Overcoming the trials in life

It's been quite some time since I've written on this blog site. I've been extremely busy the last couple of years caring for my mom. She was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and after major surgery I made it my mission to provide as much love, kindness and care to her during her season of recovery.

Mom is doing wonderful. She has lots of GREAT days! I thank God for her and I'm so grateful He's allowing me more time to enjoy with her.

When I learned mom had cancer, I immediately remembered my precious Sappy who's life was taken because of cancer. He was my pride and joy! He meant the world to me and so does my mom.

Thank you for stopping by my blog site. I hope and pray that while you visit through the pages of this blog, you receive some comfort knowing that you're not alone in your grief.

If you need support after the loss of a furry friend or after receiving a bad diagnosis from your veterinarian, please know that we are here for you. You can email us at SappyPetLoss@sbcglobal.net and we will respond to your message within 24-hours.

Our support group will resume its monthly gatherings in January 2015. We will provide you with the new location soon. In the meantime, if you need support, please contact us at (210) 216-0920.

Sincerely,
Julie
SAPPY Pet Loss & Grief of San Antonio
Since 2003

Support group resumes gatherings in 2015

Our support group will resume gathering January 2015. Stay tuned for details.
If you need support, please send us an email at SappyPetLoss@sbcglobal.net or call us at (210) 216-0920.

Mark your calendars!

10th Anniversary Tribute to Tails
Saturday, December 1, 2012
St. Francis Episcopal Church
4242 Bluemel Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78240

See you there!

Today I celebrate my furry friend Sappy. My precious Sappy went to Heaven nine years ago on this day. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him. This morning when I woke up, my heart was a bit sad as memories of his last days on earth came to mind. But instead of becoming overwhelmed with thoughts of his illness and that dreadful visit to the vet's office, I reminded myself that he is no longer suffering from cancer. He's free of disease and old age. He's running through God's country now. He's healthy, happy and in the presence of God. He's doing great. So today I will celebrate him by visiting various animal shelters in my hometown and donating to the cause in his name. I will buy some beautiful flowers and candles for a tribute to him in our home, surrounded by other furry friends ... I'm smiling now! These things make me feel happy because Sappy is part of it. He is with me in spirit. He was such a wonderful friend and I will never forget his unconditional love and amazing personality. He lives on in my heart, forever! The day you left earth was the day you started a new life in Heaven! Happy Birthday, Sappy! I LOVE you SO very much and ALWAYS will. See you at the gates!

Lost and Found

By Julie Wiley

Spring is so close. In only a few short weeks, Easter will be here! Every year at this time, I can't help but think of my precious furry friends who are no longer with us. They each had such amazing personalities - how could I ever forget them? Our furry friends were part of the family. They had their favorite places around our home, and they always seemed so content. I miss their presence so much!

I recall the time one of our furry friends went missing. Sappy, our 6-pound, longhaired Chihuahua accidentally slipped out of our home.

One day my husband and I were doing some spring cleaning in the garage. I noticed Sappy wasn't in his normal place - our bedroom. I started calling out his name, "Sappy! Sappy! Sappy, where are you?" I started to panic and cry. I ran back to the garage and told my husband that Sappy was missing. He's always the calm one. He said, "He's got to be around the house ... let's look for him. Stop crying! We will find him." We searched for more than an hour. We even looked outside and drove around the block several times. My heart felt as if it jumped out of my chest. I was so overwhelmed with fear that I would never see him again.

But then, my husband yelled out, "I found him. I found him." I ran to him, and there he was sitting on the front porch, next to a pot of ivy. He stared at me with gladness, as he wagged his tail with relief. I think he was trying to say, "Mama, I was always here but you didn't look close enough." In my desperation, I probably didn't look close enough. He was probably sitting there the entire time. He never barked because he was a quiet soul. He was bashful and extremely serious. He reminded me of a little professor. My furry friend was probably thinking, "Geez, she needs to trust God more! I can't believe how scared she's getting. I'm here sitting on the porch waiting for her to let me inside, and instead, she's running all over the neighborhood like a crazy person!"

You see, Sappy was an indoor dog. I never thought he'd get out of the house, but he must've accidentally got out when he was following one of us. We made several trips to the car, as we were bringing boxes into the garage to use for our spring cleaning. When our eyes met at the porch, it was one of the happiest days of my life. We were reunited and all my fears were put to rest. I had found my precious little Sappy. Happy ending.

As we approach Resurrection Sunday, let's reflect on the love, mercy and grace God has so richly blessed us with in His son Jesus Christ. We serve a God who is never out of reach or lost. Instead, He's always ready to show us the way! Because the truth is, we are the ones who often get lost. But, unlike Sappy, who wanted to be found by his master, some of us aren't as eager to be found until we are in deep trouble. Don't wait until trouble comes your way, seek God's kingdom today! He's closer than you think.

In Memory of our furry friends of yesterday: Sappy, Roscoe, Muffin, Gracie, Barney, Chilita, Curly I, Curly II, Brownie, Bubbles, Abbey, Scoobey, Whitey, Blacky and Lucky.

The SAPPY Pet Loss & Grief Support Group gathers on the 4th Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., The English Tea Shoppe, 6877 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, TX 78238 (in Leon Valley). Call 210-216-0920 for more information.

Connect with us today:

facebook.com/Tribute2TailsSanAntonio

twitter.com/SappyPetLoss

sappypetlosssupportgroup.blogspot.com

Join us for the 9th Annual Tribute to Tails Candlelight Memorial. If you or someone you know has lost a furry friend, this is a wonderful way to celebrate them! Feel free to share with your friends and family! Hope to see you there! For more information, call 210-216-0920.

Saturday,December 3, 2011 at 6 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 4242 Bluemel Rd., in San Antonio, TX.

Guest Speaker: Teri Wilson, Author of All Creatures of Our God and King, Rodeo Rescue, Cup of Joe & More!

Featured Speaker: Sarah Centeno, Winner of Our Side of Town" Competitions in San Antonio.

Inspirational music. Uplifting messages. Special candlelight ceremony. Memorial Wall. Special tribute memorial keepsake ornaments. Door prizes. Special Rainbow Bridge bracelets to first 20 guests. Free to the community. Pets welcome.

Hope you can join us for this wonderful event. Bring your furry friends and enjoy!

Good day my fellow pet parents!
We meet on the 4th Tuesday of the Month, 6:30 - 8 p.m., at The English Tea Shoppe, 6877 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, TX 78238 (In Leon Valley).

Sappy

Losing a precious animal friend can be extremely difficult. Our furry friends are a HUGE part of our lives and valued members of the family. Our support group started in 2003, after losing Sappy, our beautiful Chihuahua. He was 14.


Sappy was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Let me tell you, it was the hardest thing I ever had to face. Losing him left me feeling very empty. But thanks to this support group, I've healed from a broken heart. The people who come to the group gatherings are amazing pet parents! I never feel alone when I'm surrounded by those who understand the pain that comes after the death of a pet (fur baby). They are wonderful people who loved their fur babies so much. After all, our fur kids are so much more than just pets, they are family!


We hope you find comfort in the monthly group gatherings. I know I do ... even after eight years! The monthly group gatherings are FREE to the pet parent community. Bring a photo, if you want to, we'd love to see a picture of your wonderful fur baby!

ScheduleTuesday, October 25
Tuesday, November 22
Tuesday, December 27

9th Annual Tribute to Tails Candlelight Memorial
Saturday, December 3, 2011
6 p.m.
St. Francis Episcopal Church
4242 Bluemel Rd.
San Antonio, Texas


For more information about our support group, please call 210-216-0920.


Watch story about our support group:
http://bit.ly/nLKWdu


Join us on Facebook:
facebook.com/Tribute2TailsSanAntonio


Follow us on Twitter:
twitter.com/Tribute2TailsSA

Healing happens in the morning

Yes, healing does happens in the morning! I can remember the day my husband and I had to say farewell to our little Chihuahua Sappy. It was such a horrible experience. Driving Sappy to the vet to do something I never thought I could do.

Sappy was diagnosed with bladder cancer in early June 2003. When I got the news, it was like a ton of bricks hit me. How could this be? My little dog has what? Oh my gosh! Was I dreaming or was this real!? It was real. The grieving kicked in. The vet kept talking, and all I could do is look at Sappy's eyes stare into mine. I could hear him speak into my heart, "Mommy, it'll be OK. God is with us, remember? God is with us!" He helped to calm me, and he also reminded me of our God who has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

After the vet was done talking to us, we walked out of the clinic in disbelief. I carried my little white longhaired, 6 pound dog in my arms and sat in the car in silence. I felt numb and very sad. For the next three months, I grieved. God allowed me to love Sappy for three months from the diagnosis. I kissed him more than usual. I had long conversations with him about Heaven. And, he listened. Sappy was extremely special.

So on Monday, August 4, 2003, with shaky knees and sweaty palms, I carried my little Sappy boy into the vet's clinic to help send him safely home (Heaven). It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. He quietly fell asleep and ran into eternity with God. He was ready. He knew God. There wasn't one day we never talked about God. My fur baby is with God now. :)

I miss him so very much, and the tears are rolling down my face as I write in my blog. And, even after crying for several months, healing came! I still remember him and I'll never forget him ... NEVER!!!!! But, God has healed my broken heart enough to allow for me to love another dog. He's not Sappy, but he is very wonderful too. I adopted another fur baby in honor of Sappy. This little dog has helped me grieve and love again!

My Sappy: I will love you, forever! And, I will see you again in Heaven. That's a promise from God.

After a night of crying, healing came in the morning!

The 8th Annual Tribute to Tails Candlelight Memorial was a great success! Pet parents from across San Antonio participated in this amazing event. Pet parents from as far away as El Paso joined us as we celebrated our furry friends of yesterday! Plus, many pet parents brought their animal friends of today with them. It was a really beautiful event. Hope you can join us next year. Stay tuned for details for the 2011 event.

Check out the video produced by Robbin Cresswell, local photojournalist, who captured this event beautifully with her talented lens.

Click on the link:

http://animoto.com/play/A3E4kFwqUvSvpyZTjauQfw?utm_content=main_link

Special thanks to:

Cathy Rosenthal

Animal Advocate/Author of the Pet Pundit, Pet Columnist for San Antonio Express-News

Tom McGoldrick

Paws in Heaven Crematory

Sattler, Texas

Karrie Kern

One World Conservation

San Antonio/Austin, Texas

Sarah and Gilbert Centeno

Local Artists, San Antonio, Texas

Robbin Cresswell

Photojournalist

San Antonio, Texas

Scott Huddleston, Jacquie Baker, Michelle Autry, Jason

St. Francis Episcopal Church

San Antonio, Texas

Pastor Clifford Shook

San Antonio, Texas

Jaylin Billig

San Antonio, Texas

Trudy and Arthur Land

San Antonio, Texas

Pamela, Carol, Jim and Travis Fink

San Antonio, Texas

Dolph and Anna Tamayo

San Antonio, Texas

Terri Ealey

San Antonio, Texas

Nora Ramirez

San Antonio, Texas

All Tribute to Tails 2010 Committee Members.

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8th Annual Tribute to Tails Candlelight Memorial - Dec. 4, 2010

SAPPY group deals with love and loss of animal friends

By Aimee Villalobos - Staff writer/Northwest Weekly

Julie Wiley will never forget her long-haired Chihuahua, Sappy, who passed away in 2003.

“It doesn't get any easier,” she said. “You love all the pets you have in your life, but with Sappy I really bonded with him through a lot, and he was the first being that I truly loved that I lost.”

After their dog's death, said Wiley, she and her husband were devastated and found themselves alone in their sadness.

“We felt like there was not a place to grieve, especially for a pet,” she said.

She decided to take action, and seven years later the S.A.P.P.Y. Pet Loss & Grief Support Group of San Antonio still meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the English Tea Shoppe on Bandera Road. The Christian-based support group, Wiley says, pays honor to her “Sappy Wappy” with its acronym, which stands for Someone is Always Praying for Pets and You.

Wiley said many first-timers come to the group with a lot of questions.

“Is it normal that I'm grieving my pet more than, say, mom or dad?” she said. “You leave home, you grow up and start a new life and they (pets) are so much a part of your routine and life that it's okay. It's just the kind of love you had for your pet.”

Wiley said the number of members varies from month to month, but all newcomers receive a packet that includes a candle, grief and loss information as well as a rainbow ornament with the Rainbow Bridge poem, an ode to pets' place in heaven.

Wiley said many struggle with the idea of where their pets end up, something she has been through firsthand.

“I clung to my Bible and searched and asked and wrote a lot of theologians, and I believe they (pets) will see us in heaven,” she said.

Frank and Maureen Ballard have been coming to the group since 2005 when they lost Frieda, a terrier mix.

“I said, ‘We're gonna need some professional help,' Maureen Ballard said. “I burst into tears every few minutes.”

Frank Ballard said he was glad a group like this existed for him and his wife.

“Most people don't understand, and I'm thankful for this group,” he said. “How do you replace a family member? That's the way I look at it.”

Members are encouraged to share their stories and work through the grieving process together.

“The road to healing is easier if you talk about it,” Wiley said. “We're made to support one another.”

Carole Fink lost her dog Junior in 2006 and has attended meetings ever since.

“I said, ‘She's (Julie Wiley) like an angel' because nobody cares, and people think you're silly to cry over a little old dog, but she understood,” she said.

Fink said it has been a lengthy process, but she has found comfort in the group.

“Junior was like my best friend. We went everywhere together,” she said. “He was so deep in my heart. It's been three long years, but I have a new puppy.”

Wiley said people are taking a step towards healing every time they come to a meeting because they are addressing their grief.

“It's a loss. A loss is a loss,” she said. “When you lose your job, you grieve.”

Wiley said there is no timetable to healing, but it does happen.

“I'm a testament to say those million pieces (of your heart) that are crushed heal,” she said.

For more information on the S.A.P.P.Y. Pet Loss & Grief Support Group, visit http://sappypetlosssupportgroup.blogspot.com.

*SAPPY Pet Loss & Grief Support Group of San Antonio

(Since 2003)

2011 Schedule

The support group gathers on the 4th Tuesday of the Month

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The English Tea Shoppe

6877 Bandera Road, San Antonio, TX 78238 (in Leon Valley)

September 27

October 25

November 22

December 27

Tribute to Tails

Our 9th Annual Tribute to Tails Candlelight event, a unique ceremony honoring and celebrating the animal friends in our lives will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 4242 Bluemel Road, San Antonio, TX. This event pays tribute to all furry friends who are no longer with us, and celebrates the animal companions in our lives today (pets are welcome to attend this event).

For more information about our support group or Tribute to Tails event, please call (210) 216-0920 or e-mail to SappyPetLoss@sbcglobal.net or Tribute2Tails@yahoo.com. Find us on Facebook! Tribute to Tails San Antonio or SAPPY Pet Loss & Grief Support Group of San Antonio.

*The support group was named for the founder's 14-year-old Chihuahua Sappy, who passed away on August 4, 2003, after a brief battle with bladder cancer.

The 7th Annual Tribute to Tails drew dozens of pet parents from across San Antonio on December 5, 2009. Pet parents filled the Parish Hall at St. Francis Episcopal Church, as they honored the memories of their cherished family pets.

Join us for the 7th Annual Tribute to Tails Candlelight Memorial

SAVE THE DATE:
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009
6 - 7:30 p.m.
St. Francis Episcopal Church
4242 Bluemel Road
San Antonio, TX
Contact: Julie Wiley
(210) 216-0920

Free to the Community

If you have questions about our event, please call us at (210) 216-0920 or e-mail to Tribute2Tails@yahoo.com.

FEEL FREE TO DOWNLOAD THE FLIER AND SHARE WITH YOUR PET LOVER FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

Also, be sure to join "Tribute to Tails" on Facebook.

In Memory of My Sappy

(May 13, 1989 - August 4, 2003)

I can still remember the day I welcomed Sappy into my heart. I was fresh out of college and starting my career when Sapster joined me on this journey of life.

He brought so much joy into my life. I will never forget my fur boy! Sappy was tiny when I first laid eyes on him. He was so very precious. He was fast asleep, covered with a small blanket inside a basket decorated with ribbons. He was my college graduation gift. He was the BEST gift of all. I received money, clothes, furniture and jewelry from family members. But, none could compare to my new little dog name Sappy. He quickly became my roommate. How he got his name is a long story.

Today marks six years since he left for his own journey to Heaven. I know without a doubt that he's there! And, I know that someday I will see him again. I will join him on the most awesome journey of all - eternity with God! I look forward to that reunion. For now, I will wait and continue to serve God each day because I know He has more for me to do on earth. Today, Jim and I pay tribute to our little Sappy. We will honor his memory today and always! He lives deep within our hearts and we will never forget him. That little dog changed our lives in a HUGE way. He was truly a gift from God. So we Thank God for allowing us to love this precious creature for 14 years. He's now fully restored and in perfect health. We can't wait to see him again! -We love you, Sappy. Rest in peace. Your pet parents, Julie & Jim

In memory of Sappy. We invite you to join our network of pet parents at: http://tributetotailssanantonio.ning.com/

Below is one of our favorite poems.

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...

Blessings of the Animals

Bring your furry friends for a special blessing today!

Saturday, October 3
9 - noon
St. Francis Episcopal Church
4242 Bluemel Road
San Antonio, TX

For more information, call (210) 696-0834
or visit http://www.sfcsa.org/

Receive a Certificate of Blessing and St. Francis medal for your furry friend.

Visit with various local animal groups and organizations, including:
Over the Top Agility, Tribute to Tails & SAPPY Pet Loss Support Group, Pampered Pawz n Paws In Heaven, Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, Animal Welfare Society for Cats, Camp Bow Wow, Paws In Heaven Pet Crematory and Fifi & Fidos Pet Boutique.

—Free to the community—

ATTENTION: Girl puppy needs a good home
Another precious fur baby needs to be placed in a good, loving home. There are so many of them. It breaks my heart to learn about so many wonderful stray/homeless dogs who are being dumped across our city. Please help spread the word about this baby who needs a good, forever home with pet parents who will love and treat her as part of their family.

This female puppy is a larger dog but still pretty young, probably under a year. She knows how to sit and is sweet but we think she was dumped two or three weeks ago and has been too scared to come to anyone until now.

She was pretty thirsty and hungry - poor thing. She is so cute!!!!

If you know of anyone who would be interested in adopting this sweet girl, please let me know and I will provide you with the contact information.

Please call us if you are interested at (210) 216-0920.

Thanks for your help! God bless you.

Jim & Julie Wiley
(210) 216-0920

When Grief Comes

Whether you've had a pet companion for one week, six months or 15 years, it hurts deeply when the time comes to say farewell. When my husband Jim and I released our precious little Sappy boy to God in Heaven, it was devastating. Euthanizaton was the most difficult decision we ever had to make in our lives. But thank God for our faith and hope! We know that all of God's creatures are in His care, and that He is in control of everything.

If you find yourself grieving the loss of a faithful furry friend, please know that you are absolutely not alone. Jim and I organized a group for pet parents in need of support. We started the group gatherings in September of 2003, a little more than one month after we lost Sappy to bladder cancer. The group has been meeting since then. We even organized a special candlelight service to pay tribute to our furry friends. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. We usually hold this event in early December. This year will mark the 7th year. We look forward to celebrating Sappy again, along with hundreds of other animal friends at the event.

This year's Tribute to Tails will be offered on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at St. Francis Episcopal Church in San Antonio, TX. Hope to see you there!

If you have any questions about our support group or Tribute to Tails, please contact us at (210) 216-0920. We are here for you!

Thank you and God bless you,
-Jim & Julie Wiley

"RED" Needs A New Rainbow of Color in Her Life
Abandoned dog needs good, responsible pet parents

May 29, 2009

Imagine your family packing up their suitcases and loading their car with all of their keepsakes, then driving away without you. That's what happened to Red.

Red is a beautiful dog who was recently abandoned by her family - (See attached photo of Miss Red).

Red's family moved three months ago and left her behind. She was running the streets during the day and returned to her family's vacant home at night. Karen Hilo, a very special and compassion lady noticed that Red was homeless and probably thirsty and hungry, so she started feeding her.

It was a challenge for Karen to get near Red, as Karen wanted to take her home. But at the right time, Red began to trust Karen. Finally Karen was able to connect with Red. Karen now has Red in her home where she lives in the garage. Karen says, "As you can imagine, I had no idea what this dog was like but knew in my heart it was for the best. I opened the cage in my closed garage and out she came."

Karen says while scared, Red didn't show any aggression. When Red saw Karen's other dogs, she quickly became "alive" and started wagging her tail. She also started playing right away with Karen's other fur kids. "I have had her for three weeks. She is coming along, getting use to me. She has had her shots and is getting fixed next week," explains Karen. "I am sure she would make a wonderful dog for a family that has at least one dog in the home."

Karen says that Red likes and plays very nicely with others dogs. Red is also house trained and is a really sweet dog. She adds, "I also had her seen by Haley Cyr, the dog trainer at Animal Defense League (ADL), who had very nice things to say about her." Karen would love to see Red placed in a good, loving forever home.

If anyone is interested in adopting Red, please contact Karen Hilo at by e-mail at khiloaloha@aol.com

NOTE: Karen isn't interested in placing Red in a shelter. She really wants to find a good home for her, a home that has at least one other dog. In the meantime, Red will remain living with Karen until someone adopts her. Karen already has several dogs of her own, so she really can't adopt Red. If someone is interested in adopting her, it would require a slow move between both homes and for a few weeks so that Red does not feel abandoned again. Karen wants the BEST for Red.

Background information about Red:
- She seems larger in the photo. She is actually only about 30 pounds, full grown and 1-2 ys. old
- She is Well behaved, but shy around people
- Mixed-breed (not sure?). Has Red hair
- Loving personality
- Gets along with other dogs
- Is a bit shy
- Has shots
- Will be getting spayed by foster parent
- In good health

If you or someone you know is interested in adopting Red, please contact Karen right away by email at: khiloaloha@aol.com.

Please feel free to forward this email to ALL of your pet lover friends and family. And, please keep Red in your daily prayers.

Thank you and God bless you.

Your friends,

Jim & Julie Wiley
(210) 216-0920
S.A.P.P.Y. Pet Loss & Grief Support Group of San Antonio (Since 2003)