Little Lexi’s father passed away Tuesday. Dallas (International American Canadian Mexican Brazilian Champion Burlwood’s Drive’M Wild Dreamweaver, Sire of Merit) was ten years old. In his prime, Dallas was a show dog extraordinaire. He was ranked as the #3 Boxer in America the year he was campaigned and was a multiple Best in Show winner.
His death struck me hard. Maybe it is because he had Cushing’s Disease, just like my Missy. Or maybe it is because I own the last of the Dallas daughters to enter the show ring. Or maybe I grieve for the passing of a legend. The late Anne Rogers Clark, one of the greatest dog show judges of all times, had this to say about Dallas upon seeing him enter the ring: “When I saw this dog walk in, he gave me goosebumps.” This was the type of dog he was. He owned the ring, and dared you to not give him the win. Rest in peace, sweet Dallas. Your legacy will live on in your progeny.
I wanted to create a very special card for his owner, Rhonda. Rhonda is Lexi’s breeder and one of her handlers. This card was designed so that each part represents something very special.
The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips
This finished card measures 5-1/2″ wide by 4-1/4″ long.
- Starburst! The rays of the starburst were created from rectangles of various designer papers, which were cut into triangles of assorted sizes. The colors selected were hues of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet…the colors of the rainbow. This is symbolic of the Rainbow Bridge. For those of you not familiar with the Rainbow Bridge, I have included the story at the end of this post.
- Paw prints! The Paw Print from the long ago retired set, Bow Wow, was inked in Soft Suede and stamped onto a Very Vanilla heart. The So Sorry sentiment was also inked in Soft Suede. Dogs leave footprints on our hearts.
- Angel! The little Dog from Animal Talk was altered to look as close to a Boxer as I could make him. A white Signo pen was used to add markings similar to those of Dallas. The wings were courtesy of the retired Affection Collection. In final tribute, the card base was Rich Razzleberry…a purple hue…the traditional color of champions.
I hope that Rhonda finds some comfort in this card, and the Rainbow Bridge story, which will be included as an insert. As always, I appreciate your comments…so please, won’t you let me know what you think of today’s card? And remember, if you have questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away. Until next time…
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….
Stamp Sets: So Sorry, Animal Talk, Bow Wow (retired), Affection Collection (retired); Ink: Soft Suede, Early Espresso; Designer Series Paper: All Retiring…Floral District, Tea for Two, Print Poetry, Sent with Love, Regals Designer Series Paper Stack; Card Stock: Rich Razzleberry, Pool Party, Night of Navy, Very Vanilla; Tools: Big Shot, Hearts Collection Framelits, Clouds Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Sponge Daubers, Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen; Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls
Sorry for the loss. The card is beautiful.
So sorry to read your news. Your card is outstanding and took a bit of breath away from my and the paragraphs below brought tears to my eyes (good ones) as I tried to remember the cats and dogs in my life who I look forward to seeing again one day. Big pats to Lexi and the twins….thank you for sharing everything.
I am so sorry, Ann and Rhonda. I will be praying for both of you. My heart goes out to you. I also have had pets that have gone to The Rainbow Bridge. May God be with you in your sorrow.
A lovely card and tribute to a champion for sure. I had not heard the story of the Rainbow Bridge, very touching indeed and does bring a tear to the eye. So sorry for Lexi and your loss.
Amazing card and beautiful sentiment.
He was most definitely a beautiful dog. Of course I am all choked up because of not so many weeks ago I lost my best friend, so this really hit home. Love your card and the little pearls on the paws!.
I love the Rainbow Bridge story. I have several friends waiting for me there…some bunnies and budgies that were wonderful pets. Your card is extraordinary, with all its elements being so meaningful. I also noticed the cloud background, and of course, the pearls are the perfect touch for those sweet paws.
Ann what a treasure you are to share Dallas’s journey here and beyond. Your card is stunning – sure to bring comfort. Blessings.
Diane (British Columbia)
Such sad news for you, Ann! What a wonderful tribute to Dallas and the added story will be such a comfort for Rhonda. Hugs!
What a sweet story, I love how you honored Dallas. TFS
Well, geez, Ann, pass the tissue. You had me choked up with the card, misty-eyed with Dallas’s story, and full-blown crying with the Bridge story. For all that the dog was exceptional, I think it is you who are so remarkable in paying a tribute fit for a king and in securing a place for him in the minds and hearts of people who’ve never even met him. Bravo.
What a wonderful card Ann. It brought tears to my eyes to read this sad news. I know this card will mean the world to her.
Thank you for sharing your talent and your heart with us!
Ann, I am sure that Rhonda will be touched and comforted by your card. It is beautiful and so meaningful.
Rhonda will love the card. I think we all have tears in our eyes. Lexi should be proud to have had such a gorgeous dad who commanded such an audience in the ring. The card is wonderful and she can put it with all the ribbons etc he won. I don’t think you could have done a better job! The pearls on the pawprints are priceless!
Chris R. from Iowa
I am sorry for your loss Ann. Your words about Dallas brought tears to my eyes and oh,that card! I know Rhonda will appreciate the time and thought put into it-it is beautiful!
Oh Ann, I am so sorry. What a beautiful Boxer. Your card is very special and will mean a lot to Rhonda.
This card is perfect! You are so talented! The dog angel gives a soothing connotation to the card. It is so hard to lose a pet.
Dallas was truly a magnificent looking Boxer! I’m sure you are feeling the loss like Rhonda is since you have the last of his descendants. The loss of pets is always hard. I have a copy of The Rainbow Bridge. I’ve always believed God has a special place for our animal family members.
The card and your words are beautiful. I have had two service dogs that are very close to me. The story of Rainbow Bridge brought smiles and tears this morning. Thank you for helping me feel closer to my dear friends that are waiting for me. God Bless You and your dear friends.
An extremely well done pet sympathy card. My condolences on your loss.
So sorry to hear about the loss of such a gorgeous legacy passing and the card is so special. I’m sure Ronda will appreciate it. A beautiful tribute.
Sobbing my heart out now after reading about the special pup and rainbow bridge, I have a few special friends waiting for me there 🙂
What a lovely tribute Ann. Hugs to you on this sad day.
I knew Anne Rogers Clarke when we were showing dogs and she was an excellent unbiased judge. Your card will bless those who receive it.
The Story of Rainbow Bridge gave me goosebumps and I shed a tear or two; what a wonderful tale! Thank you so much for sharing it, and your card. I hope that Lexi has many pups to carry on the legend!
Ann, this is a beautiful card! I enjoyed reading the wonderful story that you shared about this extraordinary pet. It is so very difficult to lose a friend like this and I’m sure that your card will bring Rhonda comfort.
oh that poem always chokes me up. gorgeous card and tribute!
Oh Ann, I am so sorry. I am sitting here crying as I read this. What a beautiful card and wonderful tribute to Dallas. I am in awe of the signifigance of each element of your card and how you portrayed the Rainbow Bridge. I know it will bring comfort to Rhonda as she grieves the loss of such a special Boxer.
Anne, an stunning card for an absolutely magnificent boxer. She’ll love it.
beautiful card Ann and wonderful post! TFS *hugs*
What a wonderful card and truly beautiful dog.
Ok I am sitting here crying now. You are a very special lady to put so much thought into this card and thanks for telling us about the Rainbow Bridge.
Such a thoughtful and beautiful card. It ties in with the Rainbow Bridge perfectly. So sorry for this loss. I’m giving my pups an extra hug as I’m sure you have done too.
I love the story and significance in each element of your card – beautiful way to honor such a wonderful dog!
Speechless at the moment.
Ann, it’s so very sad when a pet dies because they are a member of your family and the void they leave is hard to fill. Your card is simply amazing, it shows the love and admiration you felt for this amazingly beautiful dog, thank you for sharing this pictures of him, he was indeed a Champion.
So sorry for your loss.. Oh my gosh you brought tears to my eyes. This card is gorgeous and no doubt every single card u make you put your whole self into it. Rhonda will love it am sure as we do but will have that special meaning to her!!! Keep,sharing love your creations!
So sorry for your loss.. Oh my gosh you brought tears to my eyes. This card is gorgeous and no doubt every single card u make you put your whole self into it. Rhonda will love it am sure as we do but will have that special meaning to her!!! Keep,sharing love your creations!
I had tears in my eyes while reading this. Your card is wonderful. It conveys so much. I am sure it will bring Rhonda comfort. All the love and thought that went into making this card shows. Hugs to you.
What a special card, Ann. I love all the thought and care you put into making it. I know that Rhonda will feel that when she opens it, and will keep it forever. Hugs!
This is making me so sad; but I know that this amazing creation will make Rhonda feel better, especially seeing that little dog with the angel wings….so cute. Your interpretation of the Rainbow Bridge, with all the colors, make this card something that will be treasured always!
Your card is beautiful and your heart is conveyed so sweetly with it.