Merry Christmas Everyone !!

Christmas wishes from all of us

Christmas 2005

 

Barry, Sarge, Kodi and myself, are wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy and Happy New Year.  This year proved to be another very busy one for us.  We made several trips to different events to promote “Grizz’s Story-A Greater Courage”, my book, which kept us on the move.  We had so much fun doing appearances at PETCO in Appleton, “Bark in the Park” sponsored by the Fox Valley Humane Association, Mound’s Pet Food Warehouse “Dog Fest” in Madison, Family Pet Fair in Green Bay where we met Scott Shields and “Theodore”, who is the son of “Bear”, the most decorated search and rescue dog in the world who died from cancer that originated from the wounds he sustained while working the 9/11 scene.  It was a real privilege to meet them both and to share thoughts and hugs.  We share common ground in our losses to cancer, as do many of our friends in the dog world.  Scott was very touched by our efforts and by the video that I made that explains what we are all about.  Among our other adventures this year were the Dane County Humane Society’s “Barktoberfest” in Madison where we had a short radio spot on WZEE-Z104 FM from Madison, and we finished off the fall with our memorable trip to the Siberian Husky National Specialty in Topeka, Kansas where we, once again, linked up with The Siberian Husky Health Foundation, for a 2 day book signing event and fund raising for companion animal cancer.  We shared hugs with some of our Sibernet internet friends and even had the opportunity to see “Lola”, a survivor of Katrina, who was on her way back to her loving family in Louisiana.  I was very involved with assisting rescue efforts and transport information during both Katrina and Rita, through the National Missing Pet Alert Network which I also run.  There were many heartbreaking moments but also tearful and joyous reunions between pet owners and their furry loves that we will always remember.  Efforts still continue in those devastated areas and we will continue to assist in any way that we can including the introduction of legislation that allows pet owners to take their pets with them in the event of evacuations and making sure that pet-friendly shelters are available.  

Many of you know that Barry and I established “The Grizz & Friends Cancer Fund” at the University of WI-School of Veterinary Medicine last year to help fund cancer research and treatment for companion animals but this year we were recognized for our achievements by making the “Honor Roll” for our contributions.  There is now a beautiful plaque that honors the memory of our beloved Grizz and our ongoing efforts to find a cure for cancer and hangs on the wall of the Vet School.  We are very proud and honored to receive that recognition.

Our fur-kids, Sarge and Kodi, have enjoyed the year also.  They are the best of buddies and love to play together.  Sarge celebrated his 12^th birthday in August and outside of his wobbly back legs, he seems to be enjoying life.  He began chiropractic treatment and seems to be holding his own.  We are grateful and take it one day at a time with him. Kodi celebrated his 3^rd birthday this month.  We always celebrate their birthdays with Frosty Paws and a special supper.  This year was no different of course and they both enjoyed their parties. 

I also started an internet news site called, THE SIBERIAN HUSKY EXPRESS NEWS, and a feature article section called, “What’s WOO in the News”, where I write articles that pertain to animals.  It is lots of fun for me as I love to write.  I also have two more books that are underway.  One is a memoir called, “In the Paw Prints of an Angel” and I am also writing my first novel called, “Murder on Thin Ice” which is a thriller.  I am not sure when those will be published but you can always check my web site, www.grizz.20megsfree.com  for updates.  We have also received wonderful news that our niece, Kerry, is expecting her first baby!  We are so happy for her and Dennis.  She is due in April.

We have had a wonderful year outside of our car accident on our way home from Topeka, KS.  It was quite a horrendous crash after a semi-truck changed lanes and hit us, sending us spinning across the lanes of traffic and into a concrete retaining wall but we are doing okay.  Our Maxima, otherwise known as “The Grizz-mobile2”, which had so much sentimental value to us is totaled but we were not, and that is what counts.  We did not have either of our fur-kids with us at the time and we are so grateful because it could have been a very tragic event in our lives.  Our Angels were watching over us for sure.

The year has just flown by and here it is Christmas once more!!   Keep your eyes open for an upcoming feature article in the “Good Neighbor” section of the Post-Crescent.  We are not quite sure how soon it will be appearing but it should be soon.  Have a wonderful and peaceful Holiday Season.  God bless you and keep you in His loving arms always.

 

Hugs and wags,

 

Jo, Barry, Sarge, Kodi and Grizz in shining spirit

 

 

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