I remember the day Greg taught Poke how to "shake hands". Kev and I came back to the house and Greg nonchalantly told us that Poke learned how to shake hands. We sort of didn't believe him because we had such a hard time trying to teach Poke in the past. When Greg showed us, Kev and I were cracking up and so happy. It was the cutest thing ever because you could see Poke thinking and working so hard just for that treat that we holding in front of him.

Greg also taught Abby and Poke to beg. I wish I had taken a picture of this. Again, Kev and I arrived at the house and Greg told us he taught Abby to beg but he didn't think Poke got it. A couple days later, I was giving a treat to Abby and asked her to beg... and there was Poke begging right beside her. He knew all along but was a stubborn little guy that only entertained for those chicken jerky treats.

I really miss Poke's hugs. I'd call him over and he would sit right in front of me and rest his head on my shoulder. We would hug for a few seconds and my heart would be full. Or sometimes we would do forehead-to-forehead and enjoy each other's presence. I cherished and appreciated every single day with my Poke. He was such a gift to me. My heart aches for the day that I get to see him again.

Can't wait for this day......

The Rainbow Bridge

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 that 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....

Poke in some unusual positions

Poke did some funny poses that I captured on my phone. I did not tell Poke to do what he is doing in the photo. They were taken candidly. The first was when I saw him with his face in his food bowl. The second was when he put his front arm in his mouth as if he was biting it. I loved seeing him pose in these strange but funny positions. I will miss you Poke! - Greg

Go Inside!

Poke's command to go "inside" was entertaining to us. Any cave, crate, corner, or box.... he would go inside, thanks to my Mom's great idea to crate-train him. We always got a kick out of it. This is when we were moving out of the Archstone Apartments in Placentia... packing Poke away for the move! :)

He knew the command "go pee pee" and even when he didn't have to go, he would squat and dribble out a couple of courtesy droplets to satisfy us.

I miss when poke would lean against me. I could feel all his weight.. He was kinda jiggly :)

He would sneeze on my face, arms, and legs out of nowhere. It never bothered me.

Poke would clean his eyes really well. Even when he got sick, he came home with dried up tears and he cleaned himself really well. I miss telling him what a good job he did. We would try to wipe them but he always did it so much better.