Although I don’t post on Tuesday, I had to write this post as it was one year ago today that my beloved Ninja earned her wings after a long respiratory illness. It’s taken hours to pen because my eyes got too swollen to finish and hot a day has gone by that I haven’t thought of her. She was a quirky dog with a load of baggage. Being a puppy mill mama, she was 95% feral when she was adopted on September 16, 2016. Here was the first post I wrote introducing her. Her spirit was fierce and she was not easily impressed but once you gained her trust, she was as devoted as any dog I’ve ever known. She made you earn her affection and respect and of all the Standard Poodles I’ve been fortunate enough to be owned by (people don’t own poodles, they are owned by them), she was without a doubt the most beautiful. With gorgeous conformation and dark brown eyes that reminded me of a baby gorilla, and a luxurious curly coat, she had a very impish side to her. You can read about her escapades of munching my reading glasses over the years-it was legendary. Here are a few of the casualties over the years. I always swore she thought wool socks were a food group.
Long time readers will recall Elsa was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy a mere two weeks after she was adopted. It was a crushing blow, not because of the condition but because she had experienced such a rough life as a puppy mill mama and this was one more thing for her to have to endure. She turned me into an advocate for dogs with epilepsy where we showed people that dogs with epilepsy could still enjoy a normal life. Her vet was always impressed with her calm and easy demeanor whenever she visited and mentioned she was one of the easiest dogs to draw blood from of all his patients. She never flinched or balked and he and the vet tech especially loved her sweetest for that reason.
Like Wilson, she had a ‘thing’ about squirrels and would chase them up trees every chance she got. She came close a couple of times to catching one who clearly had no idea who it was messing with. Stealthy fast, she’d go into attack mode and often leapt in the air to try to reach one of the tree rats and tried her best to climb the tree.
Elsa wasn’t a fan of any the photos sessions but she took each one in stride, even when I needed to repeat a pose because I was laughing so hard at her expressions. and kept blurring the image. She loved eviscerating squeaky toys. Anything with protruding parts was fair game for being chewed off and the animal hospital was constantly repairing toys.
She was a bit of a unicorn when it came to dogs. So unusual, definitely mysterious yet ever so loyal. I can tell you when I took this photo wearing the unicorn headband and collar for Halloween one year, it took forever to take one that wasn’t blurred from all my laughter. She stood there patiently waiting while I broke up multiple times. She was always such a good sport for all our photos sessions.
When our online store was connected to the blog, she was often my model for the bandanas. Again, patient as could be and while she was a black dog and thus hard to photograph, she always did a fantastic job posing.
Walks with her were a wonderful adventure but unlike all the male dogs, she almost never sniffed at plants for a spot to pee over a previous dog’s visit. But on a few occasions, she’d flop down and do a hearty face rub on the turf showing me she was at peace with her life. I loved those moments as she was fairly skittish when she was first adopted. I was always grateful for Sam who taught her how to be a dog and to Norman who taught her to wag her tail with joy.
Elsa loved riding in the car and was one of the best passengers I ever had. Here she was when I drove to Missouri to pick up Wilson.
This memorial post has brought a flood of tears but also tons of smiles. I hope Elsa is giving Norman and Sam a break and not bossing them around too much. But I know they loved you as much as I did and wouldn’t have minded if you were lording it over on them.
Elsa has been missed every single day this past year and she’ll always be my beautiful Ninja. Until we’re all reunited, just know I love you as much today as I did when you first came to live at the Ranch. To our readers, I hope you enjoyed this loving look back at this sweet girl who touched my life in ways I can’t even begin to express.
Live, love, bark ! 🐾
Wee has sumthin inn our eyess Miss Monika….such a beeuteeful an toucjin tributte to Ninja Elsa….shee was aan amazin Poochie…BellaSita started cryin when you menshunned Sam,,,then wee both choked up over ‘Stormin’ Norman….
You have had THE most pawsum Poochiess! Thank you fore sharin Elsa with all of us….wee love you Elsa…furever…. BellaDharma <3 an BellaSita Mum <3
Thanks so much for your very sweet comment. I always feel blessed to have had each of those angels especially knowing they brought smiles to everyone who knew us. 💔
Wee allso wanted to meow how ree-gal Elsa was inn her crown an how ADOORBSS inn her Unnycorn outfit two!!! Precious Elsa <3 <3
You’re too sweet to say that. She was such a love even if she was a pill of a dog at time when she munching on my glasses but I loved her dearly and miss her so much.
Such a darling girl.
Thank you, Helen. She very much was. Miss her every day. 💔
We are making the best of it! Sending you much love.
🧡 🧡 🧡 Many thanks, friend.
What a beautiful tribute to your beloved Angel Elsa. We’re in tears as we know how much you miss her. She had that special look in her eyes, a very wise girl and a very beautiful lady and she loved you just as much as you loved her💗Soft Pawkisses and a big hug for you, dear furriend. We know it’s hard😿🐾😙💞
Thank you so much for your sweet comment. These special pets for whom we mourn never leave our hearts. I know just how you feel with your loss of Stippie. Sending gentle thoughts of comfort to you. 💔
It sounds like you and Elsa hit the jackpot when you found each other.
Despite her rough early life, she was a wonderful addition to the Ranch. Even knowing the issues with her epilepsy, I’d happily adopt her again. She was very special. 💔
As I am on vacation, I’ve been systematically flushing all emails.
. . But not this one.
Beautiful memorial, my friend. Hugs xoxo
You’re too sweet. Thank you. I’m especially touched. Hope you’re enjoying the away time and having a blast. Hugs. 💔 🧡
What a beautiful memorial post for Elsa, she was a very special girl.
hugs,
Beth
Many thanks, Beth. Losing a beloved pet as you have as well, is never easy. They are always missed on a daily basis. 💔
It is so hard to lose our precious furkids and it takes forever before we can smile and laugh at their funny antics through their years. Huge hugs to you♥
Many thanks for your kind comment. It is really true. 💔
I hope you are blessed with a dream visit tonight
Thank you fr your sweet comment. I dream of her all the time, in my heart. 💔
My dear friend – so many memories of your Elsa girl. I remember going to the zoo and seeing the baby gorilla and us looking at each other and remarking that Elsa has baby gorilla eyes. I remember when Norman’s stomach torqued and she stood by me with her patient but concerned stance – she knew something serious was going on and she made her presence known without being in the way. Then there was our road trip to MO to collect Wilson – she was such a great traveler! Elsa was an old soul and to look into her eyes was to look deep into her beautiful soul. This I knowMon, you were a fantastic Momma to her and a fierce advocate for her (I remember practically standing on my head trying to dig out her seizure meds while you were driving us to MO to pick up Wilson so we’d keep her meds on a strict schedule). Elsa was beautiful, majestic, a bit of a rascal and she left this earthly plane knowing what it was to be well and truly, deeply loved because of you! 💔
A thousand thank you’s. Your comment is truly touching my heart right now. I’m so blessed to count you as a special friend. Love you all the time, lady, but especially now. 💔 Hope you’re having a great time in Vegas.
Sending you hugs on this sad anniversary. XO
Many thanks, Ellen. Appreciate it. 💔
You and Elsa both hit the big jackpot when you found each other. I missed the beginnings, and really enjoyed reading that first post from your link. I understand how your heart is still hurting…it took me 8 years before I could say Lexi’s name without tearing up. And I know you agree, they were both worth it. Love and hugs. Amy
Thank Amy-you’re too kind. Yes anyone who’s had a special dog knows the hurt you feel when they cross the Bridge. I still get heart pangs about Sam and it’s been 6 years. I still cry about him being gone too as I do with Norman. 💔
Our hearts will always remember.
Exactly, it’s part of the cost of a beloved pet. 💔
That was such a sweet post and no doubt about the love being there with you two. Such a special sweetie, always loved and never forgotten. Hugs from all of us.
Thanks, Terry., The heartache of the loss of a pet is part of the commitment owning them. She will always remain in my heart. 💔
Such a beautiful tribute to sweet Elsa and so many wonderful memories you created together Monika ❤️ She was one in a million and had such a wonderful life with you. Sending hugs and love your way 💞❤️💞 xxx
Thank you, Xenia. She truly was one in a million and I miss her every single day. 💔
She was certainly cherished. Thank you for sharing these moments.
Thanks for your comment, Jacqui. She was a very special dog and I miss her immensely. 💔
The hardest part of loving animals is saying goodbye. It has also been nearly a year since we went from a two cat family to one. We think about and miss our baby every single day.
Thanks, Lisa. The price of loving a pet is having to say goodbye. Sending you tender thoughts of comfort as you continue to process your loss. 💔
What a touching and beautiful remembrance of Elsa. You were Elsa’s angel before she became one as you provided devoted care and and dedication. Thank you M for sharing some of the precious and funny moments with us. It’s especially amusing to know you got so much fun and laughs as you would try to photograph her with the various outfits she adorned over the years (much to her chagrin I suppose). I know this tribute and remembrance was hard to write and I’m sure the flood gates opened as you did. Hopefully it was somewhat cathartic. I will be, as I’m sure other readers will be too, hugging our pups a little bit tighter after reading your lovely tribute.
You’re too kind, Mike. Thank you. She was such a very special dog. Funny and serious at the same time but incredibly loving all the time. The tears shed in writing this post join the others that have fallen whenever I think about how special she was.
Please hug the Golden Girls for me tonight. 💔
She brought joy to many through your posts. Hugs to the girls on your behalf will be delivered as requested. 🐾
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She was definitely a legend in her own time, and missed greatly. Ever the great regina, I expect she is giving more than just the royal wave from the great beyond! 😉 💕
I remember when Elsa first came home with you and your early blogs had a hint of “OMG, what have I got into this time?” as you and the Ninja established what would be a great and close relationship. As I recall, Sam had some doubts as well about his new sister and her challenges. Throughout the years, the Elsa Tales have carried a strong message reminding us all that how we start is not how we end up, and it’s easy to judge prematurely a pup, but we do so at the risk of overlooking a real jewel – like Elsa. She was a funny pooch and I think the world simply amazed her every time she ventured out. That she grew into such a loving and loyal companion is a testament to the effort and love you put into the relationship, and the same from her. That was a lovely memorial, Monika and I’m so glad you shared it. ❤
Thank you, Tom. It took a long time for her not to be so…aloof. But once she realized she was in a good and loving home. She had so many obstacles in her way to realizing she was going to be loved and well taken care of…and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. She was absolutely worth it. And gawd bless Sam for being patient and kind to her as well. He did so much resetting her distrustful brain. I don’t think I could have done it without him. 💔 I loved her to pieces, even with all her mismatched baggage.
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful dog who deserved the best. You have had a lot of pet loss over the years I’ve followed you. All wonderful pups who won the lottery. Hugs.
Thanks, Kate. Yes, there has been a lot of loss here but to have had each of those dogs was totally worth it. It’s the price of loving these special creatures. 💔
Such a beautiful tribute to Elsa, Monika. It was hard to write, but brought smiles and a few tears here. Thank you for recounting the essence of such a beautiful girl.
Thank you, John. It was a lot harder than I expected and took hours to pen. She was such a love and I miss her every day. 💔
Oh my heart…….What a beautiful tribute to a very special girl…..I love how different each and every dog and cat are “their own unique being” – and that gives us an easy time relating stories about them with the special love they gave us. That Ninja of yours was a sweet character who obviously loved being part of your family and loved the life she had. When they leave, it’s not without leaving behind wonderful memories, laughs, unique and special moments in time only THEY could have given us. I know it was hard to write but you did her justice and then some – – – I’m sure she’s smiling down as she watches over you from a much quieter and calm place. Thanks for sharing the memories……………
Hugs, Pam
Thanks, Pam. No doubt she’s planning some sort of mischief at the Rainbow Bridge. She was like that, but lord what I’d give for her to tear up another stuffie or eat part of sock again. 💔
What a tribute! Such a sweet, mischievous, funny, brave, loving girl. We miss her antics.
Thanks Genevieve. She was all those things and I miss her beyond what any words can convey. 💔
Elsa always seemed like a wonderful pup. I loved the way she snarked around with Wilson (sorry Wilson).
Many thanks, Dan. That snark was such a part of her personality. She was such a sweet pup who is greatly missed. No apologies necessary for Wilson-he managed to get by just fine. 💔
Big healing hugs on this day of remembrance. What a beautiful post to celebrate a beautiful angel.
Have a fabulous day. Big hug to you and lots of scritches to Wilson. ♥
Many thanks, dear Sandee. She was a beautiful soul who just happened to have a “still waters runs deep” kind of personality. Miss her like crazy. Wilson says thanks for the scritches. 💔
She was so beautiful and it seemed that she came through her rough start with a sweet spirit. It’s so hard but it’s nice to remember the times with our furry friends; they deserve to be remembered with love. I must say that you got further than i did on the dressing up front! She was pretty patient too it seems! And her face says it all.
Thanks Martha. She was a real trooper when it came to being dressed up. What am I saying…she was a trooper about everything and beyond tolerant about some of the indignities we put our pups through. She will always be greatly missed. 💔
What a beautiful remembrance post. My eyes leaked.
You’re very sweet. Thank you. Trust me, my eyes are still leaking some 6 hours later. She was a complicated but very precious dog and is missed every single day. 💔
((Hugs)) ❤️🩹
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She was a very special dog and such a lucky dog to land with you so she could have a really nice life. Mom still cries about Madison and it has been almost 18 months. Some dogs are just missed more than others. You gave her so many opportunities other dogs never even know about and she gave you all her love. Every dog has a special place in the heart, and she has a big space in yours. GBGV hugs to you on this tough day.
Many thanks. She was indeed quite special. I know you know what these anniversaries mean to your heart. Thank you for the sweet comment. 💔
Oh, yes, our Angels are so missed each and every day, but the memories always do bring smiles, don’t they!
Hugs to you as you remember your dear precious Elsa!
Words seem inadequate at times like this. I went through years of photos of her…many who brought tears and many who made me smile. It never gets easier no matter how long it’s been. 💔
Lovely tribute to the best Ninja ever!
Thanks. It was a tough post to write. She was a very special dog. 💔
Tough but hopefully a little therapeutic as well?