In Memory of 'CUDDLES' Born Nov. 12, 1997 and passed away Aug. 29, 2008 - THE TRUE INSPIRATION BEHIND "THE NATIONAL DACHSHUND RACES"

In Memory of 'CUDDLES' Born Nov. 12, 1997 and passed away Aug. 29, 2008 - THE TRUE INSPIRATION BEHIND "THE NATIONAL DACHSHUND RACES"

 

Rainbows Bridge

 

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, 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 each 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. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run 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 the Rainbow Bridge together...

 

Author unknown...

Our Heartfelt Sorrow and Joy for all that CUDDLES touched!

The National Dachshund Races and Toni Gossard has lost its true founder and companion that Friday morning of the Races in 2008. This WAS and IS "Cuddles" her Companion and Service Dog. They will be terribly missed yet loved just the same or even more by all she touched!.

 

Here is the eulogy that was said at the 2008 Races in honor of Cuddles. I am asking that if you wish to send a condolence or sympathy message, please do so on our Bulletin Board or email Toni directly so Toni can see them all in one place.

 

With sadness we announce that on Friday morning, Toni’s dachshund Cuddles curled up on her favorite blanket for the last time and passed away in her sleep. I’m sure we all share in offering Toni our deepest condolences, and our deepest thanks for her efforts in conducting this year’s races under such trying circumstances.

 

Cuddles leaves a generous legacy, not just in the hearts of those who knew her, but a legacy for all dachshunds and those who love them. Cuddles was the founding dog of these National Races, the First Lady of Racing Dachshunds. As the events of this Labor Day weekend, 2008, clearly show, the races will live after her. With a note of sorrow, but also with the pride, and the joy of life exemplified by all of our dachshunds, we designate this weekend’s event A SPECIAL TRIBUTE NATIONAL DACHSHUND RACE FOR CUDDLES.

A Picture Tribute To Cuddles!

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A Movie Tribute To Cuddles!

My name for those that have not met me is Ken. I have been the PROUD Webmaster for The National Dachshund Race for a couple years now. During this time, KGW Design Studio and my family have gone to the races, met Toni and honestly, she is not a client but a true friend! The year Cuddles passed (as I have a disability) I was unable to attend the races and heard about Cuddles almost immediately when she passed. Not only was I heartbroken, but all of us at KGW Design Studio were in shock. We own 2-Dachshunds (Hershey & Jesse-Jane) and lost our first, Alley years back to IVDD. We know how devastating any loss of a companion, and yes our Dachshunds are our companions and best friends, can be. Toni upon hearing this went on with the races. The courage Toni has shown despite her own physical battles is encouraging to all. I wish to say that she has sent me over the years so many pictures and short movies, I cannot possibly post them all and they will not give Cuddles as much as she truly deserves for those whose lives she touched and this is probably in the hundreds, but I tried hard to capture her essence and I hope you will get a better feel for Cuddles when seeing these photos and the movie clip. Toni, you are a Godsend, good friend and a great person and I want everyone that has NOT had the opportunity to meet you, please do so at the Races! You will not regret it and you will make a friend. With our love, Ken & Karen, Hershey, Jesse & Rocket along with everyone at KGW Design Studio!

 

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