If you would like to read some of Smoky's remembrances, here is his virtual
funeral page. Don't forget to bring tissues.

when he was still on this earth.
Smoky's Memory Page

Am/Can CH Ffallian Smokin' Smoky Blue TD HS TT VC
Smoky died on November 5, 2003.
He was 14 years, 9 months old.
I miss him terribly. He was my first Cardigan Heart Dog.
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The above photo was taken on April 29,2003.
When he died in my arms six months later he looked like this still.
Run free, dear Smoky.
...  "loved and safe until the end"  ...
Smoky was named
after the horse-hero of the famous
Will James novel.
Here is the little guy with my friend
Wally on the day I got him, already
wearing sunglasses. Little did I
know one day he would be my logo!
when he was still on this earth.
"You slipped away; I held you close;
your soul flowed through my heart.
I felt your last breath through the tears,
I felt your pain depart.
Tonight I looked up to the sky
and there for me to view
was one lone star      shining proud,
your name was shining, too.
You were my angel on this earth
you're my angel in the sky.
Wait for me, someday you'll see
our names shine side by side."
(from "Angel In The Sky" by Terri Onorato)
"When we think of those companions
who traveled by our side down life's road,
let us not say with sadness
that they left us behind,
but rather say with gratitude
that they once were with us."
(Inspired by the poetry of Russia)
I am with you still - I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone -
I am with you still - in each new dawn.
(Anonymous Native American)
                 "FOR SMOKY"
Surrounded by darkness and the echoes of despair
I hold out my arms and find you there.
The chilling screams of nightmares long past
Are dampened by love, conquered at last.
Tears fall quietly, a broken heart heals
I come to you in pain, then reverently kneel.
The shadows of old ghosts slowly disappear
Made powerless by the love I feel when you are near.
You opened my heart with your wagging tail
The one job you had you never would fail
You brought out my wishes and calmed my night
With your blue coat shining what a beautiful sight
I watched you grow and bound all around
Herding those sheep your joy you had found
You hung on as long as love would allow
But I know you understand I must let you go now
Fear not little one I know your so brave
Through all of my pains my heart you did save
We held on so long a friend by my side
But now I know in heaven you glide
Bouncing and bounding making God smile
Knowing I will join you after a while
Wait for me Smoky I'll come when I can
When God calls me to the promised land
Then we will cuddle and hug and play
Dearest Smoky I yearn for that day
            (written by one of Smoky's friends)

Thank you to: Vicki, Quest, Cochise and Dancer
with Raider walking beside them on silent paws for three of the above poems and other inspiring thoughts.

On the night Smoky died, many candles were lit
for him around the world. Here are a few of  the people who lit a candle for Smoky:
         Donna, Lisa and Jay in Wichita Falls, TX
         Debbie in Edmonds, WA
         June who carefully lit a candle in Pennsylvania
         Sharel in Arizona
         Lyn and Bucky Buck in Texas who lit "a guardian angel prayer candle for
                   Smoky's doggie spirit's peaceful travels"
         Buck in Michigan
         January , angel TJ, Serena, Raffy, and the cats in New Jersey
         Edie in Great Falls, VA  "Jamie and I will remember Smoky every time we
                     light a candle in memory of those waiting for us at the Bridge."
         Sheri in Minnesota
         Donna in Massachusetts, who lit several candles
         Clif and Odie who lit a candle for Smoky in Florida
         Gayle and the Troubadour Cardigans who lit a candle in Virginia
         Julie in Iowa   "This day I burn a candle of blue, I think you'd like that."
         Vicki, Quest, Cochise and Dancer (with Raider walking beside them on
                    silent paws) in Eugene, Oregon
          Scott, Carson and Logan in Houston, Texas
          Roxanne in Humboldt County California
          Avery in Houston, Texas
          Louise in Oregon   "Just lit a candle for Smoky through tears. "Hope he
                    likes herbal meadow."
          Gabi, Larry and Smoky's son Skye-lar in Seattle "We lit a blue candle for
                    Smoky. You are both in our thoughts."
          Jodi in Austin, Texas who lit a smoke-blue "ocean mist" scented candle
                    for Smoky.

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If you would like to read some of Smoky's remembrances, here is his virtual
funeral page. Don't forget to bring tissues.