Lucy is a beautiful little red Pekingese around 6 years in age. She was given to this breeder by another that was also getting out of the business. The woman I collected Lucy from kept her outside and didn't even name her. Just called her Peke. Lucy is the most fearful; she remains low to the ground and shy when approached. But she wants love so badly and slowly warmed up. Her fur was so matted from living outside that she had to be fully shaved. This poor angel had dead bugs, bugs people, in her fur and years of stench from her own waste. She hated being at the groomers and while she wiggled to get away she didn't bite, didn't growl and allowed the groomers to pet her.
Callie is a beautiful little Shih Tzu that is 3 years old. This little girl had recently had a litter of puppies and was considered to "be like family" to the breeder. This sweetie was FILTHY and stank of waste. While her fur wasn't as matted as Lucy's there wasn't any indication that she was loved or cared for. Callie is slightly more social and warmed up to us a little sooner. She loves being around other dogs and playing and after 2 weeks was scratching to sit in our laps or sleep in the bed.
So these angels were both un-altered and HW+. Their first week with us was one of gentle gestures, soft words, reinforcement of positive behavior and attempts to hold them. At the end of the week both were allowing us to hold them, playing together non-stop and playing with the other pups. Callie grew to love being held and Lucy was allowing us to hold her but not relaxing.
At the end of week 1 we had great news though! Two different families were interested. Erica became smitten with Lucy and Angela became smitten with Callie. Two AMAZING families with other dogs and a long history of caring for animals. When Erica met Lucy I cried. Lucy relaxed in Erica's arms!! Erica held her and little Lucy just let go of her legs and relaxed. This was the most Lucy had trusted anyone, probably anyone ever. Needless to say, Erica melted and her heart was claimed by Lucy. I cry now even thinking of it - truly one of the most beautiful moments I've witnessed between a dog and a human. Lucy and Erica visited again before their adoption day and the bond deepened. Callie met her new family on a Sunday morning outside of PetsMart. Angela brought her 2 boxer girls (and her husband, lol). Callie was curious but very shy. Certainly understandable. But it didn't deter Angela and her family. They were in love.
Over the next week the girls were spayed and recovered quickly at my place. The following Monday they began their heartworm treatment. With mixed emotions I took them that Monday to the vet. First, heartworm treatment is not easy for any dog to undergo, especially 2 that are so tiny. Second, both families were picking up the girls on Wednesday once their procedures were completed. That meant I had to say goodbye. Goodbye to my shy little Lucy with the huge golden eyes and goodbye to my little Muppet baby that had begun stealing my underwear from the hamper.
Each girl did great through the heartworm treatment. They were snuggled together in a cage and comforted each other, played and slept on each other. I went to see them while they were there so I could have some private time to hold them and tell them I loved them. Then Wednesday came. Then 5:00pm came. That mean it was time to introduce everyone to Erica's dog Lucy and Angela's dog Callie. Not my girls, someone else's.
Ahhh....what an incredible afternoon!!!! Both families met me at the vet so that they could talk about after-care directly with Doc Norris. I am the luckiest rescuer to have a vet that was totally on board with this and encouraged it! So Erica came in first and Lucy, now named Chloe remembered her and relaxed against Erica's chest. She knew her Mommy!! Next Callie got to meet her new family. Angela has 3 kids and a certain little girl wouldn't put her new Callie down! Callie is going to be spoiled by her sister and I suspect dressed constantly. LOL
It's been just under a week and so far all is going well with these 2 girls from East Texas in their new homes. Callie had a bath and turns out she isn't too fond of baths. LOL She loves curling up with her new Mommy and Daddy and her brothers and sister are excited about getting to play with her once the heartworm treatment "rest window" is over. Chloe is doing well and healing. She loves to snuggle next to her Mommy and her Mommy is anxious to be able to do more with her after the rest window. Chloe will have a great time playing with her cousin soon, an adorable little chi-weenie!
Rescuing is amazing. I'm so honored to be part of these animal's lives, even if briefly. And so touched that the people that adopt these angels recognize their unique beauty. Each animal that comes into my life has a story and now Lucy's and Callie's story is enriched because they are in their fur-ever homes. This "business" isn't for everyone but if you have the desire to do it GO FOR IT. The love you feel and receive is more rewarding than anything I have ever experienced.
Erica and Angela - thank you for coming into the lives of Chloe (Lucy) and Callie. I treasure you for your immediate desire to care for them.
Best wishes everyone,
Jennie and the Pretty Pekingese
No comments:
Post a Comment