tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10147998564320850382024-03-13T01:23:27.024-05:00Lucky Dog Rescue Blogdog rescues, dog rescue, dog adoption, pet adoption, adopt a dog, adopt a pet, animal rescues, animal rescue, dog shelter, dog shelters, animal shelter, animal shelters, donate to animals, donate to charity, donate to charities, find a charity, find charities, animal charity, animal charities, pet blog, dog blogluckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-83089253653498049982013-07-31T15:56:00.000-05:002013-08-01T10:15:59.744-05:00Why I Write<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I go through "writing phases." </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbhavRPz_wZB-k7KDq4bt2rgfbm_5Xogp4iCH9TcuQ9MXfnXOJacRAiKQlb97Kpb24FcIFZ3eRxH8_VPV-ky-v5Q8cMadbzR20mSmdE8Y-ce3mSbs2vq9QebQ8MmiMxp7S3NDhX93SZc/s1600/photo-86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbhavRPz_wZB-k7KDq4bt2rgfbm_5Xogp4iCH9TcuQ9MXfnXOJacRAiKQlb97Kpb24FcIFZ3eRxH8_VPV-ky-v5Q8cMadbzR20mSmdE8Y-ce3mSbs2vq9QebQ8MmiMxp7S3NDhX93SZc/s320/photo-86.jpg" width="281" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cycles, almost. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes, I write often... maybe even weekly.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes, I barely write at all... for months at a time.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, the purpose of this post isn't to discuss <i>when </i>I write...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But <i>why </i>I write. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />There are so many reasons "why" I write... but I'd like to list a few here. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1) I write... because I love to write. It's such a release for me... damn-near therapy. It helps me vent, reflect, and process. It helps keep me sane. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2) I write, because it helps me share... and connect with others. I write, because it helps me reach out, in ways I could never do otherwise, from small town Mississippi. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3) I write... because there's always the chance that someone, somewhere, needs to read what I have to say that day. And also, there's the chance that I may inspire someone, in some way, to help this-or-that dog, or to follow their heart/their passion. For me, that's huge. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4) I write to help my dogs find homes. This could easily be reason #1, and the ONLY reason for my writing, because it's THAT important to me. But I'm listing it 4th, because the other 3 reasons are actually why I <i>started</i> this blog in the first place. Yet, reason #4 is most crucial, by far.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">5) I write to ask for donations for my dogs. That being said... this is the primary criticism I receive from the few critics I have. (Which, by the way, are few and far between. I'm lucky in that way.) And while those critic-weirdos often make me furious... I have to be honest: they usually make me laugh. How so? Classic example:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Ashley only writes for donations."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well... yes, and no. First of all, I write, with no guarantee of donations. That being said... I write... hoping that a few donations may come in... to help my dogs. At the core of it all... that is <i>absolutely</i> why I write... because my dogs need help, and I need help, to help them. How can anyone criticize that? I run a charity!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the end of each blog post, I provide a donate link. There's no obligation to donate... but a link is there if you wish to do so. Why is it there? Well, about a year ago, at the end of any blog I'd write, I'd have several comments: "How do I donate?!!! Please provide a link!!!" Sooo... I decided to make it easy... posting a link at the end of every post. Also, it reminds people that this isn't just a "blog," it's a charity.... and donations are essential to help it continue. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If this was simply about "me" ... and if my writing was simply meant to "make money" ... then I could easily write a book, or write for a publication... and get paid to do so. Trust me, I've received plenty of offers to do just that, but so far, I've turned them all down. And to date, I've <i>never once </i>been paid for my writing. Few "writers" I know write for "free." I do it... gladly, willingly, without question. I do it... for my dogs. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the core of it all, my blog is about education, inspiration, and yes... donations. Every charity I know hosts frequent fundraisers to raise funds. My blog is a form of "fundraising," and it costs nothing, and helps many... so who is it hurting??</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If a couple of donations come in from my writing, that's awesome! I've never "made" anyone donate ... I've only provided a link at the bottom of my posts, if you wish to do so. Essentially, I've quietly requested the help that every other charity asks for as well. And honestly... this year... I've maybe written a handful of blog posts, and asked for very little, regarding donations. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Regardless, Lucky Dog Rescue Blog is about my desire to inspire, and it's also about my dogs. It's also... about all of you. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If my blog has ever touched your life... please do give to my dogs. At the end of the day... they're why I write. And at the end of every post... I give you the chance to show them that they matter. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Ashley</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On that note...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!</b></span></a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span> <br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Never forget who you are... and why you're that person. Most importantly, never lose sight of who you're meant to become. ~ my thoughts today</span></i></div>
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luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-20069233920150655892013-07-29T17:22:00.000-05:002013-07-30T15:39:00.089-05:00RIP Kidd Kraddick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ERtDiBFaO5xGU8psAASvoS4kGEc9L0HVCp2UiJhWCQvvTu0XR1IPA4qeWSOhznTK9NyXELT8s5gYAbn2HYgr-Ps3AnaQYhqXrEYrbfwrQ3OTvP34GU1RFwM7MWrswD6RH5wq8YLpK1o/s1600/1016967_10151725743722310_1039735805_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ERtDiBFaO5xGU8psAASvoS4kGEc9L0HVCp2UiJhWCQvvTu0XR1IPA4qeWSOhznTK9NyXELT8s5gYAbn2HYgr-Ps3AnaQYhqXrEYrbfwrQ3OTvP34GU1RFwM7MWrswD6RH5wq8YLpK1o/s320/1016967_10151725743722310_1039735805_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This isn't an "animal rescue" post... nor is it a "personal" post.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regardless, I felt the need to write today.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Radio DJ Kidd Kraddick died on Saturday, in New Orleans. He was just 53 years old.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And quite honestly... even though it may sound crazy for me to say this... </span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm absolutely devastated.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why is this relevant to my animal rescue blog? Well... it's not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why is this relevant to my life? Well... <i>it just is.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How so??</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's extremely hard to put my feelings into words... but here's my best attempt to explain:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was 18 years old when I first started listening to "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning." My friend, Tiffani, first told me about the show. And when I moved to Tuscaloosa for college at the University of Alabama, I was finally able to listen to the local T-town radio station that aired the Kidd Kraddick show. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At 18, I remember listening one day, while Kidd was discussing life, passion, and doing what you love. I'd always known my passion... and what I hoped to do one day... but back then, I was just a kid. Yet, that fateful day, Kidd said exactly what I needed to hear... at the time I needed to hear it. It was the time in my life when I was choosing my personal path... and honestly, his inspiring words helped me choose the right one. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, at the beginning of my Freshman year of college, I began listening to Kidd Kraddick. Later that school year, I experienced a devastating car accident... that nearly took my life. In the blink of an eye... my life changed forever. I've never been the same since. The events of that night, affect my life, to this day. I'm still in pain, every single day, but I've never let it stop me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clearly, I survived, but back then, my future was unknown. In that accident, I broke both of my legs... severely crushing my left leg/foot, with injuries that caused surgeons to recommend: amputation. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even after my leg was saved... I was bedridden for months...and in a wheelchair for months after. And during that time, no one knew if I'd ever walk again. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After I left the hospital, a rented hospital bed was placed in my childhood bedroom at my parents' house. I was forced to live in that bed... for months, and my mom was forced to take off of work during that time, to provide around-the-clock care for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back then... because I never knew what tomorrow would bring... and because the pain was so intense... I'll be honest: I cried. Often. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But during that time in my life, the Kidd Kraddick show kept me going. During a time when I often didn't know how to smile, Kidd Kraddick made me smile. During a time when laughter seemed foreign, Kidd Kraddick helped me laugh. During a time when I often felt hopeless, Kidd Kraddick gave me hope. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may sound silly to some, but for me, at that time in my life, it meant everything. And at that time in my life... the time when I really needed to feel "normal" ... Kidd Kraddick helped me feel normal again.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After college, I was offered a job in Baton Rouge... a place where I knew no one. It was a sales job, so I spent most of my days... especially mornings... in my car, driving, traveling. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And even though I had no friends there when I moved... and I often felt very alone... I knew I had at least one "friend" in my life, every weekday morning. His name: Kidd Kraddick. He kept my spirit alive.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I later moved back home... here, to my hometown, Meridian, Mississippi, where I'd start my own business and charity. It was one of the best --and most difficult-- decisions I ever made... to do what I do now. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever since I made that choice... each morning... no matter how difficult my day has been... I had someone who was always there to push me forward. Kidd Kraddick. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kidd Kraddick is a man I never met, but a man I felt I knew, so well. Each day, when I tuned-in, it never felt like I was listening to a "radio show." Instead, it felt like I was listening to a friend... to a group of friends... who were talking <i>just to me.</i> Friends who were always there to say: "I know your life is hard... I know you feel sad sometimes... but we're here for you, to help you through the ups, the downs, the in-betweens. And PS- here's a laugh to start your day..."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more than 10 years of my life, I've had that, every. single. day. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the lowest points in my life, Kidd's humor meant everything to me. At the high points, he was a constant reminder to be thankful, and keep smiling. But no matter what I was going through... he was always there... as a comedian, a mentor, a therapist. And mostly, a "friend."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To me, that meant everything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kidd Kraddick meant the world to me, because his words changed my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mornings will never be the same without Kidd Kraddick. I feel like I lost a best friend, and my life will never be the same. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I could never repay Kidd for what I feel he's done for me --and for so many others-- I know I can do at least one thing to help him live on. I run a charity... so I know: if something ever happened to me, I pray someone would step up and offer to help my work continue. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's goes: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PLEASE DONATE to his charity: Kidd's Kids. PLEASE give something... <i>anything</i>... to the charity that he lived for... and essentially... died for. PLEASE click the link below and donate to the children who deserve your help. Please!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kiddskids.com/donate/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>http://www.kiddskids.com/donate/ </b></span></span></a><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">*Kidd, we let you into our morning routines, and into our lives. Because of you, we listened, we laughed, and we felt inspired. Because of you, people did more, cared more, became more. I'm not the only one who feels this way. Not even close. There are millions of us. That's an unbelievable legacy... which only you could leave behind. Thank you for everything. We miss you. "Keep looking up, 'cause that's where it all is."</span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">-Written by Ashley Owen Hill, luckydogrescueblog@gmail.com </span></span></i><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-26681036821620054252013-05-28T15:02:00.001-05:002013-07-01T13:32:43.593-05:00Pit Bull Problems<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXoULvKD8ZH347pp2p593NdOqwDtkNcu7qQujfFJqEnoxuZuLa2Vaga9l0pepPNe8Ij-YWXhqfigN-OsyGaqmJ54PgySRh8Fz6wAvlU2yxRk4JoSF0Ozv4DRRpGcRT-emYjIlwlPdzU4/s1600/IMG_1637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXoULvKD8ZH347pp2p593NdOqwDtkNcu7qQujfFJqEnoxuZuLa2Vaga9l0pepPNe8Ij-YWXhqfigN-OsyGaqmJ54PgySRh8Fz6wAvlU2yxRk4JoSF0Ozv4DRRpGcRT-emYjIlwlPdzU4/s400/IMG_1637.jpg" width="188" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm often asked about my love of the Pit Bull breed(s).</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why do I love them?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How did I come to love them?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Was I always drawn to these dogs? </span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Growing up, my family had many dogs of many different breeds. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I'd be lying if I said that we ever had a "Pit Bull." I'd also be lying if I said I'd ever <i>wanted</i> to have a "Pit Bull" ... or that my parents would've ever <i>allowed</i> us to have a "Pit Bull." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's not that my parents were "bad" people... they just didn't know any better. Therefore, I didn't know any better. I was never "against" Pit Bulls, but I also wasn't "for" them, either. Mostly because... I just didn't know much about them. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But what I *knew* about them... <i>all </i>that I *knew* about them... was based on what I'd *heard* about them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And it wasn't good. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back then, I'd never heard anything positive said about "Pit Bulls." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No one I knew ever had a "Pit Bull." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No one I knew ever wanted a "Pit Bull." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No one I knew had ever even <i>encountered </i>a "Pit Bull." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, even though I never "judged" these dogs, I honestly never thought much about them. And I certainly never thought: <i>"One day... I'll grow up and save them."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCgixrmP4FkfpZYdaLwW_vzeQ7KzYnuyPoLNEJxVTPLeOb7nAZxH_ki01rjXKxQkNWgEDb81FwXz8SEU-9xk2vGQemyYe1DltAMp9QpNngHLLY07SqkAhuB9HR6hCAh8CHrwX6uGj3L0/s1600/AshRudy4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCgixrmP4FkfpZYdaLwW_vzeQ7KzYnuyPoLNEJxVTPLeOb7nAZxH_ki01rjXKxQkNWgEDb81FwXz8SEU-9xk2vGQemyYe1DltAMp9QpNngHLLY07SqkAhuB9HR6hCAh8CHrwX6uGj3L0/s320/AshRudy4.jpg" width="196" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So... when did this change for me?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, it was in 2009, and his name was Rudy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By then, I was 24 years old, and I'd met many other Pit Bulls. So... I knew a little more about these dogs, and I cared a lot more about them. But even still, at the time, I wasn't using my voice to help them, nor was I using my rescue efforts to save them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until... I met Rudy. </span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was the one who changed everything.</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ask any "Pit Bull lover." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of us weren't always "Pit Bull lovers."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead, it took one dog... one "Pit Bull" ... to change everything. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And almost every "Pit Bull lover" can name who "that dog" was for them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, "that dog" was Rudy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll be honest. I didn't fully trust him at first. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not because he was a "Pit Bull," but because he was a dog who had been chained, beaten, and starved for his whole life. I didn't know him... he didn't know me. I was unsure... he was unsure. I didn't know what to expect... he didn't know what to expect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I saved him, and he knew it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So he loved me, and I knew it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rudy came to me as a "rescue dog." As with every other rescue dog I take in, I was simply planning to bring him back to health, and then find a family to love him forever. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, I soon realized... I could never let him go. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because he was the Pit Bull <i>who would change my life. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the time, I didn't fully realize <i>just how much</i> he would change my life, my mission, my future. I also didn't realize <i>just how much</i> unnecessary judgment I'd face, as a result of that decision... simply because, I loved a "Pit Bull" ... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before Rudy, I'd saved many dogs, and I'd always been praised by others for my love of dogs, for my rescue efforts, for my commitment to my cause. But when I saved Rudy, and I began to rescue other Pit Bulls like him... that's when the public scrutiny entered my life:</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"OMG Ashley!!! A Pit Bull?!" </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Why would you?!"</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"How could you?!"</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"What the hell are you thinking?!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Initially, I was utterly shocked, and offended. I'd done nothing wrong. In fact, I was trying to do something "right." </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwcBI9M0d_6qP99hOMIJRrGusuNo1XmrDbv96weJImYAXtWlXryWSPMrdJWfWhyM5H-o8oqRrZ0cc33jadxjED6HnBWsAeUtzeSLQzQrESgH4BjFBchaINq37bvUcrZrjv51wQiUKLSY/s1600/AshRudy8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwcBI9M0d_6qP99hOMIJRrGusuNo1XmrDbv96weJImYAXtWlXryWSPMrdJWfWhyM5H-o8oqRrZ0cc33jadxjED6HnBWsAeUtzeSLQzQrESgH4BjFBchaINq37bvUcrZrjv51wQiUKLSY/s1600/AshRudy8.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't rescue Rudy, simply because he was a "Pit Bull." I didn't trust Rudy, simply because (or in spite of the fact that) he was a "Pit Bull." I didn't love Rudy, simply because he was a "Pit Bull." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead, I rescued Rudy, because he needed me. I trusted Rudy, because he trusted me. I loved Rudy, because he loved me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was the most amazing, incredible, loving dog I've ever known. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And... he just-so-happened to be... a Pit Bull. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soon, I realized that very few others were willing to rescue Pit Bulls. Therefore, I started saving more of them. Clearly, it was a choice I made, based on my experience with Rudy. I wanted to save others like my baby, the dogs who had no other hope. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it didn't take long for me to understand the weight of my decision. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I started rescuing Pit Bulls, I suddenly realized that I was now "different." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the minds of many, my rescue dogs were not "dogs" at all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead, I was saving "monsters." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This realization changed me, in so many ways. I was hurt; I was angry; I was disgusted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suddenly... I was on a mission... t<i>o prove every critic wrong.</i> Because they WERE wrong. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That being said, I don't save Pit Bulls, simply because they're <i>the only</i> dogs worth saving. I save Pit Bulls, because these dogs are equally deserving, equally amazing, and equally loving, when compared to any other dog (maybe moreso?). Plus, they're the most judged, most misunderstood, and most hated breed in existence. And very few other rescuers can/will save them. That's where I come in...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mean... if you were hated, based on nothing more than how you look, wouldn't YOU want someone to stand-up for you?? I know I would...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could go on for days about how incredible the Pit Bull breed(s) are, but please... don't just take my word for it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrH9mpcPo3drzkgoWRZ47GDQtPRTpmmATyG5nOE_mOYtvc9LDpj1jsXn_Ygzt9lPyOiXhbz5qUbn5ZCp-ZbBd5-p0JdTr2oV4r6zBPQpNoWID53YrftW0ePWyXxqR1ehC0kuk9QACCuk/s1600/IMG_20120927_150038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrH9mpcPo3drzkgoWRZ47GDQtPRTpmmATyG5nOE_mOYtvc9LDpj1jsXn_Ygzt9lPyOiXhbz5qUbn5ZCp-ZbBd5-p0JdTr2oV4r6zBPQpNoWID53YrftW0ePWyXxqR1ehC0kuk9QACCuk/s320/IMG_20120927_150038.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead, go to a shelter, and meet a Pit Bull. Contact an animal rescue group... and ask to walk a Pit Bull. Seriously, go freaking love-on a Pit Bull. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trust me... it just takes one... to change your perspective.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that one "Pit Bull" ... <i>just may change your life. </i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Written in loving memory of "the one" who changed me, Rudy</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html" target="_blank"><b>CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!</b></a></span></span></span></div>
luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com101tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-21718642299890279872013-05-08T14:30:00.000-05:002013-05-08T17:18:20.004-05:00The Best Medicine<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <i>Note: </i>My recent facebook status led me to this particular topic. Here's what I wrote:</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Have
you ever caught yourself trying to explain your sense of humor to
someone without one? I'll say something borderline-hysterical, and
receive no response from that other person. So then, I end up sounding
like even more of an idiot: "You see... it's funny because... it's
hilarious."</span></span></i></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">***** </span></span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jUVujcMmc7b9vWddFU7xtBdXqhD2cEYPczlnVB_Gp_FK1oimK2gJPW15hpbYAQGDrNISS7_nL1dOTbgjhN-II6cZN3s5LqWiAZaAymNdisXh01QSC1v6gxO5wpdSdnRRcsGNUFTCAWg/s1600/163859_925213697445_3651750_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jUVujcMmc7b9vWddFU7xtBdXqhD2cEYPczlnVB_Gp_FK1oimK2gJPW15hpbYAQGDrNISS7_nL1dOTbgjhN-II6cZN3s5LqWiAZaAymNdisXh01QSC1v6gxO5wpdSdnRRcsGNUFTCAWg/s320/163859_925213697445_3651750_n.jpg" width="297" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm often asked about how I do what I do... how I deal with the stress, the workload, and the heartbreak of animal rescue. There's really no simple answer to that question, and I'm sure every animal rescuer out there would agree with me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some days, I feel strong. Well... strong-<i>ish</i>. On those days, for whatever reason, I'm somehow able to handle things a little better. It's like... at certain times, my mind, my heart, my body... they're just sooo much more on-top of their freaking game, dude. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other times, I'll be honest: I don't deal well at all. I mean, sure... I'm able to get through each day, and I don't really complain about it. But it's more of an autopilot type deal... a "do what you gotta do because you have no other choice" type situation, if you know what I mean.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(And I'm sure every animal rescuer/animal shelter worker out there <i>does</i> know exactly what I mean.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it comes to "what works" and "what doesn't," I can only speak for me personally, from my own experience, regarding my own ways of coping. And trust me... I certainly have plenty of "unhealthy" ways of dealing, but I wouldn't recommend many of them to anyone, from an advice standpoint. I'm gonna go with... <i>DON'T</i> follow my lead on those things. Yeah... <i>just don't. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That aside, today, I wanted to share my very best tip for handling the world of animal rescue, but also... life in general. This isn't something "major" or "insightful" or "brilliant." It's not something I "invented," or even "came up with" myself. But it's definitely something that works for me --without question-- every time I'm willing to let it in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laughter.</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_d_sLyoLWAH41s-h9oxgkRJHZouFp31HtoY5kVvckk4AFnROI5vVpa7ubx7A80fl3lT0QUm0kRmjT__lfKPJFVWZuH5-DN4L7-V8sFSGDVbs0eaLzbmTlbcvyPU9WNTEjIWyMVr4VLSk/s1600/17154_401847880173_6579032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_d_sLyoLWAH41s-h9oxgkRJHZouFp31HtoY5kVvckk4AFnROI5vVpa7ubx7A80fl3lT0QUm0kRmjT__lfKPJFVWZuH5-DN4L7-V8sFSGDVbs0eaLzbmTlbcvyPU9WNTEjIWyMVr4VLSk/s1600/17154_401847880173_6579032_n.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's right, I freaking said it. Laughter. It sounds so simple, silly, effing stupid-as-shit, even. But laughter has been the cure for nearly every difficult day I've ever had. And without it... I'd be <i>a miserable excuse </i>for a human being. We all would. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, I laugh at myself. I laugh with others. I laugh at the ass-birds of the world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Basically, I take all of the serious junk in my life, <i>and I make fun of it. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realize that sounds a little messed up.. maybe even delusional... but I don't care, because it works for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's not about denying reality, or avoiding the issues, or pretending things aren't so sad. (Well... <i>maybe sometimes</i>, just a little.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regardless, I get it: reality exists, issues must be faced, and sad things happen. <i>Duh.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But in my opinion, no matter <i>how bad </i>things are (or how bad they <i>seem</i>), if I can't laugh... <i>then I can't freaking make it. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0Y-smaVs2VZDTc3ID8tbSZtcpTn4RXygaMDGXQnwFNZzroSxIF6sn7FbuLDVk8k6jY4UNh7-rvBpnHJ15t-eGY6G39Onx5E1KGHHmP0XewRKdEXePlpvKroRX1wh40IHWTpfF1mjUrQ/s1600/18949_766498469035_2333824_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0Y-smaVs2VZDTc3ID8tbSZtcpTn4RXygaMDGXQnwFNZzroSxIF6sn7FbuLDVk8k6jY4UNh7-rvBpnHJ15t-eGY6G39Onx5E1KGHHmP0XewRKdEXePlpvKroRX1wh40IHWTpfF1mjUrQ/s320/18949_766498469035_2333824_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sooo, I surround myself with people who make me laugh, or help me laugh, or laugh with/at me. Yes, I said AT me. You'll rarely meet a more self-deprecating individual than me. I make fun of myself ALL THE TIME. Daily. Hourly. By the minute. And I love when others join me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm lucky to have some truly incredible people in my life; I swear, my friends are some of the most hilarious people on the planet. If I talk to you, and you're a friend of mine, this is probably one of the biggest reasons: it's because you're <i>effing hysterical</i>, and I love you for that. (Even if you have <i>no other </i>decent qualities whatsoever. I'm talking, like, <i>NOTHING </i>else going for ya-- if you can make me laugh, then I'll probably talk to you. Maybe just not in public...)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if you CAN'T laugh, like <i>ever.</i>.. or if you're offended by me, simply because I CAN laugh, and do... then no need to try and make small talk, buddy. I promise we won't get along. Trust me on that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDUdrTjfGtamyRMAHrwmrWkHqUL2RcovHEcWrMJkbaA626-tkG_Nj_PH0LJGUREf5L4Y903xnW0gzEgWif27vQeRpUOcbwvBU2rIBgyqZ6iuRlWWDm2ON1QiRJjSMLDMhMT7JP8VW8M0/s1600/IMG_1363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDUdrTjfGtamyRMAHrwmrWkHqUL2RcovHEcWrMJkbaA626-tkG_Nj_PH0LJGUREf5L4Y903xnW0gzEgWif27vQeRpUOcbwvBU2rIBgyqZ6iuRlWWDm2ON1QiRJjSMLDMhMT7JP8VW8M0/s200/IMG_1363.JPG" width="177" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe my sense of humor is a little (or <i>a lot</i>) inappropriate at times, and <i>beyond</i>-sarcastic ALL the time, but my friends get me, and they always laugh with me. Plus, my dogs laugh with me... tell me I'm hilarious and junk. Hell, even I laugh with me, even when no one's around. I can't help myself. Laughing is awesome.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe I love to laugh, simply because it feels good. Or maybe it's because laughter makes the pain hurt a little less, for just a little while. Or maybe... because it keeps me from crying. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Either way, laughter is my crazy pill; I freaking need it; I freaking love it. It keeps me happy, sane, and grounded. It makes me feel alive... even during those times when I feel quite the opposite. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I find myself getting to a place where I've allowed the sadness to steal my laughter, that's when I know that something's gotta change. It's always my "Aha" moment... realizing that I haven't laughed in a while. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzenj0i2GCXyE858j-L8lp1TBYvQP-ooOSWfkVBGPenS8OOpp-oM4hsmyonQ45Zmu8OdA0mF_2NAvnelG9mkd9Y88v76ALTto-aKOaVrnlBk4mHa1yFuyEKmUdXNs-rF5cC0L_RCYIIs/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzenj0i2GCXyE858j-L8lp1TBYvQP-ooOSWfkVBGPenS8OOpp-oM4hsmyonQ45Zmu8OdA0mF_2NAvnelG9mkd9Y88v76ALTto-aKOaVrnlBk4mHa1yFuyEKmUdXNs-rF5cC0L_RCYIIs/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, what do I do? Well, I call a friend, and say: "Okay... I need to laugh. WHAT'S UP on <i>THAT,</i> buddy?" Then, if/when they come up short on jokes, because I've just made things <i>suuuper </i>awkward with immediate demands of giggles, I'll say: "Fine... my turn. Listen to this shit, check it out... <i>So THIS bitch..." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I highly recommend this... it works every freaking time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know it sounds so simplistic, ridiculous, and maybe even idiotic, but for me, that's how I find my way back to "okay." It's rarely anything major... there's usually not some massive "turning point." Instead, all I need for me is a little bit of laughter, a lot of love, and the inevitable realization that things <i>will </i>get better.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because deep down, I always know: if I can laugh... <i>then I can make it.</i> And so can you.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE! </span></b></a></span></span></div>
luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-82694572448613069502013-05-02T00:56:00.000-05:002013-05-02T09:52:17.384-05:00Look Back, Move Forward<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just sharing some thoughts on reflection. Feel free to read... or not. Whichever :)</span></i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdPm5Qh6bfwt7zc_KSUmbM1Dek1lXsGAaCdFoBqldcoTMy9uTFLYdzcj5CPGX6IwK3xOEJp31ZDFJG1epRMZ9kgaowLgU86BCf9_jLSBbZJkRZhIShxPXavrbqTmOqVaE8znbZ1MEZN4/s1600/IMG_3245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdPm5Qh6bfwt7zc_KSUmbM1Dek1lXsGAaCdFoBqldcoTMy9uTFLYdzcj5CPGX6IwK3xOEJp31ZDFJG1epRMZ9kgaowLgU86BCf9_jLSBbZJkRZhIShxPXavrbqTmOqVaE8znbZ1MEZN4/s320/IMG_3245.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately, I've been taking some time to reflect. To look back... so I can move forward, kinda thing. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And for me personally, one of the best ways to accomplish this... is to read through some of my old writing... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That being said... this process is both easy and difficult for me to do, because reflecting on my former words can be <i>preeetty awkward</i> for me...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why so? Well... for starters, I rarely read my own blog posts. It sounds crazy, I know, but it's true. Mostly because... I'm not really a fan of my own writing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I write, because I love to
write, NOT because I love to <i>read</i> what I write. I write... because it helps me communicate, or feel, or connect with others. Or all of the above. But NEVER because I think I'm "good" at it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So anyway... point being, the only time I ever really <i>re-read </i>my own writing --after the fact-- is times like now, when I need to reflect, rewind... hit <i>Play</i>, again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Otherwise, I'd much rather read what someone else has written, than read my own words. It just feels weird to me... <i>almost gross</i>... to read my own crap. I feel so vulnerable, exposed, <i>naked</i>. Feelings I wish to avoid.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plus, truth is... I over-analyze everything. My inner critic is <i>a real bitch,</i> if you know what I mean. If you're a writer (or a creator of some kind), you probably know <i>exactly </i>what I mean. If you're not, then it may be a little harder to understand...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3c70h9-K4aYugQJWouotYLEbArTsDJOVV6NbB2-LOBjxkYodSeEZ0EloFO8ZPmUWeUjL2QqRp4gVfKrUlvCOSfz6zOBlCz9Fve9BO0RsrsU-gEIOHdOlQuSezOwIDuGqaYiz-ZPcO2lo/s1600/IMG_3217.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3c70h9-K4aYugQJWouotYLEbArTsDJOVV6NbB2-LOBjxkYodSeEZ0EloFO8ZPmUWeUjL2QqRp4gVfKrUlvCOSfz6zOBlCz9Fve9BO0RsrsU-gEIOHdOlQuSezOwIDuGqaYiz-ZPcO2lo/s320/IMG_3217.PNG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I guess I'd compare it to... hmmm... okay, this is a <i>bad </i>example, but let's go with it: So, you know when you think you're having a decent day --from a physical standpoint-- and then, you take a picture. Initially, you're all like:<i> "OMG let me see, let me see!!!" </i>Then... you look at the photo, and you view yourself through the eyes of the camera. And suddenly, you're like: <i>"Do WHAT now?! I look like THAT?! Um... DELETE!!!"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now... imagine if that photo of you were posted on the Internet, for the rest of forever, for everyone to see... (you know we all have that one<i> asshole </i>friend who always tags you in the shit they promised to delete... or they said: "I'll never show anyone, ever" ... and then you get a fb notification: "so-and-so tagged you in a photo" ... and you're ready to kick their effing ass...)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay... so translate that feeling into something that you've created... something YOU produced yourself. The pressure is already high, because if it SUCKS, then you have no one else to blame, but yourself. But at the time you wrote it, maybe your writing seemed <i>somewhat </i>decent to you... at least worth sharing, right? But reading it back later, you're freaking APPALLED by what you did... what you wrote... what you signed your freaking name to, and shared with others, for all the freaking world to see. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well... THAT'S why I rarely read my own posts. Because I know I'll have THAT feeling when I do. And I HATE that feeling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regardless... when it's time to look back and reflect on my life, there's no better way to do so... than to read my own words. I always read them differently, the second time around. Even when I'm embarrassed as hell, about the quality of something I wrote, or what I said, or how I said it... it's still therapeutic to read back later, in some small way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, basically... I said all of that... to say this: when you're trying to find you, sometimes... the best place to look... is back at yourself, in the past. <i>Who was I then? Who am I now? And why did one... become the other? How was I feeling then? How am I feeling now? What did I do wrong then? What could I do right, now? And have I learned from it all, and changed, for the better? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And most importantly:<i> what do I want for me, for my life... going forward?</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qNVgsiq4xJ2LMsJKoaxu2upKyT_HWpt8Kq0xCumRgfIvkFu61yBTnOZvIi_H30hnNtfqhfRQX5Gl1qfu4wLmvuNz4Y82vqgsH2krCLwc3mb5uleUSDhCr2ASpoafxrB29Jga4lbkieM/s1600/photo-13.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qNVgsiq4xJ2LMsJKoaxu2upKyT_HWpt8Kq0xCumRgfIvkFu61yBTnOZvIi_H30hnNtfqhfRQX5Gl1qfu4wLmvuNz4Y82vqgsH2krCLwc3mb5uleUSDhCr2ASpoafxrB29Jga4lbkieM/s320/photo-13.PNG" width="302" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a weird way of reminiscing with yourself... a good way, actually. But also... it's often the <i>only</i> way to move forward. To move on. To freaking grow, dude. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess that's the purpose of my post today. This recent reflection has been really good for me, so I'd like to encourage you to do this for yourself. If you're struggling today... look back at yesterday... or maybe even a couple-of-years-worth-of-yesterdays... and then... follow you into the present. View it almost like a path... leading from who you were then... to who you are now. And make sure that you appreciate the hell outta that path. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After all... it made you... <i>you</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, ask yourself: <i>do I like who I am now? </i>And if so... <i>why so?</i> And if not... <i>why not?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like I said... I've been doing this recently, and it's a process, of course... but a process that has <i>changed my life</i>. In many ways, I think the "me" back then ... would be so proud of the me now. At how far I've come, at how much I've grown, at what I've learned from it all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because... when it comes down to it, every life experience is about learning and growing, right? So much of life is about using whatever mistakes you made back then... to shape the you today, right now... and going forward. It's about learning what you <i>need</i> to do, what you <i>want</i> to do, and what you <i>don't </i>need/want to do. It's about finding out what <i>doesn't </i>make you happy, what <i>does </i>make you happy, and how you can make <i>others</i> happy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's about becoming <i>you</i>... the best you that you can be. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then... sharing that you with someone... and with the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the end of the day... visiting an old you... can lead to a new you, a better you. But ONLY if you let "you" in. It's may not be easy... to look back, and relive the pain, or even the joy, from before. But it's definitely worth it, <i>because it just may change your life...</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaaeMhddyopURebcVrWLCN7WmUZjkRQwc_J74MJEh8JaoivCcMk8KFEJ2E1-MmiIN956rwPjkDV4WbcXWwkq8g9BGP3QqUgw9vcIac9AJHwTNKYGzvwA5Jn6pMiJ_k3LUG2G1REv-bMA/s1600/photo-7.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaaeMhddyopURebcVrWLCN7WmUZjkRQwc_J74MJEh8JaoivCcMk8KFEJ2E1-MmiIN956rwPjkDV4WbcXWwkq8g9BGP3QqUgw9vcIac9AJHwTNKYGzvwA5Jn6pMiJ_k3LUG2G1REv-bMA/s320/photo-7.PNG" width="285" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Accept your past. Embrace your present. Fight for your future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apologize to those you've hurt. Forgive those who've hurt you. Forgive<i> yourself.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't make excuses for who you are, or why you are that way, or why you aren't another way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't deny yourself happiness because of something you did... or didn't do... or could've done better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't think that you don't deserve it... or that it's not worth it... or that it's too late. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because it's NEVER too late to be <i>happy.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trust me<i>... it's worth it. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Look back. Move forward. Grow stronger. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And start living your freaking life, dude! You only get one. And it can be AWWWESOMMME :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE! </b></span></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">*T<span style="font-size: small;">his one's for you. You know who you are :)</span></span></span></i><b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span> </b></span></span></span></div>
luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-4801062211278818532013-05-01T13:55:00.000-05:002013-05-01T22:36:30.577-05:00Ashley Says...<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> [Note: Feel free to skip down to the bottom and just read my 3 bullet points. That's the core of this entire post, anyway... the part you'll *maybe?* appreciate. Love, Ash]</b></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm writing today... simply because I felt inspired to write again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have no real topic in mind... no distinct purpose for this post. No idea what I'm even doing here, really. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV_n_-aU6kPZmTL6uX35q593onHURvkiVCLbrhgzQIY_rj8oK7pxBhk1FMXKYrAcx1PlD3cAhRRs5caZpb2ofF2O-GBWOg_8mZWQEX77q-Qk6t2o_SBbr4AWSkXpDqiA9o9a_AmxfB6w/s1600/IMG_20120927_144046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV_n_-aU6kPZmTL6uX35q593onHURvkiVCLbrhgzQIY_rj8oK7pxBhk1FMXKYrAcx1PlD3cAhRRs5caZpb2ofF2O-GBWOg_8mZWQEX77q-Qk6t2o_SBbr4AWSkXpDqiA9o9a_AmxfB6w/s320/IMG_20120927_144046.jpg" width="299" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But that's okay. Because today, I'm mostly writing for me, in a non-selfish kinda way. I'm writing because I want to write... I need to write... I love to write. Something about the process... it's just good stuff. And if you love it, you should do it, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, yes... but for a while now, I haven't been writing, at least not consistently. For whatever reason... and I'm sure there are many... I've avoided something I truly love, which is just plain stupid. (Actually... that's been true for me in a lot of other ways as well... outside of writing. Things that I love, places I love, people I love.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To be honest, in many ways, I feel like I've put myself on hold. <i>My life on hold.</i> And I'm just not okay with that anymore. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe that's why I'm writing today. In some attempt to get back to me. To get back to you. Or maybe I've already gotten back to me, and I'm just inspired enough to write again, and share it with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Either way... long story short... here I am, writing today. Wondering why the words sometimes flow more easily than others... and why today can't be one of those days...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But... gotta start somewhere, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That being said, I'm just gonna keep typing, and hope that maybe something will happen here. I'm not going to think about it... I'm just gonna write it. Here goes...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hmmm... okay, this is hard. I'm pretty rusty. So... maybe I'll just share some of my random thoughts, some things I've learned about life, love, and what really matters. I'll probably do this in bullet point form... for your sake, and mine... since my writing is <i>so damn rough</i> right now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alright, here are 3 random Ashley thoughts for your day...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Ashley Owen says...</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">* No
emotion is ever quite as crippling as the feeling of regret. Especially
continued regret... <i>lasting regret. </i>It ruins lives, to be quite honest.
Regret is about more than just pain and loss, it's also about fear,
right? Fear of the past... fear of the future. The fear of who you were,
who you are, who you'll be. But mostly... of what you<i> could've been.</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">* Often, we think back on certain times in our lives, and we miss the way
things were back then. Maybe we miss a person, place, or thing. Maybe we
miss a feeling. Maybe we miss <i>ourselves</i>. And maybe we can't go back in time, but that's okay. Because today is all we have... and if you're willing to follow your heart into the now... <i>today is all you need.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">* When something inspires you, it alters you, in some way. It becomes part of you, somehow. Even if you never act on that feeling or do anything with it at all, that piece of inspiration never really leaves you. It's always there... lingering in the back of your mind... forcing you to think... whispering to you in the dark. Even if just to say: <i>"I'm still here, and there's still time."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>*Quotes written by Ashley Owen Hill, Lucky Dog Rescue Blog </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html" target="_blank"><b>CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!</b></a></span></span></span></div>
luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-18342261824459074052013-03-06T19:10:00.000-06:002013-03-06T20:07:09.483-06:00Shine Bright Like a Diamond<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More than a year and a half ago, Diamond came to me from a shelter in Andalusia, Alabama. Prior to her arrival here, Diamond had been living in that shelter for quite some time... with no adoption requests. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfQWNZzqH_2qVpmBd2R0QgRgeDQlhOWXvwsIziJHU4SQXP0AxdfO4JIO1GLts8ZqT-3t8hBRswRmQ_2GzZsMBk2J8XUgMsx7otTb-4wsQbRxILRxkP9LBMIATd7Q-rxm9sEGcplXIlas/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfQWNZzqH_2qVpmBd2R0QgRgeDQlhOWXvwsIziJHU4SQXP0AxdfO4JIO1GLts8ZqT-3t8hBRswRmQ_2GzZsMBk2J8XUgMsx7otTb-4wsQbRxILRxkP9LBMIATd7Q-rxm9sEGcplXIlas/s1600/19.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see... Diamond is a Pit Bull mix, which<span style="font-size: small;"> <i>greatly reduces</i> </span>her chances of adoption in the first place. But beyond the "Pit Bull" label... Diamond is <i>also</i> a special needs dog: <i>she's deaf</i>, which reduces her "adoptability" <i>even further</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, dogs like Diamond are usually labeled as "Unadoptable" by shelters. In other words, dogs like Diamond are almost-always <i>euthanized</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, the shelter director, Christin, had fallen in love with Diamond, so she just couldn't bear the thought of something happening to her. That being said... she <i>also </i>couldn't justify keeping Diamond in the city shelter any longer, considering the length of time she'd been there... with zero interest from adopters. Sooo... Christin decided to post Diamond on Pet Pardons, in the hopes that an adopter or an animal rescue group would come forward to take this sweet girl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shortly thereafter... someone did step forward. I did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And since the shelter director, Christin, just-so-happens to be a friend of mine (as well as an amazing woman, who I've written about in the past), I was really excited for the chance to help Diamond... while also helping my sweet friend in the process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, on Christin's birthday, I sent her a message and said: <i>"You have an offer for Diamond! It's from me :) Happy Birthday, Christin!" </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christin called me crying-- tears of joy-- and of course, I cried too. She said: "Ashley, I can never, ever thank you enough! This is the best birthday present ever!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, long story short, Diamond was transported to me in Meridian, where she officially became a "Lucky Dog." </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEI-IU3iBVTXD6prYCi4ZhKidtwIdIXLMeNc5my2UmV8gsrkmZKweB7h8uNfOBUw7abiSuhGqzQkJYKL9wpj3n3J4LiG85V4-ZH2SjpwSRE8RYHjqQ6mHf3zNOksDyFln5QSRCruiBZOI/s1600/photo-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEI-IU3iBVTXD6prYCi4ZhKidtwIdIXLMeNc5my2UmV8gsrkmZKweB7h8uNfOBUw7abiSuhGqzQkJYKL9wpj3n3J4LiG85V4-ZH2SjpwSRE8RYHjqQ6mHf3zNOksDyFln5QSRCruiBZOI/s320/photo-31.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diamond & I, in her new home<i><br /></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, Diamond quickly stole my heart, with her fun personality, her precious smile, and her hilarious antics. I'm telling you... Diamond can literally make me laugh-out-loud, on a daily basis. Beyond that, she's super-smart! (In other words: she learned to play me like a <i>friggin' fiddle.</i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a classic Diamond example: One day, Diamond wasn't quite ready to come inside, so I used some treats to coax her. <i>Big mistake</i>. From that day forward, Diamond would ONLY come inside, when treats were involved. And if you don't have a treat on you... you better go find some... because she's <i>not </i>coming inside without one (or two... or seven...). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During my time with Diamond, I've been able to watch her learn and grow, which has been truly amazing for me, and for her. And while I realized that she'd likely be with me for longer than some of the other rescue dogs (due to her special needs), I had to believe that the perfect family would find her some day. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well... guess what? Today... <i>was that day</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me back-track for a sec: last week, I was contacted by a family who was extremely interested in adopting my Diamond. And in talking with them further, something in my heart told me that this was <i>the perfect family</i> for her. </span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQW0C1g5WrisdjNrsYEfsfcAf1OY4qAoh7oh1c4yDMPIB9yoUxe4UAtTu0zA4Kao7OOHtpW0YU6cRv6OSP8374prG9c-MvKwMzPx1k0GAmBKV6O6l5G5JQCbQPHEXXicaOuAxRmSmjhpg/s1600/photo-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQW0C1g5WrisdjNrsYEfsfcAf1OY4qAoh7oh1c4yDMPIB9yoUxe4UAtTu0zA4Kao7OOHtpW0YU6cRv6OSP8374prG9c-MvKwMzPx1k0GAmBKV6O6l5G5JQCbQPHEXXicaOuAxRmSmjhpg/s320/photo-34.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jackie & Diamond</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Especially when I asked the mom, Jackie, this question: "What was it about Diamond that drew you to her?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her response: "Honestly, it's the fact that she's deaf. We already have one deaf dog living in our home now, and she's my heart!! So I've learned a lot about caring for dogs who are deaf, and through that experience, I've become especially fond of the special needs babies. When I saw Diamond's picture, I instantly fell in love with her face. So, when I read that she's also deaf, I just knew she was the one for our family." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I could <i>totally</i> relate to what this woman was saying (clearly, I feel the same way about the special needs dogs), it's <i>insanely rare</i> for me to hear those words, from the mouth of a potential adopter. As I've said, special needs dogs are some of the most difficult dogs to place, because their "disabilities" are usually a massive turn-off to most adopters. When it comes to Diamond, the fact that she's deaf... is <i>the primary reason</i> that she's been with me for so long. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7hROFHdCtfymJfccc7v5804vlYAXyP1FOb8dbeFVhWd1k55oS1puZrr_9mINuKiH6sg-h1O4yoltBJvEq0PBGWK2gyHgrlVc1JtwS7GbaKbd4zf5htH3ipx_gctU78z11882NbGVXw0/s1600/photo-44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7hROFHdCtfymJfccc7v5804vlYAXyP1FOb8dbeFVhWd1k55oS1puZrr_9mINuKiH6sg-h1O4yoltBJvEq0PBGWK2gyHgrlVc1JtwS7GbaKbd4zf5htH3ipx_gctU78z11882NbGVXw0/s320/photo-44.JPG" width="225" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So... to hear an adopter say: "We want to adopt her, <i>BECAUSE </i>she's deaf" ... was just like: <i>wow!</i> Especially knowing that the family already has personal experience in caring for a deaf baby like Diamond. It was just... more than I could've asked for!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, Diamond and I drove more than an hour to meet the family and conduct a home visit. When Jackie met Diamond for the first time, she knew... and I knew. <i>They were meant to be.</i> And when Diamond met the family's other dogs, I was amazed at how well she fit in with them. Everything was just... <i>perfect! </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, obviously, I was thrilled to approve the adoption! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But that meant... it was time for me... <i>to say goodbye. </i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiicgeTQqEtTYCP0LyySZudOXLPNskrujq_eAa2OaWD1_whw4Sp-kSvrUZ49CwO1HOlneq-021k4DGNujdiWya4uf0wvAGH01_le3DWc-XzhRFT95ZV1RwL6y9aMXttOf1N4yzmT7_TeQ/s1600/photo-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiicgeTQqEtTYCP0LyySZudOXLPNskrujq_eAa2OaWD1_whw4Sp-kSvrUZ49CwO1HOlneq-021k4DGNujdiWya4uf0wvAGH01_le3DWc-XzhRFT95ZV1RwL6y9aMXttOf1N4yzmT7_TeQ/s320/photo-41.jpg" width="226" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I always do, I warned the family that I'd be emotional as I left. I said: "When I start crying like a baby --which will be <i>any second now</i>-- please just know... it's only because I'm going to miss her so much. But also know...<i> that this is why I saved her... </i>so she could have this moment, and this incredible future, with you."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, before I turned to leave, Jackie stopped me, and said: "This will probably sound a little crazy, but we're big on celebrating birthdays, including the dogs' birthdays. Do you happen to know when Diamond's birthday is?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tears filled my eyes<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>,</b></i></span> as I responded: "I do know. <i>It's today.</i> Because today is the day when it all begins for her."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With that, I leaned down, gave Diamond one more kiss, and whispered: <i>"Happy Birthday, baby girl." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wiped my tears, looked at Jackie, and simply said: <i>"Thank you." </i>We hugged, then, I turned to go....</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, you know me... <i>I cried the whole way home. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-BWoGNtbu8pefYRW3GBNlKE3yg40maLG-9UCwUT_JYkGG2zuGPchSI85GrF-URdB8SvE7EI7ymegLAI_Cu6KXPjTLf4k0AGFGR-ypMZnrFT8BPw8d3BkjWS3fiG0q-GuFWGqjynPdnM/s1600/photo-42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-BWoGNtbu8pefYRW3GBNlKE3yg40maLG-9UCwUT_JYkGG2zuGPchSI85GrF-URdB8SvE7EI7ymegLAI_Cu6KXPjTLf4k0AGFGR-ypMZnrFT8BPw8d3BkjWS3fiG0q-GuFWGqjynPdnM/s1600/photo-42.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Diamond's new brother & sister</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I got back, I received a text from Jackie's young daughter. It said: "Miss Ashley, thank you again for my new best friend! I love her so much! Thank you!!!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I responded: "You're welcome, sweet girl! Also, just remember: Diamond may be deaf, but she's able to hear the words 'I love you.' So make sure you tell her often. She doesn't listen with her ears; she listens with her heart."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With that... I smiled, as I grabbed Diamond's folder... and filed it under <i>ADOPTED!</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com117tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-4338970700476732172013-02-28T14:35:00.000-06:002013-02-28T21:27:28.292-06:00If You Insist On Buying From a Breeder...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Follow-up to my previous post.<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"> <a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/maybe-they-just-dont-know.html" target="_blank"><u>CLICK HERE</u> to read: <i>Maybe They Just Don't Know...</i></a></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, I'll attempt to explain the differences between different types of breeders... in an effort to reach those who <i>insist</i> on buying their next pet from a breeder. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifb5o2Cemu4kRGoWSINEdiGPuW0n3n6edIMmD61LlgzF3ypwNVjDarponwNVq9UCoM1K_q-ZJej3ces-1o8G4NiCUuQsDk9WK4q-aGG-WffnfBfbgQzfJaIadQYkZwtlAjAylAcF5llx0/s1600/LogoLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifb5o2Cemu4kRGoWSINEdiGPuW0n3n6edIMmD61LlgzF3ypwNVjDarponwNVq9UCoM1K_q-ZJej3ces-1o8G4NiCUuQsDk9WK4q-aGG-WffnfBfbgQzfJaIadQYkZwtlAjAylAcF5llx0/s320/LogoLarge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Save a life! ADOPT!</b></span></td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But before I go there... let me just say this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm clearly NOT a fan of breeding, <i>in any way</i>. I'm actually <i>very </i>against it. In my personal opinion, it's <u>insanely reckless and irresponsible</u> for anyone to intentionally (or unintentionally) bring <i>even more </i>pets into this world, when MILLIONS of beautiful, deserving, healthy pets are needlessly dying in shelters each year. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I just can't understand how anyone could disagree with me on that...</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further, I personally believe that EVERYONE who is looking for a new pet should <i>always</i> ADOPT a pet from an animal shelter or rescue group. Or... <i>at the very least,</i> adoption should always be their <i>first</i> consideration (before <i>even thinking about </i>going to a breeder). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But... that being said... I do realize that some people disagree with my personal feelings on this subject... or maybe... they just aren't willing to hear me out. Either way, no matter what I say, those people aren't going to change their opinions or behaviors regarding their pet decisions. Meaning: they're not going to adopt their next (or any) pet from a rescue or shelter; they're going to buy from a breeder. Period.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So... knowing that I'll never convince them otherwise... maybe <i>--at the very least--</i> I can educate them on the differences amongst breeders, and explain how to identify (what we'll call--<i>for lack of a better term) </i>a "responsible" breeder, versus an "irresponsible" breeder.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, so, if you INSIST on buying a pet from a breeder, please try to make the most "responsible" purchase decision possible. If you don't know how to go about doing that, then READ THIS FIRST:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here goes...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Within the <i>highly-unregulated </i>breeding industry, there are many different types of breeders. There are "backyard" breeders, "accidental" breeders, puppy millers, "hobby" breeders, etc. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since many people classify the smaller, hobby-type breeders as the most "responsible" and/or "reputable" group within this industry, I'll aim to compare and contrast the "irresponsible" breeders (backyard, accidental, puppy millers) against the "hobby/responsible" breeders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, let's start with a general overview of the different types of breeders:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Backyard Breeders- </b> This group represents <i>the vast majority </i>of pet breeders. In short, a backyard breeder a person who intentionally breeds their animals in order to produce offspring, which can later be sold for profit. The backyard breeder may have one or more motives for their breeding decisions, such as: generating a profit, making their "money back" from their initial purebred dog purchase(s), allowing their children to experience the "miracle of birth," etc. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, this person often has
little --if any-- understanding or concern for aspects such as breed
history, breed standards, genetics, and so on. </span>When it comes to backyard breeders, breeding ethics are poor at best, often engaging in dangerous practices such as inbreeding, over-breeding, breeding genetic defects, etc. In addition, living conditions for the breeder dogs and offspring may be substandard (or even deplorable), and the health of the animals isn't always a priority, which leads to many current and future medical issues. Further, these types of breeders tend to have little consideration for the long-term welfare of the purchased offspring. Meaning: the puppies/kittens are sold to <i>anyone</i> who can pay the asking price, with no screening of new homes, no refusal of sale to unsuitable candidates, no contracts, no follow-ups after the sale, etc. (often resulting in irresponsible pet ownership, animal neglect, and animal cruelty). Backyard breeders often advertise "puppies for sale" in newspasper classifieds, online ads and/or websites. Or... you can see them selling puppies on the side of the road, in Walmart parking lots, and so forth. They may also sell to pet shops. In general, backyard breeders tend to be smaller-in-scale than puppy mills, but equally as unethical in their practices. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"Accidental" Breeders-</b> An "accidental" breeder is a person who doesn't attempt to prevent unplanned pet pregnancies through spay/neuter. Thus, their unaltered (meaning un-spayed or un-neutered) pet inevitably becomes pregnant, or impregates another dog/cat, resulting in unwanted offspring... which are often dumped in animal shelters, sold, or given-away "free to a good home." While this form of breeding may be classified as "accidental," it's <i>fully preventable </i>through spay/neuter. Plus, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it's <i>every-bit as irresponsible</i> as intentional breeding. </span>SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Puppy millers-</b> A puppy mill is a large-scale breeding operation, with a primary focus on profitability over animal welfare. Puppy millers will often house <i>hundreds</i> of dogs in horrific conditions, by utilizing tiny, overcrowded crates, stacked one on top of the other... in order to get the maximum use out of the limited, inadequate space that's available for housing of pets. For the puppy miller, the value of the animals lies in the profitability that can be generated from the offspring... instead of in the value of each precious life itself. Meaning: these are not "lives" to them; they're "products." Therefore, puppy millers focus on producing as many offspring as possible, from as many breeds as possible, as often as possible, to make as much money as possible. The true welfare of the animals is of little importance to the puppy miller, because it's all about the numbers, and the money. As a result, these dogs are subjected to insane-levels of neglect and cruelty, receiving inadequate food, water, space to live, socialization, and vet care. This leads to immense physical and emotional suffering for these dogs, in the short-term, and long after. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"Hobby/Responsible" Breeders-</b> "Hobby/responsible" breeders represent <i>a very small portion</i> of the breeding industry. A "hobby/responsible" breeder is a person who breeds a particular breed of dog, due to their love of that specific breed. This breeder is focused on <i>the animals </i>and their well-being<i>,</i> instead of on the potential revenue that can be generated from those animals. A "responsible" breeder is knowledgeable about the breed, genetics, animal health, etc, and they strive to be ethical in their breeding practices (only breeding dogs that meet the breed standard, limited number of breedings, genetic testing, etc.). Animals and their offspring are housed in sanitary, adequate living conditions, with exercise, socialization, and comprehensive vet care being provided. Further, a "responsible" breeder will screen potential buyers to ensure the quality of homes, refusing to sell to unsuitable candidates. Lastly, some breeders within this group will attempt to work with reputable rescues/shelters, in order to find homes for some of the remaining offspring. Again... this group is the MINORITY; <i>very few </i>breeders actually qualify for the "responsible" category. (PS- Many irresponsible breeders will use descriptions like "small, hobby breeder" in their ads, in an attempt to fool you. Most "hobby" breeders don't actually use the term "hobby" to describe themselves.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay... now that you have a general understanding of the different types of breeders, let's talk a little more about that "irresponsible" group of breeders... and why you should NEVER purchase a pet from them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Irresponsible breeding operations utilize unethical, inhumane, and illegal practices. For starters, an irresponsible breeder will likely have <i>several different breeds</i> available for sale (This is a RED FLAG: they clearly have too many animals to properly care for each). In addition, many of these breeders "market" the majority of their animals as "purebred." However, this often means <i>inbred.</i> In other words, the breeding of those who are closely genetically
related. Inbreeding and over-breeding (excessive breeding of the same female) lead to a massive list of
genetic defects and medical problems for the offspring. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further, irresponsible breeders often house their animals in horrific conditions... forced to live in tiny, over-crowded cages, or small outdoor kennels with insufficient space, bedding, and shelter. Animals often receive inadequate food, water, space to thrive, socialization, and vet care. This causes immense physical and psychological issues for both the breeder dogs, and their offspring (thus, the puppies/kittens they sell to you). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may wonder: <i>Why would any breeder do such a thing?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I've said, when it comes to irresponsible breeders, the value of their animals lies in the <i>profit </i>generated by the offspring... not in the welfare of the animals. Producing more offspring... means making more profit. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BUT... producing more offspring <i>also</i> means having an increased number of animals in their care... each needing food, water, medical attention, etc. In addition, having more animals in their care also requires more SPACE to house those animals. At least... <i>it should...</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet... it costs money
to provide adequate space, staffing, food, and so on to care for the very-large
number of animals they're breeding and housing. Therefore, many irresponsible breeders cut their costs by stacking crates, crowding cages, and limiting food, water, vet care, and the number of caregivers. Cages are rarely cleaned, which forces the dogs to live in massive piles of urine and feces. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Due to the poor living conditions, most buyers are never allowed to view the kennel areas where the irresponsible breeder keeps their dogs (RED FLAG). Sure... that breeder will meet you somewhere else, or take you to their "showing area," or sell their dogs to you on the side of the road, but they'll <i>rarely</i> let you see the reality of their operation... because it's heartbreaking, inhumane, and <i>illegal</i>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay... so WHY should this matter to YOU? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, if you plan to purchase from a breeder, then you MUST do so "responsibly." Here's why:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) When you purchase from backyard breeders and puppy millers, you provide them with the monetary incentive and support they need to continue their operations. Therefore, you <i>directly contribute</i> to the neglect and cruelty forced upon hundreds of other existing and future puppy mill dogs, as well as the deaths of millions of shelter dogs. While you may feel like you "saved" this particular dog from the breeder/puppy mill... you've actually just ensured that many, many more like him/her will be born into that same horrific environment. While I'm not saying that was <i>the intention</i> of your decision, I AM saying it was <i>the outcome</i> of your decision. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me explain. While I hate to discuss animals like they're products, it's the only way I can describe how the mind of an irresponsible breeder works. So, you must look at your purchase decision in terms of demand and supply. If you cut the demand for the irresponsible breeder's offspring (Meaning: you --and others-- don't buy from them), then there will be no profit incentive for that breeder to continue breeding. Thus, they'll cut the supply (number of breeder dogs/offspring). Eventually, with a goal of profit and no resulting revenue, they'll stop breeding altogether. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even if it doesn't seem like your individual purchase matters... IT DOES! Because they'll NEVER stop breeding... if YOU keep buying from them. <i>Trust me on that. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) If you're looking to pay a premium price for what you consider a "premium" dog, then you should never, ever, EVER purchase from an irresponsible breeder. Irresponsible breeding practices lead to a massive list of ongoing, lifelong health problems for the offspring, which means insanely-high vet bills for you, and an extremely poor quality of life for your dog (and likely, a shorter lifespan). In truth, these "premium" dogs are actually <i>the lowest-quality dogs</i> you could find (in terms of health). Further, due to the emotional stress these dogs are forced to endure during their time with the irresponsible breeder, the dog will likely exhibit some <i>extreme</i> mental and behavioral issues, even after you bring them into your loving home. Some of these issues will take years of training and positive reinforcement to correct; some issues may last a lifetime... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously, there's so much more to this issue... more than I'd ever have time to write about here. But here are the main points I hope to get across:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Adoption is a life-saving decision, and it should <i>always</i> be the first (and hopefully-- ONLY!) consideration when looking for a new family pet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-If you INSIST on buying a pet from a breeder, PLEASE do so "responsibly." Meaning: do your research on the individual breeder, ask questions, and make sure you SEE things for yourself. Don't just take their word for it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A "responsible" breeder will also have important questions for YOU (requirements may include an application, interview, home visit, vet references, contract, spay/neuter, etc.), which is a critical distinction. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, if a breeder has nothing to say to you, other than: <i>"I'll take your money; here's the dog"</i> ... then, that person is an irresponsible breeder. DO NOT purchase from them! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If they won't let you view the living conditions of the puppies, see the parents, etc., DO NOT purchase from them! If any of their dogs look unhealthy, DO NOT purchase from them! If they have many different breeds available for sale, DO NOT purchase from them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-PLEASE DO NOT support irresponsible breeders by paying them money to continue their cruelty!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Lastly, if you run across someone you believe to be an irresponsible breeder, please report them to Animal Control, the local police, or another animal welfare agency. Please.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And above all else, if and when you do bring a new pet into your home, PLEASE be a responsible pet guardian... by loving, caring, and providing for that pet for his or her <i>entire</i> life, <i>no matter what.</i></span><br />
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luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-32789816600499776492013-02-26T11:41:00.001-06:002013-02-26T17:33:47.887-06:00Maybe They Just Don't Know...<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[The following blog post provides a broad, general overview of the importance of pet adoption, versus buying from a breeder. I'll write another post later, more-focused on the distinctions within the "breeder portion" of the "buy" equation. But for now, I'd like to speak to the potential buyers... in an attempt to show them another way...]</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>*If you're looking for a new family pet, please read this first! </u></b> </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, I want to discuss the subject of pet adoption. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OJHuE0iZC_1nQTkgln10_KkZUC1tnh752Jl3yiKdgITFXJu6QxWmXQItpUtdJv2ZPGP7r3Pc3Ml80ohWX8fAqXwFwIPQW-htdzitnocnT5SyhlaLrPPsHVRa2CjEKe19cCS5bui8moA/s1600/19-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OJHuE0iZC_1nQTkgln10_KkZUC1tnh752Jl3yiKdgITFXJu6QxWmXQItpUtdJv2ZPGP7r3Pc3Ml80ohWX8fAqXwFwIPQW-htdzitnocnT5SyhlaLrPPsHVRa2CjEKe19cCS5bui8moA/s1600/19-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lucky Dog: Diamond, Available for adoption</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since the term "adoption" is often misused, let me clarify: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By "pet adoption," I'm referring to the act of adopting a dog, cat, or other pet from an animal shelter or animal rescue group... versus buying a pet from a breeder. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, you may be asking: <i>What's the difference?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I'll tell you...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Purchasing a pet from a breeder<i> </i><b><i>is not</i> </b>"adopting." It's <i>buying</i>. And while I'm NOT here to judge or condemn everyone who has ever made the decision to buy a pet versus adopting, I <i>do </i>want you to understand <i>the difference</i> between the two. It's an enlightening distinction, so <i>please keep reading...</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, you need to understand the difference between an animal shelter or animal rescue group... and an animal breeder. Here's a general overview: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Animal shelters and rescues are organizations that take-in the pets who have no where else to go. These agencies obtain their animals from many different sources: other shelters, owner surrenders, seizing of pets, strays, unwanted puppy/kitten litters, breeders, puppy mills, hoarders, etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most basic goal of shelters/rescues is to find loving homes for the pets in their care, while also focusing on efforts such as spay/neuter, which help control the pet population... reducing the number of animals euthanized each year (Millions of beautiful, loving, deserving, healthy animals die in shelters each year, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">due to the pet overpopulation)</span>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Conversely...</i> breeders bring more pets into the world. In short, irresponsible breeders breed their animals, in order to sell the offspring for profit. (Distinctions between different types of breeders will be made in another post.)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCe3fOAwXQX0SAaQmB1uxqJVVrCu3HDU-6WbreQ5WHoFV5cVat7S_263drQS9qj45_h5K1OFAbGMJ-Z9HHpBiZlS3_th0SS05_73buWwIa6BZnE3ZXnz9aPyWE4wZh-z8U3NCf6lSmJ4/s1600/98c33ef1-2ed8-472e-b831-39253e52c65e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCe3fOAwXQX0SAaQmB1uxqJVVrCu3HDU-6WbreQ5WHoFV5cVat7S_263drQS9qj45_h5K1OFAbGMJ-Z9HHpBiZlS3_th0SS05_73buWwIa6BZnE3ZXnz9aPyWE4wZh-z8U3NCf6lSmJ4/s320/98c33ef1-2ed8-472e-b831-39253e52c65e.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clyde, available for adoption with Lucky Dog Rescue</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay... quick summary: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shelters and rescues work to reduce/control the pet population through spay/neuter, with focus on finding adoptive homes for as many animals as they can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Irresponsible breeders work to bring more animals into the world, <i>increasing</i> the pet population, with primary focus on making a profit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adopt a pet; save a life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buy a pet; contribute to the problem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Got it? Good. Let's keep going...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While breeders are bringing <i>millions </i>of new puppies and kittens into existence... millions and millions of OTHER puppies, kittens, and adult animals are being killed in shelters each year. <i>Why??</i> Because there are <i>just too many </i>animals waiting for families... and not enough families adopting them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet, there ARE many families out there who are looking for a new pet... but <i>so many</i> of those families choose to buy their new pet from a breeder, instead of adopting from a shelter or rescue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So... let's talk about WHY this choice is made... and what happens as a result of that choice. Then, most importantly... the <i>alternatives </i>to that decision.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously, there isn't just ONE reason why people buy pets from breeders. There are many. But common sense tells me that the most important factor for the buyer is: <i>the breed</i>. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXV2Fg3Xlp58V8j7ncdw69xYM247ZBL6h0yaYD2m5TCNUjb2uDRiMiVn-kqwANFWLdRDMd_QWQiENYo_Ewj3G4vYJCtrk02YeDZtHbaUpfuQ8DgPh-sUoR3Aogv5mmsDTgYEPgvduQs88/s1600/ReeceBorder3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXV2Fg3Xlp58V8j7ncdw69xYM247ZBL6h0yaYD2m5TCNUjb2uDRiMiVn-kqwANFWLdRDMd_QWQiENYo_Ewj3G4vYJCtrk02YeDZtHbaUpfuQ8DgPh-sUoR3Aogv5mmsDTgYEPgvduQs88/s1600/ReeceBorder3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Reece, Choc Lab, Lucky Dog Rescue</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Example: Joe is looking for a specific breed of dog... let's say: a Lab. So, he goes to a breeder, and buys a Lab. Makes sense, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But here's the issue with that... and the part that Joe may not realize: there are sooo many Labs, <i>and puppies/dogs of every breed you can imagine</i>, who are living --<i>and dying</i>-- in shelters across the country. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of those dogs are "purebred" dogs (same goes for cats). While the term "purebred" means nothing special to me... I do realize that <i>it does matter </i>to some people, especially those people who buy from breeders. And <i>that's</i> why it's important for me to talk about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, if you're one of those "purebred" people, then let's talk about what it is you really want in a dog. When searching for a "purebred" dog of a particular breed... what you're<i> really </i>drawn to --at least, initially-- is <b><u><i>the look</i></u></b> of that breed, right? Meaning the size, the color, the face, ears, body type, etc. And then... secondly, you're probably interested in the perceived character traits, intelligence, energy level, etc of that specific breed, correct?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So then, ask yourself: if I found a puppy/dog (or cat) who had the "look" I desire, with the character traits I seek, would it <i>really matter </i>if the dog had "papers" to prove those things to be true? Does the "purebred" label <i>really matter </i>to me... if the dog looks, acts, and most likely IS --or is <i>pretty-damn-close-to-being</i>-- a "purebred" dog of the breed I want?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your answer to those questions was: <i>"Yes. Papers matter to me; the purebred label matters to me; I'm buying from a breeder"</i> ... then... <i>sorry, </i>I can't help you. Not even a little. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But... if you thought to yourself: "You know what... the DOG is what's important to me, not the papers or label. And if the dog looks like a [insert breed] and acts like a [do it again], then he's probably a [you get the picture], and that's good enough for me!" ...then keep reading :)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcERUEn0oFIZACbiu-GSYgqJuSpe_B9_YWVYlCyATXDTJavSBouZfxBy5hH5Pk-USQb5whyphenhyphenIKMH10iImClahReEeESXpBN3-0au-jKjwaiLUYb2ewJA16mgxU-8EPwP9v2hz29olEa2N8/s1600/30-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcERUEn0oFIZACbiu-GSYgqJuSpe_B9_YWVYlCyATXDTJavSBouZfxBy5hH5Pk-USQb5whyphenhyphenIKMH10iImClahReEeESXpBN3-0au-jKjwaiLUYb2ewJA16mgxU-8EPwP9v2hz29olEa2N8/s320/30-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mimi, Available for adoption, Lucky Dog Rescue</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are sooo many "purebred" (and <i>damn-near</i> "purebred") puppies and dogs available for adoption with shelters and rescues. In fact, there are also breed-specific rescue groups for every breed of dog, and those groups have many adoptable puppies and dogs of the exact breed you seek! AND... instead of paying a breeder to buy the dog, and then turning around and spending tons of money at your vet for spay/neuter, vaccinations, heartworm test, etc... guess what? The adopted dog will already be fully vetted, for a fraction of the cost! <i>(Yes, I'm totally serious! Yeah... I know it's friggin' awesome!)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So... if you want a Lab, I can promise you... there's a gorgeous, loving, amazing Lab waiting for you in a shelter. If you want a Yorkie, English Bulldog, Pit Bull, Pug, Shih Tzu, or Peeka-Poma-Peter-Piper-Poo, they've probably got those too. But if that shelter doesn't... then guess what? Another shelter or rescue <i>does</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Why is adoption so important? </i>Because... when the families who are looking for a new pet choose to buy from breeders, instead of adopting from a shelter or rescue, a couple of things happen...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each and every pet purchase provides the irresponsible breeder with an incentive to keep breeding. This means: bringing <i>even more</i> animals into the world, <i>when there are already too many</i>. Therefore... whether or not the buyer realizes it, their purchase has directly contributed toward the <i>already</i> out-of-control pet population, and ultimately, the massive killing of perfectly healthy shelter pets each year. <i>How so?</i> Well, each time a pet is purchased from a breeder, a shelter pet who could've been adopted by that family... <i>dies</i>. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjndWwrHEwdEI-umK-ZRS9Q883l3SaQYNDbgvKSzVEpLnScl3utWTVzGxxyBgUtXgybJHPDXmbg6JbHfbVbVNod2WUMJr5MUTWJOM-6qFhRYhnKdqa9JxIeup2cY9YfU08fwGtx6SOzW0/s1600/1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjndWwrHEwdEI-umK-ZRS9Q883l3SaQYNDbgvKSzVEpLnScl3utWTVzGxxyBgUtXgybJHPDXmbg6JbHfbVbVNod2WUMJr5MUTWJOM-6qFhRYhnKdqa9JxIeup2cY9YfU08fwGtx6SOzW0/s1600/1-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Missy, Available for adoption, Lucky Dog Rescue</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But why?</i> Well... while the animals in the shelters continue to wait for homes, more and more animals come into those shelters each day. Eventually, there's no more space. The consequence? With no where else to go... and no one offering<i> </i>to adopt them... millions of beautiful, loving, healthy --often <i>"purebred"</i>-- puppies, kittens, and adult animals are euthanized each year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But why would the shelters do this?</i> Well... if no one is willing to adopt the many, many pets in their care... what other choice do they have? Should pets be forced to live in shelter cages forever, while people purchase dogs from breeders instead of adopting? Are YOU willing to help... by changing your "new pet" decision, from buy to adopt?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trust me... <i>every single</i> "new pet" decision --including YOURS-- <i>matters</i>. Because every single "new pet" decision is a <i>life-or-death</i> decision. Even if you don't realize it... even if you refuse to acknowledge it... purchasing from irresponsible breeders contributes toward the overpopulation and the deaths of innocent pets; adoption works toward resolution, while saving lives. It's really that simple. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay... so... at this point, you may be thinking: <i>"But if no one buys from breeders, what would happen to all those puppies?!"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good question. Let's talk about that for a sec.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Breeding is a business (for at least 90% of breeders). For the VAST majority, profit is the goal. Without profit, most breeders would be forced to go out of business. Therefore, the majority would stop breeding, which would lead to a much-needed decrease in the pet overpopulation. What about the leftover puppies, you ask? Well, the puppies and breeder dogs would go to shelters and rescues, where they'd be placed up for adoption.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2E17aozI5MN3kZX4sEKLeaKmCmoCaoOGqH2oyQPg5gN2Z4EwHJJIBHh8Ic76M1AAwHfAibU4_4pbcEnwENmyxwzMLp0zPfUpIxZ_brhqfaOehDN-2He1fTwuuGbCS4-Wwpx11SPaGpas/s1600/WarrenBorder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2E17aozI5MN3kZX4sEKLeaKmCmoCaoOGqH2oyQPg5gN2Z4EwHJJIBHh8Ic76M1AAwHfAibU4_4pbcEnwENmyxwzMLp0zPfUpIxZ_brhqfaOehDN-2He1fTwuuGbCS4-Wwpx11SPaGpas/s1600/WarrenBorder.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Warren, Available for adoption</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Important note: just because a puppy or dog is available for adoption with a shelter or rescue, it DOES NOT mean that there's something "wrong" with the dog. Shelter dogs are NOT "less-than" or "unworthy" or "lower quality" than another dog. They're actually quite the opposite: <i>amazing</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you don't believe me, then you haven't experienced the joy of adoption for yourself. And if you haven't, you're truly missing out on the experience of a lifetime. So... maybe it's time you learned what it feels like... <i>to save a life.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please don't buy from breeders and pet shops. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please don't contribute to this massive, heartbreaking, deadly problem. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please adopt from shelters and rescues. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please save a life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please do the right thing... <i>now that you know what the right thing is.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course... even as I say all of this, I do realize that today's post won't "change the world" ... and that's okay with me. I don't need to change the world today... I just need to change <i>one person's perception </i>today. Or at least... <i>plant the seed...</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I can do that much, then maybe one more shelter dog will have a shot at hope. Because right now... that very dog... <i>doesn't stand a chance. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And for those of you who think: "She's wasting her time. People aren't going to listen, because people just don't care." Well, here's my response to that:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my heart, I have to believe that people don't want innocent animals to die in shelters. I have to believe that most people buy from breeders... simply because they don't know the alternatives. I have to believe that people are capable of listening, caring, and changing their behaviors to prove it. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzY5yW4LEv4R0l3ykjb3id6_BOIGIytbQ3qsSc_zDXZN9WOIFtS2i7VlHa1QprZli1GvBlS58MBuZEhHS5bFPdSdExHbmwEAItzOKdo2lxOVC68OXXj0wUqPlWRYec5jmUKDyeuP_SEjc/s1600/fd8dea69-b595-4e5e-b611-7d28709b3881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzY5yW4LEv4R0l3ykjb3id6_BOIGIytbQ3qsSc_zDXZN9WOIFtS2i7VlHa1QprZli1GvBlS58MBuZEhHS5bFPdSdExHbmwEAItzOKdo2lxOVC68OXXj0wUqPlWRYec5jmUKDyeuP_SEjc/s320/fd8dea69-b595-4e5e-b611-7d28709b3881.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Roscoe, Available for adoption, Lucky Dog Rescue</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe it's not that they "just don't care" ... <i>maybe they just don't know.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And maybe now...<i> they will.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's worth a shot anyway. Shelter pets are dying as I type... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[Note: if you're aware of this information, but you still choose to buy from irresponsible breeders, then maybe you don't <i>truly</i> understand the impact of your decisions. Or maybe... <i>you just don't care.</i> But for the sake of my sanity, I'll choose to believe the former... and I'll hope to one day change your mind. Innocent animals are dying, people! YOU could save them! <i>Wake up!</i>] </span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you'd like to help my rescue dogs, please click the link below to donate:</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE</b></span></a></span></span></div>
luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-45278063326901894262013-02-25T12:41:00.000-06:002013-08-05T12:40:47.395-05:00Patrick Star UPDATE<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiev9Z-5xA7vaEkbx2M9j7rrwN2pBbofJn7YBcAdOJnH5KEej46n-vHet-xSRls_bzZNX4NIlFsQQgngs245qdSxSc4I25SKs4lKsyfL1IdWTymjpW-OSI4g745b4_-_EdTgNQUv0qyEcY/s1600/Patrick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiev9Z-5xA7vaEkbx2M9j7rrwN2pBbofJn7YBcAdOJnH5KEej46n-vHet-xSRls_bzZNX4NIlFsQQgngs245qdSxSc4I25SKs4lKsyfL1IdWTymjpW-OSI4g745b4_-_EdTgNQUv0qyEcY/s320/Patrick.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Patrick BEFORE</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i> In case you missed my original blog post about Patrick, <span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/patrick-star.html" target="_blank"><b>CLICK HERE </b></a></span>to read: "Patrick Star."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Many of you remember my special rescue dog, Patrick. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">AKA <i>Patrick Star.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When Patrick came to me last September, he looked like<i> this</i> (see Before Photo, left). Patrick was emaciated, weak, and extremely sick. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KGdknQb49rp_oijzXRkY6c2TLR89zbKjPMWBZvw2DZraUlzCajGMSuPQmVwdKUPmZVmNG-FwSTJy_81vz8H2ZoIR58VJPB5XWXBIaYlYkTnvumzAmQnhFITa_WAFw-dtVDNHSYSFw8k/s1600/PicsArt_1349387589136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KGdknQb49rp_oijzXRkY6c2TLR89zbKjPMWBZvw2DZraUlzCajGMSuPQmVwdKUPmZVmNG-FwSTJy_81vz8H2ZoIR58VJPB5XWXBIaYlYkTnvumzAmQnhFITa_WAFw-dtVDNHSYSFw8k/s320/PicsArt_1349387589136.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But with lots of love and care, Patrick was able to heal here with me, at Lucky Dog Rescue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And today, he looks like THIS:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7Sk_a-RZiIPHCmjqrdGx-gAyjUHr4cNEpR235ZzyX_yvBnuQZQP3XTrDXaynAZEDasTgNiJL8LHe_LeKSXadrQMLv5OEk_4CYYImVmmQ6Rjis9JbHSkSb4A4sxnOSu1x3S-elfpI4MY/s1600/IMG_20121004_154123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7Sk_a-RZiIPHCmjqrdGx-gAyjUHr4cNEpR235ZzyX_yvBnuQZQP3XTrDXaynAZEDasTgNiJL8LHe_LeKSXadrQMLv5OEk_4CYYImVmmQ6Rjis9JbHSkSb4A4sxnOSu1x3S-elfpI4MY/s320/IMG_20121004_154123.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yep... that's <i>the SAME </i>dog! </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today, Patrick is insanely happy, healthy, and fun. He's super-loving and playful, with the sweetest kisses ever and the most adorable little personality.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzsSWdqAQZeNmhK3HkgrKpOIz5VH4FLq4T2Q8tvTrjcrC4A6-XGUdJn4MLSHbnr5yAdyKMTKniRB5Z4Pk2MNj1ve4nq24BxDRqOHKz2M5AIn7KocHOXxSuLPRGFq0paXZ9GVGZOa74iw/s1600/photo-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzsSWdqAQZeNmhK3HkgrKpOIz5VH4FLq4T2Q8tvTrjcrC4A6-XGUdJn4MLSHbnr5yAdyKMTKniRB5Z4Pk2MNj1ve4nq24BxDRqOHKz2M5AIn7KocHOXxSuLPRGFq0paXZ9GVGZOa74iw/s320/photo-25.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rope toys are <i>serious</i> business...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Patrick's new best friend is Wonder (see photo, right). Many of you probably remember her as well... from my many blog posts about my special Wonder-baby, and how Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) forced Wonder from her home and sent her back to me at Lucky Dog Rescue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Patrick and Wonder LOVE each other, and they can play together for <i>hours</i>. They love rope toys... each grabbing one end, and tugging on it with all their might... <i>daring </i>the other to let go, so they can "win" the toy. Or... they're content to just "wrestle" for the better part of the day. It's so much fun to watch them, and they bring my heart a crazy-amount of joy.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEP4sQMBFsYiI_X9z-zk-MfuYgl9rhIzHBXhwU1h9orAf9iaH6i8d473IqQWYjkkd_ogZcHwxmAO4eCAwyNmDhAY_EkREAUom-hT2YJz5H7aTL23TNXdQ5spUqZp-4lI2H3x6YlWjewI/s1600/IMG_20121004_153425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEP4sQMBFsYiI_X9z-zk-MfuYgl9rhIzHBXhwU1h9orAf9iaH6i8d473IqQWYjkkd_ogZcHwxmAO4eCAwyNmDhAY_EkREAUom-hT2YJz5H7aTL23TNXdQ5spUqZp-4lI2H3x6YlWjewI/s320/IMG_20121004_153425.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now that he's all better, Patrick is ready to find his forever family! So, if you're looking to adopt an AMAZING, loving, fun, super-sweet boy who LOVES other dogs and all people, he may just be the perfect pup for you! Patrick is a 1 year old, male, fawn-colored, Pit Bull mix<b> </b>(about 45 lbs). He is neutered, up-to-date on all vaccinations, and heartworm negative. Patrick has the best personality; he's gentle with good manners, but also outgoing and playful. He's well-behaved, super-smart, and housebroken. He'd love to join a family with at least one other dog, because he's <i>really</i> social! [Patrick is available for adoption through Lucky Dog Rescue, Meridian, Mississippi.]</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiSOLLIKISN24UVAwqunsVTf0CFTk9aiVLVtYVKkX3EZOd0wOgSxFbcK5k_jQ7Nc8Kmh6xRKhi9a_T-a3bDo3w3PUaNDjGeGS8ipZKamY7Jvcl5yKz9rN1AQd7TXRUQOaeOU167hBVEs/s1600/PicsArt_1349817674702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiSOLLIKISN24UVAwqunsVTf0CFTk9aiVLVtYVKkX3EZOd0wOgSxFbcK5k_jQ7Nc8Kmh6xRKhi9a_T-a3bDo3w3PUaNDjGeGS8ipZKamY7Jvcl5yKz9rN1AQd7TXRUQOaeOU167hBVEs/s320/PicsArt_1349817674702.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">He loves YOU already!</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you think Patrick is the right dog for your family, please click the <span style="font-size: small;">following </span>link to complete the online Adoption Application: <span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/rescue.html">http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/rescue.html</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">[NOTE: Wonder is ALSO available for adoption!]</span></i> </span></span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you'd like to help other dogs like Patrick, please click the link below to donate: </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><b>CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!</b></span></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>***Link to video of Patrick & Wonder playing:</b><a href="http://youtu.be/Ru8_rWMamDI" target="_blank"><b> http://youtu.be/Ru8_rWMamDI </b></a></span>luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-82401305172559150222013-02-24T15:06:00.002-06:002013-02-24T17:48:19.872-06:00Don't Give Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXofhy9p_gmcS6XQvlNJqkF6MpXpNDyxiOZn08OtKs0t8H4iDSXIOXE1ljb7I6XB192OXFLU6tfbOuQ3ml68wVLYmBHgLq85tR-NpICsN94SdhJLoqU_8zcq5kyI3i7hFzml4x6UTsXTQ/s1600/270921_158258497580224_6169340_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXofhy9p_gmcS6XQvlNJqkF6MpXpNDyxiOZn08OtKs0t8H4iDSXIOXE1ljb7I6XB192OXFLU6tfbOuQ3ml68wVLYmBHgLq85tR-NpICsN94SdhJLoqU_8zcq5kyI3i7hFzml4x6UTsXTQ/s320/270921_158258497580224_6169340_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When making the decision to adopt a new pet, there are so many factors to consider. The first --and most important-- factor, in my opinion, is whether or not you're <i>fully</i> willing and able to take on the responsibility of caring for the pet... for his or her <i>entire </i>lifetime. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meaning... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not just <i>UNTIL </i>he potties inside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not just <i>UNTIL</i> he chews up your shoes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not just <i>UNTIL </i>she misbehaves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not just <i>UNTIL</i> she's no longer a puppy anymore. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not just <i>UNTIL</i> you decide to have a baby, or move, or get new carpet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A pet --any pet-- is a huge commitment... one that should never be taken lightly. Of course, pets bring so much joy and comfort into our lives, so they're <i>totally</i> worth the extra responsibility. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The pet experience is what you make it... which means doing <i>everything</i> in your power to ensure a happy, healthy life for your pet in your home... <i>no matter what</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yet... I'm constantly amazed by <i>just how many</i> people are willing to give-up on their dog... <i>without even giving them a chance</i>. Apparently, some people think that the "responsibility" of owning a pet... shouldn't require any "responsibility" on their part at all. The dog should just come into their home... perfect, well-behaved, and fully-trained... with no adjustment period, no need for structure, exercise, positive reinforcement, or patience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well... now, that's just <i>banana-sandwich</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>[Note: this
post is NOT intended to place judgment on everyone who has ever had to
re-home their pet. I understand that legitimate reasons do exist for
having to do so, and I don't wish to condemn every person who's been
forced to make this decision. Instead, I'm simply trying to present this issue for what it is, so
that maybe someone will change their perception, and think twice before they give-up on their pet.]</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Okay... back to the purpose...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqKyIIUNovbqPKd0Jz1dOljq9misVKOoSUKnJAgs6LubsGmN3aGJvzFWuL5RB1SxDUeVcnyL6HykzBwVVFsQ6_PDqzWYZVlurFE7QcN-jSSHwdU_HOZYGOSeB9vHt6905GdPV5BEaUb8/s1600/BennyBorder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqKyIIUNovbqPKd0Jz1dOljq9misVKOoSUKnJAgs6LubsGmN3aGJvzFWuL5RB1SxDUeVcnyL6HykzBwVVFsQ6_PDqzWYZVlurFE7QcN-jSSHwdU_HOZYGOSeB9vHt6905GdPV5BEaUb8/s1600/BennyBorder.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's a real shocker (sarcasm): dogs are super-smart creatures... BUT they need <i>a leader:</i> someone to guide them, correct them, and reward them for good behavior. Much like children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(While some people hate it when I compare dogs to children... those people aren't writing this post. Plus, the comparison of dogs and children is simply made to prove a point. So, calm down, Mrs. <i>How-Dare-You-Call-My-Child-a-Dog!</i> Seriously... no offense intended. Let's proceed...)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Children aren't born with the inherent knowledge of what's expected of them. <i>They're taught. </i>In fact... for us human folk, learning is <i>preeetty much </i>a lifetime gig, with the most important lessons being taught, learned, re-taught, re-learned, and thus, reinforced, throughout our lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Parents teach us right from wrong. Rewards teach us what to do. Mistakes teach us what <i>not </i>to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But... what if someone gave up on you, every time you made a mistake? <i>How would that feel? </i>Especially as a child... when you didn't know any better... what if your parents had simply given-up on you... and sent you away to live with <i>whoever </i>would take you... just because you did something wrong? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When it comes to dogs, that's often what happens. Families get fed-up, give-up, and/or stop caring... and therefore, they carelessly make (what SHOULD BE) a heart-wrenching, unthinkable, not-even-an-option decision: "Let's get rid of the dog." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yet... the dog can't understand why his family would ever desert him... <i>He loves them.</i> He never meant to make them angry. <i>He truly wanted to please them</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And honestly, to that dog, it doesn't matter how "bad" the family feels, or where they plan to send him, or <i>why</i> they're doing it. For him, all that matters... all he wants...<i> is his family. </i>He'd do<i> anything</i> for them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i> </i> </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNhsgx57yt04mXt0p_T4insKCIk6fqq4rtOq_g86SqNzn-T8sMJ8IHTWLKk40M5J-jaYtpi7J568EKFwjnzgldYsDCYrx7BmIw4yydtowO3ppQvm76YW5BbutBhs2F3K4w4vPU7ZjbJo/s1600/PicsArt_1349817674702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNhsgx57yt04mXt0p_T4insKCIk6fqq4rtOq_g86SqNzn-T8sMJ8IHTWLKk40M5J-jaYtpi7J568EKFwjnzgldYsDCYrx7BmIw4yydtowO3ppQvm76YW5BbutBhs2F3K4w4vPU7ZjbJo/s320/PicsArt_1349817674702.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i> </i>How can people just throw that kind of love away?? Especially when so many solutions exist...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's the reality: dogs don't want to be "bad." Actually, they strive to please you. But when they don't understand what's expected of them... when they aren't redirected from bad behavior... or rewarded for good behavior... or given the chance to learn and grow... then yes, they will probably act in ways that seem "bad."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Without structure, exercise, training, and companionship, dogs will look for other ways to entertain themselves. Often, the things that seem most "fun" to your dog, are the OPPOSITE of fun to you... chewing, barking, digging, climbing, etc. While these issues aren't impossible to fix, they certainly don't "fix" themselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That's where <i>you</i> come in. You're the leader. You're the "parent."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Honestly, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out how to resolve most canine issues, but it does take time, effort, and consistency, on your part. In other words... <i>commitment.</i> You know... that same "commitment" you promised to honor for this dog's lifetime... on the day you brought the dog home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>What happened to that promise??</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you're considering giving-up on your pet, there's <i>almost always</i> another option. An option that allows your dog to stay in your home, with his family. Whether you've had your dog for years, or you recently adopted, you should always exhaust every possible alternative before you <i>even consider</i> the need to re-home your dog. <i>You owe them that much.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Since adoption-returns are a big issue for many animal rescues and shelters, let me touch on the subject of bringing a new pet into your home... <i>and keeping them there...</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When you adopt a new dog (or cat), there's <i>always</i> an adjustment period. Sometimes, it's a couple of hours, days, or weeks. Sometimes, it's a couple of months or longer. But trust me... there WILL BE an adjustment period, for both you and the dog. And if you refuse to acknowledge this aspect, and refuse to be patient, understanding, and compassionate during this process, then please... don't adopt the pet in the first place. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Seriously, returning a pet to a shelter within <i>mere hours </i>of adoption due to "misbehavior" is just about as ridiculous as trying to return your newborn baby to the hospital because he cried when you got home. That's just <i>crazy-pants</i>. (clearly, an <i>extreme</i> example, but still...)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So... in order to keep your personal frustrations at a minimum during the adjustment phase, just look at the situation from the dog's perspective: he or she is suddenly in a new place, with new people, new expectations, and a new routine. YOU know he's been "adopted," but he doesn't know that. Sometimes, there's some confusion, uncertainty, and even a little fear involved. Other times... immense excitement and curiosity. Regardless, the dog has to adjust, get comfortable, and become settled in your home... and that takes <i>time</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The new dog may come into your home with existing issues, or he may develop some new quirks in his new environment. Either way, you must be willing and able to deal with any issues that arise. Most importantly, you must be PATIENT. You can't just expect a new dog to enter your home as instant perfection. I mean... when YOU move into a new house, doesn't it take YOU some time to get settled? And let's face it: you're human; he's a dog. Cut the kid some slack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you've had your dog for years, and suddenly, you're beyond fed-up with this or that issue, well then... you have to acknowledge that YOU are much of the problem. The dog has learned these negative behaviors in your home... and if you didn't take the time and effort to correct the issues early-on, or in all of the years since, then you can't blame the dog for your lack of "parenting." Would you want your dog to kick YOU out of your house for poor leadership? Probably not, but guess what? Even if he could... <i>he would never do that to you. </i>Don't do it to him, either. Especially not for something that's your fault.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Training, exercise, structure... these things are every bit as important to dogs as to humans, and without these things, guess what? Issues develop. </span>There are tons of resources available to help you with any issues your dog may have, so there's really no excuse to simply give up on your pet without even trying to resolve the problem. Again, this takes time... and your dog deserves every bit of time it takes... <i>and then some. </i> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAClVJJelsuU4UTUKyv9Z_17oOhSUTzqOpCcqIbq6N2gLxjF8w-jMR-5K4t3a-0xNb-di_qjJIb2Y7oPRbQr4lR0q1tcsLvDHw92xyczcqMlMEOPCDMVhy-RuEnjJWo5cOqcngU0lt0eQ/s1600/Mimismile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAClVJJelsuU4UTUKyv9Z_17oOhSUTzqOpCcqIbq6N2gLxjF8w-jMR-5K4t3a-0xNb-di_qjJIb2Y7oPRbQr4lR0q1tcsLvDHw92xyczcqMlMEOPCDMVhy-RuEnjJWo5cOqcngU0lt0eQ/s1600/Mimismile.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Why? Because... if and when everyone else in your life fails you... or abandons you... or gives-up on you altogether... there will be one "someone" still waiting there to love you: <i>your dog</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So... try harder. Do more. <i>Don't give up on him!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Love your dog like he loves you: unconditionally... <i>forever. </i></span><br />
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<a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE! </span></b></span></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-5261599215220173952013-02-21T13:06:00.000-06:002013-02-21T15:43:18.383-06:00Lucky Penny<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmpwD5fhCR7jaJM17wRIXvZev1u2oGJ5-zpHRrxW87VlZVmt9lKHXdQwOTkNqvDK1vhSJpR9G472KTYvzJpj2G3K_raV9EVmt1ZA5AXIduAhh7pgJlQsYYVQiBR9jDsHZOuL-G4zNPrA/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmpwD5fhCR7jaJM17wRIXvZev1u2oGJ5-zpHRrxW87VlZVmt9lKHXdQwOTkNqvDK1vhSJpR9G472KTYvzJpj2G3K_raV9EVmt1ZA5AXIduAhh7pgJlQsYYVQiBR9jDsHZOuL-G4zNPrA/s1600/9.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I rescued Penny nearly 2 years ago... on the day that her "family" threatened to shoot her if I refused to take her. Of course, I just couldn't bear to let that happen to Penny.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Initially, Penny lived in a temporary foster home, but soon thereafter, she came to live with me at Lucky Dog. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Immediately, I fell in love with Penny's freckled nose and fun personality. She's an outgoing girl, to say the least. But what struck me most about Penny was her unwavering loyalty to anyone who showed her love. She was so eager to please, and I could just tell by the way she looked at me... she would do <i>anything</i> for me. Instinctively, Penny <i>knew</i> that I'd saved her life, and she thanked me for it, every single day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few months later, a family offered to foster Penny over the holidays... and of course, they fell in love with her. But even though they adored her, the family already had 2 dogs of their own, and they didn't want to commit to adopting a 3rd... which I understood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even still, every couple of months or so, they'd take Penny for the weekend, just to give her some special time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Penny loved her special weekend trips, and she loved the family even more. In my heart, I secretly hoped they'd decide to adopt her one day, even though I knew it wasn't likely. So... meanwhile, I was still searching for the perfect forever family for this special girl.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoqVtnqK9f9aa6_cJqNm8ccHojhJ-4M7ErGJS4oxT8VFQWe9QQiZbH7eMPi03ErhaSJPS9zSGErRHFwx3V7X80qhfuQpvEu8T8m1tJpzA54sFcT3CIK9n7EQi-8oqbo95WadjNWf2HKA/s1600/217693_138752619530812_3634159_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoqVtnqK9f9aa6_cJqNm8ccHojhJ-4M7ErGJS4oxT8VFQWe9QQiZbH7eMPi03ErhaSJPS9zSGErRHFwx3V7X80qhfuQpvEu8T8m1tJpzA54sFcT3CIK9n7EQi-8oqbo95WadjNWf2HKA/s320/217693_138752619530812_3634159_n.jpg" width="294" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One day, I received an amazing adoption application for Penny, and I could barely contain my excitement! Without another thought, I called the family to talk further, and during that conversation, <i>I just knew</i>: this family is <i>absolutely perfect </i>for Penny! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But then, as we began to schedule the home visit, they mentioned the name of their town. Of course, I'd seen the town listed on their application, but in the midst of my excitement... I hadn't stopped to think about where this town was actually located. Suddenly, it hit me, as I was forced to choke out the words: "I'm so sorry, but your area has a breed ban on Pit Bulls (Breed Specific Legislation BSL)."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. </span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Penny wasn't going home.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few months later, the same thing happened: an amazing application came in for Penny... they'd fallen in love with my sweet girl... but... the family lived in a county with a ban on Pit Bulls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again, <i>Penny wasn't going home</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This same scenario happens to me all the time. And I mean... ALL THE TIME. Many cities and counties in Mississippi (as well as many other states) have restrictions or bans on the Pit Bull breeds and mixes of those breeds. And while my county doesn't have a ban, most of the surrounding counties do have some form of BSL. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, the already-small adoption pool for my Pit Bulls is even-further reduced by BSL, which denies potential adopters in those areas the right to adopt a Pit Bull. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's even crazier is... most people don't even realize that BSL exists in their area, which is understandable, because these ordinances are often passed so quickly and quietly, that few residents even know about them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, when one of those residents wishes to adopt one of my Pit Bulls, and I have to inform them of the breed ban in their city/county, they're honestly shocked... as they never knew a ban existed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To say that BSL makes me angry ... well, <i>that's a massive understatement. </i>It infuriates me in a way that I can't quite describe. These laws are not only ridiculous, unnecessary, and unfounded, but they're DETRIMENTAL to the futures of my loving, deserving, insanely NON-vicious dogs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every single time BSL ruins the chance for one of my dogs to go home forever, I'm nothing short of devastated. I've cried more times over BSL than I can even tell you. I cry for my own rescue babies, and for every other amazing Pit Bull out there... dogs who want nothing more than <i>to go home</i>. They don't want to hurt anyone... they just want to be loved by <i>someone</i>. And BSL denies their only request. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More on that later... back to Penny for now...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, long story short, Penny has been with me for a very long time. All the while, she's been one of the happiest girls you'd ever meet. But even still... I've been hoping, wishing, praying for that perfect family to come along and take my Penny home forever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yesterday, <i>they did... </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was contacted by a woman here in Meridian who was very interested in adopting one of my dogs. As we talked, she mentioned the fact that she'd fallen in love with Penny's photos and story, but she'd heard that Penny had already been adopted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I said, "No ma'am... I actually still have Penny!" the woman became very excited. She said: "You're kidding?! Really?! Oh my goodness, I thought she'd been adopted! I'm so in love with her face! Could I meet her?!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday afternoon, she came to Lucky Dog to meet Penny. As Penny ran to her and gave her a big, wet kiss, the woman looked over at me with tears in her eyes. She said, "Oh my gosh, I love her! I definitely want to adopt her!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suddenly, I was crying, too. I said: "Penny, did you hear that?! You're going home, sweet girl!" Penny was so excited... I swear she understood what I'd said. She was running back and forth between us: her new mom, Cindy... and her old mom, <i>me</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know how to describe that feeling... the bittersweet moment when your baby leaves for their future... <i>without you. </i>Penny has lived with me for nearly 2 years. Now... she'll have another place to call home, and another family to call her own. It's slightly heartbreaking, but beyond amazing. That moment meant ... <i>everything</i>... to me. But more importantly, to Penny. She's been waiting for that moment... <i>for 2 years now.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I gave her one last hug, and said: "This is it, PP. This is everything you've ever wanted, and more." As Penny jumped into the car, I waved goodbye... and cried, realizing that the "Penny Chapter" of my life had finally ended... but Penny's future... <i>had just begun</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night, Penny's new mom wrote this: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">"I have found
my new best friend. She is one of a kind in our eyes... fantastic
dog... loving, gentle. As soon as we met, we had a connection. She's followed me around all afternoon... she's asleep on my bed right now.
Meet my wonderful new best friend: Penny."</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzFRLdf6Q3kjN0wrx9qpalwHZe3uIkEwXbE-i1X4n4YXkli2gaIGGgzimhUBvpymB9NBMZWoM78EQEtkdKe2SbXMY8EI3tc8m9XMMlxtLUHqBXNv7i6ZVpHyTpvIBo3Um431ioHXE6hU/s1600/525515_608512549175527_967243442_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzFRLdf6Q3kjN0wrx9qpalwHZe3uIkEwXbE-i1X4n4YXkli2gaIGGgzimhUBvpymB9NBMZWoM78EQEtkdKe2SbXMY8EI3tc8m9XMMlxtLUHqBXNv7i6ZVpHyTpvIBo3Um431ioHXE6hU/s320/525515_608512549175527_967243442_n-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Then, she shared a photo of Penny, lounging on her new bed. When I looked at the picture, tears filled my eyes, and this caption entered my head: "Finally... I know what it feels like... <i>to be home</i>..."</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><i>If you'd like to help other dogs like Penny, please click below to donate:</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/penny-for-your-thoughts.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Click HERE to read my original blog post about Penny</span></b></a></span>luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-27275817991835228692013-01-04T13:25:00.001-06:002013-01-04T14:29:09.256-06:00My Name is Ashley<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nearly 2 years ago, I wrote the following words:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"My name is Ashley, and I am an animal rescuer."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was the very first sentence ever written on Lucky Dog Rescue Blog. It was my opening line... my introduction...<i> </i>my beginning... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was the sentence that would inevitably <i>define</i> my blog... and my life.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, actually... that sentence defined my life, <i>long-before</i> this blog ever existed. I've always been "Ashley" (<i>duh</i>), and I've always been an "animal rescuer." That's just who I am. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But... while I do always<i> feel</i> like an "animal rescuer," I have to be honest: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes... I don't <i>feel</i> much like "Ashley" anymore. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know... the "Ashley" who is <i>more than</i> just an animal rescuer. The "Ashley" who has a life, family, and friends <i>outside of</i> animal rescue. The "Ashley" who has needs, wants, and dreams of her own, <i>in addition to</i> her passion for animal rescue.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And sometimes, <i>I miss her.</i> You know... <i>that </i>"Ashley." I know others miss her, too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, that's not to say that I don't love what I do. <i>Because I do. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or that I'm not living my dream, and fulfilling my purpose. <i>Because I am. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it's hard, sometimes... Life, I mean. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And not just for me, <i>but for all of us</i>. That goes for others involved in animal rescue, and for everyone else, in general. No matter who you are, where you live, or what you do in life, you've probably felt this way, at some point in time. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You've probably "missed" the person you were, or the person you are, or the person you would/could/should be. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The "you" who exists outside of work, responsibilities, and stress.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The "you" who exists... <i>inside of you.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I realize that I am still "Ashley" (<i>duh</i>) ... and therefore, "Ashley" hasn't left me... I just need to remember that <i>my life </i>is every bit as important... as all the lives I wish to save. They need me... <i>and I need me, too.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess what I'm saying is: at times, we all feel "not like ourselves," for a million different reasons, but mostly because we need to be reminded that <i>we matter</i>, each of us, as individuals. <i>I matter; YOU matter. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, we need to find balance ... between ourselves, and everything else in our lives. For me, "balance" is something I seem to have at times... and lose at times. Kinda like how I seem to find and lose my own sense-of-self at times. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So... long story short... today, in an attempt to feel more like "Ashley" again, I did something I haven't done in a while now... something that always manages to make me feel like "me" again:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sat down... and I wrote.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And for whatever reason, you read it. Thank you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ashley</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html" target="_blank"><b>CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!</b></a></span> </span></div>
luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-13960154382403237712012-09-21T11:27:00.003-05:002013-08-05T12:40:11.948-05:00Patrick Star<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdH46gulyKWCOOH_siaN8omkW-4uwe7u7aNQXLsc1UgknnvBchmXpGyVASz-Tgp9WbYsb2rWQEiHJp3SmqeYMVqkJxGUfCYHCgiuwjewIXZl-k0r2zBnipcKNARIrfpypiGsg2xy_akZM/s1600/Patrick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdH46gulyKWCOOH_siaN8omkW-4uwe7u7aNQXLsc1UgknnvBchmXpGyVASz-Tgp9WbYsb2rWQEiHJp3SmqeYMVqkJxGUfCYHCgiuwjewIXZl-k0r2zBnipcKNARIrfpypiGsg2xy_akZM/s400/Patrick.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last Sunday, a weak, very sick, little Pit Bull mix was dumped outside of a woman's home in Vossburg, Mississippi. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Due to the location of her home... which is right off the interstate... her property has become a virtual dumping ground for unwanted dogs. She's constantly struggling to deal with the numbers of dogs thrown out at her house. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">However, the condition of this particular dog was <i>much worse</i> than the others she usually finds when she walks outside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The woman named the dog <i>Patrick</i>. Then, she frantically started posting the dog on facebook, desperately searching for help for this poor boy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was busy at work that morning, so I hadn't yet seen any of those urgent posts about this dog. But it didn't take long for the calls, texts, and messages to start pouring in...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">First, I talked to my friend, Cathy, who asked me to check the photo she'd posted on my wall and call her back. Hearing the concern in her voice, I knew it was bad...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8fYiDmhYtwGhxJ3mAs8PHq4ub_eoZLrE3S0u1AlNCPOAmURPGqWyqX3G-_GYYuAzRaju5XHCr8NzQNLi4D5bkRFoDCPsWI9QJkm0LAJh6yVjpyrAquHKegK3GUkHJg_eCwQCp6D1h68/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8fYiDmhYtwGhxJ3mAs8PHq4ub_eoZLrE3S0u1AlNCPOAmURPGqWyqX3G-_GYYuAzRaju5XHCr8NzQNLi4D5bkRFoDCPsWI9QJkm0LAJh6yVjpyrAquHKegK3GUkHJg_eCwQCp6D1h68/s320/5.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">When I saw the picture, instantly, my heart was broken. No matter how many times I view a photo like that... it never gets any easier. And no matter how much cruelty I witness... I'll never understand how people can be so damn hateful... how any person could force a dog to suffer in this way... and then dump him on the side of the road like trash.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I talked to Cathy again, I told her I'd try to figure something out, and I'd need to talk to the woman as well. But before I even had time to think, there were more texts and calls coming in, begging me to take this dog. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, later that day, I asked my friend Dana to comment on Patrick's facebook post for me, and simply say: "Ashley Owen Hill has committed to take this dog." Then, I talked to the woman who had him, and we worked out the details. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKDoRZtfYcCSe4Hcc3JFpi-_AQIQsndqcgmHAY2Hxo3I3JGnAHAQjo7hzABFv2CQLhNT1xtp3SlQjaTebobP0ejQtrW5pahW1nwEN1aC-G3981k6GAINAdv96wRw0sDoVRFF8QBJ1xsY/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKDoRZtfYcCSe4Hcc3JFpi-_AQIQsndqcgmHAY2Hxo3I3JGnAHAQjo7hzABFv2CQLhNT1xtp3SlQjaTebobP0ejQtrW5pahW1nwEN1aC-G3981k6GAINAdv96wRw0sDoVRFF8QBJ1xsY/s320/3.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me, Patrick, & the woman who found him</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">On Monday, the woman took Patrick to the vet. During his evaluation, he was diagnosed with sarcoptic mange, ear mites, internal parasite infestation, high fever, and anemia, in addition to severe emaciation and malnourishment. In fact, this boy was so weak, he was unable to walk... weighing only 26 pounds... when he should weigh <i>at least twice that.</i> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">On Tuesday, Caycee and I drove to meet the woman at her vet in Quitman, MS, so I could take Patrick home. Based on the photos of him, I thought I was prepared for what I'd see that day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>I was wrong...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I can't even explain in words <i>just how underweight</i> this dog truly is. The pictures don't do him justice. I can't even tell you just how sick he truly is. I can't even describe just how weak he truly is, as his little body fights to survive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Further, in addition to everything else, at some point, his former "owners" made the cruel decision to perform a painful, homemade ear crop job on Patrick. As I try to imagine the cruelty he's known, all of his life... it's almost too much to bear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I first laid eyes on him, I was shocked. The only words I could muster were:<i> "Oh dear God..."</i> Then, I bent down, rubbed his head, and asked: <i>"Who did this to you, buddy??"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUs6pp0j8W8SfktOX82Hzy3mSLma07535FXiB5OGnXlogTBfeH8k0ihOEwu76ZMfS8MKiibhM6_aW-2_P-vJS95V6xoNz4Q5oR-fGwPtwaaonaIq7iMQUaZhRpcTrREBPJ77UDkkPzKmQ/s1600/1+AshPat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUs6pp0j8W8SfktOX82Hzy3mSLma07535FXiB5OGnXlogTBfeH8k0ihOEwu76ZMfS8MKiibhM6_aW-2_P-vJS95V6xoNz4Q5oR-fGwPtwaaonaIq7iMQUaZhRpcTrREBPJ77UDkkPzKmQ/s400/1+AshPat.jpg" width="271" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">And then... he looked up and gave me the sweetest little kiss, right on my chin. I looked over at Caycee, and simply said: <i>"I'm in love!!!"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Just like that... I fell in love with a boy named Patrick. Or as I like to call him... "Patrick Star."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And in turn, my little Patrick Star... became a Lucky Dog... <i>for the very first time in his life.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>*Patrick has a long road of recovery ahead. He hasn't yet been tested for heartworms or neutered. For now, I'll be focused on weight gain, mange treatment, and getting his little body healthy again. If you'd like to donate to his care, please click below.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html" target="_blank">CLICK TO DONATE TO PATRICK!</a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com140tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-56224744410628441642012-09-09T19:26:00.001-05:002012-09-10T10:57:49.592-05:00You're You<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2T3ZtPO1TMVLumgwx-4Au8jA7evJR4LveXdMgrrbua4Y4LRPzRfavLTbYtMvk2Th3pox9GpUEAX25yV9TjpBRIlTgrVtbKK0HREbHSJ0idSS0EZ5wx3bji_Xe0W8ag48Bg583dGh5BGo/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2T3ZtPO1TMVLumgwx-4Au8jA7evJR4LveXdMgrrbua4Y4LRPzRfavLTbYtMvk2Th3pox9GpUEAX25yV9TjpBRIlTgrVtbKK0HREbHSJ0idSS0EZ5wx3bji_Xe0W8ag48Bg583dGh5BGo/s400/4.jpg" width="158" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning kennels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before you judge me...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Or anyone like me...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Please... live at least <em>one day</em> in my shoes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Please...</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Clean the number of kennels I've got.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Care for the number of dogs that I've saved.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Apologize to those broken-hearted dogs in your care... <em>for things you didn't do...</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Answer one of the calls that I get.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Check one of my emails.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Read the hateful comments I see... <em>about me</em>... from the ignorant people... who have never been "me" ... but assume they know more about "being me" ... <em>than I do.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Feel the despair I feel... when I'm forced to say "No." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Feel the anxiety I feel... when I'm forced to say "Yes."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Feel the hopelessness I feel... when I'm forced to say: "I have nothing left to give."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And then... if you're me...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When you have nothing left to give...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Give more.</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Give up yourself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Give up your life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Give up everything in your world... <em>for others.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And when you struggle... <em>b</em></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>eg</em> for the help you need.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Hope</em> that it will arrive...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Know... <em>that it probably won't...</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Hope </em>that you're wrong.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Pray</em> that you're wrong.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Know... <em>that you're probably right.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Because...i</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">n truth... y</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">ou're all you've got.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You're all<em> they've</em> got.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">No one else... signed up to be you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Only you did.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>You're you.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Be proud... o</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">f you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If someone hates you...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For being you...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>So what???</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The haters...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Are hateful.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">They have nothing better to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em><strong>Because they aren't you.</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Dear Haters...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Get. A. Life.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">No matter what you do... others will judge you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Others will criticize you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Others will hate you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEXrweUGyIWacvy6zTh0lCYAfDQrjulbSnC2y1uka3l_q94pTL-K8MVbVAOXQVK2lYwKu1nPemTA_d3pTYuI6G8z7_nNpY4q0JIfvV23JAVZ5yZelXRq_2KoRO7dRPZEZOQ_PkqiVJgQ/s1600/AshTeddy12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEXrweUGyIWacvy6zTh0lCYAfDQrjulbSnC2y1uka3l_q94pTL-K8MVbVAOXQVK2lYwKu1nPemTA_d3pTYuI6G8z7_nNpY4q0JIfvV23JAVZ5yZelXRq_2KoRO7dRPZEZOQ_PkqiVJgQ/s400/AshTeddy12.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking the Lucky Dogs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Simply because... <em>you're good at being you.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In their attempts to find your faults... <em>they simply highlight their own.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">They only wish they could do... <em>what you do.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And yet... <em>they'll never be you.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Only <em>you</em> can do that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">YOU manage to change the world... <em>every single day.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>And it kills them.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Because...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You're...</span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">You...</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">While they suck at being them...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do. What. You. Do.</span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Be. You.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">That's all you gotta do.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html" target="_blank"><strong>CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!</strong></a></span></div>
luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-72666145730029872692012-08-04T15:17:00.001-05:002012-08-04T18:30:52.535-05:00Picking Up Reece's Pieces<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Wednesday, I received a desperate answering machine message from a woman named Pat in Gulfport, Mississippi. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The neighbor's Pit Bull mix had finally broken loose from the rope used to tie her to a tree, and the dog immediately fled to Pat's home... and stayed there... seeking refuge. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Pat walked outside that morning, the dog was sleeping on her porch, right next to her cat. </span><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqY2vH0rQg5KwZp5oHQhpy_iaGwtqJtGF_-soATefzrWqdyw_QLCqIedz05edv-R9NCdbFBPsmBB3bxRj-lkM-5UaV1UA3onV2RP9DPWewiOOPXAfFOXJuc1jbef53GFhwXo8ylSVc3mU/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqY2vH0rQg5KwZp5oHQhpy_iaGwtqJtGF_-soATefzrWqdyw_QLCqIedz05edv-R9NCdbFBPsmBB3bxRj-lkM-5UaV1UA3onV2RP9DPWewiOOPXAfFOXJuc1jbef53GFhwXo8ylSVc3mU/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reece's neck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's when Pat saw the dog's painful, horrific injuries. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The dog's tie-out rope had clearly been embedded in her neck for quite some time, and the wound was at least 2 inches deep. She also had other scars covering her body.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Seeing the dog's condition, Pat refused to risk the chance that the dog may be returned to the owner, but she also couldn't stand the thought of the dog facing euthanasia. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, Pat started calling animal shelters and rescues, in search of immediate, legitimate help for this dog.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Of course, due to the "Pit Bull mix" label --coupled with the dog's severe injuries-- Animal Control informed Pat that euthanasia would be their only option for this pup. Therefore, she attempted to contact any animal rescue group she could find. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She left tons of messages, but since rescues are always full and/or overloaded, most of them never called her back. Every other rescue told her, "We don't take Pit Bulls. Try Lucky Dog Rescue."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Again... as I've said many times, Lucky Dog Rescue is NOT a "Pit Bull rescue." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">While most of my rescue dogs are, in fact, Pit Bulls, I also rescue many other breeds, and mixes of those breeds. However, since I focus on the worst-cases... and the least adoptable dogs (due to societal bias), then, yes... most of my rescue pups are Pit Bulls. (Plus, I just-so-happen to freaking LOVE Pit Bulls!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAY7oq5D9FDn5eLIDLbPg-VZWfnd_5b0Dgliq56rR3Q92BE7lyTgt2kNH_cHDGUiomQwAgogqgqd32iOjmILSh2O1fKBVFQ6iMKBcrILEAgA6iP87K4bKN0sVam3TeKscJ4MJUoARPSfc/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAY7oq5D9FDn5eLIDLbPg-VZWfnd_5b0Dgliq56rR3Q92BE7lyTgt2kNH_cHDGUiomQwAgogqgqd32iOjmILSh2O1fKBVFQ6iMKBcrILEAgA6iP87K4bKN0sVam3TeKscJ4MJUoARPSfc/s200/7.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Further, because many animal rescue groups in Mississippi are unable to take Pit Bulls due to Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), and most of the other Mississippi rescues will not take them (for one reason or another), I tend to be the "fall-back." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>"If the dog is a Pit Bull, call Lucky Dog Rescue."</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, after Pat exhausted her search for a rescue located somewhere closer to her area than mine, she contacted me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was walking a dog when she called, so she left a message. When I got back, I checked the answering machine... and heard the desperation in Pat's voice, as she said: <em>"Please, please, PLEASE call me! I'm so desperate to save this dog! She needs help right away, and I've been told you're the only person who will help me! Please!!!"</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, I took a deep breath, picked up the phone, and returned her call. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When she answered, I said: "Hey, Ms. Pat. It's Ashley with Lucky Dog Rescue, returning your call."</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIacIxgbyJCggXlYSZ0iTGLAjZsXrvWJ7SlRdSdWt6mf-sYnWmiztka43ycqioATPM4EoqGVMXgRic1xwQ_3zegmUnZiO9FRdhS6HbHyXMGyfhMh6tXxcqBoJ0-Y1jOqvCRhr2rBycvw4/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIacIxgbyJCggXlYSZ0iTGLAjZsXrvWJ7SlRdSdWt6mf-sYnWmiztka43ycqioATPM4EoqGVMXgRic1xwQ_3zegmUnZiO9FRdhS6HbHyXMGyfhMh6tXxcqBoJ0-Y1jOqvCRhr2rBycvw4/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reece, when she arrived at Lucky Dog Rescue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Through obvious tears, she responded</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">: <em>"Oh, Ashley!!!</em> Thank you for calling me back, honey! I've left messages with rescues all over the state this morning... begging people to call me back. You're the only one who did."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I said: "Ms. Pat, I have to be honest with you. As much as I want to help this poor dog, I'm <em>beyond</em> over-loaded with rescue dogs right now, so I'm not really sure that I can help. But I promise I'm willing to do everything I can to try and find someone else who can."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then... I heard sobbing on the other end of the line. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She cried: "Ashley, <em>please!</em> <em>I am begging you!</em> I've already tried everyone else. Anyone who was willing to talk to me... was only willing to help... by giving me your number. If you can't help this dog... you and I both know... <em>no one will...</em> and she will die!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKzdtaWoWnrwcEMkSOD1xDcH4B12SVL4rVl0cWpSKY_J4PcCpzJDEE02f9xroQz2Km8optDYDZPzlwbmSnHC0WZAUnJfviCU1uXBULSophMi68JpDONnFaXG-yFqa3kireeoxpAhylAE/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKzdtaWoWnrwcEMkSOD1xDcH4B12SVL4rVl0cWpSKY_J4PcCpzJDEE02f9xroQz2Km8optDYDZPzlwbmSnHC0WZAUnJfviCU1uXBULSophMi68JpDONnFaXG-yFqa3kireeoxpAhylAE/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">I knew she was right, but I just needed a minute to think. So, I promised to call her back, and then, I hung up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Shortly thereafter, with no plan in mind... I picked up the phone and called Pat again. Honestly, at that moment, I had no idea what I was even going to say to her... but I knew she was desperate for help, so I didn't want to make her wait any longer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, before I could even give her an answer about whether or not I was able to help, Pat said: "Ashley, I want you to know... if you're willing to help this baby, then I'm willing to make the 3 hour trip from here to Meridian to bring this dog to you."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Suddenly, without another thought, I simply said: <em>"When can you be here?"</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRRU0KKYqJVPIfQL-zHSK8GHoxnBNJx-ex98ij2GlmGP8S2IXmme99e9P9oLP1HjKYgK3i71cwn7LTaAj5UQil41BISuRH4ifu4qTwks5j96tTw7afXryvn6gmPrlO24I4OuWco80TWE/s1600/Reece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRRU0KKYqJVPIfQL-zHSK8GHoxnBNJx-ex98ij2GlmGP8S2IXmme99e9P9oLP1HjKYgK3i71cwn7LTaAj5UQil41BISuRH4ifu4qTwks5j96tTw7afXryvn6gmPrlO24I4OuWco80TWE/s400/Reece.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reece, on our way to the vet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The next morning, Pat and her husband drove more than 3 hours to deliver my new baby to Lucky Dog Rescue. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When they arrived, it was love at first sight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I named her Reece.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That day, I began the process of picking-up the pieces of Reece's broken heart... and putting her back together again...</span><br />
<br />
And in return, Reece's smile reminded me... of what I do... and why I do it. It's never about me. It's always about them. And when they really need you... <em>you always find a way...</em><br />
<br />
<em><strong>*Reece has a long road of recovery ahead of her. In addition to her severe injuries & massive level of infection, she is also heartworm positive, which requires extensive, costly treatment. If you'd like to contribute to Reece's care and her future, please click the link below to donate:</strong></em><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html" target="_blank">CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!</a></strong></span></div>
</span>luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-16503597209406590392012-07-19T15:23:00.000-05:002012-07-19T17:19:27.011-05:00Wink and Pinky<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7p9VM6ClD9kwYgF66NX-ybmEzGkTGYXIl037IoywbBwH4VxVK1bxYu-LbVwM_bx2bRU-PHjNbrL2wnD6ZvlrV2sb13T4UT56OuR5qoJOLd3jU0eovKJQZUIPv6bpUnc60uIAja93aBY/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7p9VM6ClD9kwYgF66NX-ybmEzGkTGYXIl037IoywbBwH4VxVK1bxYu-LbVwM_bx2bRU-PHjNbrL2wnD6ZvlrV2sb13T4UT56OuR5qoJOLd3jU0eovKJQZUIPv6bpUnc60uIAja93aBY/s400/054.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wink & I, before his eye surgery</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple months ago, I approved an adoption application for the Clearman family. Soon thereafter, they came to Lucky Dog Rescue to adopt their new baby.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">While they'd fallen in love with the photos and stories of a couple different Lucky Dogs, they still wanted to meet all of my other babies as well, in order to find the perfect fit for their family.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well... as it turns out... one of those "other" babies managed to steal their hearts: <em>Wink.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Of course, I understood exactly how they felt. <em>Wink did the same to me.</em> In fact, Wink was my extra-special baby, and everyone around here knew it. He was basically "my dog," and honestly, I planned to adopt him as my own one day. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, when they chose Wink, <em>I was devastated</em>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even though I had every right to say "No," I knew they were a great family and the perfect fit for him. Yet... I just couldn't imagine my life without my Winkle-Jinks. And even though I was insanely happy for him... I simply wasn't prepared to say goodbye to him,<em> because I'd never planned to let him go.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Regardless, I decided to release my selfish desires, in order to give Wink the forever that he deserved. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even still... after Wink left that day, I sobbed for hours. That night, I cried myself to sleep. For the next few days, I couldn't even pass by his kennel, without immense pain and tears.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3yqRTrd-t7QIcxye3Y7bx5AMHiNQrLephHvNvtg9x-kiLKd3YJFdnwdA3KGCJBYntP4NPvj0DBrl_smpc4NCxFAb7l98nkEWkTRQwHqo7lVVfJST3hpGSIRsF4Jqw_chSNixotQUEYQ/s1600/Wink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3yqRTrd-t7QIcxye3Y7bx5AMHiNQrLephHvNvtg9x-kiLKd3YJFdnwdA3KGCJBYntP4NPvj0DBrl_smpc4NCxFAb7l98nkEWkTRQwHqo7lVVfJST3hpGSIRsF4Jqw_chSNixotQUEYQ/s320/Wink.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wink, with his new "brother"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But... over time, the photos of Wink with his new family began to slowly heal my heart. Seeing those pictures, I couldn't deny that I made the right decision for him, <em>no matter how painful it was for me. </em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, a couple of weeks ago, Wink's new family was going out of town for a few days, so they brought Wink to Lucky Dog Retreat for boarding. I was so excited to see him, and the feeling was clearly mutual. Tears filled my eyes, as he jumped and squealed upon arrival, showering me with those special kisses I love so much.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That week, my baby boy was here once again, just like old times. That week, Wink slept in the bed with me. He snuggled on the couch. He ate my leftovers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Best of all, he was able to reunite with his best friend, Pinky. They were so excited to see each other again, and my heart was so happy, as I watched them run and play in the yard.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXWnzosNJDYgrfvC26CdwREvqQaEJiOvbnoI7l_TNLTKteG0ImVRZu1vpVn8w1DS2xT6JmYghR7HJ2Q4vdFAPgyT8RTJSSam-rHpJlszkGvyMWsHx5N0t8_83Wj2CdlLwq0DgsfzDTL8/s1600/Wink+Sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXWnzosNJDYgrfvC26CdwREvqQaEJiOvbnoI7l_TNLTKteG0ImVRZu1vpVn8w1DS2xT6JmYghR7HJ2Q4vdFAPgyT8RTJSSam-rHpJlszkGvyMWsHx5N0t8_83Wj2CdlLwq0DgsfzDTL8/s320/Wink+Sleep.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">One week later, the family came to take Wink home. Of course, Wink was so excited to see them, which truly touched my heart.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And yet... I couldn't stop crying. Even though I was so happy to send him back home,<em> it honestly felt like I was losing him... all over again.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Through my tears, I looked at Wink's new mom, Meagan, and said: "I promise I'm so happy for him. I'm just sad for me. It's just<em>... I miss him so much</em>."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She gave me a big hug, saying: "I'm so sorry. I know you do. But I can't thank you enough for allowing us to make him a part of our family."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I responded: "Thank you so much for letting me keep him this week. <em>It meant the world to me</em>... and to his best friend, Pinky. They had the best time playing together again. I wish you could've seen them. They're so funny to watch, and they love each other so much."</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZDxUyid0m1b1XOptLvaKETn9Rb_cFZX68nqMbJHE6tVvdBPXRitxiuLcRJIMmCs8AhXc88I2QbOpzclMPy3FPgwcMCXM2QFs_1fGDMVgg0W8_CCAhM0oLdZsOhLmP4o7D0mB5n0ptek/s1600/Wink2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZDxUyid0m1b1XOptLvaKETn9Rb_cFZX68nqMbJHE6tVvdBPXRitxiuLcRJIMmCs8AhXc88I2QbOpzclMPy3FPgwcMCXM2QFs_1fGDMVgg0W8_CCAhM0oLdZsOhLmP4o7D0mB5n0ptek/s200/Wink2.jpg" width="179" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">She wanted to hear more about Pinky, so I told her more about Wink and Pinky's special relationship. She said: "I'll have to bring him back to visit soon, so they can play together again!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hearing those words, my heart was on fire. Then, they loaded Wink in the car... and drove away. Of course, I cried all over again.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But... as I sat there, sobbing in my office, <em>I never could've imagined what would happen next...</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The next day, Meagan sent me a text. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It said: <em>"Could we foster Pinky for a couple of days?"</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Reading those words, I screamed out loud: "SHUT UP!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, I quickly responded: "OMG YES!!!"</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOU7CurM7nJXcgdHTWvUswmazOjR-TbjFJCLf3xxHiLLNhTz-QNEP4gB_V0Eei0r4erkizbVxfHha3F8o7yd1-6l8a7XVIFyPvywpT_RMEEqy-9FmyF1KbLhSb5eTS46hJrAebkqFj3MU/s1600/AshPinky3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOU7CurM7nJXcgdHTWvUswmazOjR-TbjFJCLf3xxHiLLNhTz-QNEP4gB_V0Eei0r4erkizbVxfHha3F8o7yd1-6l8a7XVIFyPvywpT_RMEEqy-9FmyF1KbLhSb5eTS46hJrAebkqFj3MU/s320/AshPinky3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pinky & I</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">On July 3rd, the family came to take Pinky to her new foster home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Before they arrived, I gave Pinky a nice, long bath... and a pep talk: "Okay, baby girl. Be good, play hard, and no matter what... <em>steal their freaking hearts."</em></span><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Well... it looks like she heard me...</span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Over the next few days, Meagan sent me constant texts and photos, telling me how much fun they were having together, and how much they loved Pinky. She asked if they could foster her for a little bit longer. I said: "Of course! As long as you like!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, last weekend, the Clearmans were leaving town for a couple of days, so they brought Wink and Pinky here for boarding. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXbhHha4V7V7yaxA473TSY7P96FVGfJVGj5RVSZAv-FKeyT11X_S6AAwfp0_mMRkqK5-VzRb0Bn9CvQx2yI35h5Xw-QcT4Vqw2QdoJLbRtyfWZQLeF7Mfv7IpVSTuUFUwB3VM2fzQN4I/s1600/WinkPinky1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXbhHha4V7V7yaxA473TSY7P96FVGfJVGj5RVSZAv-FKeyT11X_S6AAwfp0_mMRkqK5-VzRb0Bn9CvQx2yI35h5Xw-QcT4Vqw2QdoJLbRtyfWZQLeF7Mfv7IpVSTuUFUwB3VM2fzQN4I/s320/WinkPinky1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wink & Pinky, 4th of July</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was so excited to keep my babies, but I was also worried for Pinky, knowing that she may feel abandoned, once again. In the past, Pinky has lived in several foster homes. Since those were temporary fosters, Pinky always stayed with them for a while, and then... she came back to me. Of course, <em>she couldn't understand why they always brought her back</em>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Therefore, Pinky learned what to expect: <em>When they leave me here, they're never coming back.</em> At this point, even though she's insanely loving, gentle, and fun, with each and every person she meets... she's also afraid to trust... anyone other than me. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So... when the Clearmans came back... to take Wink and Pinky home, I watched for Pinky's reaction. I just couldn't wait to see her face, when she realized what was happening that day: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">For the very first time in her life... a family dropped her off... <em>and they came back for her.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's a moment I'll never forget... as I watched her run into the arms of her family... the family she never expected to see again. In that moment, as the smile crossed her face, <em>every bit of pain in her heart was erased.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSnChk2WONZ25HUI6uHAysMkNFHrwAsm1Jda787Yc19w0vhi-PzrhdyM-FFWva0CH1WvVf-psZVbqo-DZoGHqW0QtxTcbZoVMGmwYYTf6xugzIBdX53zpaRPIvnNZsDwIpYM5NzJ15f0/s1600/Pinky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSnChk2WONZ25HUI6uHAysMkNFHrwAsm1Jda787Yc19w0vhi-PzrhdyM-FFWva0CH1WvVf-psZVbqo-DZoGHqW0QtxTcbZoVMGmwYYTf6xugzIBdX53zpaRPIvnNZsDwIpYM5NzJ15f0/s320/Pinky.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Before they left, I loved on my 2 babies, as they showered me with goodbye kisses. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But as they headed out the door, Pinky stopped...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, she turned around, looked up at me, <em>and smiled.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, I bent down, gave her one more hug, and whispered: <em>"Told ya they'd come back for you."</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was a life changing moment<em>... for both of us...</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even still, as she left that day, Pinky was still a "foster dog." Yet, I held onto the undying hope that the Clearmans would decide to adopt her one day. While I rarely get my hopes up anymore... this time, <em>something told me it was okay.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, yesterday Meagan wrote a touching note on facebook about her adoption and foster experience with Wink and Pinky of Lucky Dog Rescue. Her beautiful words brought tears to my eyes. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I was reading through the sweet comments under her note, I got to the last comment, which was </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">written by Meagan. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then... my heart stopped.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4xHh4xBeHnHFlODibIDdJ8bxEW25bmyLmhb17deLRxil5TQ_ja8n7st1M88VzPHcUq6k40v5iGqBWjkOfabq7bElUoO7zIh6TMD6Sh0bPo3Hzvmyfgr6HHfyYD4XOUZcbvkBMWxfVdE/s1600/Pinky+Sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4xHh4xBeHnHFlODibIDdJ8bxEW25bmyLmhb17deLRxil5TQ_ja8n7st1M88VzPHcUq6k40v5iGqBWjkOfabq7bElUoO7zIh6TMD6Sh0bPo3Hzvmyfgr6HHfyYD4XOUZcbvkBMWxfVdE/s320/Pinky+Sleeping.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pinky... finally home</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> Her comment said:<em> "I haven't told Ashley yet, but Pinky is a keeper :)"</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Suddenly, I was sobbing... tears of joy. I read that sentence several more times, just to be sure I wasn't crazy. Then, I grabbed my phone, and called Meagan. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Through my ridiculous mess of tears, I attempted to speak. I said: "I just saw your comment on facebook. Does that mean your family wants to officially adopt Pinky???"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She replied: "Absolutely! We love her so much! She's part of the family now!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hearing those words, I just couldn't control my tears. I said: "You just can't know what this means to me... but most importantly, <em>to Pinky</em>. All 3 years of her life, and she's been waiting for a family of her own. Knowing that she's finally home... living with the most amazing family ever... AND with her best friend, Wink! That's just more than I ever dreamed possible! I mean... I just don't even know what to say! You adopted TWO of my babies!!! 'Thank you' could never be enough!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Her response: "Ashley, our experience with these 2 amazing Pit Bull mixes has truly changed our lives. I should be the one thanking you."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Just like that... the Clearmans joined the Lucky Dog Family... and Pinky joined Wink with the Clearman Family. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uJ8XwW6ZcZs3wCgRRo398mpJFdQFSCiE_Kd1mD5068ucf0lCvWC0ybEIJ0Q9iZfYe40M4rOjIk_58HgMkg-WfQKU1RuDpf0o6lHRKObE9fTBI9sNgLFR0xRY3-Hln3hSxiAmcQReRtY/s1600/WinkPinky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uJ8XwW6ZcZs3wCgRRo398mpJFdQFSCiE_Kd1mD5068ucf0lCvWC0ybEIJ0Q9iZfYe40M4rOjIk_58HgMkg-WfQKU1RuDpf0o6lHRKObE9fTBI9sNgLFR0xRY3-Hln3hSxiAmcQReRtY/s400/WinkPinky.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wink & Pinky sleeping with their new brother</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And once again... I found the strength... to let go... and keep going. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's what I do. <em>That's rescue.</em></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><em>*If you'd like to help give other dogs like Wink & Pinky their chance at forever, please click the link below to donate!</em></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html" target="_blank">CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!</a></strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><em>*Special thanks to the Clearman family, who adopted TWO of my special babies. And an extra-special thank you to Tuscaloosa Metro Shelter for sending Wink to me, and to ARF... the rescue who lovingly saved and cared for Pinky, before BSL sent Pinky to me, more than one year ago. Without these amazing people, this story wouldn't be possible. Love, Ash</em></span></span></strong></div>luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-60688013767563601652012-07-06T15:21:00.003-05:002012-10-23T14:49:05.854-05:00Another Anniversary<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbbYGpYewHERjk1nWTpnOdiMcMEoSooaGIimf7fOq531SDXHvI7B7qxYWdh_vq-EpvN-peVa_0QCfnUCBo3KzI3C4zBWvt2UwK7znIHiHCsQaOlC_qP_Bmf5v-TgIwyC209pNyAZmPrA/s1600/Ashrudyorig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbbYGpYewHERjk1nWTpnOdiMcMEoSooaGIimf7fOq531SDXHvI7B7qxYWdh_vq-EpvN-peVa_0QCfnUCBo3KzI3C4zBWvt2UwK7znIHiHCsQaOlC_qP_Bmf5v-TgIwyC209pNyAZmPrA/s320/Ashrudyorig.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rudy & I</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's amazing how "anniversaries" can hold so much meaning in our minds and hearts.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In truth, an "anniversary" is <i>nothing more</i> than a date... an annual reminder of the specific day that a certain event occurred, in some previous year. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Therefore, the anniversary date itself... <i>holds no power</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Really, it's just another day of the year.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And yet, we give certain dates <i>so much</i> power over us... (for obvious reasons.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's because... on <i>that</i> day... however long ago... <i>something happened...</i> and our lives changed <i>forever</i>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sometimes... for better.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sometimes... for worse.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">"Happy" anniversaries provide us with the chance to celebrate, to come together, to reminisce.These are the dates that give us something to look forward to, something to smile about, something to be proud of.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Those "good" anniversaries... have their way of making everything else... seem worthwhile. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But then... there are the "other" anniversaries. <i>The tragic anniversaries.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The anniversaries that simply exist... as painful reminders... <i>of the days we'd like to forget</i>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Often, in our minds, the devastating anniversaries seem to hold <i>even more power</i> than the positive ones.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Because those particular dates have their way... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">of bringing the pain of our past... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>into our present.</i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SrA8cjx8Ur2D4Xo-1Ppb4bVK3461Cu3B7GAVUDHWgxg6ShuXsZKaMTaNNSXDtkhTI05OCnG1cqqmVdkggGrkEf38KZ-iZiA7BsoMUeAs7gx_WGutqFWbUL37qCL8p8-Ta8ztvvyXrvk/s1600/Rudy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SrA8cjx8Ur2D4Xo-1Ppb4bVK3461Cu3B7GAVUDHWgxg6ShuXsZKaMTaNNSXDtkhTI05OCnG1cqqmVdkggGrkEf38KZ-iZiA7BsoMUeAs7gx_WGutqFWbUL37qCL8p8-Ta8ztvvyXrvk/s320/Rudy1.jpg" width="285" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">The anniversary of a tragic life event can take us right back to that day...<i> to</i> <i>the very moment</i> it happened. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And no matter how much time has passed...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">No matter how hard we've tried to let go...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">No matter how much we've worked to move forward...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Each year, on that anniversary date, <i>we're right back there</i>... re-living the worst day of our lives. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Meanwhile...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>We don't want to go back to the pain.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>We don't want to remember the loss. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>We don't want to accept our reality.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Regardless... that anniversary date says: <i>You have to. It's real. It's time.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even still... anniversaries are <i>only</i> able to do these things to us, <i>because we allow them to do so...</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We give that specific date... <i>so much power</i> over us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And yet, we just can't help ourselves.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Because... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>We still wish it wasn't true.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">We still hope we'll just wake up.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">We still... miss them.</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>That's why I'm writing today.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In just 2 days, July 8th will be here...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">On July 8, 2010, I experienced the sudden, unexpected, devastating loss of my angel pup, Rudy. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Two years later, I still mourn his death.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPSaFhCHEaoD2uWSrCAYrkN8g53J34CawesYVUebuw6Ch-eM0wHuxx5IzT98o1sI6pMoHGxi4f_-iVk1sm72YKyYqKxPej_nM6K-CQFzXzNrALfaLbYY-qzi6mCCeXe1G2GGFIIR1ZCM/s1600/Rudybefore5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPSaFhCHEaoD2uWSrCAYrkN8g53J34CawesYVUebuw6Ch-eM0wHuxx5IzT98o1sI6pMoHGxi4f_-iVk1sm72YKyYqKxPej_nM6K-CQFzXzNrALfaLbYY-qzi6mCCeXe1G2GGFIIR1ZCM/s320/Rudybefore5.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">When I saved Rudy, so long ago, he was emaciated, sick, and broken. Further, he was suffering from advanced heartworm disease, due to the neglect of his past. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Soon, he underwent heartworm treatment for his condition. And... because he was so young, I prayed he'd simply bounce right back, and go on to live a long, happy, healthy life... with me, <i>his mom</i>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yet, much of the damage to Rudy's heart <i>was irreversible</i>. Therefore, I was always overly-protective of him and insanely-aware of his special needs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When it came to Rudy, I did everything I could. I gave everything I had. I loved with everything I was. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even still... God had other plans...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">On July 8, 2010, Rudy had a sudden, fatal, heart attack. I came home... to find the dead body of my son. He was just 3 years old.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>I never got to say goodbye.</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was the worst day of my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was the fateful, tragic day... <i>that changed all the days after</i>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Before that day, July had always been my favorite month of the year. It represented summer, and sun, and fun. Plus, it's my birthday month. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, in years prior, when July rolled around, I was always pretty-darn excited for my upcoming b'day on 7/11. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">However, the past 2 years have been much different for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">July just isn't the same... my birthday just isn't the same... my life just isn't the same.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Instead, when July 1st arrives, I brace myself... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Just seven more days... until July 8th gets here. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">While I try to avoid the heartbreaking mental countdown toward that date, I just can't help myself. No matter how much I try to distract my mind, I'm always increasingly-aware of the upcoming anniversary of Rudy's death. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I sit here today, with yet-another July 8th right around the corner...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I just wish I could hit <i>Rewind</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Or maybe even <i>Stop</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Or at the very least... <i>Pause</i>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Unfortunately... life just doesn't work that way. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Honestly, the anniversary of Rudy's death is <i>so much more</i> than a heartbreaking reminder of the painful events of that tragic day... the day that broke my heart, changed my life, <i>and changed me</i>... so long ago.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepXcGvKNpieWhHjusy-SLuPZLPSGooGd7Su7zujSHI2B2ZzTUgeRsTmNk948bPaBxithzTdwBAKQSGPXTip5cApEU_BiOKo0zvWlogER_eInIOFvC3aeV0-xJHZ_J9FBhBR78lFE9RhU/s1600/Rudy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepXcGvKNpieWhHjusy-SLuPZLPSGooGd7Su7zujSHI2B2ZzTUgeRsTmNk948bPaBxithzTdwBAKQSGPXTip5cApEU_BiOKo0zvWlogER_eInIOFvC3aeV0-xJHZ_J9FBhBR78lFE9RhU/s320/Rudy3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">There's also the realization... that <i>yet-another year</i> has passed... <i>without my Rudy</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">He's <i>really</i> gone... forever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>He's never coming back.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For me, it's the day that somehow makes his death... <i>even-more official.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The day that makes it... <i>real</i>... all over again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The day that seems to represent the undeniable truths... of the reality I <i>so desperately</i> wish to deny.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And... worst of all... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's the day when I have to acknowledge...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">that I'm <i>so much farther away</i>...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">from the last time I held my baby. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For 2 years now, I've been desperately clinging to every possible memory of my little boy. And yet... each day,<i> I can feel him slipping further away from me.</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today, certain things are a little harder to recall. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Certain memories have become a little foggy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Certain moments with him... <i>have almost left me altogether.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">While these realizations break my heart to pieces... I guess that's just how the mind moves on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As much as we wish to retrieve every moment, every detail, and every encounter in the past...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We simply can't remember everything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Because if we held onto every past memory, then there'd be no room for all the present memories... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thus, our current reality... would cease to exist.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Which means... no matter how much we try to hold on...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At some point... <i>the past begins to slip away from us...</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Regardless, my love for Rudy will never waver, never change, and never leave me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll never stop needing him.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20SEYgEYyTyxVP3qA8_nGz1z-OL4NZOGareI4wEQ3s7d7kbsqAjdKed1JxuttdRgho99t0ShI4UuSpU12BBQuPS85phAu7OPXDEoUo8AaWKrLlg6VnouSNw_omZCV_c0IaKsg0LdYNG0/s1600/AshRudy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20SEYgEYyTyxVP3qA8_nGz1z-OL4NZOGareI4wEQ3s7d7kbsqAjdKed1JxuttdRgho99t0ShI4UuSpU12BBQuPS85phAu7OPXDEoUo8AaWKrLlg6VnouSNw_omZCV_c0IaKsg0LdYNG0/s320/AshRudy2.jpg" width="218" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll never stop missing him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll never stop wishing he was here.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Honestly, even as I write these words today... it's so hard to describe the way I truly feel... about my Rudy, and the loss of my baby. He is, was, and always will be... <i>everything </i>to me. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But... here's my best attempt to explain myself:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I save dogs for a living. That's what I do. Animal rescue is my passion, my drive, my purpose. <i>It's my life.</i> For me, my dogs are <i>my children</i>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I rescue them; I love them; I provide them with hope, homes, and futures. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In doing these things, <i>my heart breaks</i>, on a daily basis. I'm forced to see things, to experience things, and to overcome things... I'm not quite ready for. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And sometimes... <i>it's just too much.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Through my work, I have to let go of my "children" ... the children I love so deeply, in order to send them off to their new forever families.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55xLBSAfDaIIjn5r0JxfHbMgW45m-pX7QxOHIL8X2Vdh8u_7HEkILTdfnM7iWMuCnRyBUsp8ZeWXNANTuuWTAN3in8ZqLTQGvoesZ3pXhCh3sb96YLTX8mLxV0XDvU9w3fKGhbVqgPUw/s1600/Rudysleeporig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55xLBSAfDaIIjn5r0JxfHbMgW45m-pX7QxOHIL8X2Vdh8u_7HEkILTdfnM7iWMuCnRyBUsp8ZeWXNANTuuWTAN3in8ZqLTQGvoesZ3pXhCh3sb96YLTX8mLxV0XDvU9w3fKGhbVqgPUw/s320/Rudysleeporig.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Despite the pain, I always sought refuge... from my own son... my angel dog, Rudy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And yet... no matter how many dogs I tried to save... the one dog I wanted for my very own, was taken from me, at such a young age. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now... he's gone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>I couldn't save him</i>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">While our time on Earth with our pets is <i>never</i> long enough... most people are blessed to spend many, many years with their beloved dogs. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And even though I was <i>beyond blessed</i> to experience Rudy's love... <i>if even for just one second of my life</i>... I can't help but feel like I was cheated... and like <i>he</i> was cheated, out of all those future years we deserved to have together. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">He deserved that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I deserved that. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For 2 years now, I've been forced to spend each day without my Rudy. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">If he were still alive today, he'd only be 5 years old. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">He was so young. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was too soon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There was no warning... no time to prepare... no chance to say goodbye.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>It's just insanely unfair.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And yet... as I've said many times before, the void in my heart after Rudy's death... was ultimately the catalyst for change in my life. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'd always had BIG dreams... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Of saving more lives through rescue, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Of owning my own business, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Of being, doing, changing more...</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But... in truth, while Rudy was in my life... I was <i>so happy, so loved, so content.</i> At that point in time, there was no need to reach for more. I had Rudy. <i>I had everything</i>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Back then... I did my best to rescue as many dogs as I could, with what I had, from my home...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But no matter what I did, or didn't do-- <i>I had my Rudy</i>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then... at the moment he left me... <i>everything changed</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I almost <i>had </i>to reach for something else... <i>for something more</i>... just to occupy my time... to distract myself from the pain. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The result? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i><b>Lucky Dog Retreat, Lucky Dog Rescue, Lucky Dog Rescue Blog, and Pet Pardons.</b></i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Almost 2 years later...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I look back on my life...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I can't ignore the truth...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Any dream I've ever had for myself... <i>has come true...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>because Rudy lived,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>and because Rudy died.</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But mostly... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Because I loved Rudy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>And because Rudy loved me. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><i>Nothing... not even death...</i> could ever take that away from us<i>.</i></b> </span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">*Dear Rudy,</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">In just 2 days... it'll be 2-full-years... since I last saw your face. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Every day since... I've longed for you.. I've wished for you... I've hoped for you. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">For me, those feelings will never, ever go away. No matter how long I live... no matter how much time passes, there will never be a day when I don't need you anymore. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Even still... since your death, SO MANY lives have been saved... <b>simply because you lived.</b> I'm constantly in awe of your impact on my life... and on the lives of so many other deserving rescue dogs. </span></i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVItPS__-ZOj-hgK9u8ZeNvoTGTfbrFDbFeBD5fIEldAylW_YHikUuTlVERpGSUfN4DMIumHj5SMz5stkGMtFfzemWxW1YAUfuEbWh2svg6kNhGBrx6v-Pu70CMHrzQSNkSDPQAmaiBAY/s1600/Rudypicframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVItPS__-ZOj-hgK9u8ZeNvoTGTfbrFDbFeBD5fIEldAylW_YHikUuTlVERpGSUfN4DMIumHj5SMz5stkGMtFfzemWxW1YAUfuEbWh2svg6kNhGBrx6v-Pu70CMHrzQSNkSDPQAmaiBAY/s400/Rudypicframe.jpg" width="400" /></a><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">While there will never be another YOU on this Earth... </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll always live... through you. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">And you'll always live... through me. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Because I'm your mom, and that's what moms do. They love... forever.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll be there soon, baby boy. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">I can't wait to see you again. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Love, -Mom</span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html">CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!</a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">*Check back later for my follow-up to this post!</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Rudy" target="_blank">CLICK HERE to read all of my blogs about Rudy</a></span></i></b></div>
luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-51110090555930200832012-07-05T14:15:00.000-05:002012-07-06T10:22:10.528-05:00Struggles<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh306u70bWsy7T6XBTHitbY-j3Jes3hqR3a0LFxNFbnk5eQGsA0QQTs_A3gqBqetcx97rEW0CedutCzOb_Qi3FM1p5QDvUIthQ-wLvNT8AZW8fbGXJ1_67Nad6K3O8hA8Mf2N6e0jQEE3E/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh306u70bWsy7T6XBTHitbY-j3Jes3hqR3a0LFxNFbnk5eQGsA0QQTs_A3gqBqetcx97rEW0CedutCzOb_Qi3FM1p5QDvUIthQ-wLvNT8AZW8fbGXJ1_67Nad6K3O8hA8Mf2N6e0jQEE3E/s320/2.jpg" width="316" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a month since I wrote my last blog post. Things have been pretty crazy around here, which (<em>as usual</em>) kept me from writing. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have so many things to share... and I promise... I'll share more soon. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today, I just wanted to write <em>something</em>... <em>anything</em>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">However... I can't promise it'll be worth a damn. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At the moment, I'm honestly not even sure which direction this post will take... (so please, bear with me!)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Maybe I'll just share some of the random thoughts I've had in recent weeks... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here goes:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I've been so exhausted lately.<em> (me and you both, right?!)</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Honestly, we're <em>all</em> tired... <span style="background-color: white;">from this, that, and everything in between</span>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're <em>all </em>overwhelmed, to some degree. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're <em>all </em>hurting, in one way or another.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Each of us is struggling <em>with something</em>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Some struggles are small; some struggles are massive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Some struggles are physical; some struggles are emotional. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Some struggles are fleeting; some struggles are constant. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's the seemingly "bad" news: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We each face our own harsh reality... a reality, that often...<em> sucks ass.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But the good news is...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Each and every struggle in our lives provides us with a unique set of opportunities: for growth, for compassion, for healing. Within each battle we face... lies the chance for a more fulfilling future... and a stronger, better, more-awesome you.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">(Even though... in the present, it rarely feels that way, <em>right?)</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">However, there's no denying a few certain truths, such as these:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1) In our darkest moments, we often find <em>the deepest</em> connections with others. In turn, we experience a level of understanding, empathy, and comfort... we never knew existed. Through those encounters, special bonds are made, meaningful relationships are formed, and broken hearts are healed. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thus, lives are changed... for the better... <em>forever</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There's always someone out there... who understands you. If you feel alone, it's only because you haven't found "that someone" just yet. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But trust me... they're out there... .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Trust me... they "get it."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Trust me... they care... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>You are not alone.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yes... in the midst of your struggles, everything feels lonely. Everything feels empty. Everything feels hopeless.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even still... it WILL get better. It just has to...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Obviously... suffering sucks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But when suffering is leveraged for good... the outcome of those struggles... is <em>always </em>growth. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Trust me on that.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2) When you reach a breaking point, <em>you're never as broken as you feel.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">(Because... believe it or not... <em>you're stronger than that</em>.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In fact, <em>"feeling"</em> broken and <em>"being"</em> broken... are actually 2 different things.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's okay to "feel" broken, because it's healthy <em>to feel,</em> in general. It's okay to cry; it's okay to vent; it's okay to need help. All of these things are okay... as long as you're willing to <em>work through</em> your feelings, to move forward <em>despite </em>your feelings, and to experience growth <em>as a result</em> of your feelings.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">On the other hand, "being" broken is a mindset. It's more of a choice, an attitude, and a surrender... made <em>by </em>you... <em>for </em>you. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Just remember: negative choices, attitudes, and personal surrenders... <em>will</em> <em>always work against you.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here's the deal: if you <em>believe</em> that you're broken, then <em>you are</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Basically... you can <em>feel</em> certain things, without actually <em>being</em> that way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You can<em> feel</em> angry in the moment, without <em>being</em> an angry person. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You can <em>feel </em>pessimistic, without<em> being</em> a pessimist. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You can <em>feel </em>despair, without <em>being</em> desperate.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And you can <em>feel</em> broken... without <em>being </em>broken.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Please, give yourself more credit that that. You are <em>never</em> truly broken. You are <em>always</em> truly strong. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yet... you're only as strong... as you believe yourself to be.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, above all else: <em>always believe in your own strength. Always believe in your own power. Always believe in you.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3) No one is <em>entitled </em>to offers of help. However, most (good) people <em>deserve</em> help, in one form or another. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yet, keep in mind: we're <em>all </em>hurting. We're<em> all</em> struggling. We're<em> all</em> suffering. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We <em>all </em>need help. We <em>all</em> need support. We <em>all</em> need comfort.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Each and every one of us...</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So... when help is offered, you should always feel lucky, thankful, and blessed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Because...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Every person who reaches out to you, during <em>your</em> tough times... is also going through <em>their own</em> tough times. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Therefore, they didn't have to help you, <em>and yet... they did</em>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So... acknowledge their compassion. Thank them. And then... to the best of your ability, <em>return the favor... to them... or to someone else.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Pay. It. Forward.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">4) Any time you need help... any time you want help... any time you request help... always hope for compassion and empathy... over pity. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Pity makes you pitiful...</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And here's why:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">'Empathy' and 'pity' ... are two very different things. Empathy implies sympathy, mixed with understanding, compassion, and acceptance. Pity implies sorrow, mixed with misunderstanding, concern, and disappointment. Never confuse the two... and never request one... when you need the other. Empathy suggests respect. Pity suggests disrespect.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">5) YOU can <em>do </em>anything. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You can <em>be</em> anything. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You can <em>get through</em> anything. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In truth, struggles simply act as stepping stones... across the ocean we know as "life."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So... if and when those stepping stones... lead you toward a dark place..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Simply create your own destiny:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jump in, and swim toward the light.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8gG0VcoVQtNsWKuWO_GbqHZeWF_4mREOL4SDlFmr2FP6jExEfB1fhacpOjjjEgzGktISctOsV9U187kkmuc5qIkXglggjmmqiDMl1Hj_R9i1109T0PKkQ2L6cH_XwN1ndUAHDNhXgZc/s1600/Luck13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8gG0VcoVQtNsWKuWO_GbqHZeWF_4mREOL4SDlFmr2FP6jExEfB1fhacpOjjjEgzGktISctOsV9U187kkmuc5qIkXglggjmmqiDMl1Hj_R9i1109T0PKkQ2L6cH_XwN1ndUAHDNhXgZc/s320/Luck13.jpg" width="235" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's worth it to try, because <em>life</em> is worth it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Life is worth it, because <em>you</em> are worth it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Be you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Live you.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Your struggles never define you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>You</em> define you.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html">CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!</a></strong></span></div>luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-42139667356719129732012-06-06T15:43:00.000-05:002012-07-27T15:10:13.807-05:00Broken Benny<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtD8u8uNZUYmurwKOxY_WsynwZZaJcfSiYErOIKF9TD3Pxlza9TCob465CMVMY3MXeF1pZbddo6Gi_oPlqtg5jRbjZ4pOrS6X-nnvo_dtWQFTqmtKFaWrKrO6h2V5TCkdeZ34pKwju4o/s1600/AshBenny1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtD8u8uNZUYmurwKOxY_WsynwZZaJcfSiYErOIKF9TD3Pxlza9TCob465CMVMY3MXeF1pZbddo6Gi_oPlqtg5jRbjZ4pOrS6X-nnvo_dtWQFTqmtKFaWrKrO6h2V5TCkdeZ34pKwju4o/s200/AshBenny1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More than two months ago, my rescue dog, Benny, and I were playing in the yard, when I realized that something <em>wasn't quite</em> right. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His back leg seemed to be bothering him, which caused him to shift his weight onto his other 3 legs, as we played.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">He'd been running a lot that day, so initially, I thought maybe he'd just pulled a muscle, during all the crazy chasing and excitement.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But... upon further inspection, I realized that his knee seemed to be the problem. Shortly thereafter, we headed to the vet, for an exam and some x-rays.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFfuOGPnONyDp2lbY4H_BYDaf4-dUhc8kyLJy7UafqH3KSUXXzh3XAjRqYq96fj1tCsxnQ6f5Wd3t7fXVjAPzzBHVTpWvTftHUwNv0KYMVC8jP0pf6IkzvPVOHHUV9bx-N32YvXS1sD8/s1600/Benny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFfuOGPnONyDp2lbY4H_BYDaf4-dUhc8kyLJy7UafqH3KSUXXzh3XAjRqYq96fj1tCsxnQ6f5Wd3t7fXVjAPzzBHVTpWvTftHUwNv0KYMVC8jP0pf6IkzvPVOHHUV9bx-N32YvXS1sD8/s400/Benny.jpg" width="232" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">When it comes to my rescue babies, I tend to be <em>super-over-protective</em>. So... on our way to the vet that day, I tried not to worry too much, assuming that Benny's injury was likely nothing <em>"major."</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But... it turns out... <em>it was.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">During Benny's physical exam, Doc confirmed my initial theory: a dislocated patella (kneecap). However, the x-rays would soon uncover... <em>a much bigger issue...</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Prior to that day, we never would've known it.... but Benny was born with a bone deformity. To put this in simple terms, his back-right femur is "twisted," which inevitably led to the issues with the misalignment --and dislocation-- of his patella.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Basically, to repair the issue, Benny needed major, orthopedic surgery on his leg... <em>immediately</em>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Doc and I discussed the options for surgery, and the potential complications of each. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For Benny's sake, Doc wanted to try the least-aggressive surgical approach first: with primary focus on repairing and resolving the issues with the dislocated patella, while basically "working around" --<em>and with</em>--his bone deformity.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Based on Doc's professional opinion, I agreed on this approach, in hopes that it may resolve the issues with Benny's knee, without forcing him to go through the immense pain and extensive recovery associated with the more invasive operation.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If the first surgery worked... well, <em>perfect! </em>Problem solved, and Benny would heal much more quickly, with much less pain.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well... a week after the first surgery, Benny and I returned to the vet, for his follow-up appointment. As Doc analyzed the x-rays, he shook his head, and looked back at me. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I said: <em>"It didn't work, did it?"</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">He replied: "Basically, <em>no.</em> I'm sorry... I was really optimistic, hoping this approach would be enough for him. But I hate to say.... he's definitely going to need the more-aggressive operation."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I said: "Well, if it's best for Benny, then let's do it."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Next, Doc provided me with a comprehensive overview of the surgery, discussing the pain, the risks, and the recovery time for Benny. Essentially, Doc would have to cut, re-set, and align Benny's femur, and then... his patella. <em>This was a MAJOR surgery.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, he said: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Okay, Ashley... here's the deal. I know you're not gonna be happy about this, but please... just hear me out..."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hearing those words... <em>I braced myself</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Doc proceeded to tell me how he'd need to keep Benny there, at the vet clinic, during the early phases of his recovery. There were several reasons for this: Initially, Benny would need around-the-clock monitoring. In addition, in order for proper healing to occur, Benny's physical activity would need to be extremely-limited, and medically-monitored, in the clinical environment. Then, there'd be the immense, physical rehabilitation process...</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_KtR8ZsbbTmGtlQ-6MTXS2E5bTmQPFcL3RxmY0IPn1j4UcPNOuayJOPxYNg6QeMUr9H-4Z4Kq_bkB95oyIIcBeuMOPW3JIb28kMKNbDTsQjSfQ0VWx0qK0kP9jZjrSO9CuOhhfPIkag/s1600/Benny1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_KtR8ZsbbTmGtlQ-6MTXS2E5bTmQPFcL3RxmY0IPn1j4UcPNOuayJOPxYNg6QeMUr9H-4Z4Kq_bkB95oyIIcBeuMOPW3JIb28kMKNbDTsQjSfQ0VWx0qK0kP9jZjrSO9CuOhhfPIkag/s320/Benny1.jpg" width="291" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tears filled my eyes, as I said: <em>"So, wait... Benny can't come home with me after surgery?! For how long???"</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Doc replied: "I know you want a definitive answer, but I just can't give you one right now. It all depends on how he heals. He may need to stay here for a month... it may be two months."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In that moment, I felt sick. <em>One month?! TWO months?!</em> <em>THAT long!? </em>You're talking <em>MONTHS... </em>without my Benny... and he without me?? It felt like a cruel joke. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Benny is my baby. I just couldn't stand the thought... of us being without each other, <em>for so damn long.</em> In addition, Benny has always been one of the healthiest, happiest, most-energetic dogs I had. He loves life here at Lucky Dog.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now, suddenly, an unforeseen birth defect... <em>had taken all of that from him</em>. In the short-term, at least...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But beyond that... here's what truly broke my heart:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">During his recovery at the vet clinic, Benny would be forced to live in a tiny cage, which would restrict his ability to stand and move around <em>(Honestly, this was only for his safety).</em> Following this massive, orthopedic surgery, these drastic measures were <em>the only way </em>for Benny to heal. And as heartbroken as I was... I knew the truth: this was all for Benny's benefit... for the sake of his recovery... and ultimately, for his future...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But... even though I realized that these things were<em> critical</em> to Benny's long-term well being, I also knew: <em>Benny won't understand this</em>. He'll want to run. He'll want to play. He'll want to be with me, his mom...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yet... he won't be able to do <em>any</em> of that...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">He'll think he's being punished. He'll think I just left him there. He'll think I simply abandoned him, just like all the others had done to him, before me...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even still... all of this was necessary... <em>for Benny</em>. So, with my consent, Benny underwent a second, major, much-more-invasive, orthopedic surgery. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A couple days later, I went to the clinic, to visit my Benny. During my visit, he was in so much pain, that it took everything I had.. not to cry in front of him.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And it took everything he had...<em> just to lift his head</em>...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's<em> how much</em> he was hurting...</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocn0D8t8wyWJwAw6garFjwHLAmxXkTbHPHM0ijWRnIQJuaIJNxFAaSpVrS21cdP9fivZY_YDZ42nYmzC_zffFjV8HhdKbzGFsV48EmVPIswK_qIDPs2d8pbcI11PiclL7BQk7NTi8jlQ/s1600/Benny2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocn0D8t8wyWJwAw6garFjwHLAmxXkTbHPHM0ijWRnIQJuaIJNxFAaSpVrS21cdP9fivZY_YDZ42nYmzC_zffFjV8HhdKbzGFsV48EmVPIswK_qIDPs2d8pbcI11PiclL7BQk7NTi8jlQ/s400/Benny2.jpg" width="183" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Despite his pain, as I went to leave, <em>Benny tried to leave with me.</em> It was one of the saddest moments of my life, as I had to say: <em>"No, baby. You're sick. You have to stay here right now..."</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After that day, I limited my number of visits to Benny, just so I wouldn't get his hopes-up --and break his heart-- each time he realized... <em>that he wasn't going home with me that day</em>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Meanwhile... a week passed... then, two weeks... then, a month had gone by. During that time, I constantly harassed Doc... asking for updates on Benny. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At some point, Doc chuckled and said: "Ash, do you think I'm torturing your boy or something?!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I replied: "I'm sorry. I promise I don't think that. It's just... <em>I miss him</em>. That's all."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, Doc said: "I'm sorry. I know you miss him. I know you're ready to take him home. I promise it'll happen soon."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">During that time, on each of my visits to the clinic, for appointments with other rescue dogs, I'd hear Benny in the background, barking for me... as he heard my voice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In desperation, I'd look at Doc, and ask: <em>"Can I please, please, please take him home today?!"</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Doc would say: "Not yet... <em>but soon</em>. I promise."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well... before I knew it, <em>two months</em> had passed, <em>without my Benny</em>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And then... <em>I finally got to take him home...</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I arrived that day... I said: <em>"Today's the day, buddy boy! You get to come with me this time! Let's go home!"</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Benny's excitement brought tears to my eyes. He showered me with kisses, releasing <em>massive squeals</em> of excitement. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTV7Ro1lecYLTk6A-ZiJYBdQ8Pk607BRVvc8a60llsKnfa849uU6MUD11rKDum76hm6YaviDJrGgnivGbQSq7-qOJkE6zukWbIDqhelLAt28SGvgWtY5vRMkQ5OHHq0VuOqMRw8ecmE0/s1600/Bennywoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTV7Ro1lecYLTk6A-ZiJYBdQ8Pk607BRVvc8a60llsKnfa849uU6MUD11rKDum76hm6YaviDJrGgnivGbQSq7-qOJkE6zukWbIDqhelLAt28SGvgWtY5vRMkQ5OHHq0VuOqMRw8ecmE0/s400/Bennywoods.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, as I loaded him into the car, Benny had a huge smile on his face... and I had one on mine. The whole way home, Benny watched out the window, in anticipation of our arrival... <em>home.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yet... today... even now... Benny is still recovering. He's still hurting, he's still adjusting, he's still experiencing the daily physical struggles of his reality.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It'll be 6 more weeks... before we'll know if this surgery was a success for Benny. That's when Doc will review and reevaluate... to see if he needs --yet another-- surgery.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But for now... and until then... <em>Benny is home</em>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When we arrived at Lucky Dog that day... <em>the day that Benny finally came home</em>, he looked back at me... with the biggest smile he's ever had.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A smile that said: <em>"Thank you. Before now... no one ever came back for me. No one ever came... to take me with them. Finally, I know how it feels... to go home..."</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><em>If you'd like to donate toward Benny's past & future medical care, please click below:</em></strong></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html">CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!</a></strong></span></div>luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-33133579195339679712012-05-24T15:29:00.000-05:002012-05-27T11:59:26.169-05:00Always Be Kind<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UMS6dYcBIcgV3M4G0oD8-IewYzZRAMI5tM2-QLq7I6ZQxaS6GeJ8YEWJ_DDtegxzotgdFEGUkxmDtuuXX51plElJfGad5TIuMayu7s-p9G0lMcsdR2ZmSRdr3A9DunsKdcdvbxjp7Rk/s1600/AshleyMelody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UMS6dYcBIcgV3M4G0oD8-IewYzZRAMI5tM2-QLq7I6ZQxaS6GeJ8YEWJ_DDtegxzotgdFEGUkxmDtuuXX51plElJfGad5TIuMayu7s-p9G0lMcsdR2ZmSRdr3A9DunsKdcdvbxjp7Rk/s1600/AshleyMelody.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You just never know when something you say, write, or do ... could manage to reach someone when they need it most.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You just never know...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes, that someone may come right out and tell you how you've impacted their life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Other times, they may say little --or nothing-- about it...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Regardless, the result is always the same:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>You did good</em>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">While it's never about the need for their acknowledgement or appreciation (at least, <em>it</em> <em>shouldn't be</em>)... many times, you may do something <em>truly impactful</em>... without even realizing that you've made <em>any difference at all</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Maybe you did something for someone, simply because it was the right thing to do, and then you went about your day.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Or you said something to someone, because they needed to hear it, and then you carried on with your life.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Or maybe you wrote something for others, just because you cared, and then you went right back to work.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">All the while... you have no idea... <em>that you've just changed a life...</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Often, your own actions will seem trivial, meaningless, and insignificant to you. You may assume the following: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Other people</em> make a difference. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Other people</em> change the world<em>. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Surely, I'm not one of them.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But in your mind, you know that you're a good person.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And obviously, you try to do good things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So eventually... <em>you're going to reach someone.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But even when you do... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you're like me...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You probably won't realize that what you did <em>even mattered</em>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You probably weren't even expecting it to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You probably did it anyway, just because it felt like the right thing to do.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So then, after the fact... w</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">hen someone comes to you and says: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Thank you for what you did. I really needed this today." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You're honestly pretty shocked. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When they say: "You reached me when I needed someone the most." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You're actually pretty dumbfounded. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And when you hear: "This is how you've changed my life..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>You're absolutely speechless.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">While those words will mean the world to you --and undoubtedly change your life, too... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">in that moment, you'll totally be thinking: Wait... <em>I</em> <em>did</em> <em>that?!</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You were simply trying to do the right thing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You never expected to make <em>that kind</em> of difference. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And yet... <em>you absolutely did.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">To you... it may have been nothing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">To that someone... <em>it may have been everything</em>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here's the deal:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even if we don't know it...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even if we don't believe it...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even if we don't use it...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>We each hold the power to</em> <em>change something...</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sure... I'll be the first to admit my own self-doubt... especially when it comes to the idea of impacting others. I rarely think I'm capable. I'm usually just speaking, writing, or acting from my heart... with little-to-no expectation.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's especially true when it comes to my blog... or as I lovingly call it: <em>my dinky, ole blog</em>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I write posts... and for whatever reason-- people read them. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I write, I'm just hoping that maybe my words will bring comfort to someone. Or maybe I'll change their way of thinking. Or my greatest hope... maybe they'll feel <em>inspired</em> in some way. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do I expect these things to happen? Definitely not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do I expect anyone to read it? I certainly don't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But I write anyway... because there's always <em>a chance</em> that something good could come out of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And for me, that's enough.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yet... most of the time, I doubt myself, especially when it comes to my writing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even though I've written from my heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even though my words are true. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even though I believe in my message.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I still think to myself: <em>Wow. I suck</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Regardless, I write anyway.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Why does it matter?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well... every single time... it just so happens... <em>someone, somewhere</em> needed to hear those words that day:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>"Dear Ashley- Sometimes in life, someone reaches you, at the exact moment you needed them. Today, I experienced that moment. You were that someone for me. Thank you, Ashley. You changed my life today."</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Reading messages like those, I'm always shocked, speechless, and amazed. But mostly, I'm touched. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>So touched.</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>So moved. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>So thankful</em>... for the person who took the time to thank me... for something I never expected a "thank you" for doing...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>For something I never even thought I could do.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's an incredible feeling... to reach someone when they need to be reached. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">There's nothing like it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In truth, we should all try our best to make a difference for others, every chance we get.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After all... <em>that's why we're here.</em> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And honestly...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If<em> I</em> can make a difference... then<em> you</em> can make a difference.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's not about my writing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's not about my blog. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's not about me.</span><br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">It's not </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">about giving myself credit for doing something "amazing" ... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Because what I do with this blog... <em><strong>isn't amazing at all</strong></em>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I write posts from my heart, because I care. Then, I share them. <em>That's it.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But here's why that matters: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I could easily allow my own doubts, my own criticism, and my own fears to stop me from ever writing anything in the first place. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yet... I write anyway.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And so... I'm able to make a difference... <em>simply because I tried</em>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Each and every person holds that same power</em>... to change something, for someone, somewhere. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A smile can change something. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A hug can change something.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A kind word can change something.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">YOU can change something.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're surrounded by a world of people (and animals) who feel alone, broken, and hopeless. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You'll pass them each and every day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You'll rarely know their struggles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">They'll rarely ask for help.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And yet... <em>they need you.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A simple, random act of kindness on your behalf... could be all they need... to feel okay again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">YOU could give them hope<em>--today, right now, this second.</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">All you have to do... <em>is try.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em><strong>Above all else, always be kind.</strong></em></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzFC-1BL6Kh6xJro91ab4F_P0r6D7LzJev_bEtz7ZJyK6UM073JQjm6sZ0rDReYpuJB3w1e5kf7UBr56WWNzIuNOJN4f7klgzCIco1QDbxRS3oiQd1iXJ12lFD_xqOlJSvL8GzAOxERI/s1600/Tally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzFC-1BL6Kh6xJro91ab4F_P0r6D7LzJev_bEtz7ZJyK6UM073JQjm6sZ0rDReYpuJB3w1e5kf7UBr56WWNzIuNOJN4f7klgzCIco1QDbxRS3oiQd1iXJ12lFD_xqOlJSvL8GzAOxERI/s320/Tally.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">You just never know when you'll say, write, or do something... that will change a life forever.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you feel it in your heart, <em>say it</em>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If it lives inside your soul, <em>write it.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If someone needs your help, <em>do it.</em></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">An opportunity is always waiting for you...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Someone is always wishing for you...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A lost soul is always hoping for you...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Maybe you'll make a difference... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Maybe you won't...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em><strong>Try anyway.</strong></em></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html">CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!</a></strong></span></div>luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-61319935254053335782012-05-13T13:14:00.000-05:002012-05-13T14:39:15.997-05:00I'm A Mom, Too<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Definition: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Mother-</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Noun:</em> "A woman in relation to a child or children to whom she has given birth."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to that definition... I wouldn't be considered a "mother."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I've never conceived, carried, or given birth to a child. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And of course, I have no human children of my own.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">However... according to that definition, the many women who have <em>adopted</em> human children --and then, loved and raised them as their own-- wouldn't be considered "mothers" either. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, in my opinion, that definition kinda <em>sucks.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But... what do I know, right? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm not a "real" mom anyway.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In the past, certain people have said to me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>"You'll understand one day, when you have children..."</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">They say this with certainty... as if I'll never fully grasp <em>even</em> <em>the most basic</em> of life concepts... until <em>after</em> I've given birth to a child. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As if the act of giving birth... is <em>the only thing</em> capable of making me <em>a "real" person.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As if I'm currently living in some kind of self-involved, fantasy world that shields me from the realities of life. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And... as if I currently have no "children" of my own.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well... I have to respectfully disagree with all of that. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here's my opinion... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">First of all, being <em>a parent...</em> doesn't make you <em>a person</em>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Being <em>a person</em>... <em>makes you a person.</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Not one human... is <em>any more</em> of a person... <em>than any other person</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Further...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Conceiving a child doesn't make you a mother. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Carrying a child doesn't make you a mother. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Giving birth to a child doesn't make you a mother.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Instead...</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDCDLdpHuQSkCF-oA2yJMvn6GORo7Fypr-T4EJ9Ne8KQsvperqAObhGYpGETc8to0nG-_fAq9FE593IyGp1cc7y7rZ4RjpvBf2GSIFlnIpEDMltffgpQzCQQN2ZWyNxsxZ-53IfOlbZc/s1600/Teddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDCDLdpHuQSkCF-oA2yJMvn6GORo7Fypr-T4EJ9Ne8KQsvperqAObhGYpGETc8to0nG-_fAq9FE593IyGp1cc7y7rZ4RjpvBf2GSIFlnIpEDMltffgpQzCQQN2ZWyNxsxZ-53IfOlbZc/s320/Teddy.jpg" width="312" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Loving, nurturing, raising, protecting, defending, teaching, guiding, caring, and providing for a "child"... every single day... <em>no matter what...</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's what makes you a mother.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Loving them <em>so much</em>... that you're willing to place <em>their </em>needs well-above <em>your own</em>...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's what makes you a mother.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Loving them <em>so unconditionally</em>... that there's simply <em>nothing </em>they could ever do to sway your devotion from them...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's what makes you a mother.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Doing all of these things... to <em>the very best</em> of your ability... <em>even when you don't have to</em>...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's what makes you <em>a mom.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I don't care what anyone says...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Trust me... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I'm a mom.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ask any of my dogs...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">They'll tell you...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I'm a mom.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ask anyone who has ever seen me with them...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">They'll tell you...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I'm a mom.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ask <em>MY mom</em>...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She'll tell you...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I'm a mom.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Maybe I'm just a "dog mom"...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But trust me...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I'm a mom.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Being a dog mom is different... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mostly because... your kids never "grow up." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">They'll always need you; they'll always want you; they'll always depend on you for everything they need... for as long as they're here with you.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's also different, because many people don't take you seriously. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's<em> just a dog</em>. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">A dog is not a "real child," and you're not a "real mom."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Others are offended... that you'd <em>even have the nerve</em> to compare your dogs to children: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Dogs are dogs. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">They are not people, and t</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">hey are certainly not children."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's their opinion... but once again, I respectfully disagree. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrQbwPdj_QA1jXz6wngWUrTKubseiPJQOfrAYaR7NZWdukE5Ux1tbRfpB3bBKj-70jx5oWIJ3arTgpSahPns9ScyTbb_t4ZcoEKRAA7vF7I0Y3iF5Fnou9BQFud9-FG8LanklDismG3c/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrQbwPdj_QA1jXz6wngWUrTKubseiPJQOfrAYaR7NZWdukE5Ux1tbRfpB3bBKj-70jx5oWIJ3arTgpSahPns9ScyTbb_t4ZcoEKRAA7vF7I0Y3iF5Fnou9BQFud9-FG8LanklDismG3c/s320/1.jpg" width="261" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">I am a mother. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have countless children. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yes... they are dogs.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Some live here with me... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Some live with new families... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And some have left me for Heaven.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But they are all my children... each adopted into my heart... forever. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I dedicate my life to my "children." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I spend all day, every day, with them... doing things for them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's my job: <em>I'm a mom</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I give them everything that I have, and I love them with everything that I am.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I surrender my wants, for their wants.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I deny my needs, for their needs.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When they're hungry, I feed them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When they're thirsty, I water them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When they're dirty, I bathe them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When they're messy, I clean for them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When they're sick, I care for them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When they're afraid, I comfort them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When they need exercise, I walk them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When they need playtime, I play with them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When they need rest, I rest with them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When they need saving... <em>I rescue them</em>.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qHpPKJCp7X4Xa9ZhFs3CpMWyPamflKHgStUyU1hwXheR4QfHHuC3tFM2S07HL3Sx3iqLVEYdIi0eU99CFBUg1_9LV9QPHHgIdWMXtjHtpZc4D7bBsN0z6WmxKuKjkkKT6h_qEpI2sFs/s1600/H7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qHpPKJCp7X4Xa9ZhFs3CpMWyPamflKHgStUyU1hwXheR4QfHHuC3tFM2S07HL3Sx3iqLVEYdIi0eU99CFBUg1_9LV9QPHHgIdWMXtjHtpZc4D7bBsN0z6WmxKuKjkkKT6h_qEpI2sFs/s320/H7.jpg" width="196" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Of course...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">None of this makes me special...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It just makes me... <em>a mom.</em></span><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">That's what moms do.</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>And I'm a mom, too.</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Happy Mother's Day, to all the dog (and cat) moms out there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You're a mother, too...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And no one can ever take that away from you.</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><em>"Never forget for a single minute... you didn't grow under my heart... but in it."</em></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html">CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE</a></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"><em>*PS- Wishing an extra-special Happy Mother's Day to my mother... the woman who taught me how to be a "mom" ... because she's <u>the best mom ever</u>.</em></span></div>luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-10003570164855165702012-05-11T18:17:00.000-05:002012-05-14T10:00:16.965-05:00I'll Miss You Forever<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This will likely be the most difficult post I'll ever try to write. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I sit here... with tears streaming down my face... I'm not sure if I can do it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I don't have the words I need. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I don't have the strength I need.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Because...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Right now... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At this moment... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I'm more broken than I've ever been</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Regardless... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm going to try anyway...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">With a shattered heart... I share the following news:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I had to send another rescue dog to Heaven.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I lost<em> two</em> of my children... <em>in one week.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I don't have words...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm beyond devastated...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">However, despite my pain, each of my dogs deserves to be honored with a special "In Loving Memory" post, written just for them. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Especially... this particular dog... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She's been my baby... <em>for one full year now</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHpf_EQHHIe2HbTERItd_v-1CP9QqtvQHHsHfhPhFnxal6r024bTLvXWOMvo7YqdjIFMC_yA4fmRXRy-iui7R8P4e_7ztdZv7D4bLWyLbqoHU1MDnPGY_oSY-NHS2F-GCV8DKATCpvgQ/s1600/AshHeidi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHpf_EQHHIe2HbTERItd_v-1CP9QqtvQHHsHfhPhFnxal6r024bTLvXWOMvo7YqdjIFMC_yA4fmRXRy-iui7R8P4e_7ztdZv7D4bLWyLbqoHU1MDnPGY_oSY-NHS2F-GCV8DKATCpvgQ/s400/AshHeidi.JPG" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heidi & I</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So... here goes...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em><strong>This one's for you, Heidi...</strong></em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">On April 27, 2011, Heidi survived the devastating F5 tornado that ripped through the city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">She managed to survive that storm... <em>alone... outside... on a chain</em>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Heidi had lived on that short chain... <em>all 10 years of her life.</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She was never able to walk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She was never able to run.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She was never able to play. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For 10 long years of her life... <em>Heidi never</em> <em>lived</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In addition, she'd been forced to endure many other forms of unimaginable torture. When she was younger, her owners made the cruel decision to "crop" Heidi's ears themselves... with scissors or a knife. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">She'd also been neglected, abused, under-fed, and over-bred... all 10 years of her life. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Honestly... Heidi lived one of the saddest existences I could ever imagine.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVASJNvNFmdOdLpDetwGbaEXX0QcI9vVffVFBvwW9ZmemAIfVfkrHUXX70ZghRFpMZC2HufUUdI0xmHzu9hzH9BCgs-9XuUEuz3w1xnRbzwWL0Qgpjom-ReqIWU7ZKInsUFs3A19-7fdo/s1600/AshHeidi2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVASJNvNFmdOdLpDetwGbaEXX0QcI9vVffVFBvwW9ZmemAIfVfkrHUXX70ZghRFpMZC2HufUUdI0xmHzu9hzH9BCgs-9XuUEuz3w1xnRbzwWL0Qgpjom-ReqIWU7ZKInsUFs3A19-7fdo/s320/AshHeidi2.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Following the storm, Heidi was rescued from one of the hardest-hit areas. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Her home was <em>completely destroyed</em>... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Everything was gone...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Everything... <em>but Heidi.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Shortly thereafter, Heidi came to live with me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">F</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">or the last year... this has been her home, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">and I have been her mom. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For one full year... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was lucky enough to spend <em>all day, every day</em>... with my Heidi.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was one of the greatest joys of my life... <em>because Heidi was one of the greatest loves of my life.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I made the decision to save Heidi last year, I knew that her chances of adoption were slim. A 10-year old, formerly-chained, severely over-bred, Pit Bull, with no ears... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>She barely stood a chance...</em></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBjIlv1ChJITneEbaHHblLPj8LjP4pDbHXly4A_n-p2PY-ze-Y0LtoDk4ZEBO2NKfPyU7T06bYpoQ0vRNb03fLeQREii-IKdb8jOQqC8Skz95tYr5CoOunDQ91PeewdqGc8FFzp7EHaA/s1600/Heidi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBjIlv1ChJITneEbaHHblLPj8LjP4pDbHXly4A_n-p2PY-ze-Y0LtoDk4ZEBO2NKfPyU7T06bYpoQ0vRNb03fLeQREii-IKdb8jOQqC8Skz95tYr5CoOunDQ91PeewdqGc8FFzp7EHaA/s320/Heidi1.jpg" width="155" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">However... after 10 years of unimaginable torture... Heidi deserved to know love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And... it just so happens... I've got a ton of love to give... and so did Heidi. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We were a perfect match.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For me, it didn't really matter whether or not Heidi would ever be "officially" adopted... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Because... last year, at the moment I saved her... I'd "unofficially" adopted Heidi <em>myself</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That day, I looked into her eyes, and made the following promise: "You're home now, baby girl. And from now on --no matter what else happens-- you and me... <em>are family</em>. If it comes down to it, you can live out the rest of your days here with me... and I'll love you every second. <em>I promise</em>."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Heidi took me up on my offer. She spent the last year of her life... and the best days of her life... here with me. <em>It was the best year</em> <em>ever.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Heidi brought more joy into my life than I could ever put into words. She had the kind of smile that could light up my whole world. She had this beautiful energy that could push me forward. She gave the kind of love that could set my heart on fire.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPkYjp5GzPswqO7yewY9zGtM6IpvVefEnt-nJhUJ0tJfaXK3XOE7-6Smlu4EtYxQjWFAIfeGzim0QjxKawwCOjrY2DGTMN5lY2dijt-xsMebE8vPrjpADsT42lvnDpIo7KNJyBZQhLxQ/s1600/AshHeidi5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPkYjp5GzPswqO7yewY9zGtM6IpvVefEnt-nJhUJ0tJfaXK3XOE7-6Smlu4EtYxQjWFAIfeGzim0QjxKawwCOjrY2DGTMN5lY2dijt-xsMebE8vPrjpADsT42lvnDpIo7KNJyBZQhLxQ/s400/AshHeidi5.JPG" width="216" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Every day of the past year, Heidi has shared that love with me. And every day of the past year... she finally got to hear, <em>"I love you, back."</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">However... from a health standpoint, Heidi had plenty of issues. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, this past year, I made sure that Heidi received <em>every bit</em> of vet care she needed, <em>every time</em> she needed it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yet... that was just <em>1 year</em>... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Out of the <em>11 years</em> she'd been alive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For the first 10, she got <em>nothing </em>she needed, <em>every time she needed it</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And eventually, those 10 years of neglect... <em>finally caught up with her.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Honestly... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Right now... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My heart is just too broken to list all of the ailments that would bring me to the painstaking decision... to end Heidi's suffering. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And really... at this point... those specifics don't really matter.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In short, Heidi was old; she was sick, and she was tired. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She needed me to help her go...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>And that's</em> <em>honestly all that matters</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Basically... this week, I realized what Heidi needed from me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even still, it was almost too much to bear. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was still grieving for my Delilah, and now... I was going to lose my Heidi, too. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-yf92VaJz7-vq2Msg-fqAO6ad0eIk7okwf2BqoRDaJFgyAVXOqRghg4qLIHMLzkyKx7w9lR_eyxTjejve2kqelJOyNwxqoV-t8pjzCeQ0OjLi0_7WOfcy0aIyAhuVj_WPuTW3L0DGZY/s1600/Heidi4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-yf92VaJz7-vq2Msg-fqAO6ad0eIk7okwf2BqoRDaJFgyAVXOqRghg4qLIHMLzkyKx7w9lR_eyxTjejve2kqelJOyNwxqoV-t8pjzCeQ0OjLi0_7WOfcy0aIyAhuVj_WPuTW3L0DGZY/s200/Heidi4.jpg" width="153" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Delilah was here for a month... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And yet... the pain of her loss was <em>almost</em> enough to break me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Heidi was here for a year... so...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I couldn't even imagine...</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sure... I could've waited... and said: <em>Sorry Heidi.</em> <em>I know you're suffering, but I just can't handle this right now.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But honestly... no matter how much pain I was in... I could never do that to Heidi.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After she'd shared the best year of her life with me... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I owed her that much... and she deserved that much.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So... I called the vet, and made yet-another appointment. I sobbed uncontrollably... as I told them it was for Heidi. Of course, they already knew the reason behind it. They knew that it was time.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRy_56L0H8mUrpJQyYb3Rnqwvfm1EeeBKvu-bbSMS1_BvaPW-wgf_PhytuyTI05lWPs2uGMpTHQm_OOVBEiJmEQfL7Ye8zRwuq2gj5zluykvZ4NM-D-DXIrzCslvCo-VYetv-duDfazVo/s1600/H19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRy_56L0H8mUrpJQyYb3Rnqwvfm1EeeBKvu-bbSMS1_BvaPW-wgf_PhytuyTI05lWPs2uGMpTHQm_OOVBEiJmEQfL7Ye8zRwuq2gj5zluykvZ4NM-D-DXIrzCslvCo-VYetv-duDfazVo/s320/H19.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heidi's last day, at the lake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, I asked Caycee to help me make Heidi's last day on Earth... everything she deserved for it to be... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">We </span>took Heidi down to the lake... to let her play as much as her little heart could stand. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">When we got there, Heidi's excitement was contagious. And even with my shattered heart... I felt an <em>insane-amount of joy.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As Heidi stepped into the water, she looked back at me... with this massive smile on her face. Then--without another thought-- I jumped right in with her... fully-clothed in my t-shirt and shorts. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Heidi thought that was pretty funny of me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That day... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We walked. We swam. We splashed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We played. We smiled. We laughed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We talked. We hugged. We loved.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That day... <em>we truly lived.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In those moments there with Heidi... I almost... <em>almost</em>... allowed myself to forget</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> ... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>That it was the last day we'd ever spend together.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgz9CUnkqyOujgO1KfTsjX6WQHxpw02nUX1J2CPSk59evUwFPzumuKnLqQbS-nMpVxyofnOTJL4l62gS6RVlTwTzd660yXy_8i5yDWjA21LV3c6fAfwafT-Y1i2RzNKYtv99WFFYpZKS4/s1600/AshHeidi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgz9CUnkqyOujgO1KfTsjX6WQHxpw02nUX1J2CPSk59evUwFPzumuKnLqQbS-nMpVxyofnOTJL4l62gS6RVlTwTzd660yXy_8i5yDWjA21LV3c6fAfwafT-Y1i2RzNKYtv99WFFYpZKS4/s320/AshHeidi.jpg" width="314" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">For the rest of my life... I'll cherish every second of that day with her... along with every minute of this year with her. Loving Heidi... </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">was the honor of my lifetime.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Soon... when Heidi got tired of playing, we headed back to Lucky Dog.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Suddenly... reality set in. Our day of fun was over... which meant... <em>Heidi's life was almost over, too</em>. I just couldn't believe it... the pain was simply unbearable...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, Caycee offered to dig a grave for Heidi in the Lucky Dog pet cemetery. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I said, "Wait, I'll come help you." ... but she refused: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">"No, Ash. Please let me do this for you." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, as Caycee left for grave digging, I walked inside, sat on the floor, and sobbed... as quietly as I could. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I didn't want Heidi to hear me</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When Caycee had been digging for at least an hour... the thunderstorm hit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Suddenly, it was pouring... harder than it's ever poured before.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I ran outside, looked out in the distance, and saw Caycee... drenched from head-to-toe... <em>and still digging.</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I called out to her: <em>"Caycee! Please stop digging and come inside!"</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She yelled back: <em>"No! I'm okay!"</em></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvovCxU3qPAKAjkZOH6tG5eXOjd3nDfksj6lC8rrnrevsJFjEMeSh3p8Ez6BA_Jxd9EdsmiORLf6Z2gee47ltrh5I6A3hSto2KYRjyqS_z447W869lp7uYLK2ouvvPGKycBpxllig0d8o/s1600/AshHeidi7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvovCxU3qPAKAjkZOH6tG5eXOjd3nDfksj6lC8rrnrevsJFjEMeSh3p8Ez6BA_Jxd9EdsmiORLf6Z2gee47ltrh5I6A3hSto2KYRjyqS_z447W869lp7uYLK2ouvvPGKycBpxllig0d8o/s400/AshHeidi7.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">I stood there for a second... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In amazement... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And in agony...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As the image of my best friend... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Out there digging my baby's grave... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In the pouring rain... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Slowly burned into my memory...<em> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Forever.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Caycee is such an incredible friend to me. She only refused to let me help her... because she didn't want me to dig the very-grave... <em>where I'd soon bury my own child</em>. She wanted to take that pain from me, and she'd wanted to do something special for Heidi.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Regardless... I wasn't leaving her out there alone, any longer.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So... I ran out into the storm... to go help my friend.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's when I saw her... head hung low... walking back... through the rain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She was completely soaked... so it took me a minute to realize... <em>that Caycee was sobbing.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She said: <em>"Heidi's grave is filling-up with water! I tried to get it out, but it just keeps coming in! I don't want to put her in there like that! I don't want to do that to Heidi!"</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The tears welled-up in my eyes, as I said: "I'm so sorry. We'll fix it. I promise."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then... we stood there... hugging and sobbing... in the pouring rain. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When the time came, we loaded Heidi into the car, and headed to the vet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">With the rain beating down on my windshield... and the tears filling my eyes... I almost couldn't see the road. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Caycee said: "Okay, pull over. I'm driving."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I wiped my eyes, and said: "No. I need to do this. Plus, we're almost there."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When we pulled up at the clinic, I laid my head on the steering wheel, and sobbed. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I looked over at Caycee, with tears running down my cheeks, and said: </span><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>"I don't think I can do this..."</em></span></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wpHU7mMwqhEivR07NOTOY2qSGvHusYq_pZCgQoVK-BrUWiygk_1cMdP-0vQYtag8txWswKJMsbQIVcQSf89RBcDcXk92mrkz8WM_enYXjZvJQPM1r3JOGuAq35l-_Rk0cw5QlqCC-I4/s1600/Heidi7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wpHU7mMwqhEivR07NOTOY2qSGvHusYq_pZCgQoVK-BrUWiygk_1cMdP-0vQYtag8txWswKJMsbQIVcQSf89RBcDcXk92mrkz8WM_enYXjZvJQPM1r3JOGuAq35l-_Rk0cw5QlqCC-I4/s320/Heidi7.jpg" width="317" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">She tearfully said: "I'll be there with you."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I cried: "But... this is <em>Heidi!</em> How can I say goodbye <em>to Heidi??</em> It's just... <em>I love her so much."</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She replied: "Heidi knows that, and she loves you so much, too."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's when I realized... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I had to do this... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I had to say goodbye... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">because it was the right thing to do...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>For Heidi.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, I wiped my tears, opened the door, and stepped out into the rain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then... Caycee and I took Heidi inside... for the last time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I headed toward the exam room, the vet tech was waiting with a box of tissues, and quietly said: <em>"I'm so sorry, Ash."</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I mustered the words: "Thank you."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In the room, Caycee and I waited for Doc to come in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Meanwhile, I sat on the floor with Heidi, and she gently laid her head on my shoulder. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdDCcGGWntJMri3J19k-fXpPkbkAk5ryInB3Yz3Db4UnGUX7DFBVbuu5IkK4u2P8kSJBMRedmi9rNROG29WPGBFYb6qt46qKSNk7Q3F3s4oJdu0mI9SY2z_8MYYyTLvohebO8kAIbaoQ/s1600/Heidi3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdDCcGGWntJMri3J19k-fXpPkbkAk5ryInB3Yz3Db4UnGUX7DFBVbuu5IkK4u2P8kSJBMRedmi9rNROG29WPGBFYb6qt46qKSNk7Q3F3s4oJdu0mI9SY2z_8MYYyTLvohebO8kAIbaoQ/s320/Heidi3.jpg" width="237" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tears rolled down my cheeks, as I choked out the words: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>"It was a good year, baby girl... </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>And you were a damn-good dog."</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When Doc walked in... he already knew: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>It was time</em>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As we lifted Heidi onto the table, I said: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>"I'm right here, Heidi-Boo. It's okay."</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Those words seemed to make it better... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>For her, at least.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For the second time this week...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Doc picked up the syringe...looked at me... and asked: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>"Are you ready?"</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So... I leaned down, and gave my Heidi one last hug... one last kiss... and whispered one last <em>"I love you."</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, I looked at Doc...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And simply nodded. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In those final moments... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I looked down at Heidi... she looked up at me...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And our love for each other... </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">was so damn real...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>It was almost tangible.</em></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhnrTxU9gVAa6BwF7Zkp-FpJaYI-rOUlQoFAbuEUcZBdsf0mvf-bdUkSi5b8Yn5zonbe8o4jVcfrfWBxunHikotqem-yW9Gy_Hd_6-ombqZwqRPRMhOXOTVN3cqjTH_j7YOEJzVkB0Z0/s1600/H7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhnrTxU9gVAa6BwF7Zkp-FpJaYI-rOUlQoFAbuEUcZBdsf0mvf-bdUkSi5b8Yn5zonbe8o4jVcfrfWBxunHikotqem-yW9Gy_Hd_6-ombqZwqRPRMhOXOTVN3cqjTH_j7YOEJzVkB0Z0/s400/H7.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My last day with Heidi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I watched her eyes glaze over... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And felt her heart stop beating...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As she took her final breath.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Just like that... I knew:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Heidi is in Heaven now.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's when Doc stepped outside of the room, to give us a minute alone with her. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I laid my head on her chest... and sobbed uncontrollably... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I realized that this was the very last time... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'd ever see my Heidi. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Heidi was gone forever.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Shortly thereafter, Doc carried Heidi to my car. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Her body was wrapped in bags... and baby blankets.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And once again... <em>I lost it.</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I couldn't talk; I couldn't see; I couldn't breathe. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I felt broken. I felt empty. I felt... <em>dead.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At this point, it was still pouring outside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, Caycee drove us home, while I curled up in the passenger seat, and bawled like a baby.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, Caycee broke the silence, simply saying: "I have so much respect for you today. You are so strong, Ash."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In a tiny voice... that didn't sound quite like my own... I replied: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>"I don't feel so strong, Caycee..."</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She said: "I know you don't, but you are."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When we pulled up at Lucky Dog, Caycee parked near the cemetery, and said: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">"Wait here. I'll be right back."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I knew what she was doing. She was checking Heidi's grave for standing-water, and she didn't want me to see. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">But luckily, it had all been absorbed by the earth.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And yet...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Unluckily...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That meant...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>It was time</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite_rwjQk7eJoLbqW16EFcVzZ6ahyphenhyphenBS_gruui4T3USdR99hS6QMPf5wIr6AAZEaakiLnGKxBUuc9kvuYYqrIoxeZlrmAQTIi9M2pQsw46WbBykXACf_Bp-5-ffP51CBtD76kaEUewjC2g/s1600/083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite_rwjQk7eJoLbqW16EFcVzZ6ahyphenhyphenBS_gruui4T3USdR99hS6QMPf5wIr6AAZEaakiLnGKxBUuc9kvuYYqrIoxeZlrmAQTIi9M2pQsw46WbBykXACf_Bp-5-ffP51CBtD76kaEUewjC2g/s400/083.JPG" width="167" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">I stepped out into the rain... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And walked the heartbreaking path... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Toward Heidi's grave. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A few minutes later... we laid Heidi in the ground.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Seeing her down there... I could barely contain myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was bawling... I was shaking... I was weak. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I wanted to crawl in with her...</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then... Caycee picked up the shovel... looked at me, and said: <em>"I'll go slow, okay?"</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I nodded: "Okay. Thank you."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As she gently placed the first pile of dirt on top of Heidi's body... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Once again... <em>I lost it. </em></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I wanted to scream: <em>"No!!! Please! Stop! That's my baby in there!!!"</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In that moment... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The rain was pouring down... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My tears were streaming down... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My Heidi was in the ground...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>And my world was crumbling around me.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's a moment that I'll always remember... no matter how much I'd like to forget it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's the moment when I realized... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>That my Heidi was gone forever.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>She's never coming back</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX9NCTtxMcrCTfsD3LOA4jO9TYJj6xbgriQoXRd_MdDHqtix3zqepbHcMYngualBKupd4TxKP38aYhN19wZofAkzceYMH4NRsfvYgUOK1dtUbmjqid8pXCPQgw0oX3ftLZhLyCYvgSLs/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX9NCTtxMcrCTfsD3LOA4jO9TYJj6xbgriQoXRd_MdDHqtix3zqepbHcMYngualBKupd4TxKP38aYhN19wZofAkzceYMH4NRsfvYgUOK1dtUbmjqid8pXCPQgw0oX3ftLZhLyCYvgSLs/s400/081.JPG" width="195" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">And then...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When Caycee was finally done...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There was a mound of dirt... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Where my Heidi used to be.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Afterward... for a while... Caycee and I just stood there... in the rain... in silence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I didn't have the words...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She didn't have the words...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>There were no words left to say...</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At some point, I looked at Caycee, and said</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">: "I couldn't have gotten through today without you."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She replied: "I know... and I wouldn't have let you."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For the second time that day... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Caycee and I stood outside... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hugging and sobbing... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In the pouring rain... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Honestly... at that point... <em>it's all we knew how to do.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Afterward... we turned... together... and walked back... </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">through the rain... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Leaving my Heidi behind...</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7QBeQGKWJh9FxsfyA8L9M3iZTMjTkDn5oNVeJJ11bHj0y8ZtDOyAGHaojaREQzo9BdmrHvzulHVYFetQmrdEDnn9Iu2K9nARwHzJJ9bGSt_xX9_BVNPD4yPipH_7CkyvgmXOj1ct4Qw/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7QBeQGKWJh9FxsfyA8L9M3iZTMjTkDn5oNVeJJ11bHj0y8ZtDOyAGHaojaREQzo9BdmrHvzulHVYFetQmrdEDnn9Iu2K9nARwHzJJ9bGSt_xX9_BVNPD4yPipH_7CkyvgmXOj1ct4Qw/s320/077.JPG" width="291" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Later that night...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I walked back to my little pet cemetery...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Alone.</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was dark... and quiet... and peaceful. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I sat on the ground, in silence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I looked at the stars. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I picked at the grass. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I stared at Heidi's grave.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I guess I just wanted to feel close to her.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As the tears ran down my face...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I didn't try to wipe them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I just let them fall. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In that moment...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I sat there next my precious baby...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I really wanted to say something... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Something meaningful... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Something respectful... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Something special. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I guess I just wanted to talk to Heidi... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I'd done every single day... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For the past year...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And for once... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Just this one time</em>... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I kinda wanted her... <em>to talk back to me</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even still...</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJAIUwubN3nmUfw3LMIWOVsPaV3Kh1oiLqFJ1Iy7emaGJlEie4UYElrQucXDOc187gsDnpm2oGahVJLxT2-nvkUyIhyXxAop0uFXK0tS_0UaPU4eeWhQC2_zU3AaduS1Gn-sKsb8BLr4/s1600/Heidi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJAIUwubN3nmUfw3LMIWOVsPaV3Kh1oiLqFJ1Iy7emaGJlEie4UYElrQucXDOc187gsDnpm2oGahVJLxT2-nvkUyIhyXxAop0uFXK0tS_0UaPU4eeWhQC2_zU3AaduS1Gn-sKsb8BLr4/s320/Heidi.jpg" width="262" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">I couldn't find the words... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And she couldn't say the words. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Because I was empty... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>And she was gone.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then... it hit me...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And suddenly... I understood</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The weight of tomorrow's reality...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tomorrow...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For the first time in a year... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll go to work... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>And Heidi won't be there.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll pass by her kennel... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Kennel #25... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">All day long... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>But she'll never be there to greet me</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And from now on... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Each time I want to sit next to her...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll have no choice, but to visit...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>This heartbreaking mound of dirt...</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In that moment...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I searched for the words to say goodbye...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I had nothing.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I wasn't ready to say goodbye...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Or even to admit... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">that my Heidi was really gone. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2rfR6o74YlBG_Qj51NNAGgTGtmzxL8e_qoNvC0lfY5etXh0aiMhKFAr2V6UVXCsUq1XOI7QDEU1bBTsPFtohwZynMibq7afy7MLxugdqHQpomXIeNrzHJVMykyaEImzr8nIhpUaIOiI/s1600/H6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2rfR6o74YlBG_Qj51NNAGgTGtmzxL8e_qoNvC0lfY5etXh0aiMhKFAr2V6UVXCsUq1XOI7QDEU1bBTsPFtohwZynMibq7afy7MLxugdqHQpomXIeNrzHJVMykyaEImzr8nIhpUaIOiI/s400/H6.jpg" width="315" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">And yet...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I felt the need...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">To say <em>something</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I simply said:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em><strong>"I'll miss you forever."</strong></em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">With that... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I stood up... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Blew a kiss to the sky... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And walked away.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Knowing in my heart...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That nothing here at Lucky Dog...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Will ever be the same...</em></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>*If you'd like to donate in memory of my Heidi, please click below:</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html">CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE</a></strong></span></div>luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com221tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-77828338499555081302012-05-09T17:16:00.000-05:002012-05-13T15:36:56.686-05:00Goodbye, Delilah<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><em>*A follow-up to my previous post: Hey There, Delilah: </em></strong><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/hey-there-delilah.html"><strong><em>http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/hey-there-delilah.html</em></strong></a></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD-goc5B6kHtT6XzEUqAfJx1wlhfeP4b54ksjX_qdbYL6Whi2P6ZlK8f3n681KRoX0AGZXmvDgMNMwZZ1L6II2e9LZcIOCxpJUMoAF0lhYunsl8jUOZJ5bFzDZgXNasWXghY3CkhpcYk/s1600/Delilah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD-goc5B6kHtT6XzEUqAfJx1wlhfeP4b54ksjX_qdbYL6Whi2P6ZlK8f3n681KRoX0AGZXmvDgMNMwZZ1L6II2e9LZcIOCxpJUMoAF0lhYunsl8jUOZJ5bFzDZgXNasWXghY3CkhpcYk/s320/Delilah.jpg" width="260" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Today --Wednesday, May 9, 2012-- my Delilah went to Heaven.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She left the world in peace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She left the world with love.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">However... Monday was actually meant to be her last day on Earth. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'd made a promise to her that it would be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was a decision I'd made... for her.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yet... when Monday morning came, Delilah was doing a little bit better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Not <em>a lot</em> better... but <em>a little</em> better.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And I'll be honest... it was <em>just enough</em> to give me <em>a glimmer</em> of false hope.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That morning, I took her to the vet for her follow-up appointment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I told my vet what I was prepared to do for Delilah that day...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But first... I asked for his honest opinion. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Doc looked at her...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then at me...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And said: "She's still got a little fight left in her, and I know how you are, Ashley. You want to give her every possible chance to make it, and you'll never forgive yourself if you don't. So, let's just give her a couple more days, and see how she does. If nothing else... she'll have a little more time with you."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hearing those words, I have to be honest with you...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I felt a sense of <em>selfish</em> relief.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'd always wanted to save her... I'd never wanted to end her life...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So... even though I knew better... </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I chose to see <em>what I wanted to see</em> in her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Instead of the sick little girl that laid before me...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I saw a tiny fighter... <em>who deserved the chance to fight</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQls-RNDW8G5a20o3cS5Jteb8_2dZTiqDyxmDBaIxiamnZZ1dvz34NOmNuk8FdxBgallVOYmF7F-mP6UsDJyEtPxv4VK5Byw0bRRfsfhy0dlMil8sLwyaKNVKmb8mf3poMgiJXA5gLjnE/s1600/D2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQls-RNDW8G5a20o3cS5Jteb8_2dZTiqDyxmDBaIxiamnZZ1dvz34NOmNuk8FdxBgallVOYmF7F-mP6UsDJyEtPxv4VK5Byw0bRRfsfhy0dlMil8sLwyaKNVKmb8mf3poMgiJXA5gLjnE/s320/D2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Delilah & I</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I didn't want to take that chance away from her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I didn't want to give-up too soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I didn't want to believe that she couldn't pull through this.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But really...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If I'm being honest...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I just didn't want to let her go.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So... I rejected my gut instincts... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I abandoned my promises...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And I allowed myself to feel a sense of hope... <em>that never really existed</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And so... that day...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I took my Delilah home... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">One more time...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sure... for a little while... Delilah seemed a little stronger. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She seemed a little healthier. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She seemed a little happier.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Of course... that was never her reality.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She wasn't strong, or healthy, or happy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And honestly... she wasn't even fighting for her...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><em>She was fighting... for me</em>.</strong> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She was smiling... <em>for me</em>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She was stronger... <em>for me</em>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>She was living... for me</em>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Initially, I was blinded by hope...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Her "strength" gave me strength.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Her "fight" ignited my own fight.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But... in reality, my Delilah had all-but given up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She didn't want to hurt anymore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She didn't want to fight any longer.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And yet... she<em> couldn't</em> let go...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Not because <em>she</em> wasn't ready...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>But because I wasn't ready</em>.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The truth is: She needed me, and I failed her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I made a promise to her... and I broke it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Not because I didn't love her... b</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">ut simply because... <em>I did.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Regardless, it was selfish of me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was wrong of me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was the wrong decision... for her.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And yesterday... I had to face reality...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Because any "fight" I'd seen in Delilah the day before...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Was gone</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Suddenly, I couldn't deny the truth: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Delilah was never doing better...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She was never going to make it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She had never rejoined the fight.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'd only seen what I wanted to see. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'd clung to a hope that just didn't exist.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'd attempted to fight... <em>because I'd wished</em> <em>to save us both</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And yet... </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I saved neither</em>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Delilah is gone...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And she took my heart with her.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But even still... before she left this earth...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Delilah's one wish in life... <em>finally</em> came true:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>She was loved.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At the very least... I did something right...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Last night... on her last night here, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I lifted Delilah into my bed...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And pulled her close to me under the covers...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Just before she fell asleep...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I whispered into her ear:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>"Hey there, Delilah<br />I'm right here
if you get lonely...<br />Close your eyes...<br />I'm by your side."</em></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYwKrAnYaDVvZBtsvrOKQPWEmJu4YVDfdH2hs7Kw1OaFQSG2OSq71eKpulK5LtrgDaeZ0ttgyRkoEBYL3ejE4k6NHZGLZS6npHgJmBdj-iOlSXziu4BtZQ9jrNnH3z5ZSD1fRAf01Ea8/s1600/Delilah1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYwKrAnYaDVvZBtsvrOKQPWEmJu4YVDfdH2hs7Kw1OaFQSG2OSq71eKpulK5LtrgDaeZ0ttgyRkoEBYL3ejE4k6NHZGLZS6npHgJmBdj-iOlSXziu4BtZQ9jrNnH3z5ZSD1fRAf01Ea8/s320/Delilah1.jpg" width="268" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, this morning, I drove Delilah to the vet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When Doc walked into the room...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">He looked sick... when he saw my tear-stained face.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I nodded. He nodded. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was our signal:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>It's time</em>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I wiped my tears... a</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">nd laid Delilah on the table.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, Doc looked at me, and asked: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Are you ready?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial;">I replied: <em>"Almost."</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I leaned down... one last time...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And whispered into Delilah's ear:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>"Remember: when you get there, ask for Rudy. He knows me."</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, I said: "Okay. I'm ready."<br />I looked down at Delilah... s</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">he looked up at me...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I smiled... she smiled...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And just like that... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>She was gone...</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today... for the very last time...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I took </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">my Delilah home... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Forever.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I pulled back up at Lucky Dog...</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I saw Caycee digging Delilah's grave... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And my heart could barely take it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I got out of the car... I was sobbing uncontrollably.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's when Caycee walked over...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And gave me the biggest hug... that 2 best friends have ever shared.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then... <em>we laid Delilah to rest.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today... I honored my promise to her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today... her suffering ended.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today... my Delilah went to Heaven.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today... Delilah's pain is over. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And yet... it seems for me...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>That the pain has just begun...</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But even still...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In my heart... I know the truth:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Every bit of pain was worth it... for each moment here with you...</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>"Hey there, Delilah... </em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>You know it's all because of you... </em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>This one's for you..."</em></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>*If you'd like to donate in memory of my Delilah, please click below:</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html">CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE</a></strong></span></div>luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1014799856432085038.post-32582906342812205182012-05-06T19:20:00.001-05:002012-08-05T14:23:28.124-05:00Hey There, Delilah<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About a month ago, I was working outside at Lucky Dog, when the Mississippi heat got the best of me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of a sudden... I went from fine and dandy... to lightheaded and weak. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I needed a break. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I needed to sit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I needed something to drink... <em>stat</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Of course, as luck would have it, there was nothing drinkable in my fridge. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, I decided to drive over to the Chevron for a Gatorade. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I pulled up at the store, walked inside, and grabbed the biggest Gatorade they had. Before I even made the purchase, I cracked that baby open, and chugged at least half the bottle. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I walked toward the register, I saw that my favorite gas station buddy was working behind the counter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Every time he's there, I stop for a minute, just to talk to him. He's a really sweet man, with a super-cool accent, and he calls me "Miss Ashley." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">He said: "Working hard again today, Miss Ashley?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I said: "Damn. What gave me away? The sweat? Or the dirt?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We both laughed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, we had our usual chat, and I</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> turned to leave.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD-goc5B6kHtT6XzEUqAfJx1wlhfeP4b54ksjX_qdbYL6Whi2P6ZlK8f3n681KRoX0AGZXmvDgMNMwZZ1L6II2e9LZcIOCxpJUMoAF0lhYunsl8jUOZJ5bFzDZgXNasWXghY3CkhpcYk/s1600/Delilah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD-goc5B6kHtT6XzEUqAfJx1wlhfeP4b54ksjX_qdbYL6Whi2P6ZlK8f3n681KRoX0AGZXmvDgMNMwZZ1L6II2e9LZcIOCxpJUMoAF0lhYunsl8jUOZJ5bFzDZgXNasWXghY3CkhpcYk/s320/Delilah.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Delilah, as a Lucky Dog</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But as I walked out the door... I stopped dead in my tracks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There was a Pit Bull... just standing there... right next to my car.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I thought: <em>"You gotta be kiddin' me."</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The dog was in awful condition. She looked broken and pitiful... underweight and malnourished... with scars covering her body. She was also wearing this massive, terrible collar around her neck, with these huge metal clasps... that had clearly been used to chain her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I slowly moved toward her, she didn't try to run away. She didn't even move. She just stood there, looking up at me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I bent down, offered my hand, and asked: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>"Who did this to you, baby?"</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's when I looked over, and saw my gas station buddy, watching us through the window. He was smiling... because he already knew what was about to happen. This wasn't my first "rescue rodeo" at the Chevron.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, I re-opened the door, and asked: "Know anything about her?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">He shook his head: "It's the first time I've seen her. She just showed up, right as you walked in."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I replied: <em>"Of course she did."</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">He chuckled and said: "You taking her with you, Miss Ashley?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I smiled: "You know me too well..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Without another thought... I turned, picked her up, and loaded her in the car. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, I waved goodbye to my buddy... as we drove away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I named her Delilah.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">From the moment I saw her, I knew that Delilah was sick. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But it wouldn't be long... before I'd find out <em>just how sick</em> she really was...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Shortly thereafter, Delilah went to the vet for her spay, rabies, and heartworm test. Of course, as I already anticipated: she's heartworm positive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sadly, heartworm disease is alive and well around here. This is Mississippi. Nearly every neglected dog in Mississippi has heartworms. That's just the sad reality for many rescue dogs in the South.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So... as the story goes with most heartworm treatments, I started Delilah on doxycycline, and scheduled an appointment to bring her back to the vet in 30 days, to start official treatment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In the meantime, Delilah was doing great here. Sure... she was a sick girl, but you'd never would've known it. She was loving her new life... always smiling and happy... outgoing and fun. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Her favorite activity? Making a massive, ridiculous, unnecessary (yet, funny) mess in her kennel</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">. It was kinda "her thing." She liked to spill food, tip bowls, potty and then step in it... all with this big, mischievous smile on her face. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">While her kennel etiquette had slowly improved, she still enjoyed a good mess every now and then. She seemed to really have fun with it, which made all the extra-cleaning on my part... <em>totally</em> worth the effort.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But this past Friday... all of that changed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That morning, it took just one glance at Delilah's kennel... for me to realize that something was <em>very, very wrong</em> that day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There was a massive mess, of course... but not the usual kind... </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Instead, I saw vomit... and large puddles of blood, which came from her urine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, I saw my sweet Delilah... far-removed from her usual smiling, happy self. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She was weak. She was hurting. She was very, very sick.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Immediately, I called the vet, loaded Delilah in the car, and headed toward the clinic. When I got there, I explained the situation, and they asked me to leave her for a bit, while they ran some lab work, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">An hour later, I got a call from the vet tech. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She said: "Hey Ash. Hold on for a second. Doc needs to talk to you."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hearing those words... <em>my heart stopped</em>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I get lots of calls from the vet...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But the words: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Doc needs to talk to you" almost always mean: <em>"It's bad."</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I said: "Oh my God, Amy! Is she okay???"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She replied: "I'll let him tell you about it. Here's Doc."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, I heard the devastating news... the news that would change Delilah's future: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Delilah has entered the most severe, life-threatening stage of heartworm disease. She's in critical condition, due to multiple complications from advanced heartworm disease, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and organ malfunction. Basically... her body is shutting down, and much of the damage... <em>is irreversible.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">He said: "We're doing everything we can, but I just want you to be prepared. There's a chance she may not make it. And even if she does... she doesn't have much time left."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Suddenly, tears were streaming down my face. I could honestly feel my heart... <em>breaking within my chest</em>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I knew what he was saying. I've heard this many times before. He was basically saying: <em>Prepare yourself. Your baby is dying.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And in that moment, I wanted to scream: <em>"Nooooo!!!!!"</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Instead, I choked out the words: <em>"Can she at least come home... for the weekend?"</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">He said: "We've given her 2 injections today, and we're keeping her as comfortable as we can. I'll be sending her home with several medications for the weekend, and we'll just plan to reevaluate on Monday. Then, you'll probably have a decision to make..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I hung up the phone, I buried my face in my hands, and sobbed uncontrollably. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I cried for Delilah... for the sad life she'd been forced to live... for the torture she'd endured... and for the promising future... <em>she'd likely never have.</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I cried for the promises I'd made to her... for the life I'd wished to give her... and for the heartbreaking realization that <em>those dreams may never come true for her</em>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I cried... because I knew the harsh reality within all of this: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Delilah has suffered through every day of her existence. Before me, she'd only known unimaginable abuse, neglect, and life on a chain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But even now... and f</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">rom now on... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There will never be another day... <em>when Delilah doesn't suffer</em>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She will never be a healthy dog. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She will never have a heart that allows her to run and play. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She will never know a life without pain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I cried... because "the decision" I'd have to make for her... <em>was a life-or-death decision</em>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I cried... because no matter what decision I made... one way or another: <em>Delilah will die from this.</em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I cried... because her heart has been wounded --in every possible way-- and now, a broken heart... <em>has become her death sentence</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I drove back to the vet, I was inconsolable. When I got there, I didn't want to walk inside. I didn't want to see anyone. I didn't want to face reality.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But... my baby was in there... and she needed me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, I wiped my tears, and walked inside... to take my little girl home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The vet tech looked at me and said: "I'm so sorry, Ash. But please remember... no matter what happens... she needed you, and you saved her. That's all that matters."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I didn't want to cry again, but tears quickly filled my eyes. I said: "Thank you. But we both know... she deserved more."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, I paid the $400 vet bill I wasn't quite prepared for,</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> helped Delilah into the car, and drove her home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVjBAFc7FiVRYk9_cOQ6yDUwk3ErEPCbIhRp1axNTRFncKezKj11CZuVB-AJ32_BRQrXty45PoRsEdLeN-RP_siiAnt37yHF8ae7VKDf1jS3xhJYvlwpoQS1V7fikJYYCvZSB7Ol5o4A/s1600/D1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVjBAFc7FiVRYk9_cOQ6yDUwk3ErEPCbIhRp1axNTRFncKezKj11CZuVB-AJ32_BRQrXty45PoRsEdLeN-RP_siiAnt37yHF8ae7VKDf1jS3xhJYvlwpoQS1V7fikJYYCvZSB7Ol5o4A/s320/D1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Delilah on the couch</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This weekend, Delilah has required around-the-clock care from me. She's very weak, very sick, and very needy right now. Seeing her like this... well... <em>it's beyond heartwrenching</em>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Initially... upon return, she wouldn't eat at all. But soon, I learned that "people food" was enough to entice her.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So... instead of dog food, she's been sharing people food with me. Actually... it's more accurate to say that I've simply been giving her <em>all of my own food</em>, and taking none for myself, which has honestly made me insanely happy. She needs it... much more than I do right now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She's enjoyed our bedtime snuggles and her own naptime on the couch, but she's just not able to do much else. She's too weak to go for walks. She's too weak to play outside. Many times, she's too weak to even lift her head.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And honestly... today... it hit me, like a ton of bricks: <em>Delilah is just too weak to go on</em>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I look into her eyes, I can see... <em>that my Delilah has given up</em>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In my heart... I know that she's ready for me to make the decision. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The decision that I'll never be "ready" to make... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The decision that will take her from me... <em>forever</em>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But it's a decision that I'm willing to make... <em>for her</em>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She needs me to make that decision... <em>for her</em>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's the right decision... <em>for her</em>...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Each time I rescue a dog, I intend to save their life... no matter what. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But there are certain times when saving a dog... <em>means letting them go</em>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Times when it's all they need from you... and no matter how much it hurts... <em>you owe them that much.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So today, I looked at Delilah, in her broken state, and simply said: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">"Okay, baby girl. I'll do whatever you need me to do...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even if that means breaking my own heart... so that yours doesn't have to hurt anymore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tonight, you get whatever you want. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tomorrow... the pain is over. I promise."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I said those words... the tears filled my eyes, and the pain overtook my soul... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And before I knew it, I was sobbing again...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But then... I stopped myself...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tomorrow... I can cry all I want.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today... is about Delilah.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And I'll be damned if I'll spend her last full day on Earth... crying because I couldn't save her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Because in my heart... I can feel her saying: <em>"You did."</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tomorrow's pain could never compare to the joy of today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Because today... I still have... my Delilah...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If nothing more... than to share one last song...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Hey there, Delilah<br />What's it like in New York City?<br />I'm a thousand miles away<br />But girl, tonight you look so pretty<br />Yes you do<br />Times Square can't shine as bright as you<br />I swear it's true</em></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em></em><br /><em>Hey there, Delilah<br />Don't you worry about the distance<br />I'm right there if you get lonely<br />Give this song another listen<br />Close your eyes<br />Listen to my voice, it's my disguise<br />I'm by your side<br /><br />Hey there Delilah<br />I know times are getting hard<br />But just believe me, girl<br />Someday I'll pay the bills with this guitar<br />We'll have it good<br />We'll have the life we knew we would</em><br /><em></em><br />
<em>Hey there, Delilah<br />I've got so much left to say<br />If every simple song I wrote to you<br />Would take your breath away<br />I'd write it all</em><br />
<br /><em>A thousand miles seems pretty far<br />But they've got planes and trains and cars<br />I'd walk to you if I had no other way<br />Our friends would all make fun of us<br />and we'll just laugh along because </em><br />
<em>We know that none of them have felt this way<br />Delilah I can promise you<br />That by the time we get through<br />The world will never, eve</em><em>r be the same</em><br />
<br />
<em>Hey there, Delilah</em><br />
<em>You be good and don't you miss me...</em><br />
<em>You know it's all because of you.</em><br />
<em>We can do whatever we want to.</em><br />
<em>Hey there, Delilah</em><br />
<em>Here's to you</em><br />
<em>This one's for you.</em><br />
<br />
<strong>Delilah, Thank you for spending your last days with me. It's been truly amazing. If it were up to me, I'd never let you go. But since it's what you need from me... I will. Please give my love to all my babies in Heaven. Tell them I sent you.</strong><br />
<strong>Love,</strong><br />
<strong>-Mom</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>*Update: If you'd like to donate in memory of Delilah, please click below:</em></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="background-color: yellow;"><a href="http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html" target="_blank">CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE</a></span></strong></div>
</span></span></span>luckydogrescuebloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174093524076590446noreply@blogger.com73