Our beloved Bismarck (Registered name: Goldn Phoenix Iron Chancellor) passed away, just 12 days shy of his 10th birthday.  While he leaves a BIZ-sized hole in our hearts, we have many happy memories to comfort us.  He had 18 trans-Atlantic flights and left his mark (literally) in 7 countries. His webbed feet swam in Kennisis Lake, the North Sea, the Moselle River, the Gulf of Mexico and in his own pool in Florida.   

He was Tayce's Therapy dog in Detroit, Roy's pal in Brussels, construction site supervisor during our renos, and Official Greeter to the yoga ladies & all our friends.  Although we'd only been there a few months, everyone in Florida knew him as the "lion-dog".  He loved people/parties & entertaining and considered all of you his friends.  He loved Winter snow and Summer Boat Rides, treats & cheese, walks, bumscratches, cuddles, presents, stuffed animals & US.  He was a big part of our lives, we will miss him very much!

As difficult as it has been to watch him decline over the past three months with osteosarcoma (bone cancer), we can't imagine how hard it must be for people who cannot afford the pain meds or other necessary veterinary interventions.  

That's why we are working with our friends Joan Middleton and Andrea Habas to establish the Haliburton Pet Owners' Assistance Fund - a charity to help financially-challenged people in our community with the cost of non-elective/non-routine veterinary procedures & medications for their companion animals.  (We have received our Letters Patent and are now applying for Canada Revenue Agency charitable status).  It's our way of paying forward all the good things he brought to us.

One of the best things about Bismarck was the giant-sized welcome he gave us whenever we came home and to all our visitors.  I'm sure you've seen the piece circulated on the internet about "Things I Learned from my Dog" (see below).  My favourite is "when loved ones come home, always run to greet them."   In memory of Bismarck, we'd ask you to consider making these words you live by.  Tayce Wakefield

THINGS I LEARNED FROM MY DOG

1. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.  
2. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. 
3. Allow the experience of fresh air and wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
4. When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
5. Let others know when they have invaded your territory.
6. Take naps and stretch before rising.
7. Run, romp and play daily.
8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm and stop when you're full.
9. Be loyal.
10. Never pretend to be something you are not.
11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close and nuzzle them gently.
13. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
14. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
15. On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shade tree.
16. When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
17. No matter how often you are scolded, don’t pout, . . . . run right back and make friends.
18. Bond with your pack.
19. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
20. Long after you are gone, remain a memory in your master's dreams.