Thursday #93-

[RICHARD]

Today, Thursdays will open but there will be No DOTD or theme.

We have lost one of our own and I feel the thread would be best served as a quiet place to remember and reflect.

Thanks.

Pull up a seat and remember.

[K9soul]

Amen. John and Randi and family are much in my thoughts and prayers today. I will light a candle in memory and tribute.

[lbaker]

That "soppy old human" did bring a smile to this hardened heart (thanks for finding that old posting Phred.. ) Nice thought Richard, let's just sit and hold each other for awhile and reflect on better days and miles of smiles.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

To help us remember....

Here are just a few of the many wonderful, entertaining posts from John. In these he is writing about his beloved Fister, who was a stray and who John was determined to win over and bring in the house. John and Randi succeeded in luring him into the house, but from then on it was Fister who ruled the roost, much to John's delightful dismay.

Fister’s Journey – The House of Cages

Fister’s Journey – the noble art of scratching

Fister’s Journey – More news from the frontline

Fister’s Journey – Picking up bad habits

Fister’s Journey – Cat Speak & Cat Think

Fister’s Journey – A CHEEKY MONKEY!

We all never failed to delight in the "Fister Tales" and couldn't wait for him to post another. However, these are only a few of his earlier threads. He has many many more posts to his credit, and I know there are quite a few of you who enjoyed bantering with him in the Dog House.

[slick]

On the way in to work this morning I told myself that I wasn't going to the bar this week, but how can I stay away. We all need support right now so I'll take a seat in the back and just ponder. I've got lots of hugs to give away if anybody needs one.

[dukedogsmom]

Didn't he do the cruise on the ship, too? That one made me laugh a lot. I also admired him for his opinions and the way he stated them here in the Dog House.

[Cinder & Smoke]

WHUT to do...??

Maybe a *Toast*???

Well... OK...

But maybe a {{{HUG}}} would be more appropriate...
More Jonza-like...

Yeah...
... a *BIGG*, (warm) Pet Talk {{{HUG}}} for John!

And hey, <squeeze> over just a tad...
<make room> for Randi ~
she could use a *BIG* PT {{{HUG}}} right about now!

..

[RICHARD]

I think that we could have a toast.

A DOTD seemed to be a little too improper.....

I somehow feel he wouldn't mind us hoisting a glass in his honor.

Sooooo.....

To Jonza, a creative force here on Pet Talk.


DONE!

[Corinna]

Remebering is the best way to fill the hole in our hearts. Thanks for the chance Richard.

[K9soul]

Last night my husband was over an hour late from work. He generally works until 10 p.m., and is about a 5-10 minute drive away depending on traffic. As 10:30 and then 11 p.m. passed, my anxious mind began thinking the worst and I became more fearful. I tried calling him at work but he can't answer the phone if he's working because he's on the phone with customers all the time. By the time 11:30 came my fear factor was so high that something horrible had happened. But he finally drove in. He had had extreme difficulties with work and had not been able to get away to call me, but he was okay, except for being very upset with his work problems.

The night before, I had a vivid dream of losing my mother. Maybe that's partly why I got so extremely fearful and anxious last night when he was so late. Then last night I dreamed over and over of deaths and losses in my family.

I got up feeling so drained and down this morning. While I was posting to a few other threads, I saw the announcement come up.. I had a flood of tears before I could even bear to open it.

I don't know what to think. I feel confused, afraid, sad. My greatest fear last night is Randi's reality now. I just feel stunned.

I hope sharing these things are not inappropriate here, it's just that this hit me so powerfully, it's so hard to find the "right" words to say.

Thank you for posting the threads. I have mostly seen Jonza's threads in the Dog House, which I enjoyed, and I wish to see these warmer tales, to share more in his memory.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

My tummy feels sick, my head hurts and so does my heart!

If someone had told me before I got the Internet, I would come to love people I met in a magic place called Pet Talk, I would never have believed them. Now I would!

Be at peace Jonza. If you visit the RB, I have lots of critters there who would love to meet you!

[Cataholic]

Just sitting here quietly, reflecting....

[zippy-kat]

To one of the most brilliant minds on pet talk and elsewhere...

[PJ's Mom]

I didn't know John at all, but I loved reading his stories about Fister.

His sense of humor will be missed.

[Edwina's Secretary]

I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a few days in the company of John and Randi. So when I read his stories I hear his very proper English accent....his chuckle....

I know he would expect us to toast him. Beer would be good....but please...not Carlsberg or any of the big, bully brands. He liked the little guys...He was as political about his beer as anything else. So something local...something made from the heart...like John was.

Here's to you, John...