Remembering Gretchen...
Stonehill's Temptress
TDIAOV, CGC, HT, HIC, APDT R1CL and R2MCL, ASCA CD,
NADAC NAC-V, NJC,NJC-V

7/22/95 ~ 02/01/05

Gretchen was dearly loved by Karen and Bill Carroll

I will lend to you for awhile, a pup, God said,
For you to love her while she lives and mourn for her when she's dead. 

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three
But will you, 'till I call him back, take care of her for me?

She'll bring his charms to gladden you and should her stay be brief
you'll always have her memories as solace for your grief. 

I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return
But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn. 

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers tru
 And from the folk that crowd's life's land I have chosen you.

Now will you give her all your love Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take my Pup back again?

I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord Thy Will be Done,"
For all the joys this Pup will bring, the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter her with tenderness we'll love her while we may
And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay 

But should you call her back much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand. 

If, by our love, we've managed, your wishes to achieve
In memory of her we loved, to help us while we grieve, 

When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet another pup and love him all his life.

 

Gretchen & Sasha

 

Gretchen's most important accomplishment...she excelled at Therapy work...

 

Gretchen tried her "paw" at many different sports...

 

Gretchen and Karen at "Splash Camp 2004"

 

Baby Gretchen