Princess Gretchen Has Gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Sunday, January 3rd, was a terrible day for us. We had to say goodbye to our beautiful little dachshund princess Gretchen. She had one of those terrible accidents that you could never anticipate or even imagine happening. Diving off the patio to play, she dove right into a rod that used to hold a garden ornament and it went nearly through her. I hugged her in my arms until I had to let her go as much as it hurt to do so.

 

We met Gretchen when she was five weeks old and she came home with us in our motorhome when she was only 6 weeks old.

She came to live with us and two other female dachshunds. Dave thought they could teach her the ropes. Good thing they didn't have many bad habits as that is what they chose to teach her.

 

A little later in life, Willy came along and became her brother. Eventually, it was Willy and Gretchen and then Harley came along. Gretchen got over being shy when she had two brothers who were more than willing to hog the limelight. She learned to step right up to get hugs and pets before the boys got them all.  She loved to travel.

And had no trouble making any spot her own.

She could slip from being Mama's girl to Daddy's girl at a moments notice.

She was such a beautiful little princess  "Princess Pooky" to her family and friends.

She was always ready to share a secret or console someone who needed an extra hug.

 

 She was always up for a trip by car, truck, or RV.

Such a sweet girl........

She and Harley loved to cuddle and share some sunshine.

She was ready for whatever action came her way.

She had her Daddy wrapped around her little paw.

And her mama too. Nothing going on here Mom.

She will always travel along in our hearts and, even though they are broken for losing her right now, hopefully they will mend in time but she will never be forgotten.

We love you little girl. Heal and play while you wait for us by the Rainbow Bridge with Fritz, Ginger, Heidi, and your brother Owen. We will be along to join you further down the road.

 

Rest in Peace

 

Gretchen Phipps

 

16 April 2003 to 3 January 2016

2012 with the Traveling Longdogs

Willy, Gretchen, and Harley decided that if I wasn't going to do a year in review, they would do it for me.

Move over you two, there is always room for one more!

Is it time to play ball now?  What do you mean later?

What do you mean you have other dog friends Birdie!

I saw her first, she's my Birdie.

I love you Steve.  I think Harley was the one that did it.

Come on Morgan.  Get with the program.

Move over Harley, you can't hog the whole bed.  I get to sleep with the kids too.  You boys can have the kids.  I'm sleeping with Steve on the couch.

Feet, Morgan, feet.  How is a girl to sleep?

Wake me up when we get there.  I'm just resting my eyes.

How did I end up down here?  Watch the feet Morgan.

Is she serious about this?

Let me tell you what those boys are up to Cameron.  They are going to be in big trouble.

You guys are going to be in such big trouble!

I'm telling Mom.  You better get over here right now.

Give it a rest Gretchen.

Willy, Gretchen is such a tattle tale.

Keep quiet Harley.  I'm watching that cat.

Oh, Willy, you are so handsome.

I said I'm busy right now Gretchen.

We're ready, can't we leave now?

Nothing like watching a movie with friends.

I just love going on a walk.

I found one over here Steve.  How come the kids aren't helping?

Oh boy, "On the road again, I just love to be on the road again!"

No thanks, I don't need my crate.  I'm very comfortable right here.  Go away!

Are you sure the RV is still back there Mom?

Of course it's back there Harley.  Can we have a rest stop now?

Oh my goodness, that car came way too close.

Really, you brought a monkey with you?  Really????  Three dachshunds weren't enough for you?

Mom, this monkey is in my chair, I mean your chair.  Make him move.

A little privacy pleeese.  We are trying to nap.

We could use a blankie here.

Where is that blankie?

Hi Birdie.  We love you too.

I think that is about it for us.  It was a great year.  We need more RV trips though.

"THE END"

P.S.  Willy here.  That is not a picture of me!  I do not carry my own bags!  How embarrassing for him.  My Mom would not make me do that plus I am a lot better looking.  Happy New Year.