With a very heavy heart, I write this post honoring my favorite little carnivore…Elmo. The day after Christmas I got the call I’ve been dreading…my parents had to put Elmo to sleep after he suddenly took a turn for the worst. This came vey unexpected as Elmo has been very healthy all of his life. This past summer he was running 2 miles/day with me like it was nothing on his stubby little basset legs. But when a mass showed up over Christmas weekend and Elmo couldn’t walk…let alone eat his favorite treat (ham) my parents knew it was time.
This little guy had an impact on numerous lives. He was the focus of the neighborhood parties…the topic of conversation was often about what kind of treat each neighbor would give Elmo when he stopped by to say hello. One neighbor called my parents to see if ELMO liked ketchup on his hot dogs! While Elmo loved food, he loved walks, chasing bunnies, and he LOVED boat rides! He was a summertime dog for sure. I’ll miss watching his big ears flop in the wind at the bow of the boat. Elmo brought my family closer. Before my Grandpa passed, he even talked about how Elmo changed my Dad’s rough exterior to a much more open and loving exterior. He was truly an angel brought to us from GOD, but leaving us has created a hole in each of our hearts.
Luckily, when I got the bad news I was with some really special people…we were in the car heading to Leavenworth, WA. Sitting on one side of me was my husband and on the other a very dear friend of mine…Kelly. Kelly’s husband and mother-in-law were in the front seat. Needless to say I was in good hands. Kelly, is a vet and a dog lover so she’s been on both sides of the equation…and assuring me and my parents that they did the right thing made a huge difference. They kept us busy in Leavenworth, so getting the first day over with was really helpful.
Patton and I after going on our first sleigh ride!
Kelly and Ron…my support crew :)
So, in honor of changes and focusing on the good….I’m ready to bring in the new year…I’m going to continue documenting our lives with photos and videos because some day, we will all lose someone we love with all of our hearts and while we can’t fill the void, we can always return to memories….The video below was never meant to be shared on a blog…I made it for my Dad’s Birthday last November. It’s just a summertime home video highlight of my family on the lake…Elmo of course is included…keep an eye out for his soft little ears flopping in the wind at the bow of the boat….he even goes tubing with my mom….and lastly, the end 3 shot shows me with my parents….the first just my parents and I, but then ending with Elmo…because our family just wasn’t complete without him. Give your furry friends some extra love tonight, we just never know.
Stay tuned below for a New Year’s Soup that is believed to bring good luck into the new year…I’ll be sure to devour it on Jan. 1, 2012!
Onto the soup….and some really good luck :)
This is from “Clean Start“…if you’ve been reading my blog for a while…you’ll know I’m a huge fan of Terry Walters and her two books. Terry mentions that “In the south it’s believed that eating black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year’s Day ensures good luck and prosperity in the year ahead”. I could use some good luck….and good nutrition….and….it tastes really good! So give it a whirl, start 2012 off with a New Year’s Soup!
Collard greens are good sources of vitamin C and soluble fiber…it’s also a good preventer of cancer.
Black-eyed peas are also rich in Vitamin C as well as fiber, protein, potassium, zinc, and iron. * Iron is one of those curiosities for non-vegans…”where do you get your iron from”….black-eyed peas help :)
NEW YEAR’S SOUP
INGREDIENTS:
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 carrots, cut into 1/8 inch rounds (about 2 cups)
3 parsnips, cut into 1/8 inch rounds (about 1 cup)
1 bunch collard greens, stems removed
3 cups cooked black-eyed peas
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
4 cups vegetable stock
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
In soup pot or large Dutch oven over medium heat, saute onion and garlic in olive oil 3 minutes or until soft. Add carrots and parsnips and saute 3 minutes. Chop collard greens into bite-size pieces and add to pot along with black-eyed peas and oregano. Add vegetable stock, bring to boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer 20-25 minutes. Stir in apple cider vinegar and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and serve.
SERVING SUGGESTION
For a healthier meal, stir 1 cup cooked quinoa or millet into soup before serving.
* This recipe was SUPER easy…I was able to talk on the phone the entire time with my sister-in-law and make the recipe…kudos for simplicity and taste :) It’s also Patton approved…he snuck a bite and gave me a thumbs up…I love that man :)
Thanks for letting me share my woes about my little carnivore and all the joy he’s brought to my life and others…If you have furry friends who’ve crossed over…leave a comment and tell me about them. It really does help with the grieving process….at least for me :)
* If you happen to read the comments about this post, you’ll notice that my friend Linda mentioned the “Rainbow Bridge“….Here is how the poem goes…be sure to grab some tissues:
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
First, Christie, I am sorry for your loss! Elmo looks like he had a great life filled with love. Throughout my childhood, teen years, and college, my parents had at least one dog and as many as three Weimaraners at a time. When my parents had to put our first Weim, Hogan, down, it was absolutely heartbreaking. That dog was the happiest, silliest, and snuggliest dog we ever had. We all still miss him even though he has been gone for about 5 years. Watching your video, I could not stop smiling! Elmo’s ears and smile were just adorable! Your family looks like so much fun. Your video makes me miss Michigan summers on the lake! The soup also looks delish!!
Hi Jenny! Thanks for sharing about Hogan and the Weims! You and your family have been through some heartache, but the time and memories with the dogs makes it worth it…especially the summertimes in MI on the lake! There is nothing like it :)
HI Christie, So sorry to hear of your loss. Our love of pets is great and it is hard to say goodbye when they have such a short life on earth. It’s interesting that your friend Jenny had Weimaraners. I too had three Weimaraners in my families life. We had Annika, Ripley and Max. Annika and Max were brother and sister. Max had cancer but was never showed any pain through his illness, even after his leg was amputated and went through chemo. We called him our “Tri-pod”. Ripley was a rescue dog that had some wires crossed in his brain and was very protective of his owners, he felt he had to protect us 24/7. Annika was 16 1/2 and crossed Rainbow Bridge earlier this Summer. We miss her everyday. My son and I talk about how soft her ears were all the time. When we see other Weims we have to pet them :) I tell Ruben that Annika’s spirit is with us all the time and not to worry that God has plenty of space for all pet’s that go to heaven. Elmo’s spirit is with you always :) ~Linda
Linda! Thanks so much for sharing about Annika, Ripley, and Max (Tri-pod)! It’s so inspiring to see dogs continue on through sickness and amputations with a continuous love on life! It’s funny that you mention “Rainbow Bridge”, as a good friend of mine just shared it with me….I think I should add it to this blog…even though it makes me cry every time I read it..And I LOVE what you tell Ruben because it is so true! GOD does have plenty of space for all pets that goto Heaven and their spirits always stay with us! Well said! My friend Pam said “God must have sent Elmo to you for a reason and when he accomplished his duty, filled all of your hearts with love, and gave you the very best of memories, God then decided that he wanted a little of Elmo’s magic up in Heaven”…Can’t blame the big man for wanting some time with our furry friends too :)
That is so sweet Christie! Elmo was sooooo cute…wish I could have met him!! =) Oh and nice choice on the music. I don’t know if you remember, but I forced you to listen to Electric Light Orchestra in LA! I guess it stuck =) XOXO love you girl!!
Christin
Hi Friend! Thanks so much for the flowers! I’m heading to Lisa and Angel’s to pick them up…it worked out well since we’re bringing in the New Year with them :) You’re the best! And yes, I remember listening to ELO over…and over…and over again! And this song has always been one I liked most…since I’m solar-charged it only makes sense :)
I’m sorry about Elmo! I love the pictures of you guys with the sleigh! Hope you had a great Christmas! Let’s catch up soon, miss you!!!
Hey Missy! Thanks :) The sleigh ride was fun…kept my mind occupied and had a great support crew. Big hugs to each of you and a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!
First of all, I can’t believe you never said anything about Elmo during our talk… You know how much our family LOVES dogs, so I am very sorry to here about yours :(
Second: I am pretty sure I can use the soup for my PINK diet!!! I will have to add the ingredients to my shopping list. ( how were the collard greens? could I substitute kale?)
Love ya Sista Friend!!!
Seeeester! LOVED talking to you yesterday! I didn’t mention Elmo because I’m still a mess when I talk about it and I didn’t want to ruin the happy mood.
The soup was great! I think Kale would be a great addition/substitution…let me know what you think! And good luck with PINK! I can’t wait to see your transformation!
The howl’s completed it all!! We had many good years but geez sister stop poking fun at my ears already!!! Cheers to the new year! :) Luv you from the stars, Elmo
Thanks for bringing a smile to my face….with happy tears!
[…] Comments « My FAVORITE Little Carnivore and Hopefully Some Good Luck in 2012 […]
Thanks for sharing us your heart. I hope the days ahead will get better for you. And the new year will bring new beginnings! By the way, thanks for the soup! I am finding the balance in eating cooked and raw foods. And it’ll just continue to get better in 2012! Happy New Year!
Thanks Lirio! With time, I know it will get better :) Glad you’re finding balance between cooked and raw. I find eating raw is WAY easier in the summer :) Happy New Year to you and your family! Wishing you health and happiness in the upcoming year and beyond!
So sorry about your Elmo, Christie!!!!! Miss you so much!
Thanks Kendra! Appreciate your support friend! When is that little girl going to arrive?!?!?
We too are missing him terribly. Mike has no one to save the “good stuff” for… Miss seeing him run to our house through the path. He was the last part we had of Mackie too. Love the pictures/video. You and Patton are so cute together. We miss you and look forward to seeing you this year. Hugs and lots of love.
Elmo and Mackie are up there fishing together…well….Elmo is barking at Mackie :) Miss you guys, wish I could get a big hug from the McKinleys’ :( Love you Dar!
Sorry to hear about Elmo. I’m sure he’s in a better place :) Hope you all had a happy new year! Miss you guys!
Hey Sonya! Thanks so much. Yes, he’s in a better place…just a bummer to not have him nearby. Hope you had a great time in FL! Hope to see you in 2012 :)