Nothing ever dies

that is not born anew--

The miracles of nature

all tell us this is true...

The flowers sleeping peacefully

beneath the winter's snow

Awaken to the sunshine's warmth

when spring winds start to blow,

And all around on every side

new life and joy appear

To tell us nothing ever dies

and we should have no fear,

For death is just a detour

along life's wending way

That leads God's chosen children

to a bright and glorious day.

 

~Helen Steiner Rice

 

Tracker
My Soul Mate

By Sharon Roberts

Loving, caring, smart, wonderful are just a few words that describe Tracker.  The first time I saw him I knew we belonged together.  For four and a half short years we shared life’s journey.  He was my greatest teacher and my dearest love, loving me unconditionally, through anything that came our way.  Though many dogs are loved by their people, Tracker was known and loved by many and touched so many during his short life.  I was a better person because of his love and respect.

We were rarely apart, but when we were, we could hardly wait to be together again.  Tracker and I worked together each and every work day, sometimes late into the evening.  Many weekends we went to the dog park, vacationed in the mountains, skied, hiked, or sat along a peaceful river.  We were always together.  Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina, was a special place to both of us.  Our home on the Alafia River was a place where many memories still linger.  As working partners, I knew his thoughts and he knew mine.  Words were not needed.

On Tracker’s second birthday, we adopted TJ.  Tracker and TJ became brothers.  As TJ’s teacher, Tracker had a lot to do.  He was always calm and loving, even when TJ would embarrass Tracker with his antics.  Tracker was a patient teacher.  Tracker, TJ and I spent many special times together, playing, working, going to conventions and TV appearances, or just being together in quiet moments.  We were an awesome team, always together.  When we were in front of the camera, Tracker knew just what to do, always calm and precise.  If I felt nervous, one look at Tracker and I would be totally calm.  With Tracker at my side everything was wonderful.

Bill Whitstine, of Florida Canine Academy, was Tracker’s trainer and spent many loving hours teaching Tracker to be a termite detection canine.  There was great love and respect between Tracker and Bill.  Not only was Tracker his first termite detection graduate, but he was the best.  Each time Tracker and Bill would meet you could see the love and joy in Tracker’s eyes.  To Bill and I, there was no better partner and companion than Tracker.

When Tracker became ill and passed, Bill and I were devastated.  We felt as though a piece of our souls went with him.  I will never forget Bill’s first words to me, “I knew we would have to face this one day, but I never thought it would be this soon”.  Tracker was only five and a half years old and his life had ended much too soon.  I felt my life stopped and was not sure how to go on.  My loving animals, family and friends did what they could, but nothing helped.  Out of desperation two of my friends convinced me to contact an animal communicator.  My first communicator helped TJ greatly and referred me to another communicator to help me with the passing of Tracker.  I was open to animal communication, and as she communicated with Tracker, he told her he would return to me through his family.  My life seemed to become bearable again as a large weight was lifted.  Six months after Tracker passed, he returned as a wonderful puppy.  Tracker and I are together again and are in training once more with Bill Whitstine.  Welcome home Tracker.

I love You Tracker, Mom

 

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