lose them.

Renee Basye…I'm so sorry Laurel -

Brandon LaMere…Soo sorry for your loss Laurel...feels like just yesterday I lost one of my best friends... my thoughts for you in this time.

Mary Ellis…WOW Laurel, so sorry to hear of your loss...he was your gift, and you were his......your in my thoughts and prayers....

Lisa Hansen…He was a great dog! My heart hurts for you, Laurel.

Trudy Donais….I am honored I was able to meet him, he was a nice GSD! RIP

Andrea Wiener-Chase…Oh Laurel, I am so sad at your loss. Ari was an amazing guy. My heart aches for you.....

Angie Fink…We will miss him, Bradley says he is sorry to hear about Ari, he is sorry he couldn't come with us tonite to see you

Lynn Busse…My deepest sympathies, Laurel.

Samantha Mahone Hey grandma I'm sorry to hear about Ari. He, I must say, was my favorite. He's in a better place now tho. Try to have a good day. Love and miss you MUCHO!!

Heather Sather Sorry to hear about Ari. They never live long enough. I hope you are able to find comfort in your memories.

Carey Maurer-Pellegrini  …….Hi Laurel, I'm so sorry to hear about Ari.

Sharon Billman Think of you... I love you mom~

Melinda Dougharty Bilecki wrote  This is a wonderful tribute album, Laurel. Evidence of a life very well lived . . . and LOVED!

Angie Fink Very sad nite going up by Laurel , her dog Ari had passed away yesterday,

Shannon Robertson….Ahh geez. There is nothing sadder in this world.

Kathryn Hager….Angie, please let Laurel know I am thinking about her. ~So sorry Ari has passed.

Angie Fink….I will tell her, if you go to her website you can see his page, it is really neat

Jill Hanegraaf-Staffeld…..Ari was a wonderful dog. Sorry for your loss.

Gretchen Schultz …..I am so, so sorry, Laurel. Without all the good memories, it would be almost too much to bear. You will meet again, I believe.