Special Message from Pondercentral
In the nearly 10 years that Pondercentral has been in existence, I've made a point to limit sharing information about events in my personal life because the service is clearly not about me. Today, I've decided to briefly step outside this policy in order to share with you the very sad news that our dog Heidi passed away this week.
Heidi was a Border Collie/Flat Coat Retriever/Spaniel mix who joined our family in December of 1995, and who throughout the course of her life brought us more joy than I can begin to describe. When our first dog, Codi, passed away at the age of 13 in April of 2005, Heidi was there to fill up the emptiness with an unbelievable amount of love and attention. Although impeccably healthy for virtually her entire life, starting in June she encountered a series of medical setbacks that ultimately brought her to the point where this week it was obvious that she needed to make her transition to the afterlife. We took her to the veterinarian to assist her in this regard, and are now dealing with the grief that naturally comes from losing a family member after so many years. While at some point we may choose to have another dog in our family, for the time being we'll just have to get used to having such a quiet house after over 16 years of canine activity. (Photo of Heidi above-right was taken last December).
In case you weren't aware, I have written a book about our dog Codi and am currently in the process of connecting with the right people to get it published and on bookstore shelves. I fully intend to write a book about Heidi as well.
Thanks for the opportunity to share this information with you, for even though we may not actually know each other, we are indeed all connected in both our joy and in our pain.
In case you weren't aware, I have written a book about our dog Codi and am currently in the process of connecting with the right people to get it published and on bookstore shelves. I fully intend to write a book about Heidi as well.
Thanks for the opportunity to share this information with you, for even though we may not actually know each other, we are indeed all connected in both our joy and in our pain.
Dogs truly are man's best friend; they are steadfast companions, loyal to the end, and masterful teachers of unconditional love. A dog will lick the wounds of its master, take on their burdens and illness and refuse to give them back. A dog will face deadly enemies and threats to the safety of its owner -- often choosing death over the suffering of their master. Many people do not understand how this could be so, or why; but anyone who has formed a bond and relationship with a canine friend knows exactly what I mean.
In the time I've known Jeff Maziarek, I've come to know of Codi and Heidi as if they were his children, or dear friends -- or both. To hear Jeff speak of these two "people with paws," is to hear a heart filled with love and respect, and a deep understanding that these furry, four-footed folks are among the greatest gifts on this planet -- gifts that keep on giving -- even as their own lives flicker and fade away.
Just like Codi, Heidi will be dearly missed; but the gifts, joy, and time they gave Jeff are evident in the gifts of love, wisdom and enlightenment he shares with his family, friends, readers, and subscribers. I've read Codi's book; and I am looking forward to a time when you will all have a chance to read this beautiful tribute to the beautiful teacher Codi was -- and continues to be.
Our hearts are with Jeff and Andi as they work to fill the void that has been created by the transition of their dear friend. I know Codi will show Heidi the ropes (probably while playing a little game of tug-o-war with those ropes) in their new home; and I'm sure they're both surrounded by chew-toys and sipping on umbrella-drinks while they share stories and memories of Jeff, Andi, and all the fun and crazy things that happened here on Earth. Here's to a safe and fun-filled journey for Heidi -- and that peace and love fill the spaces in their home that were once filled with fur and chewed-up sneakers.
We love you guys!
Jenn and Pete Koerner
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