tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post7346270905178169028..comments2023-05-10T10:36:38.392-04:00Comments on The Adventures of Tom & Atticus: A Sense of SelfUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-87129003654473708272012-08-08T23:09:48.163-04:002012-08-08T23:09:48.163-04:00I wish I had the time and money to adopt a dog lik...I wish I had the time and money to adopt a dog like Will. Your blog is heartwarming as well as heartbreaking. It also reminds me of my second dog I had adopted years ago. Lucky, blacklab/doberman lived for 13 years. She also had arthritis in her golden years. At the end she was a walking skeleton (according to vet she was eating less to take weight off of her hips). The whimpering and moans were heartbreaking and I finally had to make a decision. I held her that day & told her how much I loved her as she peacefully & painlessly went to sleep.sandralenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-4173921686437188102012-05-14T12:54:50.556-04:002012-05-14T12:54:50.556-04:00Tom, you can squeeze more out of an experience, be...Tom, you can squeeze more out of an experience, be it mountain or dog, than just about anyone I know. In return your dog is similarly rewarded. As for the mountains, I can't say. Is writing about it is part of the secret? <br /><br />JohnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-41388937317514148762012-05-13T20:18:50.495-04:002012-05-13T20:18:50.495-04:00A beautiful piece of writing from a beautiful soul...A beautiful piece of writing from a beautiful soul. When two women brought one of our rescues, McNibs, last year, they commented on how peaceful our home felt. That is exactly how I felt reading about yours. I look forward to hearing more.Lauriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01156180100389224114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-16774518491071799432012-05-13T19:55:58.441-04:002012-05-13T19:55:58.441-04:00Hi Tom,
Srini and I volunteer at the NH SPCA in S...Hi Tom,<br /><br />Srini and I volunteer at the NH SPCA in Stratham. We walk many dogs each week, spending some quality time with each one outdoors, away from their kennel. Many are wild or unruly but become cuddly and affectionate once you give them just a little bit of love. It is wonderful to see and read about Will coming out of his shell with the love and kindness shared by you and Atticus. Each time a "tough" dog is adopted out at the SPCA we all shed a few tears for their good fortune. Thanks for what you're are giving Will, a few tears were shed. EllenEllen Snyderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09158932570826154360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-5563029155285901282012-05-13T10:07:39.744-04:002012-05-13T10:07:39.744-04:00Tom, you are to be commended for your compassion f...Tom, you are to be commended for your compassion for all things which have life. <br /><br />Your essay brings to mind a quote attributed to Alfred A. Montapert, as follows:<br />"Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to."1HappyHikerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-8254331579591929132012-05-12T21:09:59.772-04:002012-05-12T21:09:59.772-04:00Tom, Atti & Will,
:)....how wonderful.....Wil...Tom, Atti & Will,<br /><br />:)....how wonderful.....Will clearly trusts you, he can sense how safe it is to be with you and Atticus, dogs do that, they know. I love it when someone adopts an elderly dog, because with that there are more often than not lots of vet bills due to age, a lot more care, that is a huge commitment of love & care, kudos to YOU.....the love in return from a senior dog is just as rewarding as say a puppy....but the love shared is stronger more so because of the shorter time they have left.<br />The adjustment time is amazing for Will, and that is because you and Atticus rock!!! You are both gentle souls. How amazing would it be if every human being had such warm souls as you, the world would be so calm, caring and loving.....The best to you all, and may you and Atticus share/make wonderful memories with Will.....Tom you emit such wonderful energy--lets hope it's contagious....<br />Still FollowingTina L.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-47651261840785719132012-05-12T19:40:09.977-04:002012-05-12T19:40:09.977-04:00Once again, your written words elicit tears of joy...Once again, your written words elicit tears of joy...thank youAnnOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12988140848533369740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-33647373028325684292012-05-12T11:28:52.388-04:002012-05-12T11:28:52.388-04:00Echoing everyone else, thank you again Tom, for a ...Echoing everyone else, thank you again Tom, for a heartfelt update on William! We all feel different and feel better when we hear and see good things happening around us, and your blog sends out that 'good stuff!' I've never been a so-called 'dog person,' I am thoroughly a 'cat person' but I never cease to be amazed by how deeply I can feel connected to Atti and now William through YOUR writing! I must admit that until I read your FB post last week about 'tomorrow we bring a new member into our family' I hadn't been keeping up with you for a few days. And when I read that sentence I thought Paige was finally moving up here to New Hampshire! :) But learning about William was wonderful too! Sincerely can't wait until the ladies at White Birch talk you into another evening storytime! I want to listen to you again!Diane Herd Smithnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-72357183618425339722012-05-12T08:15:28.316-04:002012-05-12T08:15:28.316-04:00This is a beautiful post. Thank you for giving Wil...This is a beautiful post. Thank you for giving Will and new wonderful home.A Shelter Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705293014239097419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-65907411045310528202012-05-11T21:14:03.335-04:002012-05-11T21:14:03.335-04:00Dang it Tom, you have me crying every time. Willi...Dang it Tom, you have me crying every time. William reminds me so much of my old dog Shelby. She is deaf and arthritic,but tries to play too, which she never did when she was young. She gives me great joy in her later years, and I am so proud of you and happy for william. And PS..I kinda handle things like Atticus does. lolhoneybee830https://www.blogger.com/profile/08952794366131063246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-46158052582271657492012-05-11T20:30:56.014-04:002012-05-11T20:30:56.014-04:00Tom, I have enjoyed your blog for a few years now ...Tom, I have enjoyed your blog for a few years now and also your book<br />"Following Atticus". Being proud owners of two rescued Mini Schnauzers, Ginger now 11 yr. and Jaz 6 yrs. I can appreciate the way you express your love and understanding of these wonderful creatures. You are a "special" man. Thank you for your words and wish you would come to Cleveland, Ohio on a book tour, so I could personally give you a big hug!!!Phyllisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-22573879456247188892012-05-11T20:28:56.385-04:002012-05-11T20:28:56.385-04:00You are a remarkable man Tom we are so glad that w...You are a remarkable man Tom we are so glad that we are part of the Following Atticus family .. Your spirit of this blog and book is truly an island from a very entangled world we have to look at daily Thank you! It gives us hope and comfort! We hope to meet you at some point Thank you again from the pack :-))Carter W Raenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-39868717504143156012012-05-11T19:34:53.163-04:002012-05-11T19:34:53.163-04:00You have an amazing way with words-Thank You!You have an amazing way with words-Thank You!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-5571048904508018502012-05-11T19:22:57.155-04:002012-05-11T19:22:57.155-04:00And once again, tears streaming down my cheeks! T...And once again, tears streaming down my cheeks! Tears of happiness...<br />As I read your post, I was surprised to read that you and Atticus lead a boring life...to me, your life is anything but boring. How wonderful to be able to surround yourself with love...with nature...with beautiful boys Atticus and William. Tom, you have a heart of gold! Bless you!Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10853127514294899061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-27120141054638188882012-05-11T17:41:20.455-04:002012-05-11T17:41:20.455-04:00Thank you for this thoughtful and loving post. I k...Thank you for this thoughtful and loving post. I kind of figured from what you didn't say on Sunday that William was in bad shape. I don't know if it helps that what you describe sounds like a fairly predictable batch of health issues for an elderly and neglected dog. But it still hurts to see him suffer.The Bible has a wonderful word our quality I have never seen elsewhere: lovingkindness. That is what you are showing William in your patience and loving attention to who he is and what he needs. I can't think of a greater gift to offer an abandoned and frightened little dog. Or those of us humans who don't get to take a good chomp out of the nearest thumb;)!Rebecca Borennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-74727053582364368702012-05-11T15:39:16.747-04:002012-05-11T15:39:16.747-04:00So beautiful! Thanks for sharing.So beautiful! Thanks for sharing.Carola Chaurero - A Window into my Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15907140024223243000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-16773252448859519262012-05-11T15:33:18.928-04:002012-05-11T15:33:18.928-04:00I'm so happy for all three of you, Tom. That&#...I'm so happy for all three of you, Tom. That's a lot of progress in a very short time...<br /><br />I think William is simply like Walt Whitman's noseless, patient spider. He's been standing out there for much too long on that lonely promontory, launching forth threads into the vacant, vast surrounding, hoping one will catch on something, someone, and he will be saved. <br /><br />And he was.Jess Laheyhttp://jessicalahey.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-57899661621023283962012-05-11T15:09:49.950-04:002012-05-11T15:09:49.950-04:00As with your book Tom you gave brought sad and hap...As with your book Tom you gave brought sad and happy tears to my eyes. They are still moist as I try to type this. William and Atticus are so blessed with you. Thank you. Bonnie ColvertBonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08439820612308379730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-32797260008522341512012-05-11T15:01:58.411-04:002012-05-11T15:01:58.411-04:00Beautiful story! Thank you for sharing.Beautiful story! Thank you for sharing.Kate Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03085332596007868197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-17098995832611460772012-05-11T14:54:33.678-04:002012-05-11T14:54:33.678-04:00Will reminds me of my 93 year old uncle Mac. He wa...Will reminds me of my 93 year old uncle Mac. He was severely burned (gasoline) last year and they weren't sure if he'd make it. We'll he recovered in a big way. The power of the human (or in this case dog) spirit.cooperhillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16225570314335442622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-79269905014076787932012-05-11T14:41:04.052-04:002012-05-11T14:41:04.052-04:00Tom, I'm also crying happy tears. We lost our...Tom, I'm also crying happy tears. We lost our first schnauzer, Pepper (a rescue) 3 years ago to liver cancer at the age of 14. We now have 3 schnauzer boys, all rescues, and completely understand the love and joy that Atticus, Max and now Will have brought into your life. Bless you and Atti for opening your hearts to sweet William and ensuring that the remainder of his life will only be filled with love and happiness <3Vickinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-23087322099560466662012-05-11T14:40:07.652-04:002012-05-11T14:40:07.652-04:00Tom-What a beautiful piece of writing but of cours...Tom-What a beautiful piece of writing but of course I am not surprised. By both the writing and your generosity. Nick turns 12 on Monday. He's healthy and active and for that I am thankful every day.<br /><br />SueSuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13911109672807196057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-64672797076771809232012-05-11T14:37:38.446-04:002012-05-11T14:37:38.446-04:00What a beautiful story! I know that many people wo...What a beautiful story! I know that many people would not take in a dog of Will's age and in his condition because they know that heartache is soon to follow, but to think like that is to only think of yourself. What about the dog, who if nobody took in, would have spent his last days, scared and alone in a shelter. By opening your heart and thinking of Will and not yourself, you have re-written a new chapter to the end of Will's life story. You have reminded Will of what it feels like to love and be loved. That is the greatest gift you could have ever given him at this point in his life. Thank you for being such a kind person!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-9216209562532687062012-05-11T14:37:13.650-04:002012-05-11T14:37:13.650-04:00Yes Tom, I too have tears of joy reading this. Ey...Yes Tom, I too have tears of joy reading this. Eyes tell so much, as I mentioned when you posted Will's pic after his grooming. Will has overcome much and will continue to do so. And for that which is beyond his, or your control, the three of you will adjust accordingly.<br /><br />Your story reminds me of how Teddy's parallels. Though only four years old when he was displaced due to his human's inability to care for herself, he was extremely underweight, severely matted and confused as to why his life had changed. And now, just as Will is progressing, literally by leaps and bounds, so too has Teddy.<br /><br />I've always said, the one truly saved by rescue/adoption isn't the four-legged friend - it's the human.<br /><br />Happy Friday to the three of you!<br />HazelHazel & Trusty Canine Teddyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11125401865598865095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-77714633104802313752012-05-11T14:22:51.013-04:002012-05-11T14:22:51.013-04:00My words are not enough...instead deep, soulful, h...My words are not enough...instead deep, soulful, heartfelt emotion - thank you, thank you.Pam Hicksnoreply@blogger.com