Thursday, April 16, 2009

Tattoo You

Today is two months since our lives were normal - two months ago tomorrow is when Klaus entered the hospital. I have been wanting to get a tattoo to honor Klaus and his influence in my life, but I didn't want to rush into it - I wanted something that would remind me of him, something that I could carry with me everywhere, so that no matter what happened to me, a piece of him would be there. I had lots of cheesy ideas, and then some better ones that I managed to forget (I have been a bit forgetful these days), but in the end it was not a difficult decision.

I had to sneak away from Bogart for an hour - not an easy feat as we have become quite the team these days - so that I could get this:

This is Klaus' tattoo - he had this on his back. Now that he is gone I will carry it on. I just know that he would love this idea. The tattoo artist did an amazing job of copying the design from a blurry photo I had. It's been many years since I've gotten my last tattoo - I did indeed forget exactly how much it hurts.

To thank Bogart for his patience while I was getting tattooed we hopped into the Bogcedes and headed to Laurelhurst Park. We haven't been here alone, and it was a beautiful sunny day.

This is a great park full of people - and dogs. They have an off-leash area that of course Bogart is not allowed to run around in. Lets just say that his recall skills need some work.

But on our tour around the park we ran into... an Airedale boy!

It's amazing - whenever Bogart sees another Airedale (even a boy, and he's not always friendly with boy dogs he doesn't know) it's like he knows that this is one of his kind.

The algae bloom that was here the last time we were in the park is still in, ahem, full bloom. Yes, it's really that green.

Bogart and I sat down for awhile so that we could talk about Klaus...

Our lives will never be the same.

Love,

Lulu & Bogart

34 comments:

Scottie the 'Cutie' said...

That is a great looking tattoo! The design is so pretty...=) And the park walk looks great as well! Wish I could be there...=)

Scottie

Drea said...

I used to hang out at my friend's tattoo shop all the time. A lot of people would come in to get memorial tattoos. Sometimes the physical pain helps calm emotional pain. I have a pink ribbon on my ankle in honor of my grandmother.

:)

Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie said...

That's a very sweet tribute to your love. We especially like the photos you took of your tat;we see that Bogart is looking on in both. He's keeping a watchful eye on you!

The green water is something else. You need some of those special algae eatting fish there.

AireKisses & WelshieHugs,
BabyRocketDog & Hootie

Suzuki said...

A beautiful tattoo for a beautiful lady :)

Love Suzuki, Tahlia, Scooby Doo, Brandon & their Mum :)
xxxxx

Noah the Airedale said...

The tat is a great tribute to Klaus Lulu. The best part is it's with you all the time.

tailwags
Noah x

Dexter said...

Ouch! It will just hurt for a little bit, right, and it makes you happy. I don't get to go offleash either. That old recall thing.

Such a lovely walk.

Slobbers,
Mango

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

That tattoo is pretty and a ftting tribute to your love. Glad you are getting out and about. Bogart seems to be a great help in the healing process..

Hugs GJ and Carol x

Deetz said...

My heart aches everytime I think about it...I cannot even imagine how yours feel..
Carol
Bogart:
Your mums tattoo is the coolest thing ever. Are you going to get a tattoo, too? That would be awesome. I am so glad you met another dale...I wish there was other dales around me, but I think I am the only one.
We love you
Deetzy

Martha said...

Hi Lulu
The tattoo is pretty and will remind you of Klaus - you were very brave!!
It is strange isnt it how Spring still comes and then Summer - somehow seems wrong when Klaus isnt with you.
Take care of yourself and Bogart - no tattoos for Bogart!!
love
martha & bailey & mum xxx

The Black and Tans. said...

Lulu. Our hooman thinks you have a beautiful tattoo to remind you forever of Klaus.

Bogart. That was a lovely walk you did with your Mummy. You obviously suffer with selective deafness like I do when it comes to recall!

Molly xx

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

I'm trying to talk Mom into NOT leaking now but....

Furry nice tattoo...and khwite a khool and proper way to keep Klaus with woo...I guess he's got your bakhk!

Khool woo got to see another WOO!

And none of our lives are evfur the same...but that is life...and what we must keep our paws going fur...

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Wei Qian said...

Your tattoo is beautiful, and its such a loving tribute for Klaus! Take cares and enjoy your weekend!

best regards
Vodka

Molly the Airedale said...

What a lovely tattoo! Klaus will be with you forever!
And what a beautiful walk you had! Glad you met an AireFriend, Bogie!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Asta said...

That is a bootiful twiboote to Klaus, you found the pawfect answew. We think he is wif you guiding you always.
Bogie, I'm tewwible at wecall too( I thinkit's a tewwiew thing, hehehe)glad you ad youw Mom had that walk and pwivate time to think about youw Dad. It all seems so impossible. One dayat a time. all ouw love and
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Golden Samantha said...

Dear Lulu and Bogart, I was just beginning to really meet more Dogs with Blogs folk just after Klaus passed and I never reached out to say how sorry me and my mom and dad are. You are doing an amazing job - what a truly great tribute (tho ouchy, I'm certain) to "carry" with you forever. We send you hugs and Licks and Love xo
Sammie and her peeps

Hollie and Janie said...

Miss Lulu,
I think your tatoo is wonderful! I bet it's comforting having a tangible symbol of Mr. Klaus! I, too, always seem to recognize another 'dale! You and Bogie are always in mine and mama's hearts! Give Bogie a big kiss from me!
Love,
Janie

Kodiak Grandson Falcon said...

The Tattoo is perfect. Truly a great tribute.
WOW the park looks great. Nice to meet other Airedales.
Love Ya
Falcon

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

What a special remembrance thing to do. It will be like his hand is touching you there, always.

Your walk, filled with memories, difficult but also part of the familiar to you...

You are strong and those things and places will always be part of you.

Laurie, Woo's Editor said...

That is one amazingly green pond. fantastic color though.

loving your tattoo idea Lulu.

the TN Bull Terrors said...

Us Bull Terriers know other Bullies too, DawgMom thinks its wild. Great tattoo, DawgMom has 8 and she wants to get one of a Bull Terrier

Feather, Darla, Pappy & LizzaBella

Abby said...

Hi, Lulu & Bogart...

I love your tattoo...What a great tribute to Klaus...

It's amazing how Bogart recognizes other Airdales...

Your park is beautiful...

Abby xxxooo

William Tell said...

The tattoo is a great way to remember Klaus. Very special.

Happy Tails,
William Tell

Dughallmor Beagles said...

What a pretty design and a lovely sentiment. And you got to meet another Airedale....how cool, you seem to be meeting lots of them! We have a green lake in our blog this week too :D (we are playing catch-up again but scrolled down to see what we'd missed....and we watch Deadliest Catch too!)
Slobbers xx

Dawn said...

I have a Sheltie and I swear she recognizes her own kind. So glad you have Bogart with you for comfort!

Lorenza said...

Hi, Lulu and Bogart!
The tattoo is beautiful. It is a pawesome tribute to Klaus.
You had a nice walkie. Meeting another Dale sure was great!
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Nelly said...

That tattoo is pretty and what a lovely idea!

Nibbles
Nelly xx

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

What a lovely tribute to Klaus, Lulu...we think it's beautiful...

And we know how much Bogie enjoyed the walkers!!!! Very handsome Dale boy he met!!!

Love ya lots,

Laciegirlie

Unknown said...

I've been impressed with how well you holding on and moving on. I will believe that your Klaus was an amazing man. I'd think he'd say you and Bogart are equally amazing.

Be well.

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

We started reading your blog about the time Klaus left. You both have handled it really well and took care of the business at hand. We know there are many days of grieving still to come.

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh, Java and their huMom, Lynn

Joe Stains said...

The tattoo looks great! I think its a wonderful choice and a nice way to always have him with you. Luckily the pain of the tattoo only sticks around for a little bit!!

Chef said...

What a great tribute to Klaus. Looks very cool too. Glad you guys are out and about and enjoying the sunshine.

xoxo
Chef

Jeannie and Marvin frae Scotland said...

Hi Lulu and Bogart!

Sorry I not been commenting - only excuse I have, is been holidaying with Opy, Charlie, G and B in Aus.

Although I am not a tattoo person, I like your new tattoo, it is very tasteful. And I can also understand your need to do this, totally. Good on you!

You are being so brave, so feisty.

In my view, Feisty wins the day every time.

Although I have not been commenting, I have been able to view your blog, and I am totally with you all the way.

Hugs to Bogart, hugs to you, sweet girl, and keep on, keeping on! Klaus would be proud of you, you are a Diamond Girl.

Your friend from Scotland, Jeannie xxxxxxxxxx and Marvin xxxxxxxxxx and K ;0D

Kirby said...

What a wonderful tattoo Lulu! I love that it has such a special meaning to you and that the design was so special to Klaus as well.

Bogie, what a beautiful day for a walk. You always get to meet the most interesting dogs and go to the coolest places. Keep taking care of your wonderful Mama!

Your pal,
Kirby

Unknown said...

How cool to carry on Klaus' tattoo ... it has found a fitting place on your back. It looks absolutely beautiful. I think you need to get a really great black and white photo done (there are some incredible photographers who specialize in snapping ink) and have it framed ... and a shout out to Bogart. He is your gift from above. Hugs.