Remembering a Friend: Linda Martis of Critter Cottage
Many of you in the dog world, especially in Greyhound rescue in the 90s, and later on the Epi-dog world, may know Linda Martis. I "met" Linda over a decade ago. I had begun work on my heart-project book, EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy. I wanted to share stories of Epi-dogs (epileptic dogs) from their caring humans, in their voices, and create a beautiful collection of stories about these amazing warrior dogs and how they never let having epilepsy stop them from enjoying life. I put a call out for Epi-dog families to send me submissions—stories of their dog and their journey together with Canine Epilepsy. One of the stories submitted was of a gorgeous Collie named "Tyler." Linda Martis' Epi-dog. I was so touched by their story, and Tyler is indeed one of the Epi-Stars in my book...and as a result, Linda and I bonded, over the miles, across states...thanks to our Epi-dogs, her Tyler and my Gibson. And the rest as they say, is history.
Linda's story about her Tyler as it appears in my book:
We remained "pen pal" friends over the years sharing updates on our dogs, both happy and exciting moments like each time Linda adopted a dog...to sharing a birthdate with her Collie, "Emma," and even in sadder times as we each lost a beloved dog. As we all know, the bonds forged by and with our dogs is simply amazing. Dogs are amazing. Truly gifts from God (even the name spelled backwards attests to this). Linda joyfully named her wonderful dog and cat filled home "Critter Cottage," and she filled it with many, many adopted pets over the years, and they were the loves of her life. She took such joy in sharing holidays and every day with them. And Linda's beautiful smile truly came from the joy inside of her of sharing life with her beloved "critters."
Then I received a note from her telling me was facing her own battle, cancer. She kept me up to date on her findings, treatments, and travels to find trials. And she beat it for awhile, and I could feel the relief and happiness in her written words. I learned a lot from Linda during this time. She was so bright and positive. We always say our Epi-dogs were warriors, well Linda was a warrior, too. She always put on a smile, and took such joy in life and her beloved pets. Most recently, she shared many pics and happenings in her boy Gus' life. Things felt so good.
Then her cancer returned with a vengeance. And what was her top concern? Her three dogs and two cats. She told me, "My pets have been instrumental in my determination and strength to fight. They need me and I need them." Even in the hospital, and traveling with a dear friend for testing, bloodwork, and trials, she felt "blessed." Blessed for having what she referred to as her "Framily"—friends who are family and she loved them. Just two weeks ago she told me how she felt "great" after being able to get a night's sleep while in the hospital, and she still was in warrior-mode. But sadly, her numbers were not where they needed to be in order for her to get into the last trial she originally qualified for, and complications set in.
Time is a thief; cancer the sneakiest of thieves.
I could sense from Linda's last messages that she was not doing well. I, thankfully, chatted with her via phone, and I could hear how tired she was growing. Her love for her pets always a priority, and she told me again how her dear friends took in her pets and she was relieved that "They would be loved and not think I abandoned them."
What surprisingly touched me was when she told me that she had her friends and hospice nurse read Tyler's story in my book, and how important that having his story in the book was to her. I, myself, reread her Tyler's story and all our messages over the years, which brought tears to my eyes; to know that someone so caring had to face this fight, yet her constant kindness and love of animals still brought a teary smile to my face.
Then, this morning, I received the text from Linda's dear friend that I knew was coming, but always wished it never would...at 5:06 AM Linda earned her wings.
Linda's only family she told me was her beloved pets and her friends. My heart hurts for them, and for her special ones who were by her side until the end. I am sad for Linda herself because she loved her critters and her life with them. She was always positive, even with all she was dealt, and she always had faith, along with beautiful smile and a loving, gentle heart for animals. I feel she was cheated out of years of making more memories with her beloved pets, and that is truly sad. She was such a wonderful advocate for homeless animals, she leaves a gaping hold in the rescue world. But knowing Linda, she would not want the tears; she'd want the happy times to be remembered; her life with her beautiful adopted pets in her lovely Critter Cottage.
Linda, I thank my Gibson and your Tyler for bringing us together. I know in my heart, you were welcomed by Tyler's beautiful face, and all of your furangels, who must all be so happy to see you again. Oh, what a reunion!
Linda, you were a special lady, and you, Tyler, and Critter Cottage will be remembered and missed always. Rest in peace, sweet friend.
That's very, very sad and we send gentle hugs to all who loved her so.
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