SAPPY Pet Loss & Grief Support Group of San Antonio: December 2007

December 8, 2007

5th Annual Tribute to Tails Brings Hope and Healing for the Heart

Pet parents from across San Antonio gathered to pay tribute to their four-legged friends during a special memorial service in their honor.

There wasn't a dry eye in the chapel of the First Mexican Baptist Church, Tuesday, December 4, as pet owners remembered their precious animal companions with inspirational music, poems, messages of hope and a special candle lighting.

Pet parents brought photos of their fur babies and placed them both on the altar and Tribute to Tails Memorial Garden.

Tom McGoldrick, owner of Paws in Heaven Pet Crematory, Sattler, Texas, told participants about his love for God's creatures. He said, "Take a moment and think what life would be like without pets. Our pets mean a lot to us and they are part of our lives." McGoldrick also

remembered his yellow Labrador Retriever Apollo, who passed away several years ago. "I usually cry when I talk about Apollo. It's been five years that I've shared my story about Apollo during Tribute to Tails and I think I can get through it this time."

LeeAnn Mitchell of San Antonio, shared a beautiful song in honor of her dog Nala. Jesse Almaraz, a local praise and worship minister, also sang an inspiring song in memory of all pets. Plus, a

local band, Brothers United in Christ, played beautiful music about heaven.

Pet parents also shared very unique poems and candles were lit to memorialize family fur friends of all kinds, along with living pets, who were invited.

Refreshments were served at the end of the event.

Tribute to Tails is sponsored by SAPPY Pet Loss & Grief Support Group of San Antonio, a support group organized for pet owners who lost a pet to illness, old age, accident or displacement. The group meets every 4th Tuesday of the month. For more information about this support group, call (210) 216-0920 or send an e-mail SappyPetLoss@sbcglobal.net.

If you're interested in serving in the 2008 Tribute to Tails

Planning Committee, please e-mail

SappyPetLoss@sbcglobal.net, or call Julie at (210) 216-0920.

Special thanks to:

Tom & Sue Ann McGoldrick, Paws

in Heaven Pet Crematory, Sattler, Texas

Frank & Maureen Ballard

Jim Wiley

Jesse Almaraz

Pastor Clifford Shook

Joe & Janie Almaraz

Pastor Alfonso Flores

Brothers United in Christ Band

Lee Ann Mitchell

Carol Fink and Family

Teri Ealy and Family

Jeanette Mohr

Boni & Charlie Hall

Joel Schmitz

Ronald Rosales

Susie Salazar

Carol at Tribute to Tails 06'

Carol holds a poster-sized photo of her beloved Junior. Little Junior passed away in 2006. The following is a poem she wrote in honor of Junior. Here it goes: "This is a poem I wrote about Junior. He was born into my hand over 16 years ago and passed away a little over a month ago. Junior, my baby; my little man...you were my heart’s delight, the day you came into my life. Born in my hand, you looked so grand. I knew right then, you were my little man. Even though you only had three legs and no tail, you were going to be the best dog ever, I could tell. All odds were against you! The doctor said you had no chance, but you learned to run, bark and sing. You even learned how to dance! A happy life you did lead; that is why I find it hard to believe. Out of my sight,but not out of my heart. My precious baby, we will never be apart! We will never say good-bye! Just see you later, my little guy." By Carol Fink

Gracie "Gremmo"

Our precious Grace. She came into our lives in 1994. I was driving through a neighborhood and noticed this little creature crossing the icy cold street. It was very cold and dark that night. I had gone to my sister's house to pick up something and on my way home, I met Ms. Grace. I got out of my car and reached for her. She came quickly to my arms and I brought her home. I bathed her in warm water and soap. Cleaned her up, dried her and fed her a nice warm meal. She was so grateful. I remember seeing her little tail wag, wag, wag with gladness and thankfulness. She was my little Gracie girl. In April 2006, she passed away. She's now in heaven with Jesus, resting in God's beautiful pastures. She's with God and Sappy! My husband often called her "Gremmo," short for Gremlin.

Frieda

The following is a special poem written by my dear friend Maureen. Maureen wrote this beautiful poem shortly after Frieda went to heaven. Maureen and Frank are a special couple and I love them lots! A Tribute to Frieda: You walked and ran us thousands of miles,Greeted us with full body wags and smiles,Regarded all humans you knew as your peers,Comforted Grandma through her final years,Accepted your decline with dignity and grace,We’ll never forget your sweet, loving face.Monday, June 3, 1991 – the day we found you – and joy in our lives.

Pets Leave Pawprints

When the day arrives for us to say farewell to those beautiful creatures God called us to take care of here on earth, it's very difficult. I remember feeling empty and crushed inside. My heart was broken in millions of tiny pieces. I really felt a huge hole in my heart. That afternoon felt like the world was ending for me and my husband. It's been three years since our Sappy went to heaven with God. I still miss him and I find myself crying at times when I think of certain things about him. He was quite the gentleman. He was a handsome boy and very polite. I sure do miss him, but I know that he's in heaven with God, Almighty.
Have you ever read the Bible? There's some scripture that strongly indicates that our pets do go to heaven. It's true! They do go to heaven. I'll share more with you soon. Until then, keep your eyes on God and trust that your pet is in heaven too.

SAPPY Pet Loss & Grief Support Group of San Antonio

December 11, 2007

5th Annual Tribute to Tails Remembers Four-Legged Furry Friends (Dec. 4, 2007)

December 8, 2007

5th Annual Tribute to Tails Brings Hope and Healing for the Heart

Tribute to Tails 2006

Tribute to Tails 2007