Today We Rescued Your Dog
by Pat Closher
Today we rescued your dog. We don’t know where you got him from - maybe you saw him in a pet store window or maybe one of your neighbors bred a few litters a year just to make some vacation money or because they loved their dogs so much that of course they wanted to have puppies. We don’t know much about how you cared for him either, although our vet thought that for such a young dog, his teeth were in pretty bad shape.
by Pat Closher
Today we rescued your dog. We don’t know where you got him from - maybe you saw him in a pet store window or maybe one of your neighbors bred a few litters a year just to make some vacation money or because they loved their dogs so much that of course they wanted to have puppies. We don’t know much about how you cared for him either, although our vet thought that for such a young dog, his teeth were in pretty bad shape.
Did you know they were going to keep him outside? At least it was a pretty mild winter. There were no heavy snows, not much heavy winter rain and only a few days of bitter cold. But for all of those weeks he had no companionship, no care, and no love.
For some reason, your grandparents took him to the shelter. Maybe a neighbor complained about him or maybe their own health gave out or maybe they just got tired of him. You know the local shelter is a kill shelter, don’t you? You know that their own statistics indicate that about half of the dogs that enter are killed, don’t you? Maybe your grandparents thought he would be adopted quickly. He is a purebred, after all. No one was interested in him, though, maybe since he’s an adult dog and not a cute little puppy. No one contacted the purebred rescue group either. They probably would have placed him quickly, since he really is a great boy. The shelter is a clean place and they take good care of the dogs. They get good food and they’re bathed and brushed. It’s still a shelter though, and is noisy and chaotic and frightening. He spent two months there in that confusion, away from everyone and everything he had known.
One day, we saw him on the shelter web site. We called and asked about him. The shelter workers were so happy to hear from us and were delighted to agree to bring him to a local pet store where they do adoptions. Do you want to know why they were so accommodating? He was scheduled to be killed that afternoon. He didn’t know that, but the shelter workers certainly did. It hurt them and he felt that, so he knew something was wrong. All of a sudden, though, the shelter workers were happy and excited and so was he. They bathed him and brushed his coat. We think they probably told him this was it - his big chance, or maybe he just knew it somehow. When we met him, we all fell in love.
He had to go to the vet to be neutered, of course, but then he came home. He has his very own 13 year-old boy. You know, it’s almost like watching one of those old Lassie movies, seeing how well they’ve bonded. He’s got good food and his own toys. He’s taken on walks three times a day, is regularly groomed and is taken to the vet for needed care. We’ll be with him always, even if we have to make that last, difficult decision, because, you see, he is our dog and we are his family.
He has a good heart you know, but then he is a dog, so that’s to be expected. He’s probably forgiven you and, with a dog’s grace, doesn’t even remember you dumped him. He’d probably even be willing to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge. But you know what? He’ll greet us and go with us at the Bridge, and then he’ll be with us forever, because he’s our dog and we’re his family.
The way we heard the story, you moved out of state and didn’t want to take him with you. You left him at your grandparents. Maybe you thought a lively, handsome dog was just the thing for them, and under better circumstances it might have been. Maybe they have been cleaning up your messes for your entire life and an unwanted dog was just another mess to clean up.One day, we saw him on the shelter web site. We called and asked about him. The shelter workers were so happy to hear from us and were delighted to agree to bring him to a local pet store where they do adoptions. Do you want to know why they were so accommodating? He was scheduled to be killed that afternoon. He didn’t know that, but the shelter workers certainly did. It hurt them and he felt that, so he knew something was wrong. All of a sudden, though, the shelter workers were happy and excited and so was he. They bathed him and brushed his coat. We think they probably told him this was it - his big chance, or maybe he just knew it somehow. When we met him, we all fell in love.
He had to go to the vet to be neutered, of course, but then he came home. He has his very own 13 year-old boy. You know, it’s almost like watching one of those old Lassie movies, seeing how well they’ve bonded. He’s got good food and his own toys. He’s taken on walks three times a day, is regularly groomed and is taken to the vet for needed care. We’ll be with him always, even if we have to make that last, difficult decision, because, you see, he is our dog and we are his family.
He has a good heart you know, but then he is a dog, so that’s to be expected. He’s probably forgiven you and, with a dog’s grace, doesn’t even remember you dumped him. He’d probably even be willing to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge. But you know what? He’ll greet us and go with us at the Bridge, and then he’ll be with us forever, because he’s our dog and we’re his family.
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Simba While we only had two years with Simba he was the sweetest, most well-behaved, loving dog anyone could ask for. He came to us a shy and scared 5 year old with physical scars. Not knowing how to play with toys, dogs or commands he quickly learned. But his favorite thing to due without a doubt was go for a walk. The instant his leash was picked up he would excitedly jump up in the air and do a dance. He lived for his daily walks in the park. He was a perfect fit for our family and we took him with us whenever possible. We enjoyed vacations together, walks on the beach, drives across the country, dinners and brunch at dog-friendly cafés, and many trips for ice cream. We definitely made up for lost time and spoiled him rotten. His quick and unexpected passing has left us truly heart broken and he is dearly missed. Thank you for saving him and allowing us to save him in return. Zach and Kelly Vuong
Simon was a great dog with a lot of energy and a big heart. He was a listener and just wanted to cuddle and play with his toys and other dogs. A little guy with a big personality, he and his foster sister, Hydra, were inseparable and his loss is felt by both of us. It breaks my heart to see such a good young man, full of life and good intentions go. When I came home yesterday he was so excited to see me he wouldn’t let me put him down and stop holding him. Since he was to meet his potential forever family next week I was loving on him and brought him to play with Hydra. He got out of the fence and ran into the street. I don’t know how to explain how much you meant to us and what a good dog you were. We are all hurting to see you go big guy, you’re my little buddy and I miss you. Foster Dad, David
What I'll miss most about Simon are our early morning walks. He was such a trooper, always ready first thing every morning, regardless of the weather. He would get up long before I would and wait expectantly while I made coffee, dressed and then stretched out. Sometimes he would get a little impatient, especially if I took too much time to stretch. Stretching while seated on the ground could be problematic since he would try to position his 80 pounds - give or take - squarely in my lap. If that were not enough, he usually saw those moments as perfect opportunities to lay many a sloppy boxer kiss on me. And who could resist a hug and some ear scratching in return?
Simon was such a special guy. He was only with us a short time, and he quickly acclimated to our family and lifestyle. He was curious, intelligent, loyal and above all, loving. He was respectful (or maybe just a bit fearful) of our curmudgeonly basset hound, Tucker. Simon always stepped aside for Tucker when it came to the nightly ritual of "exchanging" the food bowls. Here's how this process worked: both dogs were fed the same food at the same time in separate bowls, but for some reason, after Tucker finished about half his meal, he had to help himself to Simon's bowl. And Simon, being the gentleman that he was, always backed away and let Tucker have at it. Tucker never actually ate much of Simon's meal; he just had to examine the bowl and its contents very thoroughly. Meanwhile, Simon would move to Tucker's bowl and lick it clean. Simon really made out in the deal, but I never told Tucker that!
Simon's favorite pastime was "car sitting". He loved to climb into the car (truck, minivan or any motorized vehicle) and just sit. He would get comfortable and just sit or lie quietly for hours. Sometimes, I couldn't get him out of the back of my car, where he would stretch out and take over completely. Were it not for the south Texas heat, I would have left him to his avocation for hours on end. I'm not sure why he liked the car so much, but he made a great traveling companion, always the first in the car and the last out. I never had to worry about Simon jumping out of the car when the door was opened. Best of all, Simon never complained about my choice of music or my audio book selections.
Simon took everything in stride. He seemed happy just to be near us whenever and wherever we happen to be. I'll miss Simon. His passing has left a huge gap in my life.
LSBR Archive - 2007
To my little Sissy,
The day I got a call and was told you were alive and the condition you were in there was no question that you were meant to be with me. I don’t think the doctor that saw you and pulled you out of the line would have any idea what you have brought to my life and others.
My little girl had no hair, no fat, and no muscle but still would wiggle that little butt of yours. Those darn eyes looking up at me just made me have no question that I wanted to help you.
You wake every single day with joy.
You don’t care you are half the size of your brothers; you still stand your ground.
You have had mange and were still beautiful.
You had blood cancer and it didn’t knock you down.
You have had seizures and when you awake you kiss me, like you are making sure I am okay.
You have tumors and missing an ear and it only made you more adorable.
You take it all in stride; you bring smiles to everyone that has met you.
You have given me kisses on times and days you were much worse off than me.
And I thought the whole deal was I was to take care of you. I was wrong…
The next week after Matt Tyner wrote this for Sissy, the decision had to be made to let her go. She went over the Rainbow Bridge knowing she was loved unconditionally
-- The Martin Family --
LSBR Archive - 2007
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