NOW PLAYING: JINGLE BELLS
(DOGS' VERSION)

SWEETEA & GIPSY WISH YOU "HAPPY HOWLIDAYS"!
SCROLL DOWN to decide which aspect of their lives you would like to visit -- if you have time, try 'em all!	Santa April, Reindeer Misha & Cari the Elf are ready to deliver toys to all the good dogs around the world. Will YOUR dog(s) get new toys this Howliday? Please remember to donate to your local Animal Shelter, Breed Rescue, or Humane Society, too! IF YOU'D LIKE TO GO STRAIGHT TO MISHA, APRIL & CARI'S HOWLIDAY PAGE, click on the
My THANKS to Mr. Scuba (aka VetteMan/CairnDaddy, depending upon the season) for the digital image manipulation, using Adobe PhotoShop 6.0.

HOWLIDAY CARDS WEBSITES

FOR YOUR HOLIDAY ENJOYMENT, CLICK ON THE BONE FOR CARDS FROM THE HOWLIDAY CARD EXCHANGES AND OTHER DOG-THEMED HOWLIDAY CARDS, 1997-2024:   THE HOWLIDAY CARDS WEBSITE MENU THE 2025 HOWLIDAY CARDS WILL BE ON VIEW BEGINNING CHRISTMAS EVE 2025 HERE

AIREDALES, AIREDALES & MORE AIREDALES! For dozens of AIREDALE Rescue Stories, go HERE

	ALL CAIRNS, ALL THE TIME!
For dozens of CRUSA Rescue Mission and CRUSA Event Websites, go HERE

EMMIE IN FLORIDA GOTCHA DAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2017 - 29 APRIL 2025

EMMIE crossed The Rainbow Bridge due to many instances of cancer in her body, which she hid from us and from Dr. Hathaway. She was dx'd on 10 April and stayed with us for 19 more days. She was approximately 17.5 years old. Lying on her back, under a ceiling fan, was a favorite thing to do. EMMIE's CRUSA Rescue Story can be read HERE

IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain does keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done For this - the last battle - can't be won. You will be sad I understand But don't let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, You wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where my needs they'll tend, Only, stay with me till the end. And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don't grieve that it must now be you Who has to decide this thing to do. We've been so close - we two - these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears. -- Julia Napier, copyright 1999 My thanks to SandE Mancini for sending me this poem

Heather on the dogs's pool float on 3 June 2020 Click on photo for her "floating" movie HEATHER GOTCHA DAY 9 NOVEMBER 2013-10 OCTOBER 2020
Heather was diagnosed with cancer in August 2020; she continued to lose weight, but remained active (and surprisingly social and adventuresome) for several months. Her CRUSA Rescue Story is HERE
IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain does keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done For this - the last battle - can't be won. You will be sad I understand But don't let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, You wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where my needs they'll tend, Only, stay with me till the end. And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don't grieve that it must now be you Who has to decide this thing to do. We've been so close - we two - these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears. -- Julia Napier, copyright 1999 My thanks to SandE Mancini for sending me this poem

DAISY2LEGS GOTCHA DAY 27 NOVEMBER 2006-27 FEBRUARY 2020

Daisy on the Cheeseburger in Paradise pool float on 7 May 2019 Click on photo for her "floating" movie Daisy had a full and, I hope, happy life with us for 14 of her 16 years. She crossed The Rainbow Bridge at 11 a.m., due to pancreatitis leading into liver failure. Her CRUSA Rescue Story is HERE

IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain does keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done For this - the last battle - can't be won. You will be sad I understand But don't let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, You wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where my needs they'll tend, Only, stay with me till the end. And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don't grieve that it must now be you Who has to decide this thing to do. We've been so close - we two - these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears. -- Julia Napier, copyright 1999 My thanks to SandE Mancini for sending me this poem

Bonny uses Tipsy Gipsy as her pillow PANHANDLE BONNY 24 OCTOBER 2004-22 MAY 2019

IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain does keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done For this - the last battle - can't be won. You will be sad I understand But don't let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, You wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where my needs they'll tend, Only, stay with me till the end. And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don't grieve that it must now be you Who has to decide this thing to do. We've been so close - we two - these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears. -- Julia Napier, copyright 1999 My thanks to SandE Mancini for sending me this poem

Bonny had several health issues; after surgery to correct them, she crossed The Rainbow Bridge at 7 p.m., despite valiant efforts to save her. Her CRUSA Rescue Story is HERE

RICOBADBOY 9 SEPTEMBER 2002-10 JANUARY 2019
Rico crossed the Rainbow Bridge at about 10:15 a.m. Last I checked to try to wake him, he was breathing shallowly; next time I checked, he was gone.
We tried; I have no regrets about "not trying everything we could"; the surgery was just too much for his old body. Maybe he should've been in ER after his surgery, but if he'd passed away alone, with strangers, I'd feel even worse. He was our first CRUSA dog, and our first Foster Failure; 15 years of belly bands, incontinence pads, bites (he got me one last time the morning before his surgery), wedding ringbearing, two nursing home visits with my Mom, after flying to AZ in a doggie flight bag; he was my last connection with her . . . Fifteen years of history with him, good and bad. Read his CRUSA Rescue story HERE	As usual, HE DID IT HIS WAY!
You run in different fields now. Effortless. You jump and play with wild abandon. Painless. Eternally young and carefree. Timeless. There is a shroud over my heart. Darkness. Days are longer and empty without you. Cheerless. I still keep your pillow next to my bed. Sleepless. The years march on. Ceaseless. The memories never wane. Impervious. I feel the moment of my fading, then...Brightness. We run in different fields now. Effortless. We jump and play with wild abandon. Painless. Together for all eternity. Glorious. -- Jim Willis, "Promises Kept" copyright 2001

EMMIE IN FLORIDA 15 SEPTEMBER 2018

EMMIE joined the SKRENNINGER PACK on the day I officially resigned from CRUSA. Doesn't she look like she already KNEW she was ours, even before we did? EMMIE's CRUSA Rescue Story can be read HERE

TIPSY GIPSY JULY 2018

GIPSY joined the SKRENNINGER PACK (actually, SWEETEA adopted her; I just loaned her the adoption fee and filled out the adoption contract). GIPSY's CRUSA Rescue Story can be read HERE

RICO COW DOG JUNE 2018

One week after peeing on Death's door, Rico modeled his new belly band (from Anita Charochak) that matched his cow bandana.

	PANHANDLE BONNY DOB: 24 OCTOBER 2004 INTAKE DATE: 2 MAY 2017
Bonny originated in the Florida Panhandle; her CRUSA Rescue Story is HERE On Valentine's Day 2018, Bonny joined the Skrenninger Pack.

	ZOE FROM SARASOTA 17 NOVEMBER 2002-16 NOVEMBER 2017 INTAKE DATE: 27 JANUARY 2017
In November 2016, Jackie Ike alerted me to this 14-Year-Old Gal on the RESCUE ME site. Several months later, after much difficulty coming to a decision (by her owner), Zoe came to Palm Harbor to join the Skrenninger Pack, perhaps permanently, as an old dog is not easily adopted out. On 16 November 2017, at 4 p.m., Zoe journeyed across the Rainbow Bridge, having suffered two seizures in one day. She was one day shy of her fifteenth birthday. Her CRUSA Rescue Story is HERE
IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain does keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done For this - the last battle - can't be won. You will be sad I understand But don't let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, You wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where my needs they'll tend, Only, stay with me till the end. And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don't grieve that it must now be you Who has to decide this thing to do. We've been so close - we two - these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears. -- Julia Napier, copyright 1999 My thanks to SandE Mancini for sending me this poem

Before grooming . . .	BUDDY 8 November 2000-17 November 2016	After grooming . . .
Jackie Ike alerted me to this 16-Year-Old Guy, left at the shelter when his caretaker/owner died. At this age, and with his kidney issues, he will remain with us as a Permanent CRUSA Foster. Buddy's CRUSA Rescue Story can be read HERE Buddy's chronic kidney disease finally took its toll; on 17 November 2016, Dr. Hathaway and I helped him cross The Rainbow Bridge. He spent his last four months surrounded by love, good food, a clean body and house . . . he made his crossing from my lap, not from a noisy, dirty shelter. He licked away my tears and said goodbye. My gratitude to the many folks who helped us give Buddy a good four months and an easeful death: Jackie Ike, who found him and brought him to me; the MANY MANY folks of CRUSA and others who donated to his care; Peggy Knupke of Groomingdale's of Palm Harbor, who made him look so clean and handsome; and Dr. Hathaway & the many kind ladies & gentleman of the Vet Clinic of Palm Harbor, who eased his Journey to The Rainbow Bridge.
IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain does keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done For this - the last battle - can't be won. You will be sad I understand But don't let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, You wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where my needs they'll tend, Only, stay with me till the end. And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don't grieve that it must now be you Who has to decide this thing to do. We've been so close - we two - these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears. -- Julia Napier, copyright 1999 My thanks to SandE Mancini for sending me this poem

On the Tampa Bay HS website . . .	SWEETEA GOTCHA DAY: 29 DECEMBER 2015	At home . . .
Jackie Ike alerted me to this cutie; I was looking for a "project dog" like Rosie was; one that seemed to need a lot of work to become normal. Once SweeTea arrived home, tho, she proved to be a bundle of energy and love . . . probably just what I neeeded. Read all about her HERE

	ROSIEVI THE SHY 10 MAY 1997-4 NOVEMBER 2015 GOTCHA DAY 6 NOVEMBER 2006
Rosie wins a Howloween Costume Contest HERE Our Rosie crossed the Rainbow Bridge at 10 a.m., Florida time. The cancer was going into her lungs, and her breathing became more and more difficult. She paced and keened all night, so we helped her cross the Rainbow Bridge. Light a candle; look for a new star . . . Her remarkable CRUSA Rescue Story can be read HERE; her original name was Viola. Our gratitude to the many folks who helped us give Our Rose nine years of wonderful life, after nine years of puppy mill life: CRUSA, Shell Lewis and Scott & Greg, who brought her into our lives; Dr. Pisarik; Dr. Carlisle, who saved Rosie's life four years ago; Jean & Gary of House of Faison, who kept her looking beautiful in Wisconsin; Dr. Parks, who cared for her in Florida; Peggy Knupke (@RB) of Groomingdale's of Palm Harbor, who kept her looking beautiful in Florida; and Dr. Hathaway & the many kind ladies of the Vet Clinic of Palm Harbor, who eased her Journey to The Rainbow Bridge.
IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain does keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done For this - the last battle - can't be won. You will be sad I understand But don't let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, You wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where my needs they'll tend, Only, stay with me till the end. And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don't grieve that it must now be you Who has to decide this thing to do. We've been so close - we two - these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears. -- Julia Napier, copyright 1999 My thanks to SandE Mancini for sending me this poem

LUUCEEE YOU GOT SOME 'SPLAININ' TO DO 2002-24 MARCH 2015 GOTCHA DAY 15 FEBRUARY 2009

Luuceee crossed the Rainbow Bridge at 6 p.m., Florida time, without ever experiencing the ocean or the beach, as I had promised her. She began heavy breathing and coughing; her x-rays showed an enlarged heart and lungs full of fluid. She crashed once and the vet was able to resuscitate her, but she crashed again. I couldn't see putting her through this again and again, so we helped her cross the Rainbow Bridge. Light a candle; look for a new star, singing for her dinner . . . Her CRUSA Rescue Story can be read HERE; her original name was Paris

IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain does keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done For this - the last battle - can't be won. You will be sad I understand But don't let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, You wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where my needs they'll tend, Only, stay with me till the end. And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don't grieve that it must now be you Who has to decide this thing to do. We've been so close - we two - these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears. -- Julia Napier, copyright 1999 My thanks to SandE Mancini for sending me this poem

On her way to the groomer . . .	HEATHER GOTCHA DAY: 9 NOVEMBER 2013	Two hours later . . .
CRUSA Foster Heather joined us on 11 November 2013. She had knee surgery on 23 December, and she formally joined the Skrenninger Pack on 10 January 2014. She was a member of THE THREE LITTLE CAIRNS Rescue Mission, her CRUSA Rescue Story can be read HERE.

CHRISSI-ONE-EYE 4 APRIL 1999-25 MARCH 2013

Our CRUSA Foster, f/k/a Cricket, joined us in June 2009. She was an abused dog and never got over her issues, but we loved her as much as she would allow. We helped her journey across The Rainbow Bridge on 25 March 2013. Her CRUSA Rescue Story can be read HERE

IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain does keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done For this - the last battle - can't be won. You will be sad I understand But don't let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, You wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where my needs they'll tend, Only, stay with me till the end. And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don't grieve that it must now be you Who has to decide this thing to do. We've been so close - we two - these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears. -- Julia Napier, copyright 1999 My thanks to SandE Mancini for sending me this poem

CARI 12 DECEMBER 1997-24 DECEMBER 2012

Our First Cairn, Cari, was diagnosed with a worsening heart murmur & kidney disease, but it was the lymphatic cancer that forced us to help her journey across The Rainbow Bridge on 24 December 2012. Her In Memoriam site is HERE, with links to all her pages. Cari was the beginning of our Love for Cairns. We will miss you forever, Baby Girl.

IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain does keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done For this - the last battle - can't be won. You will be sad I understand But don't let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, You wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where my needs they'll tend, Only, stay with me till the end. And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don't grieve that it must now be you Who has to decide this thing to do. We've been so close - we two - these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears. -- Julia Napier, copyright 1999 My thanks to SandE Mancini for sending me this poem

THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE SKRENNINGER PACK, LUUCEEE YOU GOT SOME 'SPLAININ' TO DO!, WAS A MEMBER OF THE LUV CONNECTION 3 RESCUE MISSION ON 15 FEBRUARY 2009. Her CRUSA Rescue Story can be read HERE.

Princess RosieVi the Shy was a member OF CRUSA's SENIOR SQUAD Rescue Mission, October 2006. More pictures of her Pretty in Pink costume are HERE

TWO MEMBERS JOINED THE SKRENNINGER PACK IN OCTOBER 2007

Princess Daisy2Legs was rescued by CRUSA in November 2006; her story begins HERE. Pictures of her in her Princess crown can be seen HERE

Click on the photo for . . . DITY DENNINGER IN MEMORIAM 22 SEPTEMBER 1921-4 JANUARY 2007

APRIL ?-2 DECEMBER 2006
Click on the picture to visit The Making of the Skrenninger Howliday ard 2006 - Behind the Scenes, with April's last pictures	She came to us in a snowstorm; she left us in a snowstorm . . . . On Friday, 1 December 2006, April came in from the blizzard and seemed to say, I can't go through another winter. She lay down in VetteMan's office and refused to get up or eat for the rest of the day & night.
On 2 December, we carried her to her vet, who took one look and said, "It's time . . . ." So the dog who was tied to the door of the Kenosha Humane Society, in a snowstorm; who came home with us in a snowstorm on 1 April 1993 . . . crossed the Bridge, leaving behind a snowstorm . . . and a family who loved her dearly.
Are we having FUN yet?	Now, April My Heart Dog again can hear, and see, and run . . . probably right over to Misha to bite her in the ear . . . April was the dominant dog . . . and the Nanny . . . now she's many happy memories.
IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain does keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done For this - the last battle - can't be won. You will be sad I understand But don't let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, You wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where my needs they'll tend, Only, stay with me till the end. And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don't grieve that it must now be you Who has to decide this thing to do. We've been so close - we two - these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears. -- Julia Napier, copyright 1999 My thanks to SandE Mancini for sending me this poem

RICO & CARI

After 22 years together, Canidlover & VetteMan/CairnDaddy were married on 22 May 2004. RICO & CARI, OUR RING BEARERS Click on Rico & Cari's picture to go to the TWO PARROTHEADS IN PARADISE wedding pages Misha (@RB) was with us in spirit; April guarded the house; Cari & Rico were Ring Bearers, in the lovely 'danas made by Mary Lynn D'Aubin with pockets in the 'danas for the rings. They behaved very well, and stayed for the entire reception.

RICOBADBOY
Rico the Rescue Cairn was added to our pack on 13 August 2003. Click on his picture to go to his website. Thanks to Kathie Rudy for adding the watercolor touch to Rico's picture!

MISHA 25 NOVEMBER 1987-14 SEPTEMBER 2001
Click on Misha's picture to go to her IN MEMORIAM pages.	In June 2001, Misha was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. The principal source of this cancer was never determined. On Friday, 14 September 2001, Misha crossed The Rainbow Bridge from her own beloved back yard.
This picture is how I will always remember our girl . . . always ready for a party (Will there be FOOD?); willing to be silly (If I wear this hat, will I get FOOD?), and that big black nose (Do I smell FOOD?). We will miss her forever and ever . . . .
I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives, and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race; for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time? -- Sir Walter Scott, 1822

Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity
a human ever has to choose a relative.

-- Mordecai Siegal