Wednesday 9 February 2011

Wednesday 9 February 2011

This is my 300th blog post - but today is not about me (and it's not often you'll catch me barking that - but this time it is true).  Our dear friend Angie Marshall was laid to rest today.

To mark her passing, I share with you now a paw-picked selection of favourite comments left by her on this blog.  Yes; I keep and cherish EVERY comment from EVERY reader.  They mean so much to me (apart from those that offer me cut-price medications, s*xual aids, or opportunities to view dubious videos - but none of THOSE came from Angie...!) and one day, when I am gone, I know that my partner will have a veritable treasury of affectionate memories from readers old, new, still with us today, or long-since gone.

And these comments will remain, after I am become mere dust and memories, to support my partner and remind her that, for the most fleeting of moments in the scheme of Time and the Universe, I was not only Jasper - but I was HER Jasper.  And a pleasure shared is a pleasure increased.  If you are a follower of this blog - whether you post comments, sign up as an 'official follower' or just quietly lurk in the background, popping in now and again, I am YOUR Jasper too.  That, I suppose is why I continue to blog - not to draw gratuitous attention to myself, but because I want to be loved.  Or at least, after I am gone, to have someone say "Who?  Oh, yeah, that dog.  I quite liked him.".  Just like dear Angie, I existed - and was loved. 

If you are reading this now: thank you.  And I mean that most sincerely - whether this is your first visit - or your three-hundredth.

I am only sorry that Angie's physical life on Earth came to an end before mine own.  But she is not gone in spirit - she exists now in Heaven; and her writings endure within our temporal realm - to ensure that her vibrant wit, her love for her family and friends, and her goodness will never fade away.



ANGIE MARSHALL
1951 - 2011

Angie's first comment, from back when I was on AOLJournals:

A comment has been posted to the Blog:

The Dog's Blog
Sunday 12 November 2006
Comment from: faveanti
"Tillywoo at 62 sent me over and I am really glad I dropped in. I'm only a mere lowly human but I love my doggy partner to bits BUT she has got me over a barrel! Knows just which buttons to push and when! I'll be back - be good. - Angie, x"


And a selection of my personal favourites (although I loved everything Angie sent to me!), once I started lifting my leg here on Blogger:
   

I read this first time round, on AOL, dear Jasper and time has taken away none of its humour. For me that's the benchmark of good humour: that it remains funny even if you read it 100 times.

Is that bad tempered old swan still about?
much love, Angie, xx
By Angie on Thursday 28 June 2007 on 15/10/08

 
Eeeeh Jasper, you do get yourself in hot water sometimes! 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned' and all that. This was a very VERY narrow escape. What sort of a coward is that swan though, picking on a poor defenceless female? I suppose with all that snapping and snarling it took to save Candy I ought really to feel sorry for your slip of the tongue.

And SHE ought to show her gratitude. Somehow.
Much love, brave one,
Angie, xx
By Angie on Sunday 23 November 2008 on 25/11/08

 
 
Our Sal has a big lump which goes from just behind her left front leg for about 4" along her ribcage. She has had it years and doesn't bother her at all. Vet says it's a fat lump and of no consequence. Hang on, did he say 'it's' or was it 'she's'? JOKE JOKE!

Seriously though, you are being very brave and we love you, me and sal.
love, Angie, xx
By Angie on Tuesday 6 January 2009 on 07/01/09


Good job you've got those beautiful - I won't say patches, you might be offended, I would be - 'nuances of colour', will that do? Otherwise you could hide in the snow without hiding if you see what I mean. Oh heck, I'm getting as bad as poor Ewan.

I like to see snow but, it not being wheelchair friendly, I can't go out in it. It does make our garden look on a par with the neighbours though.
love, Angie, xx
By Angie on Monday 2 February 2009 on 03/02/09


Hello my dearest one. How many of Ewan's windows did you agree to? Shame about him and Fizzy but if, as I suspect, she gave him his info as well as spellings well then she is having a larf and you will be having to console Ewan ere long. I don't lke that Fizzy. Sorry, I know you do but I just have this ..feeling....

Your house looks grand. Very posh. A place of your own at last. Don't forget the photers - I'm nosy remember!
love, Angie
By Angie on Tuesday 10 February 2009 on 13/02/09


JASPER - GERROUTA THE FLOWERS! Silly boy, if you leave them alone they'll maybe grow bushy and block out those eyes. Whoever those eyes belong to would surely by now have made his intentions known. They have probably never had such a handsome neighbour so they're feasting their eyes. Eh?

When I think of you two half frozen I could weep. I could almost write some Dickens-like novel starting from "Jasper wimpered in his sleep and drew closer to his beloved waif-like mistress that she may feel the fading warmth of his starving body.....". Hmm, perhaps more Barbara Cartland-ish. Anyway.
It is good to have you back at the end of your ordeal (or I suppose the end of it?). Do tell more bout WS. What a good job his initials are not WC!
love, Angie, xx
By Angie on Tuesday 7 April 2009 on 08/04/09

Jasper - DON'T DO IT! Oh deary me I fear history is about to repeat itself. Remember the buzzard and - THINK ON. That might be a sewer rat or a weasel or a stoat. You don't want them round your back garden. Ruth would go daft. See him off Jazz, whatever he says he is not your friend. love, Angie, xx

By Angie on Saturday 25 April 2009 on 26/04/09


I'm with Lance - Ruth first, everything else second. Do not let old Stinky near her either. Are you beginning to see the light about him by the way? It sounds to me as if the seeds of doubt have been planted. Hurrah! How great would be your stature in the community if you could somehow warn the kittens (yes, specially them - what a selfless gesture) about Stinky. Despite all my dire warnings - all fondly well-meant in spite of their severity - I do love to hear you enjoying just 'being' the unique, irrepressible and incorrigible YOU. love, Angie, xx

By Angie on Wednesday 29 April 2009 on 01/05/09

 
I'm not going to say it Jasper, I'm NOT. Oh, all right then, I TOLD YOU SO. You raging great nincompoop, you. THAT close you came - THAT CLOSE - to being a murderer! And you supposed to be a nice well-brought-up chap with manners and finer feelings. But as you have 'fessed it all up to us, your devoted friends, we'll say no more about it. I won't tell Ruth even, she has enough to contend with just now - or does she know already? Just one more word : TWIT! love anyway, Angie, xx

By Angie on Sunday 24 May 2009 on 25/05/09


Oh, ha ha ha ha. Did they not tell you that injuries like your eye always start to itch maddeningly when they're getting better. So, as my late father used to say. "Less of the not so much of it" and have your drops in, there's a good boy. No more scrattin' and pickin'. As we used to say during the miners' strike of '74 (before your time) "It'll never get better if you pick-et!" Nice to know that Eddie the Rottie - gay old dog - lives nearby. I hope we shall hear more of him. love, Angie, xx

By Angie on Sunday 30 August 2009 on 31/08/09

 
Flamin' taters - is my dashboard letting me down? I never saw this one. I'm pleased you've taken the kitten under your wing (so to speak). He should grow into a fine cat under your guidance. Well informed about willies anyway! I absolutely forbid you to kick up any fuss about having your eye stitched shut. They're not doing it for fun you clot. It's so that nothing can get in and irritate your damaged eye. With you being such a fine active and adventurous chap all manner of outside detritus and s**t like that can get in. Be good and spare a thought for Ruth eh? Some of these Word Verifications are hilarious. My one is OPEEPIP! lOVE, Angie, xx

By Angie on Tuesday 22 September 2009 on 28/09/09

 
Ladies first...........I was chuffed to bits to learn of the Famous Receding Lump. Maybe things are looking up eh? As for you Jasper - I'm just glad you're safe. I echo the Animal Doc, it is the most horrible feeling when your beloved pet goes missing because even if you are a naughty young beggar there's nothing that can replace you. Nothing. Now you know for sure that lots of people love you but - for goodness' sake - don't ever do that again. love, Angie, xx

By Angie on Saturday 7 November 2009 on 11/11/09

 
200th post - brilliant. And you are you know, brilliant I mean. If anyone dared to tell me these woofs don't fall direct from your jowls I would deem it as bad as saying they didn't believe in Santa Claus. First I thought Aww poor squirrel then, like AD, I thought I detected a faint nuance of infamy on squirrel's part, then I thought Aaaaw again. And THEN, Jasper, I was so proud of your magnanimous gesture. Surely we saw there the Ewan of the squirrel world? And thanks to your largesse he will continue to be so. Well done young Jazz! love, Angie, xx

By Angie on Sunday 6 December 2009 on 09/12/09

 
Late comment from an idle slug to the handsomest of God's creatures. Not all men are bad (as I'm sure you now know) but you can ALWAYS rely on women to care for you. It's in our job description. Don't keep us cliff-hanging too long. love, Angie, xx

By Angie on Saturday 26 December 2009 on 28/12/09

 
I'm with Lance and the Doc too Jasper, loved one. Your life story would make a brilliant book. But you know you are an incorrigible little so and so, you are. All those resolutions lovingly made for you without you having to so much as lift a paw. Oh well, it's what makes you YOU. Good job you're loved.

By Angie on Tuesday 5 January 2010 on 08/01/10

 
Tch Tch = will you ever learn Jasper!! Still, no harm done, you naughty wotsit you. What Lance said about the mobile phone - he's right unless, of course, Ruth uses 'pay as you go' in which case the calls can't be traced back. You'd better hope so! I knew a Jack Russell called Schatze whose prowess at telephone answering had Interpol on the hop trying to locate the partner they thought was laying half dead in a locked-up house!

By Angie on Monday 8 February 2010 on 13/02/10

 
If somebody said I had a perky bottom I would be quite chuffed! What are you like though, eh? Letting yourself be led into scrape after scrape. Still, you were just a youth then weren't you? You would have more sense today, wouldn't you? love, Angie, xx

By Angie on Thursday 4 March 2010 on 05/03/10

 
Well, maybe not the most flattering photo ever but a real "Ooooh, int he CUTE" sort of thing. A tickle on the tum picture and it's lovely. Nothing our Sal likes better than a nice tickle on the tum - unless it's an edible delicacy. Sorry Jasper - that was a typical 'people' speech wasn't it? Oh well, I'm only human, I can't help it. But Carys - what a lovely name. It just begs for a gorgeous Welsh accent to say it with. By the way- how early does one have to get up to be first on your comments list? Here I am not much after 7am and Lance is here already. I see your list of followers is growing too. Nearly as long as Dr Who's scarf!

By Angie on Wednesday 7 April 2010 on 08/04/10

 
Ooh yes, Jasper, we ALWAYS know, so think on. Chain saws / tin openers - whatever next. You'll be getting yourself a reputation and not get invited to parties and things in case you bring your axe. That poor geezer with the roofless car is probably still saving up for that bit. Bit of a devil on a wet and windy day eh? At least you and Ruth have a proper car with all bits as listed!

By Angie on Sunday 2 May 2010 on 03/05/10

 
Are you OK Lance? Where is he then? Oh Jasper, you cuckoo. If Ruth read that she must have laughed her socks off. Who would rank among the useful humans? Can I be one... please?....bagsy I be one. And Ruth. Well if you can have a revolution you must expect a counter revolution and SOMEBODY has to run it. POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!! UP THE HUMANS ..... no, that doesn't sound right. xxx

By Angie on Saturday 8 May 2010 on 09/05/10

 
Here I am - better late than never. You wicked lad Jasper. How ever will Ruth explain the plant's absence to her mum. Didn't you even get a bit of a belly ache? You ought to have. You are doing so well, telling us about your previous life. That's how it happens too: a tentative happy memory of the one who's passed from someone who feels they shouldn't. But really it's exactly what they SHOULD. It starts the healing for everybody. love and hugs - AND KEEP OUT OF THE FLOWER BEDS - Angie, xx

By Angie on Sunday 23 May 2010 on 29/05/10

 
Oh yes, the 'fat old fairy' dig had me in stitches! At least it went home and you've ditched the hi-viz jacket idea. Now, silk cravat sounds more your STYLE, but don't you reckon every other creature in the neighbourhood will know exactly who your wardrobe designer is? Anyway, a different type of Queen is paying a state visit to your part of UK in little more than a week and will be pleased to advise on Gok related topics.

By Angie on Monday 14 June 2010 on 15/06/10

 
What a relief! I'm so glad you're OK I can't think how to be cross with you! For one so clever and intelligent you can be incredibly daft at times. But I do see, as an experienced housemate of various dogs and even mother-substitute to some, that sometimes it's old Mother Nature that takes over and you just do what dogs do. Same with us not-dogs: it's in our nature to nurture and that's why we care about you so very much. It's why we would rob a bank if that's what it took to right a wrong against you or make you better. Will that make any difference when you look like getting into a scrape? I think not but TRY eh? lots of love, as always, Angie, xxx

By Angie on Sunday 4 July 2010 on 05/07/10

 
What does a big toughie like you want to be hiding for? IF there is really any scrattin' - which I doubt - it means no harm to them as tried to help it. And in any case, it's in a b****y cupboard, yer lummox! I still think it odd that Peaches doesn't vent his wrath on whoever gave him that daft name. Where's Lance got to?

By Angie on Sunday 22 August 2010 on 23/08/10

 
(sharp intake of breath) - I VERY nearly ended up as dish of the day 25/12/2010. Jasper Horatio - that's not funny either (splutter, splutter). I can - sort of - understand you not wanting to defile your garden by poo-ing in it but that's not the issue is it? It's the lack of privacy. I remember when my brother was little he always took his potty behind the chair in the corner of the living room. When he realised we could still see him he went behind the sofa. But Jasper, the car - I ask you - THE CAR? love, Angie, xx

By Angie on Sunday 29 August 2010 on 30/08/10


Hi Jazz, sweetie-pie! Do you know, I was right proud of you, lending your strong right paw in poor Ewan's defence of the kittens. I'm sure they'll turn into fine feral felines one of these days. But fancy Fizzy going off on one like that eh? I think I can see where Ruth is coming from on this matter of being woken from her slumbers so often. One time or two is an acceptable level of scaredness. But ALTOGETHER, not every night. I'm not qualified to say whether or not ghosts exist. I've never seen one but I know people who think they have. But even if, say, there IS a teensy little scratter in your airing cupboard, don't you think it might have popped out by now and GOBBLED YOU UP (tee hee) if it meant you any harm? Now stop being a wimp and get back to your kitten minding. lots of love, Angie, xx

By Angie on Tuesday 14 September 2010 on 18/09/10

 
You naughty little b****r!

By Angie on Saturday 25 September 2010 on 30/09/10

 
Priceless, priceless! Bless him, I bet Ewan would go into deep mourning if he accidentally trod on an ant. Baby Cheesus..............!

By Angie on Thursday 25 November 2010 on 28/11/10

 
And Happy New Year from us and Sal too. This chapter of Evolutions is wonderful. You're a good dog to have on-side and I for one would hate not to be your friend. Even when you're being a bit naughty or bolshie. love to you both, xxxx

By Angie on Sunday 2 January 2011 on 03/01/11

 
And our final comment from Angie, just a couple of weeks ago:

Hi Jasper sweets. Like Lance, I'm a bit confused here. You see, I thought it was boy dogs who went seeking for girl dogs at Potato time, not tuther way about. You know the kind of thing: "Oh she'll have to be kept in or next door's dog will be at her.....". Am I to suppose it's actually the other way round? How IS Ruth?
By Angie on Saturday 22 January 2011 on 24/01/11


And now she is gone.

These are just a few of the messages that I have to remind me of lovely Angie.  She gave us SO many smiles over the years - and I am grateful to her for each and every one.  Goodbye Angie - until we meet again one day...


(Angie's Avatar)


Good night.

1 comment:

Lance said...

Oh Jazz...

You've gone and made me cry... AGAIN!! Sniffle...

I haven't read all of these (yet), but you can be sure I'll be back to take care of that little task.

BIG hugs to you and your Ruth.

XXOO, Lance