At Heaven’s Gate

At Heaven’s Gate

I don’t want to go mom,
And leave Ella, you and dad.
My time is getting nearer mom,
But oh the fun we’ve had.

We’ve been so many places,
We’ve had so many friends.
We’ve had our share of hard times,
But they were great in the end.

I fought hard for you mom,
For you I stayed so strong.
I’m going to miss you and dad,
Oh mom it won’t be long.

You say I’ll see my friends mom,
All that have gone before.
I’ll even see GOD mom!
And he’s who DOGs are named for.

I don’t want to to leave you mom,
But oh won’t it be great.
I know you’ll love me forever mom,
And I’ll be waiting at Heavens gate.

-Piper

We will love you always, Piper.

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R.I.P.

January 10, 2004 – July 24, 2018

 

Piper’s Valentine to Sophie

This Valentine note is for my girl Sophie.

Sophie, you can see I am wearing my new hoodie for you, sweetheart. There are lots of hearts all around me to show you how I feel.  You are still my one and only and the best girl I know in Blogville.

With love from your guy, Piper.

A Visit with My Cousins

Hi friends! I’ve been gone away all weekend with my Mommy. Did you miss me? We went to visit with Auntie Jen and Uncle Bill and my cousins Piper and Ella. Ella remembered me!

Xena! You’re here!

Ella is a great sister to Piper. Since his eyes don’t work anymore, he can get lost when he’s out in the big fenced back yard. So Ella goes out and helps him find his way back to the door. She’s Piper’s seeing eye dog! When she isn’t helping Piper, she likes to watch TV, especially the sports stuff.

I think they called that play wrong.

At first I didn’t recognize Piper. He sleeps a whole lot now (he’s 14 years old) and his beard gets all matted, so Auntie Jen cut it off. Ever wonder what a schnauzer would look like without a beard?

 I can’t tell who’s there. Say something.

Yep, well, Piper also gets cold real easy ’cause – according to Mommy – he doesn’t have any meat on his bones. Isn’t that a funny thing to say? So me and Ella went with Mommy and Auntie Jen to the Co Pet Place in search of a new sweater for Piper. I saw a dog coming out as we were going in so I started to bark and I barked the whole way going in and I barked inside, too. I was screaming “Beware! The Schnauzer Warrior Princess is here!” Soon I found out that I was to be the model, er fitter, er ummm, sir-eee-gut for Piper. How it worked was whenever Mommy found something that she thought would work well for Pipie (I like to call my cuz Pipie), she would try it on me and if it was a little big on me, she knew it would fit him. ‘For too long, Mommy and Auntie Jen found matching hoodies for Pipie and Ella and a new toy for Ella ’cause she was so good getting her nails cut at the Co Pet Place.  No, I didn’t get anything, but I really didn’t mind this time.

‘For too long, we got back to Ella’s house and my cousins got to try on their new hoodies. Since Piper can’t see anymore, I guess it didn’t matter that the hoodie fell down over his eyes.

Piper said he at least needed to hear, so his Mommy helped him out with that.

Actually, Ella’s came down over her eyes too.

I suppose that’s why she kept squeaking her new Valentine’s bear and didn’t see that it was drawing someone who wanted her stuffie.

In the meantime, my Auntie Jen was making weird beeping sounds and laughing. I think it had something to do with the new hoodies. Then this happened.

Mom! Piper has my new stuffie!

Turns out Pipie just wanted to check out what was squeaking and Ella soon had her stuffie back. We had a great time, except for one yuckie incident, which Mommy will tell you about another time.

I am Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess telling it like it is at the Co Pet Store.

 

 

 

Piper’s 14th Birthday

Today, January 10, 2018, my nephew Piper turned 14 years old. Diabetes, congestive heart failure, and all, he has a strong will to keep on keeping on, and we are so glad for that. Here are some memories of his time with us.

This is his head shot from a photo shoot he was in with his Mama and his brother Milo, who is now, sadly, waiting at the rainbow bridge. It was taken almost eight years ago, and is my favorite picture of Piper. He’s such a handsome boy.

This next one also has to be one of my favorites. Piper is the skunk closest to the camera. I only know this for sure because Lexi never moved or lifted her head during the whole time they were forced to wear the humiliating costumes.

I like this one of Piper in the doggie toy store because he looks like a Scottie. It was just the camera angle, but it makes me laugh. Folks always get Schnauzers and Scotties mixed up when they don’t know much about either breed.  You’ll notice he’s a frugal boy, checking out the clearance section. Or maybe he just thinks he’ll get more that way.

The next two are from 2015, a year before Lexi left us. Isn’t it funny that Piper is on our left of Lexi in most of their pictures. Maybe she thought of him as her “right hand man.” 

Piper joined everyone in Blogville to honor her on Eat a Treat for Lexi day.

Prior to the last move to the Nashville area in 2017, Piper had started going deaf, and his eyesight was failing. I think he was wishing everyone would get unpacked and settled in. And maybe that I would give him some of what I was eating…

Piper, you are for sure our Super Dog today. Happy Birthday, sweet, precious, huggy boy. Your Aunt Amy sends tons of love your way.

Piper’s Day with His Aunt Amy

Do you see this, Aunt Amy? I have to go through all these moving boxes to get to my water. And I drink a lot of water. My Mama says it’s cause of my sugar being off. That’s the truth! I haven’t had any sugar on me since the great powdered sugar caper years ago.  Never mind that, now I need to go out again.

Whoa! I stood up too fast. Hey! Do you see these butterflies that just appeared all around me, Aunt Amy?

Where’d they go? I think it’s getting ready to rain. Maybe we should go back inside. I wonder if the butterflies went in the house.

What are you eating, Aunt Amy? I think it is my supper time. Or lunch. Or maybe second breakfast? I feel like no one fed me today.

Your Dad fed you this morning before he left for work.

That was 87 minutes ago. Maybe even 87 hours.

I understand, sweet boy, you are a schnauzer. I will give you a little bit of lunch. Just don’t tell your Mom.

Could you give me some of that food you are eating and I won’t tell my Mom about that either?

*sigh*

Wait, you don’t really have to leave today, do you? I am going to lay on you until it is time to go. I will miss you. Come back soon.

I will miss you too, Piper and I will try to do that.

I love you, Aunt Amy. ❤

I love you too, Piper. ❤
 
 
 
 
 

Aunt Amy Visits Piper

Aunt Amy! What took you so long? Mom told me 87 days ago you were coming to visit me. Did you get lost?

It’s OK, Aunt Amy. You’re here now. Just hold me.

Piper Update

Urgent POTP for Piper

When I woke up this morning I had this text from Piper’s Mom:

Piper’s been off today. Too much to type but just wanted to let you know we may not make it through the night. But who knows, he may be himself again tomorrow.

This morning she wrote:

Still here. Keeps pulling his head to the right. Like a nervous tick. Drinking tons. At one point last night he started twitching when I was trying to trim him some with just scissors. I cut his neck. 😦 He didn’t flinch. (My Note: Normally Piper would have been screaming at Mach 1 that his life was surely over if he got hurt.)

And a bit later:

He’s still holding steady. Still wanting food and treats. (My Note: Yes, he is definitely a schnauzer.)

 

Please pray and give Piper your POTP. He is my Super Schnauzer Nephew.

 
 
 
 
 

Visiting with Piper

I pinned Mom down again to tell you about her and Dad’s visit with Piper and Piper’s peeps. I know Piper from Blogville’s Spring Break, but he was pretty busy with his best girl, Shelby. Mom says Piper is her nephew. I think that might make him my cousin. Also, he and my boyfriend Riley are really tight.

Riley and Piper in 2012

Piper’s heart condition makes him fall over and not be able to move if he gets too excited, and that’s why I couldn’t go. In a way, it’s kind of nice to think someone would be that excited to see me. Plus, I had such a good time on my vacation…but then you already know that!

Piper’s sister Ella was there too. She likes to be close to people just like me.

 

My Dad and Ella

 

Mom and Dad had a good time on their weekend vacation. There was lots of laughter and good food. Mom took some pictures of my cousin Piper.

Mom said please excuse that he is not bathed or groomed. His heart gives out and he falls over when those things happen. I know that not getting a bath or having your furs stolen sounds great to most of us pups, but I think Piper would rather get a bath than have a bad heart. 😦 Like Angel Lexi, Piper is black and silver, and they look a lot alike. Anyhoo, Mom says if you have an extra good thought or prayer you can spare, Piper could really use it.

Tomorrow I am going to try to pin down Mom again to tell you all about our my chewie.com delivery and food!

Wiggles and Wags, Lucy

 

 

 

A Beach Party Invite

Dear Shelby,

When Aunt Amy told me about the Spring Break Beach Party, all I could think about was taking you to the beach. I know you don’t really like water, so we don’t have to go swimming or participate in the Scuba Diving or Surfing events. But wouldn’t it be great fun to run free on the beach?

Shelby, you will be so beautiful running with me!

We could also join in the Treasure Hunt — maybe we will find some bones to chew! And the Amusement Park looked like fun too. I promise we will only go on the rides you like.

So, what do you say?   Yes  or    Yes  (or  _ Maybe, but probably YES)
Your biggest admirer,
Piper

P.S. Your protective brother Sidney can come, too, but he will have to find his own ride.

Preparing for the Big Day

Piper is head over paws about Shelby, and we think Shelby may feel the same way. However, not wanting to take any chances of someone else sweeping in, Piper screws up his courage and asks…

❤                   ❤                    ❤                    ❤                    ❤                    ❤                   ❤

In other news, Gracie went to Florida to meet up with Noodle for the big party tomorrow. Since Lexi loved them both, they decided to honor her by going to the Valentine’s Day Bash together as friends. They thought it would be a good idea to get to know each other first…

Listen, Gracie. I think Mom’s calling us for dinner.

You kids have fun and don’t do anything Lexi wouldn’t have. (Oh boy, I think I just opened it up for too much fun…)

 

Gifts from the Heart

 

I want to showcase the beautiful sampler that Sidney, Shelby and Sophie’s Mom, Susan, made in honor of Lexi:

I just love this, not just because it is lovely and commemorates my girl, but also because of the heart and thoughtfulness that went into it. It is sitting on display with my other “Lexi things.”

As you may already know, Piper and Shelby have started up a bit of a romance. In case you missed their second date, you can go here to learn all about it. Ms. Susan also made a cross stitch for Piper and his Mom:

So what do you think? Is this a bit of a bribe to ensure Piper’s Mom lets him continue to court her daughter? Or a thank you to Piper for staying with me for two weeks to comfort me after Lexi crossed the rainbow bridge?  Whatever the reason, you can see the love stitched into these works of art. Piper’s Mom sends her huge thanks and appreciation to Susan as well.

In any case, Piper will be showing up at the Valentine’s Party with Shelby. ❤

Birthday Boy

Hi. guess what day this is. Oh, I gave it away, didn’t I? I had a great day with my Daddy. He made me scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Wow, were they good. What Dad, do I have something stuck in my beard again? Next, my dad took me to the pet store and let me pick out a new toy.

Aunt Amy said I look like a Scottie in this picture and wondered if I had been hanging around Sophie too much. Uncle Jeff, who knows all about picture taking and stuff, said, no, it was just the angle, that I am still a schnauzer.

I heard I am getting a box of presents in the mail from Aunt Amy and Uncle Jeff, but it won’t be here until tomorrow. That means I can have birthday fun for two whole days. It’s my bedtime now, and I think I will give Mom and Dad the puppy eyes so they will let me sleep with them tonight. After all, it is my birthday! *tail wags*

Piper’s Big Date

I knew Shelby had been stuck in the house with her brother and sister for 87 weeks after her surgery and was needing some peace and quiet. I thought about the beach, but Shelby was concerned about sand and bacteria getting in her incision, even if it was completely healed. So for our first date all alone, I took Shelby to a lovely little cabin in the mountains. Heck, I can hang out just about anywhere and be ok, but I wanted my girl to have some comfort and pretty surroundings. She is a girl after all, and I learned from my Mom that girls like those things.

I thought we could start with a little stroll leading up to the cabin.

We arrived just before the sun started to drop behind the trees. I was a little nervous about the cabin being nice enough.

Shelby, do you like the cabin?

Once inside, we thought we would rest in front of the TV for a while.

 

 

We watched a show, but all I could see on the TV was Shelby.. so I tried to look at some books, but again, all I could see was Shelby!

 

By now we were both hungry. I heard that Shelby loves mangoes, so I made sure to get some. I didn’t know if she liked her steak cooked or raw, so I had Mom pack both.

 

We had a big day, and with our tummies full, we started to nod off. We each went to our own bedrooms, ’cause we are good pups. However, someone  started hearing things and got scared.

 

I might have awakened Shelby, but I felt safe I knew she was safe, and we I slept well the rest of the night.

 

We got up early the next morning to do a bit of fishing, then watched the sun rise over the lake. What a beautiful finish to a perfect date. I sure hope Shelby felt the same way.

 

Note: the graphics in this post were made possible through the help of Noodle’s Mom, Samantha.

Piper Texts Shelby…

Hi pretty girl. I will take you wherever you want if you will go on another date with me. Please?

Party Like It’s Halloween!

 

Can I go first, Amy? Yes? OK. This is Riley. No one told me about the Halloween party at Dory’s. Now I am all dressed up and have nowhere to go. Hey, maybe my Dad will take me trick or treating. I love, love, love little kids, and I would get to see a lot of them if I go out tonight! *paws crossed*

 

 

 

 

 

Piper and his gorgeous date Shelby from the Corkscott clan enjoyed the great food, drinks and other anipals at Dory’s Halloween party today. In fact, I think they are still partying! This was a first date, folks, so I can’t wait to see if they hit it off. I know Piper was more than a bit nervous, but he is such a sweet boy, I’ll bet Shelby was a bit taken with him. *fingers crossed for him*

 

Lexi popped into Dory’s Halloween party and, as she commented there, “I am back for the party ’cause there are so many good food things and all my friends are gathered together in one place, but please don’t think I turned into a vampire dog when I died. I am not really a vampire! It is just a really great look for All Hallow’s Eve! Bwahahahaha – I have come to suck your blood. (barked in Transylvanian accent, of course)”

Hmmm. It seems like there is something just wrong about the title Angel Vampire, don’t you think? Happy Halloween, my sweet girl.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween, with no unexpected “bites”!

 

 

 

 

Anticipation, by Piper

                       I can’t wait to go to the Halloween party!

Piper here. I got a date to the Halloween bash at Dory’s Back Yard! Guess who? Nope, I’m not sayin’.

 

Sophie, are you there?

This message is for Sophie the Scottie. 

Hi Sophie. I didn’t know how else to reach you. This is Piper the Schnauzer.

 

Will you go to Dory’s Halloween Dance with me? I know it is short notice, and we are supposed to have our pictures to Ms. Beth by Monday, but I just found out. Will you go with me, huh huh, please? I know you are still recovering, and I promise to be very gentle and only give you a little hug if you want one. We don’t have to run or dance if you don’t feel up to it.

If anyone else who might see this knows how to reach Sophie, would you please give her a call or a text or an e-mail and tell er, ask, her to read this. I have never asked anyone out before, so I am not sure if I am doing this right. I am going to be so disappointed and maybe even embarrassed if she says no. Sophie, please say, “Yes!”

 

How my Week Turned Around by Piper

About 87 weeks ago I agreed to go home with my Aunt Amy and Uncle Jeff ’cause I knew they were sad and I wanted to help. But it’s been real hard for me. I missed my own Mom and Dad and my sis Ella so much. At Aunt Amy’s, I would sit at the top of the stairs where I know people come up from their cars and I would watch down to the driveway from the patio to see if my Mom was coming. I whined and breathed hard and refused to take my pills (they got stuck down my throat anyhow) and didn’t much feel like eating. Finally, Aunt Amy told my Mom I really needed to come back home because this was too hard on me. I really wanted to be here but I wanted my Mom to be here too.

Aunt Amy would not take me to work with her on Tuesdays because I have never liked being around little kids, and the Parents Day Out program kids come to the church on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I tried my best to go, but she still left me all alone at home. By the time she and Uncle Jeff got home last Tuesday night I was a wreck. I even had what she thinks was a little seizure from getting so worked up.

Thursday: a happy, relaxed boy

Wednesday morning finally arrived and I got to go to work. It was just me and Aunt Amy there. I was very, very  good. I got to run all over the church – except for the place where they hold the Sunday worship service – and I wasn’t nervous so I didn’t mess anywhere. I was such a wreck home alone on Tuesday and so good at work with Aunt Amy on Wednesday that she decided to “go against her better judgement” and take me on Thursday. Thursday is the day the people come in to get their food vouchers to go to the Food Bank and get their food. That opening you see behind my foot goes between Aunt Amy’s office and the volunteer office where those people come. I thought about what Lexi had told me, how she always went to them very calmly and suggested that they pet her. I thought I would give it a try with the first two ladies that came in and guess what? It worked!  So this is therapizing, the therapizing that Lexi loved to do and was so good at it. Well, I could be good at it too. In my desire to therapize, I forgot about what color people were, what they smelled like and how big or little they were. I made them feel happy and they pet me and made me feel happy. No wonder Lexi loved to do this!

In between therapizing, I ran downstairs to see what was up with all the little kids. I have a reputation of not being especially fond of little kids. I decided right then that if I could therapize people in the office, I could therapize little kids in their classrooms too. Twice Aunt Amy called me to come back upstairs. The third time that I ran down, she just said, “Well Piper, you know who is down there and you go at your own risk. Come back when you are ready.” I discovered when I went in the first classroom that the kids loved me. I mean they loved me! They were sweet with me and pet me gently. I made sure everyone was happy and then went into the second classroom. Sure enough, the same thing happened. And guess what? Lexi never did this!!  I think I finally got one up on my cousin. I even think I heard someone say that I could be the church dog!

So you think this is good? I have to tell ya’, things only got better from there. Over the weekend I went for a ride up Lookout Mountain to Rock City with Aunt Amy. On the way, she said we would see my Uncle Jeff and, and, and my Mom!! Woohoo! I got to lead the way on the trails and sit with my Momma while we listened to the oompah band, the Wurstbrauts. Mom even helped Uncle Jeff teach polka. The only bad part was when I got tied to a chair. Momma was on the dance floor and Aunt Amy was taking pictures. All these middling size kids kept running past and it kind of scared me. I started yelling “Momma! Amy!, Momma! Amy!” My Mom finally heard me and pointed at me and Aunt Amy saved me. Whew, that was a close call.

Now I am safely and wonderfully home in Kentucky with my Mom and Dad and Ella. I miss Aunt Amy and Uncle Jeff.

I am Piper, the why-can’t-everyone-just-live-together schnauzer.

Eligible Bachelor

Party boy!

Eligible bachelor dog looking for a hot bit… Ow! Aunt Amy, stop it. No, YOU stop it, Piper! This isn’t a dating site and you can’t use that kind of language on this blog. I m going to have to change my password.  But Siddhartha Henry said… the good Purrince did NOT say to do this!  Start your own Craig’s List account if you want to hook up. Can I? NO! I was being sarcastic. Oh. If you really want a girlfriend, Piper, let’s go about this right. What should I do? Well, now that all the girls know you are “eligible and looking” maybe someone will show some interest. And if she is shy, she can tell Siddhartha Henry she is interested by leaving a comment on any of his posts. You know he has offered to help you like he helped Noodle. Now, why don’t you tell the sweet ladies out there about the real you?

I love my Mom. A lot. Is that enough, Aunt Amy? It’s a good start. Keep going, buddy. I am a great hugger and I love to cuddle and snuggle. I am 12 years young and like to run and play and chase squirrels and rabbits.  That’s what I meant, Piper. Let everyone know more about you. I  hate baths, but don’t mind being groomed. That’s right, sweet boy, you are the easiest dog I have ever groomed because of how good you are on the table. *smile* I also have a big heart. No, really. I have to take pills every day for it. And I am extra-sweet. Really! I have to get shots every day for it. I am very brave about getting my shots and only scream if someone forgets to let the stuff in it warm up a bit before sticking it in me. Then, it hurts a lot more. And I have been told that I am handsome, but I will let you decide that for yourself. *big grin*  Yes, I can vouch for your handsomeness, little guy. I think maybe that is enough for now.  If someone shows interest, you can ask her to go to the next Blogville event with you. But I think I should be going home soon. I won’t be here when a sweet girl answers my, er, your, er, this not-a-dating-site post. Sweet boy, that’s not how Blogville works. You won’t miss out, trust me. I love you, Aunt Amy. I love you too, Piper.

Yay! I can hardly wait!