Oh man, Stephanie's got me in tears.

[ronnykmarshall]

This is the frist day that Stephanie Miller has been back since the loss of Chester the St. Bernard and she's be crying off and on.

:cry:

We love you Momma!

[JackBeck]

1. I just got all teary at my desk.

The Katherine Harris stuff is cheering me up.

[Atman]

2. I couldn't listen

I'd have taken a handful of barbituates if I wanted that kind of "entertainment!"

I'm genuinely sorry for her loss. I haven't gotten over the loss of my beagle yet, which made this even more painful to listen to. But that's not what I tune in to "progressive talk radio" for!

[madokie]

9. are you gonna share the barbs.

:rofl:
peace
:hi:

[OKIsItJustMe]

30. It's about being a real person

...that's not what I tune in to "progressive talk radio" for!

One of the things that sets Stephanie Miller apart is that she's a real person rather than just a persona.

[ronnykmarshall]

32. Word!

Steph's show is my favorite.

[ClintonTyree]

50. There's one acorn that fell faaaaaar from the tree....

Her Dad, William E. Miller, was the Vice Presidential choice of Barry Goldwater in 1964. That old adage, "the acorn never falls far from the tree" certainly doesn't apply here.
Stephanie got her start on radio in Rochester, NY during the 80's on WCMF FM. It was called, "The Brother Wease and Sister Sleaze Show" and she played the foil to "Brother Wease" who still enjoys tremendous rating until this day. She was a hoot back then and everyone knew she was destined for greatness. I'm happy to see she's doing so well though I can't listen to her show here. Wish I could. :shrug: Oh well.......

[Atman]

49. Oh, sorry. I'm a fake person.

As I pointed out in my post, I lost my beagle not all that long ago. It was devastating. I know exactly what Stephanie is going through. EXACTLY. She needs some time off, perhaps. But, this is not what I tune into the radio for. No smack-down on her, just stating a fact. I couldn't listen. It was painful, literally. I still have my goddam dog bowls after 18 months! Maybe your lofty perch has a better view than mine. I was simply stating a fact. If I wanted a grief session like that, I would have downed some barbituates and cheap vodka and found a support group, not tuned into a progressive talk radio program. Is that clear enough for you?

[patrioticliberal]

79. Progressives are supposed to give a damn and be human

Maybe exactly what you need is to cry.

[LuCifer]

3. yeah

that is the worst

[nashville_brook]

4. i was fired once for taking a day off after my beloved italian greyhound

passed on. and it wasn't like there was any work...

good people -- people who 'god' would want to meet -- mourn their 4-leggeds.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

20. I cannot understand people who don't realize that the loss of a beloved

non-human friend can be the same as losing a family member. You have loved and nurtured them for years and their love for you is unconditional. Crying now just thinking about it. I have suffered several such losses in my 54 years, and it never gets easier. Thank goodness really...

Hugs to you for your loss :hug:

[hholli11]

46. I tell you what...when MY little baby goes, his Mommie is

going to be an absolute mess. And yes, I refer to my little furry doggy as my baby boy. Because he is. (When he showed up on my doorstep right after a hurricane, I had only ever had cats, and didn't have any pets at that time. I swore I didn't want any dog germs, would not give him a bath, etc. HA! That critter sleeps in mommie's bed EVERY NIGHT, and I give him a bath every three days.

It's gotten so bad, I even got him a people tooth brush!!

I will keep Stephanie in my thoughts and prayers but I won 't be able to stand her heartbreak. Think I'll tune in tomorrow. :)

[yorkiemommie1]

63. the yorkies get their teeth brushed every night

w/ toddler toothbrushes. Yah, i crawl under the table to brush cubby's teeth.

my two are both internet rescues after we lost first one dog, ( at 14) then another at ( at 15 ). i thought i would lose my mind with grief after each one.

the house seemed so quiet after the second one, ( at 5 lbs but full of spunk ) died, i HAD to get another dog . Cubby came along , then Tori.

i know it's going to happen again and again for me, and i will die of grief each time. but we all love each other so and who better to rock them to sleep and sing to them but me?

for me, the grief gets better but i always miss the ones who have gone.

I'm glad Stephanie has such good and loyal friends to see her through such rough times. We did and it helped so much.

[JackBeck]

5. OK. Here I go again.

That teacher who just held up the phone so his class could tell Steph how much they loved her.

:cry:

[ronnykmarshall]

6. Same here.

Steph said she can't read "Rainbow Bridge" on the air. I would have lost it along with her.

When my Mickey died someone here posted that and I was a basket case. It's a beautiful poem.

I'm gonna see Momma this weekend in Woodland Hills.

[ewagner]

11. re:Rainbow Bridge

When I had to put our Border Colie, Misty, down, a DUer posted Rainbow Bridge for me and I cried my eyes out for two days...

My wife told me when the Doctors told her I was having a severe heart attack and needed immediate by-pass surgery, it crossed her mind that I might be meeting Misty at the Rainbow Bridge and she broke down......

That's one powerful poem.....

[foreverdem]

15. Rainbow Bridge

A friend of mine sent me Rainbow Bridge when I had to have my American Eskimo dog put down 2 years ago. Not only did I cry but friends of mine whose pets were healthy cried when they read it. It is pretty powerful.

[nashville_brook]

25. the rainbow bridge poem was the only art in the emergency clinic

where my iggie died. i stood in front of it and just bawled. it's a beautiful thing. god, now i'm crying...,

[ronnykmarshall]

7. Oh man !

She broke down at the end.

:cry: :cry:

I hope no one calls me right now. I'm crying my ass off right now.

[Bonhomme Richard]

8. Just got back from puttting my cat down....Not fun.

We put our dog, Boomer, down a couple of months ago. It hasn't been a good year so far and now we are petless.

[ronnykmarshall]

10. I'm so sorry.

I didn't think I could get another cat after Mickey. But within an month we found two little boys.

We don't find them, they find us.

[npincus]

12. I'm so sorry

my cat dropped dead (literally) out of the blue on Christmas morming. I miss her so much.

I wish your family the best.

[villager]

14. oh god, hang in there. My old dog's been on literal last legs

for about four months. Around New Year's, it looked like he had maybe a week left.

Here it is almost May, and he's hanging in there -- eating, alert, but just can't move half his body... sigh... it ain't been easy...

[JackBeck]

17. I'm sorry, as well.

Last Friday, coincidently, was one year since we lost our 9 year old cat, Ruby. She was my husband's girl and this weekend was rough for him. Listening to Stephanie today was helping me cope with her loss, as well as my turn to turn on the water works, seeing as I had to be strong all weekend for my guy.

[Bonhomme Richard]

22. Thank you all.

[qanda]

72. We just put our sweet German Shepherd, PJ, down today

It's a sad day in our house. I'm sorry for your loss and I certainly feel your pain. :hug:

[npincus]

13. I missed the show today.

It's so hard to lose a furry member of the family.

[ronnykmarshall]

16. It's been tough for Steph.

She had Harrison fill in on Friday when Chester died and over the weekend she got sick and was back today.

At the end of the show she said "This show's for you Chester, I love you" and broke down.

I gotta give Momma a big hug when I see her this weekend.

[JackBeck]

19. Please give her one for me, too.

I wish she'd come to NYC sometime.

[OKIsItJustMe]

35. and one from me

Some people don't/won't understand. Some people do.

Tell her we all look forward to laughing with her again; but for now, we're crying with her.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

18. I sent her love and light

mercy and compassion. Stephanie, all dogs live in a state of grace. Chester is there, in your heart-for all beings are love. It's sometimes just easier to see it in dogs.

Bless you and yours. Your show is a delight to me each workday morning.

[Beelzebud]

21. I lost a cocker spaniel last November...

Today's show had me in tears too many times.

I know EXACTLY what she is going through. I can't believe she was even able to go on-air today.

When she dedicated the show to Chester at the end, I was bawling like a little kid...

I recently got a new cocker spaniel, Butters, and I've been holding him all morning. :)

Here's hoping Steph will find a new friend soon. It really does help.

[nashville_brook]

44. Butters! what an adorable name!

congrats on the new family member. it eases the pain of this thread to read about new beginnings... :hug:

[npincus]

23. is there a way to stream the show now?

does anyone know? Is it on later (taped) anywhere?

[ronnykmarshall]

26. Her website ..

http://www.stephaniemiller.com

But it only streams live. They sometimes put up old shows.

[Quiet_Dem_Mom]

24. Did Stephanie say something about her other dog having bone cancer???

I was listening on and off (and blowing my sob-congested nose) and may have missed a part of her story.

Oh, I hope I'm wrong. :cry:

My condolences again, Stephanie.

QDM

[ronnykmarshall]

28. Yeah Poo-Bear has bone cancer

and Steph was upset that she felt she didn't give Chester enough attention because she worried about Poo. So far she (Poo) has beat the odds and is still doing well. Puff (her third dog) is 10 years old.

Poor Momma. But I get a feeling she'll be adding to brood soon.

[Quiet_Dem_Mom]

29. So sad. Hope Poo-Bear stays OK after losing her furry brother.

I have no doubt pooches also feel the loss of a loved one--furry or otherwise. What a heartache!

[OKIsItJustMe]

38. Poo-Bear

I'm afraid the prognosis for canine bone cancer is not good. Stephanie mentioned that she's been "saying good-bye" to Poo-Bear.

[yorkiemommie1]

66. yes, my friend's husky

mourned the loss of her husky companion.

[nashville_brook]

27. Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge...

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them; who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

THEN YOU CROSS RAINBOW BRIDGE TOGETHER...

http://www.rainbowbridge.org/

[WiseButAngrySara]

37. This is so beautiful. Is the poem at the site that you posted? A couple

of weeks ago, someone posted the poem My Dog Beau, and I bookmarked it because I was worried about Penney even then (she recently developed complete blindness). I'll find it and repost here. It's a tearjerker, but really special for us dog lovers.

Edited to add See post #40 for the poem by Jimmy Stewart "Beau"

[nashville_brook]

43. yes, it's from rainbowbridge.org

jsut a few more random thoughts for animal lovers... especially the ones experiencing a recent loss...


i belong to a listserv for italian greyhounds and it's been one of the best things ever. nevermind being a first-time dog-mamma... the folks who are animal-centered enough to post to the lists are extremely good company thru the good times and bad. support is very important.

and here's the other thing -- when Mr. Chompers passed, by way of coincidence, another italian greyhound came my way. i didn't think i was ready. it had only been a week. but, this little guy -- Trouble -- needed a home and i needed him more than i knew. he just drove coast to coast with me which is a BIG thing b/c he sufferes from car-anxiety.

for more on that and on Trouble -- here's a link to my journal piece with an introduction to Trouble and a discussion of puppy mills.
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/nashville_brook/3

[WiseButAngrySara]

52. Thanks so much for this info, as I've been looking for sites for my dear

dog, who recently became blind. She's a Spaniel mix, see post #34.

when Mr. Chompers passed, by way of coincidence, another italian greyhound came my way

You really should read A Little Dog Like You! Pippin reincarnates as Sebastian in this lovely little dog story about love.

[Beaverhausen]

31. Did she mention if she saw our thread for her from Friday?

What a show that was today. I only get to hear bits and pieces but I was crying on my way to work!

[ronnykmarshall]

33. I don't know if she mentioned it.

I didn't hear the first hour. I should have turn on the radio at home this morning.

You weren't the only one crying this morning. I boo-hoo'd as well. The end of the show made me just about lose it.

I hope I get to talk to her a bit when I see her this weekend.

I think I'll dub myself her new West Coast Gay Stalker.

[ronnykmarshall]

36. I think I'll print these out for her.

Good god. I'm becoming the internet geek that prints shit out and gives it to celbs.

All I need now is a special "file" to keep all this in.

[motocicleta]

45. yes, you are, but it makes us love you even more

I have the snarlingest, nastiest dog, who hates the vet so I really can't think about taking her in when she seems sick - but when she goes my family is gonna be devastated. She's the most perfect fear-aggressive, guardie, high prey drive, dog hating dog a guy could hope for. Give Stephanie our love.

[Pirate Smile]

47. She did mention reading a DU thread and a thread from somewhere

else with people offering their sympathy and best wishes.

I cried on and off throughout the show today too.

:cry:

[yorkiemommie1]

67. she did indeed and was very grateful

n/t

[WiseButAngrySara]

34. This entire thread has me in tears! I posted my first DU lounge thread

right after Penney, my beloved, 15 year old Spaniel mix, became completely blind, about one week ago! She has adapted fairly well, but she's slightly deaf too, so communication can be tough at times. I'm so worried about her death, I'm starting to obsess over it, but I think that it will help the vast void that I'm bound to experience when she dies.

A couple of years ago, my Mother sent me the book A Little Dog Like You, by Rosemary Sutcliff...It's a beautiful story, about dog reincarnation! My DU Lounge thread requesting advise, stories, sympathy etc. about blind dogs is posted below, if anyone wants to add to it!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x5065338

[bdamomma]

39. It's hard to loose a pet

Stephanie has alot of support.

[WiseButAngrySara]

40. "Beau" A poem by Jimmy Stewart...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=927047

Posted by WI_DEM earlier this month

"Beau" a poem by Jimmy Stewart

He never came to me when I would call
Unless I had a tennis ball,
Or he felt like it,
But mostly he didn't come at all.

When he was young
He never learned to heel
Or sit or stay,
He did things his way.

Discipline was not his bag
But when you were with him things sure didn't drag.
He'd dig up a rosebush just to spite me,
And when I'd grab him, he'd turn and bite me.

He bit lots of folks from day to day,
The delivery boy was his favorite prey.
The gas man wouldn't read our meter,
He said we owned a real man-eater.

He set the house on fire
But the story's long to tell.
Suffice to say that he survived
And the house survived as well.

On the evening walks, and Gloria took him,
He was always first out the door.
The old one and I brought up the rear
Because our bones were sore.

He would charge up the street with Mom hanging on,
What a beautiful pair they were!
And if it was still light and the tourists were out,
They created a bit of a stir.

But every once in a while, he would stop in his tracks
And with a frown on his face look around.
It was just to make sure that the old one was there
And would follow him where he was bound.

We are early-to-bedders at our house--
I guess I'm the first to retire.
And as I'd leave the room he'd look at me
And get up from his place by the fire.

He knew where the tennis balls were upstairs,
And I'd give him one for a while.
He would push it under the bed with his nose
And I'd fish it out with a smile.

And before very long
He'd tire of the ball
And be asleep in his corner
In no time at all.

And there were nights when I'd feel him
Climb upon our bed
And lie between us,
And I'd pat his head.

And there were nights when I'd feel his stare
And I'd wake up and he'd be sitting there
And I reach out my hand and stroke his hair.
And sometimes I'd feel him sigh
And I think I know the reason why.

He would wake up at night
And he would have this fear
Of the dark, of life, of lots of things,
And he'd be glad to have me near.

And Now he's dead.
And there are nights when I think I feel him
Climb upon our bed and lie between us,
And I pat his head.

And there are nights when I think
I feel that stare
And I reach out my hand to stoke his hair,
But he's not there.

Oh, how I wish that wasn't so,
I'll always love a dog named Beau.

[Beaverhausen]

42. That is so sweet

:cry:

[ronnykmarshall]

51. I remember him reading that.

It was on the "Tonight Show".

[WiseButAngrySara]

54. Exactly! Carson and Stewart wept, or were both close to it. ....n/t

[glitch]

73. Jimmy's already met him again on the Rainbow Bridge.

Makes the idea of death a lot less painful.

[myrna minx]

41. My heart goes out to Momma.

:cry: a K&R for Chester and Momma.

[deaniac21]

48. Life can really be tough at times.

:cry:

[texanwitch]

53. The video version of the poem Rainbow Bridge is beautiful and makes me cry

every time I watch it.

I have had to many furry babies in my life pass on, I still miss them all.

I listened to Stephanie's program this morning, I cried many tears.

Chester may you have a good journey.

www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html - 3k

[WiseButAngrySara]

55. Thanks for posting this good texanwitch (though texan and good have

become oxymorans because of B*)!

[texanwitch]

56. Bush isn't aTexan, and we have a lot of good Democrats down here.

Bush is just a asshole.

I hope the video helps anyone who is missing a loved pet. A few months ago I lost my kitten Dell, I only had her for 6 months but I still miss her.

[WiseButAngrySara]

62. Oh dear, I should have used the sarcasm! I'm a Texan too, originally

Houston, but currently in West Texas, which I hate! I know a lot of good Dems in Houston, but nary a one so far here.

I sympathize about your pet loss. My sweet dog recently lost her sight, and I so fear her death! (See post #34 above) Thanks again for the link good texaswitch!

[farmbo]

57. Big Hug, Stephie...Maybe someday you'll write a Country song about him.

:cry:

Much love from everyone on DU!

[ralps]

58. Hi ronnykmarshall, I too have been in tears on & off today since I heard

today's Stephanie Miller show. I hope you'll have a chance to print off this thread to give to Stephanie, & I hope you'll give Steph lots of hugs from me & from her other fans from DU. I Love you Momma!!!! I hope Poo Bear & Puff stay with you for a long time. :hi: :loveya: :hug: :pals: :cry: :cry:

[K8-EEE]

59. I Think She Sounds Like A Lovely & Genuine Person

I don't mind her talking about it at all -- I'm sure some people are very uncomfortable with emotion in general but I think this morning's show was sweet, and will help a lot of people. My beagle is getting up there in years and it's been in the back of my mind how I'm gonna handle it. Like she is, I will just work through it.

Hugs to you Steff...your show is a real education to my carpool gals, we listen to it on the way to their high school every day. We all wish you the best, time will heal.

[melissinha]

60. I missed the show!!!

I so wanted to listen to Momma today...

I'll try to see if whiterosesociety has it....


Poor Momma, its one of the hardest things to deal with, but hey for the love of the dog, its worth it.

I have had a few childhood pets leave me, its devastating, I am so fearful of the day that my "very own" cats and dog will just about kill me. At least we know Chester is at peace now looking down at his Momma. :cry:

[tishaLA]

61. I woke up at 6 AM just to hear her

It was really a beautiful show today and a great tribute to Chester. I was so sad to hear about her other doggie having bone cancer, too.

We love you, Stephanie!

[devilgrrl]

64. Losing a beloved pet is horrible...

and I was glad that she discussed it today and had people call to share their stories. I lost my favorite HUGE cat on my birthday, it's been 6 months but I still miss him horribly. :cry:

[ronnykmarshall]

68. Oh no!

I'm so sorry D. He looks like my Ricco if he swallowed Cosmo.



What sweet face on that boy.

Ahhhh man! :cry:

[WiseButAngrySara]

65. As poster #58 says: Send this thread to Stephanie! ....n/t

[ronnykmarshall]

69. I gonna do that.

I'll print both threads and give them to her on Saturday.

[WiseButAngrySara]

70. Good for you! Or you could e-mail them. Both threads; did I miss one?..n/t

[ronnykmarshall]

74. This was the thread from Friday when Chester passed.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=985704

I'm sure Step got the link to the previous one. But I'm gonna see here on Saturday, so I wanted to print these threads "in color" for her. It will be a like a big ol' :loveya: card for Momma.

[peacebaby3]

76. How nice of you! It's so great to have the support of friends. n/t

[CTyankee]

71. Here's the email I sent to Steph

Dear Steph,

I found this brief poem by Emily Dickinson and thought of you.

By a departing light
We see acuter, quite,
Than by a wick that stays.
There's something in the flight
That clarifies the sight
And decks the rays.

I hope you are feeling better. Take care.


I am sending this also to all of you, DUers, who wrote so movingly on this thread. I lost a sweet dog many years ago, so I know.

[peacebaby3]

75. I've always loved this story. I always remember it when some folks tell me

animals have no souls. I just had to put my Chihuahua to sleep who was nearly 16 about a month ago and it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. His heart had just given out and he had been gasping for air for over 24 hrs. and the vet said there was nothing else she could do. He screamed when she did it and it still haunts me. She had said it would be painless for him, but he screamed unbelievably and I have really never gotten over it. I'm not sure I can ever do it again.

A Man and His Dog:

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.

He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a beautifully carved desk off to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?"

"This is Heaven, " the man answered.

The old man was really tired and very thirsty so he asked for a drink of water. "Of course. Come right in," the gatekeeper smiled, "and I'll have some ice water brought right up." The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

The old dog looked up at his master's face, tail wagging. "Oh, and may I have a bowl of water for my friend here," the old man said gesturing toward his dog, "he and I have come a long way together."

"I'm sorry, sir," was the quick reply, "but we don't accept pets here. You'll have to leave him outside."

The old man was really tired of walking and very thirsty but he could not think of leaving his pet behind. Head down, he turned sorrowfully back toward the road.

After awhile he came to a narrow dirt road, which led him through an old wooden gate, and into a farmyard. The fence was mostly on the ground and the gate looked like it had never been closed as grass and wild flowers grew all around it. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

The traveler and his dog walked through the gate and approached the man. “Could I trouble you for a drink of water,” he asked.

“Sure can," replied the man. "There’s a pump over there in the yard. Come on in and help yourself.”

“How about my friend here?” the traveler motioned to the dog.

“Sure, he’s welcome too. There’s a pan by the pump if he’s thirsty,” the reader said.

The tired old man and his aged dog walked through the gate and sure enough there was an old-fashioned hand pump fastened to a wooden slab. A long handled tin dipper hung on a piece of baling wire beside it. On the top of the pump, was a big, metal pan that would hold all the water his dog might want.

The traveler filled the bowl for his dog and then took a long drink of the cool water. He had never tasted anything so good he thought and suddenly all his aches and pains vanished. He felt like a young man.


As he reached down to pet the graying muzzle of his dog, he saw to his amazement the grey was gone from his dog’s hair and broke into a laugh as his dog sprang up to the top of the well and licked his master's face.

Filled with wonder, the man who was no longer old, strode back to the tree where his host sat reading. “What place is this?” He asked.

“Why, this is Heaven,” came the answer.

Confused, the traveler scratched his head, “I never thought Heaven looked like this. I came to another place back down the road that I thought was surely Heaven. The gatekeeper invited me inside but he wouldn’t let my dog come in, so I just kept walking.”

"Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's the front door to Hell."

"Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?" the traveler asked in disbelief.

"Oh not at all. I can see how you might think so, but we're just happy that they screen out the folks who'll leave their best friends behind."

[warrior1]

77. Kick for Stephanie and her beloved pet Chester

Who's barking a lint somewhere..

[WiseButAngrySara]

78. I can't believe my keyboard is wet with tears! Thanks for posting! ..n/t