God is spelled Dog backwards
Hello, sweet friends…
Our beloved Cami passed away on Friday. I was in California when I received a call from Joe painfully telling me about her recent seizures and how they suddenly spiraled out of control. A FaceTime call inside the vet’s office would allow me to see her and express my love and gratitude for her. Joe said her tail wagged just a bit when she heard my voice. I believe she felt love across the miles…holding her this last moment in time. Cami was a dog but she was much more than a dog. She was a minister who expressed unconditional love…always offering comfort & joy to us with her tail wagging friendship. Our lives have been enriched these past years because of her. Cami’s life was a gift…one we won’t ever forget…rather we will hold her close to our hearts being forever grateful for the days we shared together.
I would like to share a re-post I wrote after Cami was cast for the part of Toto by a small local theatre here on the Oregon coast.
A Tribute To Cami
August 9, 2017
Opening Night For Cami
Hi, I hope you had a good week. I’ve had a fun, exciting and most definitely all consuming week. A wonderful community theater here on the Oregon coast has been preparing for the production of the Wizard of Oz please read http://There’s no place like home and opening night has arrived! My first time as a stage mom.
This post will be a little rushed since more than likely as you read I am behind those curtains and backstage with Cami (cheering her on for 12 performances!)
That being said… I can’t help and reflect back to a time when this cute-furry child first arrived at our home in Riverside, California in 2011. The best retirement gift I received arrived serendipitously.
A few of the neighborhood children had brought her over one Sunday afternoon all dirty and scruffy… inquiring if she were one of our dogs.
I remember that day as if it were only yesterday…
I looked at that little doggie and replied “no she isn’t one of ours” and then without a pause added… “however if you don’t find the owners we would be happy to keep her”
Perhaps it was in that moment…I knew what a sweet spirit she had star quality…
And before the day was over she was ours.
We named her Cami.
A Maltese mix…
she cleaned up well…
Tiny and mighty sweet and smart…
loving and devoted…
Who would have imagined six years later that a once scruffy homeless little and abandoned dog found in a neighborhood in Riverside, California on a Sunday afternoon would one day be making her big debut on the beautiful Oregon coast portraying Toto a scruffy beloved farm dog.
At home…
Photo taken with Focos 
Our unconditionally loving fur babies are integral parts of our lives. I’m so glad Cami found you. This memory of her Oscar performance was timely…❤️
Thank you Susan. So nice to have been able to spend time together.
Sorry to hear of Camis passing. Fond memories abound. Delores at Willie Barks
Hi Delores,
Thank you…she was a sweetie for sure.
Dear Marcia and Joe,
It is hard to lose our fur babies. They are such comfort for us. You both were great parents. May she remain in your hearts forever.
Love
Dale, Mary Jane and Sasha
Thank you Mary Jane. We will surely miss our little star.
Dear Marcia and Joe,
She truly was the star of the show… Sweet and just precious to look at… It was just meant to be that she would become a beloved family member… how blessed all of your were to be together… She will be missed but she will live forever in your hearts… I loved your posting of the montage of Cami and her life….She led a very happy one with you..
God bless you two and may the Angels and of course St.Francis watch over her until your are together again… XO Jane
My heart completely goes out to you and Joe at this time at the loss of your little Cami. I really got teary eyed when I read that you weren’t home and Joe Facetimed with you from the bets office. Prayers and hugs to you , the sweetest couple xo
Thank you Jane. Our little Cami will be in our hearts forever. Thank you so much for your kind words of comfort.
Thank you Donna. Your kind words are much appreciated.
Marcia and Joe,
So sorry for your loss. thank you for sharing your beautiful memories .
Barbara Stoffel
Thank you Barbara for your kind words.
Such a sweet remembrance of Cami. I’ve recently lost my Sealpoint Himilayan cat, Gordy, whom we had for 13 years. She was 3 when we got her. I say that only to tell you that I can totally understand how devastating a pet’s passing can be. May the Lord bring you and Joe peace and comfort at this time.
I’m so sorry for your loss Marge. Gordy is such a cute name. 13 years is a long time to share together. Thank you for sharing in my loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss of your sweet fur baby. It’s always difficult to see them leave. My heartfelt condolences.
Thank you so much Frances.
Hi,
So sorry to hear the sad passing if such a great companion. My love to both of you.
Chris & Cathy.
I’m so very sorry Marcia. I know how much she meant to you. Love and hugs to you.
Cindy
Thank you Chris & Cathy. Hugs.
Thank you Cindy. Yes, Cami was pure joy to Joe & I.
We can truly not ever say goodbye for these little beings live in our hearts forever. Cami was a remarkable, loving little one and I am so glad she found you and Joe who became her loving family.