The Rainbow Bridge

Above: Chelsea, as a young girl, with Christine visiting the battlefields she so loved

I have heard many people refer to the Rainbow Bridge. I never really knew what they were talking about. But it sounded like a very nice place to go. My new friend, Christine Barnes Boran, explained just what she meant when she confided that her beloved Tibetan Terrier, Chelsea, went to the Rainbow Bridge in 2003. That's when I found out that the Rainbow Bridge is where some people think TTs go when they are ready to leave this place we call earth.

Not only was she beautiful, Chelsea was a certified therapy dog. She paid many visits to the late Supreme Court justice Harry Blackmun who I understand is quite famous for his Roe v. Wade decision. Among many other things, Chelsea loved dirty laundry and float boat rides.

Christine was kind enough to share her reflections on Chelsea's last walk to her favorite haunts, the Manassas and Bull Run Civil War battlefields near her home in Virginia. Chelsea often visited the battlefields when she was younger and healthier and loved these walks so much.

Of course, it was an agonizing decision for Christine:

"She lived a long and healthy and productive life until that summer, when I could tell she soon would give me the look that said she had had enough. I didn't wait too long or let her go for long. I would have to say goodbye to her while she still had a little quality of life. I'm attaching a beautiful poem which Michael and I read to her under that arbor in the gardens before we took the car ride to the vet that day to send her to the Bridge. We read it to her together. It's beautiful. Get that hanky out, though....it's very touching. It gave us peace holding her under that arbor and reading it before we took that dreaded car ride to our vet. After the vet handed her so sweetly wrapped in the pink floral bedsheet, Michael drove home through horse country with me in the back seat holding my Chelsea, now gone, in my lap."

Cut the leash that holds me here,

Dear friend, and let me run,

Once more a strong and steady dog,

My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,

For I won't be far away,

Forever here, within your heart,

And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,

Your ever faithful friend,

And in your memories I'll run,

...a young dog once again.

Now, I don't like to think about death. Heck, I don't even really know what it is. But if it's someplace I have to go without my dad and my pups and my kibble, I don't really want to go. Even if it is does have a very pleasant name. Christine's reflections made me think about just how precious the time we do have together is. My dad got real quiet after I shared Christine's write-up of Chelsea's last day with him. I knew he was sad so I came and sat next to him on the floor. He picked me up and held me for a very long time.

Above: Chelsea on her last visit to the Stonewall Jackson Memorial

Chelsea Q-T-Pi of Camelot CGC TDI

April 27, 1989 - September 5, 2003

In Memory of my "Chelsea-Burger" and the "Q-Tip"

Written at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 5.

Chelsea passed to the Rainbow Bridge about 5:30 p.m.

I very sadly and with tears in my eyes report to you the loss of my sweet Chelsea this evening. She spent the whole day with me in quality time, including a trip back to her favorite haunt of all time....to the famous Stone Bridge at Bull Run and on the National Battlefields to take one smaller slow hike over to see Stonewall Jackson on his horse and the Henry Hill House. When she was on the battlefields again, I could see how happy she was. She sniffed around the cannons and had lots of treats today, including steak off the grill, yogurt, and other cookies. She became tired easily though, and I carried her most of the way. She died very peacefully and sweetly in my arms. She will be buried on our property at a lovely animal burial ground amongst wildflowers and ferns.The sun was shining today, and it was cool and fresh outside. When she passed, we were near a beautiful farm by a pretty fence...a rooster crowed a few seconds after she started her journey. She was wrapped in a beautiful pink-flowered bed sheet by the vet and handed back to me. At 12 Noon, we laid her in her final resting spot. As we read more poems including the Rainbow Bridge poem, a ray of sunlight glowed on her wrapped little body. After her resting spot was covered, we popped a bottle of Champaign in celebration of her. The cork remained there for many months after that.

Forever Chelsea

Her favorite place in the last year has been on a blue wingback colonial-style chair on a homemade quilt made just for her in her favorite room. She loved to sit and look out at the pretty gardens below. She gave me the opportunity today to assist her checking out of the "Earth Hotel" where she enjoyed many amenities. She allowed me the honor to accompany her to the front desk, drop off her key, and escort her through the lobby before she made her trip to The Rainbow Bridge today. She did so with sweetness and dignity. She has brought many wonderful friends into our lives....beautiful and very caring fellow TTs and their people. She was a certified therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International and attained her AKC Canine Good Citizen title. I still miss her so very much.

The Tibetan Prayer Flags I owned are with her now. I held onto them all day today while we were together. There have been many tears and I ache at her being gone, but I rejoice having had known such a lovely TT who has brought so much joy to my life and to others.

Christine Barnes Boran

The Duchess and Countess of Lyndale

Above: The Duchess Oversees Her Territories

You remember my friends Ella and Maisie from the Isle of Skye. Well it turns out that Ella in a duchess and Maisie is a countess and they live on a FABULOUS estate, Lyndale, on the Isle of Skye. And you may remember that I wrote about the Isle of Skye way back when. That was when I first met Ella's mom Linda Ridsdill Smith. Back when Maisie was just a twinkle in her mother's eye. Maybe even before Maisie was a twinkle. We go way back!! We're tight.

Not to repeat myself, but Skye is an island off the coast of Scotland. According to Skye's official website, it "is the world's favourite island, recently voted 4th best island in the world by National Geographic magazine."

Above: The Countess Surveys Her Property

If you ask me, Lyndale is the number one reason to visit the Isle of Skye. And, don't get me wrong, there are lots of good reasons to visit. Now, since you are probably packing your bags already, easy back cowboys. Your first move should be to visit Lyndale's website: www.lyndale.net Here you will come to learn Lyndale is an idyllic holiday retreat, set in its own private estate and surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Hidden down a wooded bluebell lined drive, the estate centres around a 300-year-old tacksman’s house which, along with its old laundry, stables and grade-B listed (say what?) 'ink-pot' style gate lodge, have been renovated with tremendous flair and enthusiasm by owners Marcus and Linda. And that is an understatement. I am, literally, shaking with excitement. And my tail? My tail is out of control. Because, you know, not only is Lyndale more SWANK than any Four Seasons or Peninsula Hotel ever, but Lyndale is also the home of the duchess and countess and their fabulous chamber maid, Linda, and boot black, Marcus. And the setting!!! The grounds. Oh, the grounds! It's a place where Tibetan Terriers can, and do, run free.

As I very recently told my dear friend Andrea, the only dilemma is where to stay. Should one stay in the Main House, the Stables, the Laundry, or the Gate Lodge. Fellow TT owner Andrea has been and stayed in the Gate Lodge. "It is absolutely lovely. It is GORGEOUS - thoroughly recommend a visit, it's soooooo relaxing an idyllic setting," Andrea understated. Everything is perfect and, yet, understated. No detail is ignored. Even the umbrella's are AMAZING. I am lusting for one.

Ella, there must be a dashing duke you can introduce me to. Or Maisie, a suitable count? Until then, I would be very content to spend my days (and nights) with you at lovely Lyndale.

"Sure The Kids Are Cute, But Have You Seen Our Dog?" or "Is That a Dog on Your Purse or Are You Just Happy to See Me?"

I want to introduce you to my new friend Sharyn, She carries a small clutch made by FeeFiFoto that features a picture of her dog, a Tibetan Terrier named Violet, on each side. Now, Sharyn says her kids are cute too, but she hesitates to put their photos on a purse. "Not only for security reasons," explains Sharyn "but also for reasons of practicality. First, the kids will change: teeth are lost and replaced, hair is shorter or longer, fashions evolve. Not that I carry the same handbag year after year, but if I put the kids' picture on a purse it'll obsolesce as soon as I drive it out of the parking lot."

It's astonishing how much attention this puppy purse generates. "When Violet's with me, people look at the purse and then at the dog and then back to the purse and their faces light up. And somehow, no matter how cute your kids are, photos of them never seem to have the same effect. Even if the dog's not with me people still comment on the bag, and charming them is a slam dunk when I say that's not just any dog on my purse -- it's my dog."

When it comes to Violet, Sharyn is very clear. "We love her deliriously and think she is just about the most delightful dog we've ever met, and the cleverest (she learned how to turn on our sprinklers when she wanted a drink)."

Autumn Leaves Fall and Get Caught In My Hair

The fall can be hazardous for a hairy dog like me. There are just so many damn leaves. And most of them get stuck in my long coat. And, yeah, you're right most of them are pretty easy for my dad to get out. But I do end up dragging a few in the house each time I go out . The bain of my (and, I believe, my dad's) existence is the taxodium. Taxodium distichum, commonly known as Bald Cypress or Swamp Cyprus, is a species of conifer native to the United States. The leaves are borne on deciduous branchlets that are spirally arranged on the stem but twisted at the base to lie in two horizontal ranks. Which, let me translate, means they are much like barbed wire. Unlike most other species in the family, the Bald Cypress is deciduous, losing its leaves in the fall, hence the name 'bald'. So right about now it seems they are all over every sidewalk in this damn town. Which means every time we go out they get completely entwined in our coats. And are a royal pain to get out.

My dad is a landscape architect so he is prone to curbside criticism of, say, people's choices of shrubs or the placement of pagodas or what not. I think... no... I know I have heard him curse urban planners who select taxodiums to line sidewalks and other places where people with Tibetan Terriers are sure to pass. Could they not know the deleterious effects of these messy conifers?

And just what are these urban planners thinking when they plant female ginkgo trees along urban pathways. Yes, there are female and there are male ginkgos. The female ginkgo produces berries, quite large berries, that drop on the sidewalks where we tread. These berries are some of the nastiest things you are ever going to come across this side of a rain forest. They have a putrid smell, not at all unlike vomit, that gets stuck in our paws and on dad's shoes. Dad is not at all amused. But I recently read this odor threatens the future of the world's oldest tree species in American cities.

As The Ohio State University Department of Horticulture and Crop Science succinctly says in regard to Ginkgo's liabilities, "Female trees have copious fruits that are quite messy upon abscising into pedestrian areas, and are very malodorous." I read somewhere that when they start to fall in November, the fruit is imbued with butyric acid, a chemical found in rancid butter.

So, every fall, the tree's berries tumble onto streets, sidewalks, and yards and result in an extremely noxious smell. The stench is often likened to vomit, dog feces, or body odor, but each person has his or her own way of experiencing and describing the olfactory affront of Ginkgo fruit.

In the winter of 2008, Washington D.C. was plagued with a particularly terrible "Stink Berry" season. The annual complaints by residents and pedestrians caused the capital to experiment with injecting more than 1,000 Ginkgo trees with a chemical that would keep them from producing fruit. For some reason, the plan backfired and the trees instead produced more fruit than usual that year.

The Huffington Post reported in 2009 that some cities like Bloomington, Lexington, and Iowa City have even banned female Ginkgo trees due to the smelly fruits. Other cities like Santa Monica and Boston are merely switching the fruit-bearing females for male Ginkgo. There does not appear to be a ban in our town.

If, like me. you don't live in a city with a Ginkgo tree policy, my best advice is to try and not walk in areas that contain many Ginkgo trees in the fall season, when the fruit is at its most rank on the sidewalk. If offending trees are near your residence, it is prudent to gather the fruit as soon as it falls and dispose of it before countless feet stomp it into the pavement, which can lead to months long funk in the neighborhood. Technically, the fruit is edible, but turning these stinky berries into pies is not advisable.

Santa Maria Novella for Dogs (and Cats too)

My dad has loved Santa Maria Novella ever since he visited the pharmacy on the Villa della Scala in Florence, Italy more than twenty years ago. I guess that's why he was so thrilled when, a few weeks ago when we were visiting New York, he discovered that they are now making products for dogs (and cats). Twenty years ago dad was intoxicated by the scents of Fieno (Hay) and Vetiver produced by the Officina di Santa Maria Novella. Not that he is a cologne wearing guy. He isn't. He just liked to have the beautiful bottles sitting on his bathroom counter and occaisionally he would open one and savor the clean pure fragrance it contained. These days he is taken with their amazing potpourri and terra cotta pomegranate fragrance infuser. I mean the terracotta pomegrante is a work of art unto itself. He has one in his closet where the gentle essence of pomegranate scents his socks and undergutchies. The potpourri is a mixture of herbs and flowers macerated in terracotta jars from Impruneta. And, how could I forget, he is addicted to their pomegranate bath salts.

They also make these amazing Armenian burning papers (or something like that) which are thin slips of paper that clear and cleanse the air when lit. These were actually the first SMN items that dad purchased and he still always has some around the house. They smell great even before you burn them.

The Officina do Santa Maria Novella was founded in 1221 by Dominican friars. The monks cultivated medicinal herbs and used them to prepare ointments, balms, and medications for their convent's infirmary. All of their products have their unique histories. For example, the Acqua della Regina is a essence that was created especially for Catherine de' Medici. This noblewoman, crowned Queen of France, introduced her precious perfume and many other fine Florentine things to the French, who came to know and appreciate them.

So when dad discovered the SMN products for dogs (and cats) on the back shelf of a small shop on Madison Avenue, he couldn't but help but purchase the no-rinse detergent foam. It's rose scented and it refreshes the coat without harming the coat. It's perfect for my little pee-bear Angus between baths. And then, the other day, in Dallas we found a store that stocked the entire line of Santa Maria Novella for Dogs (and Cats). From delicate shampoo to ear lotion to paw and corn ointment (which softens corns on joints and protects fingertips and the nose from chapping) to mouthwash gel, deodorant, and lemongrass lotion (which with its mild formula, provides lengthy protection from mosquito bites). Dad showed unusual restraint and only purchased the whitening powder made with rice powder for Roxie's soon-to-be whiter than white muzzle. It's useful for removing spots (that often appear around the mouth or eyes) without damaging the skin or coat. It may be my imagination but I think it makes her smell a bit like an Italian courtesan. I mean in a good way. It's vaguely foreign and accommodating. Do you know what I mean?

Dogs On The Couch

I don't know what to make of it all. I seem to be allowed in the bed whenever I want. Which is not that often. I actually prefer the floor or one of my many dog beds. I am sometimes allowed on certain chairs and couches, but not always. And some chairs and couches are strictly off limits at all times. Take for example the two white couches at our Dallas place. They are strictly off limits at all times. That's why I was a bit confused when a group of Tibetan Terriers appeared on these two white couches in Dallas. Well, they weren't really Tibetan Terriers. They were felted pillows with the likenesses of Tibetan Terriers on them. My dad had commissioned them and the artist made pillows from photos of Angus, Roxie, and me. And one of my last litter of seven pups.

I think it was one of those impulse purchases. Albeit one that took much coordination and planning. By the time they were completed, I'm quite sure my dad had forgotten all about them. But there they were waiting for us in a box among many other boxes and all our other mail on the bench in the hall when we arrived at our Dallas place

The way I feel about the one that is supposed to look like me is the way I think a lot of people feel about their driver's license photo. I hate it.

I must admit, these pillows. they do have a certain Je ne sais

quoi. Maybe it's cause they are hairy like us. And I quite like the one of my last batch of pups. And, I guess, they do capture a bit of our essence. But I wasn't surprised at all when my dad took them off the couches and put them in a cupboard after just a couple of days on the couch.

In another box was a very different pillow from an artist named Llubav Choy Duerr. Llubav is quite well known for making the most exquisite ring pillows for weddings. Dad commissioned her first normal sized pillow and the result is QUITE NICE.




After spending the first ten years of her life in the small fishing village that is Chimbot, Peru, where her days consisted of drawing, dancing, and eating ceviche, Llubav left her native land on a journey that took her to Mexico City, suburban Virginia, and, finally, New York City. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and young son. When she's not tending to them, she enjoys antiquing, cooking, and anything involving Bailey's Irish Creme. To see what Llubav is up to lately, check out her blog.

Tibetan Terrier Treats

I write the food blog, Bunkycooks, and am doing a guest post today for Suddie's Blog. I was quite flattered when I was asked to do this post for one of my favorite dogs, Suddie. Suddie first found Bunkycooks this past February when I made the Oh My Ganache! cupcakes and posted the recipe on her blog. Suddie’s dad had discovered my blog because of my “Things I Love” page about our Tibetan Terrier, Beamer. I think Suddie's dad must also like ganache, but Suddie can't eat it because chocolate is a forbidden food.

Suddie also enjoyed my creamed corn recipe and video of Beamer so much, that Suddie posted the recipe and video on this blog and called it Dogs of the Corn. Isn't it funny the things these dogs will do to get some attention? ;)

"Can you tell which end is up?"

We have remained friends since then via blogging and Facebook. In fact, I would really like another Tibetan Terrier from Deep Acres Farm, but Beamer might have something to say about that. I'm still hopeful. Beamer needs a little sister.

Since I was asked to write about Beamer and not so much about food, I thought that I would talk about how wonderfully intuitive dogs are when you are sick or injured and what a wonderful companion Beamer has been to Mr. Bunkycooks and me.

If you are not familiar with Bunkycooks, then you probably will not know that I had ankle surgery last Monday. When I was carried delicately brought into my house after surgery, Beamer immediately started to jump up on the sofa and sniff me and lick my face. He knew that I was not well and literally did not leave my side all that night and next day. He has remained close by since then.

"Beamer would like some ice cream bon bons, too!"

Beamer was also instrumental in Mr. Bunkycooks’ healing process after several of his surgeries over the years and in dealing with cancer. In fact, Beamer has visited two of the hospitals in Atlanta and would jump on the bed and stay by his dad’s side until we needed to leave (they let him stay all day). Even when Mr. Bunkycooks came home from the hospital and was bedridden for several months, Beamer remained by his side. I had to coax him out of the room to go outside and get his dinner. Just so you know, you are usually able to bring a dog into a hospital with special approval and proof of vaccinations and immunizations.

"A visit by Beamer is the best medicine."

Dogs do seem to understand when their dads and moms are sick and some have even been trained to smell cancer in patients. I feel certain that the comfort of having this dog by our side through many illnesses and surgeries over the last eight years has definitely helped us get through the healing process quicker. It is also a proven fact that petting an animal can lower your stress level and blood pressure.

There is definitely a bond that exists between an owner and his/her dog that is incredibly special. I also think that Tibetan Terriers are a delightful, intelligent and adorable breed (I might be just a wee bit partial to them...do you think?!). I do not think we would have any desire to own another breed after raising Beamer (as feisty as he might be sometimes!).



Since I do write a food blog, I cannot leave you without a recipe! I have had so many pumpkins this Fall, that of course I am going to give you a recipe for something with pumpkin...Fall Pumpkin Bites for your dog! Did you know that pumpkin is very good for dogs and their digestive systems? It is also good when their tummies are upset (as in when they eat whole corn cobs like Suddie has been known to do!).

Nothing says that you care for your dog more than a homemade treat (or a luxurious stay at The Ritz-Carlton...Beamer loves those beds!).

Beamer is very smart, so we often have to spell to have discussions about some of his favorite things. So, these T-R-E-A-T-S are made with fresh pumpkin puree, blackstrap molasses and whole wheat flour and are really good for your pup.

"He's so cute!"

I substituted Organic brown rice flour for the whole wheat flour because we try to keep Beamer's diet gluten-free. They browned a little quicker, but did just fine. Be sure to flatten them a bit more than I did so that they are crunchier. These were a bit chewy, but hey, Beamer wasn't complaining. ;)

Thank you Suddie for asking me to be a guest on your blog. It is always a pleasure to brag on Beamer and share our sweet pup with other TT and dog lovers!

Woof! Woof! That is dog speak for enjoy the recipe! :)

"Your dog will love these!"

Fall Pumpkin Bites
Adapted from Home Cooking for a Healthy Dog
Makes about 36 treats

1/2 cup pumpkin purée (made from a 1 pound fresh pumpkin, cooked and mashed)
4 Tablespoons blackstrap molasses
4 Tablespoons water
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups (9 ounces) whole wheat flour (I substituted Organic brown rice flour)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (I used 1/2 teaspoon)
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Blend together the pumpkin purée, molasses, water and vegetable oil.

Stir in the flour, cinnamon, baking powder and baking soda, to form a soft dough.

Roll the dough into balls, put on a baking sheet, flatten them and prick with a fork.

Bake for twenty-five minutes, or until hard and crisp.

* Store your treats in an airtight container in the frig.