In the sleepy town of Redwater, Alberta – 30 minutes northeast of Edmonton – a litter of golden, jostling, joyful puppies was born on November 3, 2003 to Myvic Nobel Golden Buddy and Myvic My Chuchuk.
One of them was Lady Caitlin Galadriel.
And that would be our Catie.
This is a milestone of jubilant, unbelievable proportions. Back in January of this year, I didn’t think Catie would see another birthday. Truly, I didn’t. I cried a lot back then.
I am choked with gratitude today though, because here we are, almost nine months after a diagnosis of bone cancer and amputation, the three of us – Catie, Riley and me – as we should be. Catie and Riley, right now, smudge their noses with earnest curiosity against the window and watch the street lights timidly flicker and finally hold steady against the evening darkness.
I know they know it’s time for the hares to return. They spotted one just the other night, a mottled brown-and-white creature who brazenly taunted them from the flower bed in the front lawn. Its presence caused quite a brouhaha and I don’t know that I’ll ever get rid of all the barking spittle on the glass.
I just want to say I’m thankful for so many, many things right now.
I’m grateful for the friends I have on this site, even though I haven’t – yet – met any of them face-to-face. The genuine hearts and souls, rich with generosity and empathy, tears and laughter, are woven in and throughout every story of every journey of every Tripawd and their families.
There is simply – and I say this with the utmost sincerity – so much GOOD here.
I’m grateful for each day and each moment.
I’ve learned that from Catie and Riley.
I’m thankful for them.
Happy 7th birthday, dear Catie Caitlin. It’s time to party.
If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together.. there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we’re apart.. I’ll always be with you.
Winnie the Pooh
Carmen – your post has once again brought tears to my eyes. Boy do I know that feeling of being able to celebrate another birthday when you thought there wouldn’t be another one to celebrate. I’m so so happy that Catie is celebrating her 7th birthday with you and Riley. It is time to party and we’ll be there right with you!!
I just love that Winnie the Pooh quote – just great!
And a huge thanks to you for all of your support you’ve shown to everyone here on this website. Thank you for being our friend too.
Kami
Happy Birthday Catie!!!
I was counting the days between Maggie’s diagnosis and 8th birthday- it was on the outside edge of the 6 to 9 month prognosis we were given.
It took me awhile, but I finally learned not to count, rather enjoy each day.
I hope to be posting something here on Catie’s 8th birthday- but as we have learned from our tripawds, that does not really matter.
All that matters is today!
Karen
Happy Birthday Catie, and happy days for you, Carmen, that you understand the beauty of the celebration. I do believe that is one thing our dogs give us; the ability to leave the collateral issues where they belong, and allow us to let the peripheral matters stay where they should – out of the the inner circle, where we live and love and celebrate and believe.
Here’s to you and Catie and Riley, for staying on target, and remembering what’s important!
We’re happy for you, but also for us, because a milestone shared by anyone within this family, is also a milestone for us! Vino it is…somebody pop the cork!
Rhonda and Lincoln
A very Happy Birthday to you Lady Caitlin Galadriel !!!
Your mom writes of her gratitude for this site and its families. I couldn’t agree more. And she gives as good as she gets!
You and Riley are so lucky to have her love and of course that nice picture window she provides with all the hare action on the other side!!!!!
Hope you all celebrate in style.
Spirit JD’s mom
Happy Birthday Catie!!
It’s true, we have all met and become friends. Carmen, Catie and Riley, we want to thank you for everything you have done for us, taught us and celebrated with us.
We will celebrate your birthday, your love and your family. I happen to know that the number 7 is a complete number.
So, cheeseburgers and fries for everybody!!!! Wow, I really love saying that.
Party on Catie, Riley and Carmen, seize the day!
from your friends, Shelby, the chauffeur and the maid.
My dear friend Catie,
Happy Birthday! Let’s have a party soon! I’ll make us up a big batch of peanut butter cookies and you bring the ice cream (not from Canada, it might melt on the way)!
What kind of music should I put on? Lady GaGa’s “Just Dance” or Black Eye Peas’s “Boom Boom Pow”? I promise, NO ANDY WILLIAMS, Riley! (unless you wanna slow dance?)
How sappy was your mom’s post!??? I worried she was going to say she wipe your spit off the window and put it in a keepsake box or framed the paper towel! Geeeze Louise!
Tell her that’s her fault for not meeting anyone! Get her buttusky down her in December and then she can decide if we are such nice people!
But once again, happy birthday Catie! I won’t sing you a song because someone made a crack I wasn’t a good singer. I’m not going to mention any names, but “HE” is orangey and it’s not John Boehner!
HUGS!
You pal,
Comet
Happy birthday pretty Catie,
You are a beautiful blessing to your family. May you have many more celebrations in the years to come.
Elizabeth and Sammy
congrats to you ms. catie!! enjoy your day as you enjoy each moment of your life. here’s to chasing those hares (even if it’s only during nap time) and having many, many more wonderful times ahead!!! ice cream and cheese for everybody!!
gayle & charon
Happy Birthday Catie,
You are such a beautiful girl! I just knew there had to be a reason I popped the cork on a bottle of the good red stuff last night. I was celebrating many things and Catie’s birthday was one of them.
I’m not the “Lady GaGa” type but Fortis and I did dance around a bit in honor of Sweet Catie while listening to “Fergalicious” by Fergie! The “Boom Boom Pow” works as well Comet.
Happy Birthday! Wishing you many many more.
Your Texas Friends,
Brett and Fortis
Happy Birthday Catie! This calls for a tremendous celebration. Celebrate each of life’s special moments.
Nancy and James the poodle
Hoppy Birthday to You!
Hoppy Birthday to You!
🙂
Happy (belated) birthday to you, sweet Catie. We know things have been tough, but you have come through with shining colors and we know you will be here for many more birthday celebrations to come 🙂