Post by Totems4jt on Jul 7, 2008 11:06:51 GMT -5
Friends and Fans I am very touched by your kind words and letters but I like to tell you how I got involved in rescuing Dogs and Wolfs.
I started to rescue animals as a way to do something non selfish in a business that is all about me. Mohawk was my first he was a young run away and the first few months were very hard on me as my entire daily routine had to change to accommodate his needs.
After the first year I realized Mohawk needed a friend and even though my schedule was already crazy I knew when I left him alone at home he was not very happy. I did volunteering work for the Samoyed rescue of Southern California and I used to go to all the shelters looking for dogs that were on death row and try to see if I could bring them to good enough condition to find a home for them.
On one such visit I saw a cage that had four Pitbulls and in the back a white thing was lying on the ground. I was drawn to the cage and on closer look I saw Cheyenne lying on her side, bleeding from the bite marks that the pitbulls had inflicted. I was outraged and asked why that dog was among the Pitbulls and I was told all the dogs in that cage were to be killed that day. So it did not matter if the old white dog that nobody wanted was among them. She had been in the shelter for two long weeks and because of her poor health and her old age (10 to 11 years old) it was no point to rescue her as she was on her last leg.
I tried to talk to Cheyenne but she would not even raise her head off the cold floor. Something in me knew that I had to take her out of here. I had to almost fight the shelter people to let me take her as they were sure she would not live long and that my efforts were in vain. Nevertheless I followed the voice within.
Over the next few months I was truly tested as she had problems walking due to several abnormal growths on her hips and her back. So it began the long road of Surgeries. She survived four operations and to the surprise of my vet who also gave me a slim chance, she managed to pull through.
I cannot list the number of things that was wrong with her but believe me somedays I questioned my own action of trying to help her.
It was very hard on me for at least two years. Daily massages, special dietary needs, hourly nursing as she used to wet herself due to past trauma had me at a breaking point but I hung in there. I also had to learn how to wash and groom both of them. They had become so close to me that I would even take them to my auditions and they waited in the car for me.
In the tradition of American Indians every animal spirit teaches us something new. From the Wolf Spirit we learn true Grit. Time past and after two and half years Cheyenne started to slowly come out of her shell. She raised her head high and walked proud, that was when I realized this dog was no dog and the Wolf within started to gaze at me with those knowing eyes.
I did not have a family life when I was growing up and everyone was telling me it is good Karma what I was doing and that it would come back to me but the truth was as I healed Cheyenne I was healing myself and years of emotional blockage washed away from me as she blossomed to a magnificent creature that turned heads no matter where we went.
I now know she was put in my path for a reason and what I learned from her was far more important than the good life I gave her for her final 4-5 years. They traveled to many locations where I was shooting, including Santa Fe last year where they got the chance to play in the snow maybe for the first time.
Although she has left me physically she has left her paw print on my soul and I was there when she took her last breath and felt her become part of me.
Cheyenne taught me many things and when I used to look into
those clear eyes I saw the soul of a being much more able than ourselves to accept the totality of life, the hard but necessary cycles of birth and death, feast and famine, gain and loss of which all life is made of.
In a dream she told me she had tough me all that I needed to know and now it was time to go. My film carrier took off in the years that I had her and I know she was my luck Dragon.
I am blessed to be where I am today and to have friends and Fans like the sweet hearts on this forum and I just wanted you to all know I love you all and pray for your happiness in your daily life.
The Past is History...
The Future is Mystery...
This Moment now is a Gift...
That is why it is called the Present...
Jay Tavare
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Toosie
Jay:
Thank you for sharing with us the beautiful story of Cheyenne. It is obvious that she was loved fully by you and Mohawk after her life looked like it had no purpose or love.
You are an amazing and unique person Jay. The amount of love that you have towards those that are less fortunate is quite touching and shows that you are a very strong person to give to others in spite of the fact that you were so lacking in the beginning of your life. It isn't easy to overcome such obstacles as lack of a strong family base and for you to rise above that. For this and other things you are to be commended.
Jay you are an inspiration and a role model to many people that you will never meet - me included.
My prayer for you is that you receive back the love you give so freely and that your future is filled with happiness, fulfillment and much love.
Thank you for sharing your story of your "family" with us!
Jay, the sign of a truly beautiful person is how they treat others and not just the georgeous physical body. Know that you are loved because of who you are and not just because you are handsome!
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Skippy
Thank you Jay for sharing your beautiful story with us
I was touched by it, you must be one very special person I love you heaps, pity there isn't more people like you around. You really are an inpiration to many people. Thank you for just being you, a real Mr nice guy. I'm looking forward to your next movie. Stay a beautiful person honey and I will love you forever.
God bless
Skippy
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Roma
Jay, is it any wonder then, that I should see this very characteristic in you, if only thru' a picture... thru' the essence of you in film... thru' a glance?... Destiny brought you to Cheyenne, if only for you to find your own spirit w/in her. This fate has moved you (and ONLY by her) to a healing & a confidence that thru' those trials & worries, you were determined to 'see-her-through', to glory if so-be-it, so that her last days will be better than the cruelties of the heartless. There's a diamond in your crown & it's name is Cheyenne. Thank you for giving us a beautiful view into your soul-strength, honoring us w/your life, allowing us to baske in your lime-light, & remembering us w/your visits. You are forever gorgeous, in heart, soul, body & mind.
The saying goes, "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder." I behold YOU. YOU are Beauty! I Love You.
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Chimene
Jay, thank you for letting us know a little bit more about you and the beautiful Cheyenne. You both were lucky to have each other. Not many people would have given a second chance to an old dog. In our society nowadays, so many people treat others as expendible. You have shown us that every one, everything is a being and is worth paying respect to. thank you. thank you for your kindness. I know Cheyenne now lives on through you. ~ Chimene
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Emma Y.
Thank you Brother for your enlightened words that have touched us all. I am proud to be a human being when someone such as you shares your soul.
Stay strong and may Cheyenne walk with our Great Spirit.
Your Dine' Sista - E
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Catalina
Wonderful Tribute to a being that obviously deserved her life and more. I only wish I had the talent that you do Jay in expressing your deepest self. Thank you for lifting us all and letting us peak into that window of your heart.
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Danielle27
That's absolutely beautiful. I actually had a dog myself when I was a little girl. Her name was Samantha. She may not have been a wolf, but she was a beautiful old soul who seemed to watch over my family. She used to follow us to the supermarket on foot, while we were driving, and wait outside until we were finished shopping and then follow us home. I swear sometimes that dog must have been a person in her past life. I was so sad when she died. I cried for weeks. Even now when ever I talk about her, there's a part of my hear that just sinks. I miss her and I know there will never be another dog like her. So it absolutely touches my heart, Jay to hear you talk like that. We are not only connected as people but as spirits, humans to animals.
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samantha Inoue Harte
When Jay posted about his story of Cheyenne I was truely humbled. I was a bit torn because for one, it made me glad to know that there are people out there who would put so much sacrifice towards something that everyone else wanted to give up on but at the same time I questioned myself about whether or not I would ever do the same thing....I mean if I had the money I would but at the same time, I know that there were times when i would want to foster an animal but due to expenses and by the advice of counselors at the ASPCA I've never taken on any older or sickly animals only one cat that even though he is older....he is still what I would consider to be very strapping. I guess you can say that jay's actions truely humbled me and has raised my admiration for him that much higher...I mean, gee...look at the guy....he's not only saving sweet puppies, he's adopting people, help building houses, he's even making appearances on this forum which I only know of a few stars who do such things...and as I get a little older, i hope that one day i may also contribute positively as Jay. jay deserves much admiration for all that he went through and I'm sure that through all his good deeds, good things will await him further down the road, and gosh I know that i (and the rest of this forum) will surely be cheering him on. He's definitely getting some brownie points with god for sure.
but before i head off and back to work, i just wanted to add....other than the fact that it seems that my shift key is not working and i can't seem to get a fricken capitalized letter every now and then....that only one story has ever moved me as much as the story of Cheyenne and it's also a puppy related story that i grew up with while in japan. i'm sure that some of you have heard of hachiko but if you haven't, here's my brief synopsis of the story. i'm sure Hachiko is taking care of Cheyenne at rainbow bridge.
Cheers.
sami
Every morning a little puppy dog named Hachiko faithfully followed his master to Shibuya subway station. In the evening he would be back there, ready to greet his master after work.
One day however, his master died whilst in work. Hachiko waited for his master for nine years, but was not to be reuinted with him until he too died, and was buried alongside his long-dead owner.
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*Ms. Oliviane"marie Baier Whistling Elk
Hey! It's Oliviane we met out in Santa Fe with
the Native Cast of The Missing. I have since moved
from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Pablo, Montana. I have
been meaning to call but time hasn't allowed for much
free time. I lost my father and had his services the
5th of June. We were very close even though he was my
adopted Dad. I would love to hear from you. I am fasting for 4 days and home. Give me a ring or I will
try and call. The boys say hello! Thanks for taking
time out with them. Always, yo native apache sista!
406 675 0098
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samantha Inoue Harte
Missing Premiere for IAIA
welcome aboard Ms. Oliviane"marie Baier Whistling Elk....wow, and I thought my name was long. grin. Hope you get some more free time. If you do have some free time would you possibly put a post about what you thought of the work on the Missing? i'm very curious to hear about it, as i'm sure all of us on here are as well. That would rock the kasbah. Grin. Hope you get in contact with whomever (I'm assuming it's jay) you are trying to get in contact with.
Cheers,
Sami
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Michelle
Dear Jay,
I just happened to stumble upon your website when I was researching Native American actors. I am so impressed with your movies and look forward to seeing you in "Into the West." The reason I'm posting this reply is because I just read your touching story about Cheyenne and how you saved her. It takes special people with special hearts to stop and do something. In life it is so easy to ignore things and go on so you don't have to invest your feelings. You opened your heart and your reward will forever be the memories that you loved and laughed with Cheyenne.
Your words are more beautiful than anything because that is how your heart releases. Not everyone chooses to chance that but you are not afraid and that's rare in life. Thank you for taking time to reply to all of these people because it sounds strange but you can inspire people. You have inspired me and it's hard today to find very many people who can inspire others. Thank you Jay. I'll stay up on your projects! Can't wait.
Love Michelle
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earthgirl
Jay - you have a beautiful soul....
may the magic find you......
Trish
Jay thanks for sharing this great act of kindness with us. What a wonderful thing to be involved with. My hat is off to you and may this be something you will always treasure.
Right On Jay!
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surferdame
I know this is a late reply, but your story has really touched me lately WOW is my often said word I guess it is because lately I have been unwilling to accept the human condition. Walk outside sometimes I am afraid, some people are so cold and calculated but after reading your messege about Cheyenne and the messeges the nice ladies have left for you I realize why fear their are stiil some good people out there. That's nice that you had such a healing experience with cheyenne. In such perilous times , being in touch gifts like cheyenne are true blessings. to be able to learn from one of gods creature is a wonderful blessing.well i better go
ciao,
surferdame
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WindSong
Jay, you are AWESOME...
~WindSong
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Kiki
My heart goes out to you in your loss of Cheyenne. I, as I am sure many in the 'tribe', have felt the love and loss of an animal friend.
I have been blessed with many animals in my life. Some I have rescued, rehabed and released; some I have placed and others, those who were counted out now share my life. Each one of my pets were to be euthanized because of various physical abnormalities or illnesses.
The first rescue to enter my life was Stevie Ray. He was brought into the hospital I worked in at closing time to be euthanized. Found in the trash at a week old: his eyes, nose and mouth were sealed shut from hardened mucous. He was emaciated, frozen and barely breathing. I knew I had work to do. After intensive care, I placed him in a warm carrier and prayed he'd be alive in the morning. After six weeks of living in darkness, responding to my voice and touch, his eyes opened. What beautiful green eyes they are. He is now 7. He has become my little angel: he 'nurses' each animal that enters my home.
Bee Bop and Tumblina were next. They were brought in at approximately two weeks old unable to walk. After the ten day hold, they were scheduled for euthanasia. Diagnosed with cerebellar hypoplasia. they will never walk normally. Two more kitties were about to show me despite physical challenges, with a little TLC and a strong will to live, anything is possible. They are now 6.
Spike was among a litter of 5 I fostered 3 years ago. He was the last to be adopted. I knew in my heart, this little kitten, who I had raised from a week old, wanted to be with me. He would stare into my soul. Just unreal. Well, as fate would have it, he was diagnosed with a grade 4 heart murmur caused by a hole in his heart. He was not expected to see his 1st birthday. Where there is a will there is a way: Spike had a pulmonary artery banding for his first birthday and just the other day his Vet (not the one who predicted his early demise of course) said 'he'll live longer than me!'
Then there was Dizzy: she too has cerebellar hypoplasia. Unlike, Bee Bop and Tumblina, who have developed other illnesses, her only challenge is she cannot fly. Lol. Nothing holds her back.
Lastly, there is Tucker. He has a reactive immune system and was tossed by his owner. Tucker, like all my babies, receives a host of holistic treatments. He is just as happy as the rest of my 'pride'.
My ferrets, past and present, were given everything both in health and illness. After all, they taught me what it is to truly live. Those little wonders pack so much love and life into such a short time. I have one little one, Edie, left. She spent the last three months battling some attack on her immune system. I treated her solely with holistic remedies. She has beaten the odds and is restored.
As you have said, each animal spirit teaches us a lesson. When they leave us, their paw is forever on our heart and we are so blessed to have known them. I know they are in spirit world watching us and waiting for our reunion.
Peace and love,
Kiki
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FrancoiseDB
Jay,
Your story about how you found Cheyenne was so touching, it brought tears to my eyes. I can fully appreciate your devotion to animals as you visit the shelters in order to rescue them. Two years ago I went every other day for 6 mos to the animal control shelter in my area, it was the most depressing experience in my life! I drove home sobbing from all the sadness that came from cats and dogs abandonned, mistreated; some had given up and lay sick and hurt.
But some still came running to the cage's door with hope in their eyes. The hardest was to know you cannot take them all with you. Now that I am facing losing my cat I don't know if I can go back there?
Thanks for sharing.
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alice miriam
Hola, Jay--- I read what you wrote about Cheyenne and I was very moved. I had a white german shepard for 12 years and it was very hard for me when she died. She was wonderful with my nieces and my nephew. And I know down in my heart that she would've loved my two boys very much. It's not easy too loose a special family member but unfortunately life sometimes comes to an end whether we want it to or not. For many months I couldn't go out to the yard, it was too hard but then I learned to accept it was time for her to go. ----- God Bless---- Alice Miriam
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Pam
That was a truly touching story, Jay. All of my animals (only two now) were rescues, so I know the feeling that you had when you first saw Cheyenne.
Your story has inspired me to get back into working with animal rescue, here in Santa Fe.
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Meranda
Jay, that is so sad , but it's a very touching story. I had two mini Dachshunds once, Daisy and Winston. I got Winston when I was five, Daisy when I was twelve. Daisy was abused by her first owners and was traumatized from that day forward. She would soil herself every time someone bent down to pet her because she was afraid of getting beaten. We put her on several meds to control her bladder but my parents decided to put her down before she could have a chance to be a normal dog. She was so loveable and outgoing before she died, she will me missed greatly.
When Winston died, I felt like I had lost my son. My baby contracted diabetes and my parents put him down last March because we couldn't afford the insulin. Since I lost my babies I've been trying to go on with my life because I felt no one loved me as much as they did throughout my elementry school years. I even wrote a song for my kids called My Best Friends.
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Shay
I'm late I know but just wanted to say sorry about your loss and pain. You are a very special man to express yourself in such a wonderful way. May God continue to bless and keep you in all His ways.
Shay
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art
I don't know what to say.. But I do know it takes a special person with a big heart to take in a special animal like Cheyenne. Cheyenne knew that you would pick her and she trusted you with her whole heart..
Jay you are one of a kind stay that way.
Amy
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Debi
I was reading through you're post and this one touched my heart. I lost my dear pet around christmas and I know how hard it is. I saw your deidication page to your dog and it is lovely.
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Shay
Jay, remembering you in a special way on this day in regards to Cheyenne. I remembering you mentioning her during the dinner at the JTTP3 so she's still deep in your heart. Just remember that though she's not physically with you and Mohawk, she will always live on in memory. Be blessed. And here's a hug for you!
Shay
I started to rescue animals as a way to do something non selfish in a business that is all about me. Mohawk was my first he was a young run away and the first few months were very hard on me as my entire daily routine had to change to accommodate his needs.
After the first year I realized Mohawk needed a friend and even though my schedule was already crazy I knew when I left him alone at home he was not very happy. I did volunteering work for the Samoyed rescue of Southern California and I used to go to all the shelters looking for dogs that were on death row and try to see if I could bring them to good enough condition to find a home for them.
On one such visit I saw a cage that had four Pitbulls and in the back a white thing was lying on the ground. I was drawn to the cage and on closer look I saw Cheyenne lying on her side, bleeding from the bite marks that the pitbulls had inflicted. I was outraged and asked why that dog was among the Pitbulls and I was told all the dogs in that cage were to be killed that day. So it did not matter if the old white dog that nobody wanted was among them. She had been in the shelter for two long weeks and because of her poor health and her old age (10 to 11 years old) it was no point to rescue her as she was on her last leg.
I tried to talk to Cheyenne but she would not even raise her head off the cold floor. Something in me knew that I had to take her out of here. I had to almost fight the shelter people to let me take her as they were sure she would not live long and that my efforts were in vain. Nevertheless I followed the voice within.
Over the next few months I was truly tested as she had problems walking due to several abnormal growths on her hips and her back. So it began the long road of Surgeries. She survived four operations and to the surprise of my vet who also gave me a slim chance, she managed to pull through.
I cannot list the number of things that was wrong with her but believe me somedays I questioned my own action of trying to help her.
It was very hard on me for at least two years. Daily massages, special dietary needs, hourly nursing as she used to wet herself due to past trauma had me at a breaking point but I hung in there. I also had to learn how to wash and groom both of them. They had become so close to me that I would even take them to my auditions and they waited in the car for me.
In the tradition of American Indians every animal spirit teaches us something new. From the Wolf Spirit we learn true Grit. Time past and after two and half years Cheyenne started to slowly come out of her shell. She raised her head high and walked proud, that was when I realized this dog was no dog and the Wolf within started to gaze at me with those knowing eyes.
I did not have a family life when I was growing up and everyone was telling me it is good Karma what I was doing and that it would come back to me but the truth was as I healed Cheyenne I was healing myself and years of emotional blockage washed away from me as she blossomed to a magnificent creature that turned heads no matter where we went.
I now know she was put in my path for a reason and what I learned from her was far more important than the good life I gave her for her final 4-5 years. They traveled to many locations where I was shooting, including Santa Fe last year where they got the chance to play in the snow maybe for the first time.
Although she has left me physically she has left her paw print on my soul and I was there when she took her last breath and felt her become part of me.
Cheyenne taught me many things and when I used to look into
those clear eyes I saw the soul of a being much more able than ourselves to accept the totality of life, the hard but necessary cycles of birth and death, feast and famine, gain and loss of which all life is made of.
In a dream she told me she had tough me all that I needed to know and now it was time to go. My film carrier took off in the years that I had her and I know she was my luck Dragon.
I am blessed to be where I am today and to have friends and Fans like the sweet hearts on this forum and I just wanted you to all know I love you all and pray for your happiness in your daily life.
The Past is History...
The Future is Mystery...
This Moment now is a Gift...
That is why it is called the Present...
Jay Tavare
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Toosie
Jay:
Thank you for sharing with us the beautiful story of Cheyenne. It is obvious that she was loved fully by you and Mohawk after her life looked like it had no purpose or love.
You are an amazing and unique person Jay. The amount of love that you have towards those that are less fortunate is quite touching and shows that you are a very strong person to give to others in spite of the fact that you were so lacking in the beginning of your life. It isn't easy to overcome such obstacles as lack of a strong family base and for you to rise above that. For this and other things you are to be commended.
Jay you are an inspiration and a role model to many people that you will never meet - me included.
My prayer for you is that you receive back the love you give so freely and that your future is filled with happiness, fulfillment and much love.
Thank you for sharing your story of your "family" with us!
Jay, the sign of a truly beautiful person is how they treat others and not just the georgeous physical body. Know that you are loved because of who you are and not just because you are handsome!
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Skippy
Thank you Jay for sharing your beautiful story with us
I was touched by it, you must be one very special person I love you heaps, pity there isn't more people like you around. You really are an inpiration to many people. Thank you for just being you, a real Mr nice guy. I'm looking forward to your next movie. Stay a beautiful person honey and I will love you forever.
God bless
Skippy
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Roma
Jay, is it any wonder then, that I should see this very characteristic in you, if only thru' a picture... thru' the essence of you in film... thru' a glance?... Destiny brought you to Cheyenne, if only for you to find your own spirit w/in her. This fate has moved you (and ONLY by her) to a healing & a confidence that thru' those trials & worries, you were determined to 'see-her-through', to glory if so-be-it, so that her last days will be better than the cruelties of the heartless. There's a diamond in your crown & it's name is Cheyenne. Thank you for giving us a beautiful view into your soul-strength, honoring us w/your life, allowing us to baske in your lime-light, & remembering us w/your visits. You are forever gorgeous, in heart, soul, body & mind.
The saying goes, "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder." I behold YOU. YOU are Beauty! I Love You.
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Chimene
Jay, thank you for letting us know a little bit more about you and the beautiful Cheyenne. You both were lucky to have each other. Not many people would have given a second chance to an old dog. In our society nowadays, so many people treat others as expendible. You have shown us that every one, everything is a being and is worth paying respect to. thank you. thank you for your kindness. I know Cheyenne now lives on through you. ~ Chimene
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Emma Y.
Thank you Brother for your enlightened words that have touched us all. I am proud to be a human being when someone such as you shares your soul.
Stay strong and may Cheyenne walk with our Great Spirit.
Your Dine' Sista - E
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Catalina
Wonderful Tribute to a being that obviously deserved her life and more. I only wish I had the talent that you do Jay in expressing your deepest self. Thank you for lifting us all and letting us peak into that window of your heart.
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Danielle27
That's absolutely beautiful. I actually had a dog myself when I was a little girl. Her name was Samantha. She may not have been a wolf, but she was a beautiful old soul who seemed to watch over my family. She used to follow us to the supermarket on foot, while we were driving, and wait outside until we were finished shopping and then follow us home. I swear sometimes that dog must have been a person in her past life. I was so sad when she died. I cried for weeks. Even now when ever I talk about her, there's a part of my hear that just sinks. I miss her and I know there will never be another dog like her. So it absolutely touches my heart, Jay to hear you talk like that. We are not only connected as people but as spirits, humans to animals.
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samantha Inoue Harte
When Jay posted about his story of Cheyenne I was truely humbled. I was a bit torn because for one, it made me glad to know that there are people out there who would put so much sacrifice towards something that everyone else wanted to give up on but at the same time I questioned myself about whether or not I would ever do the same thing....I mean if I had the money I would but at the same time, I know that there were times when i would want to foster an animal but due to expenses and by the advice of counselors at the ASPCA I've never taken on any older or sickly animals only one cat that even though he is older....he is still what I would consider to be very strapping. I guess you can say that jay's actions truely humbled me and has raised my admiration for him that much higher...I mean, gee...look at the guy....he's not only saving sweet puppies, he's adopting people, help building houses, he's even making appearances on this forum which I only know of a few stars who do such things...and as I get a little older, i hope that one day i may also contribute positively as Jay. jay deserves much admiration for all that he went through and I'm sure that through all his good deeds, good things will await him further down the road, and gosh I know that i (and the rest of this forum) will surely be cheering him on. He's definitely getting some brownie points with god for sure.
but before i head off and back to work, i just wanted to add....other than the fact that it seems that my shift key is not working and i can't seem to get a fricken capitalized letter every now and then....that only one story has ever moved me as much as the story of Cheyenne and it's also a puppy related story that i grew up with while in japan. i'm sure that some of you have heard of hachiko but if you haven't, here's my brief synopsis of the story. i'm sure Hachiko is taking care of Cheyenne at rainbow bridge.
Cheers.
sami
Every morning a little puppy dog named Hachiko faithfully followed his master to Shibuya subway station. In the evening he would be back there, ready to greet his master after work.
One day however, his master died whilst in work. Hachiko waited for his master for nine years, but was not to be reuinted with him until he too died, and was buried alongside his long-dead owner.
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*Ms. Oliviane"marie Baier Whistling Elk
Hey! It's Oliviane we met out in Santa Fe with
the Native Cast of The Missing. I have since moved
from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Pablo, Montana. I have
been meaning to call but time hasn't allowed for much
free time. I lost my father and had his services the
5th of June. We were very close even though he was my
adopted Dad. I would love to hear from you. I am fasting for 4 days and home. Give me a ring or I will
try and call. The boys say hello! Thanks for taking
time out with them. Always, yo native apache sista!
406 675 0098
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samantha Inoue Harte
Missing Premiere for IAIA
welcome aboard Ms. Oliviane"marie Baier Whistling Elk....wow, and I thought my name was long. grin. Hope you get some more free time. If you do have some free time would you possibly put a post about what you thought of the work on the Missing? i'm very curious to hear about it, as i'm sure all of us on here are as well. That would rock the kasbah. Grin. Hope you get in contact with whomever (I'm assuming it's jay) you are trying to get in contact with.
Cheers,
Sami
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Michelle
Dear Jay,
I just happened to stumble upon your website when I was researching Native American actors. I am so impressed with your movies and look forward to seeing you in "Into the West." The reason I'm posting this reply is because I just read your touching story about Cheyenne and how you saved her. It takes special people with special hearts to stop and do something. In life it is so easy to ignore things and go on so you don't have to invest your feelings. You opened your heart and your reward will forever be the memories that you loved and laughed with Cheyenne.
Your words are more beautiful than anything because that is how your heart releases. Not everyone chooses to chance that but you are not afraid and that's rare in life. Thank you for taking time to reply to all of these people because it sounds strange but you can inspire people. You have inspired me and it's hard today to find very many people who can inspire others. Thank you Jay. I'll stay up on your projects! Can't wait.
Love Michelle
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earthgirl
Jay - you have a beautiful soul....
may the magic find you......
Trish
Jay thanks for sharing this great act of kindness with us. What a wonderful thing to be involved with. My hat is off to you and may this be something you will always treasure.
Right On Jay!
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surferdame
I know this is a late reply, but your story has really touched me lately WOW is my often said word I guess it is because lately I have been unwilling to accept the human condition. Walk outside sometimes I am afraid, some people are so cold and calculated but after reading your messege about Cheyenne and the messeges the nice ladies have left for you I realize why fear their are stiil some good people out there. That's nice that you had such a healing experience with cheyenne. In such perilous times , being in touch gifts like cheyenne are true blessings. to be able to learn from one of gods creature is a wonderful blessing.well i better go
ciao,
surferdame
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WindSong
Jay, you are AWESOME...
~WindSong
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Kiki
My heart goes out to you in your loss of Cheyenne. I, as I am sure many in the 'tribe', have felt the love and loss of an animal friend.
I have been blessed with many animals in my life. Some I have rescued, rehabed and released; some I have placed and others, those who were counted out now share my life. Each one of my pets were to be euthanized because of various physical abnormalities or illnesses.
The first rescue to enter my life was Stevie Ray. He was brought into the hospital I worked in at closing time to be euthanized. Found in the trash at a week old: his eyes, nose and mouth were sealed shut from hardened mucous. He was emaciated, frozen and barely breathing. I knew I had work to do. After intensive care, I placed him in a warm carrier and prayed he'd be alive in the morning. After six weeks of living in darkness, responding to my voice and touch, his eyes opened. What beautiful green eyes they are. He is now 7. He has become my little angel: he 'nurses' each animal that enters my home.
Bee Bop and Tumblina were next. They were brought in at approximately two weeks old unable to walk. After the ten day hold, they were scheduled for euthanasia. Diagnosed with cerebellar hypoplasia. they will never walk normally. Two more kitties were about to show me despite physical challenges, with a little TLC and a strong will to live, anything is possible. They are now 6.
Spike was among a litter of 5 I fostered 3 years ago. He was the last to be adopted. I knew in my heart, this little kitten, who I had raised from a week old, wanted to be with me. He would stare into my soul. Just unreal. Well, as fate would have it, he was diagnosed with a grade 4 heart murmur caused by a hole in his heart. He was not expected to see his 1st birthday. Where there is a will there is a way: Spike had a pulmonary artery banding for his first birthday and just the other day his Vet (not the one who predicted his early demise of course) said 'he'll live longer than me!'
Then there was Dizzy: she too has cerebellar hypoplasia. Unlike, Bee Bop and Tumblina, who have developed other illnesses, her only challenge is she cannot fly. Lol. Nothing holds her back.
Lastly, there is Tucker. He has a reactive immune system and was tossed by his owner. Tucker, like all my babies, receives a host of holistic treatments. He is just as happy as the rest of my 'pride'.
My ferrets, past and present, were given everything both in health and illness. After all, they taught me what it is to truly live. Those little wonders pack so much love and life into such a short time. I have one little one, Edie, left. She spent the last three months battling some attack on her immune system. I treated her solely with holistic remedies. She has beaten the odds and is restored.
As you have said, each animal spirit teaches us a lesson. When they leave us, their paw is forever on our heart and we are so blessed to have known them. I know they are in spirit world watching us and waiting for our reunion.
Peace and love,
Kiki
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FrancoiseDB
Jay,
Your story about how you found Cheyenne was so touching, it brought tears to my eyes. I can fully appreciate your devotion to animals as you visit the shelters in order to rescue them. Two years ago I went every other day for 6 mos to the animal control shelter in my area, it was the most depressing experience in my life! I drove home sobbing from all the sadness that came from cats and dogs abandonned, mistreated; some had given up and lay sick and hurt.
But some still came running to the cage's door with hope in their eyes. The hardest was to know you cannot take them all with you. Now that I am facing losing my cat I don't know if I can go back there?
Thanks for sharing.
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alice miriam
Hola, Jay--- I read what you wrote about Cheyenne and I was very moved. I had a white german shepard for 12 years and it was very hard for me when she died. She was wonderful with my nieces and my nephew. And I know down in my heart that she would've loved my two boys very much. It's not easy too loose a special family member but unfortunately life sometimes comes to an end whether we want it to or not. For many months I couldn't go out to the yard, it was too hard but then I learned to accept it was time for her to go. ----- God Bless---- Alice Miriam
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Pam
That was a truly touching story, Jay. All of my animals (only two now) were rescues, so I know the feeling that you had when you first saw Cheyenne.
Your story has inspired me to get back into working with animal rescue, here in Santa Fe.
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Meranda
Jay, that is so sad , but it's a very touching story. I had two mini Dachshunds once, Daisy and Winston. I got Winston when I was five, Daisy when I was twelve. Daisy was abused by her first owners and was traumatized from that day forward. She would soil herself every time someone bent down to pet her because she was afraid of getting beaten. We put her on several meds to control her bladder but my parents decided to put her down before she could have a chance to be a normal dog. She was so loveable and outgoing before she died, she will me missed greatly.
When Winston died, I felt like I had lost my son. My baby contracted diabetes and my parents put him down last March because we couldn't afford the insulin. Since I lost my babies I've been trying to go on with my life because I felt no one loved me as much as they did throughout my elementry school years. I even wrote a song for my kids called My Best Friends.
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Shay
I'm late I know but just wanted to say sorry about your loss and pain. You are a very special man to express yourself in such a wonderful way. May God continue to bless and keep you in all His ways.
Shay
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art
I don't know what to say.. But I do know it takes a special person with a big heart to take in a special animal like Cheyenne. Cheyenne knew that you would pick her and she trusted you with her whole heart..
Jay you are one of a kind stay that way.
Amy
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Debi
I was reading through you're post and this one touched my heart. I lost my dear pet around christmas and I know how hard it is. I saw your deidication page to your dog and it is lovely.
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Shay
Jay, remembering you in a special way on this day in regards to Cheyenne. I remembering you mentioning her during the dinner at the JTTP3 so she's still deep in your heart. Just remember that though she's not physically with you and Mohawk, she will always live on in memory. Be blessed. And here's a hug for you!
Shay