A bit more on forever homes and healing from loss

Recently a friend whom I am very privileged to know, who is an amazing, compassionate, passionate about animals, and beautiful lady lost her little soul mate. This pup had a rough life from the beginning starting out life on the streets in Puerto Rico as a Sato, or street dog. This little dog chose her when she and her husband were there on their honeymoon several years ago. She was so moved by this little dog that when she returned home, she found a way to bring him to her here in New Mexico. Is it any wonder they named him Rico? This little dog was the first of two to be rescued from the streets of Puerto Rico for her and her husband. The bond was amazingly very strong between them all. Their dogs touched many hearts and made many smiles for us all, as they went everywhere with them.

About 2 weeks ago now, he left them suddenly from complications of illness. Leaving them very bereft and inconsolable. It has been as hard on those of us also who love her as our friend and knew this little dog. I wished so much that I could make their burden easier for them, knowing I couldn't, it was hard. However, I did encourage her to keep her heart open to another perhaps that was waiting to fill the space and who needed them.

To my surprise I received this beautiful email from her last night and with her permission wished to share it with you.

Life is so strange sometimes....

 

Yesterday around lunch time, I sent off an email to my friend Mary, also known as Mary Martin, Santa Fe Animal Shelter Director. I asked her what her opinion was of adopting another dog after the loss of such a love as my heartdog Rico. I told her I was deeply depressed and unsure how to pull myself out of this. I also told her I had been scanning over the "Adoptable Dogs" on their web site and my mouse kept clicking and returning to this little brown dog named Butternut.

 

I didn't get any answer. The day went by...Thursday, usually my very favorite day because by the time 530 PM rolls around I've put 50 hours under my belt and I get to go home for 3 days...but yesterday, the weekend ahead loomed over me like a big black hole in the universe, ready to swallow me up...all I wanted to do was go home, crawl into bed and cry.

 

Then, at 230 PM, Mary walked into our business, with this little brown dog in her arms, Butternut from the SF Animal Shelter web site, plopped him down in my lap and said something to the effect of....You know, this little fellow needs arms to hold him, someone to love him...you can tell me RIGHT NOW to get the heck out of here, or you can keep him and bring him back to the shelter tomorrow morning, or you can bring him back Sunday, or you can keep him forever...you are under NO obligation here...and she left. The dog snuggled under my chin and fell asleep in my arms.....

 

 

Do I need to tell you the rest of the story?

 

Today, at 230 PM, I was at the shelter officially adopting this little adorable treasure. We named him Max. He is approximately 7-8 months old and was picked up as an unneutered  stray by animal control on August 12. He was neutered and microchipped while at the shelter.  (Stephen would have been there with me to do the official adoption papers but he is in bed with a bad cold, alas the pictures of him with Max in bed)

 

Last night, for the FIRST night since Rico died, I slept a few solid hours with Max tucked under my chin sighing contentedly. The pain constricting my chest has lifted and I am able to breathe again.

 

Does he replace Rico? NO! Rico is my heartdog, nothing will EVER change that. Does having Max make me feel again? YES! Do I still cry for Rico? YES!

 

Max is a TOTAL people/lap dog. All he wants to do is be held and snuggle, he is absolutely PRECIOUS. The bonus is that he and Nita hit it off immediately and they play together all the time! Nita had been so depressed since Rico's death.

 

I think you can see by the pictures that Stephen is smitten as well. And yes, I look like hell, the last 12 days have been horrible on me.

 

This afternoon, while we were at home watching Max and Nita play, Mary Martin called me to tell us that the Rico Fund had raised "several THOUSAND dollars"....Stephen and I just sat here and CRIED. What a wonderful legacy for Rico and a wonderful testament to all the friends we have here. We will be forever grateful for everyone's support after Rico's death.

 

Go ahead, write back and tell me I am crazy! But wait till you meet Max! Even though he may look a bit like Rico, he is nothing like Rico at all, very different personality. And those LONG legs and floppy ears!

Upon reading this, I truly did cry for her from joy, joy that this little dog found his forever home, and joy that he was there to help ease the pain of loss.

Here is a picture of the little guy, I think he looks tuckered out from all the excitement! :)