My constant companion and best buddy, Lynn-Dah, had aged almost exponentially in the last year, and was suffering from deafness, cataracts, hip displaisure and arthritis. She struggled bravely to her feet to take a walk, but I know it was very hard for her, and she was on strong NSAID medication which helped a bit, but I could tell that she was still hurting.
I called the vet, and they said I could come in at any time 24/7, but it was so hard for me to make the trip. The vet said that Lynn-Dah would let me know when it was “time”. Patty and Don said they would come with me, and I appreciated that so much.
I had been through this before with Torey, and I did it alone, but there was something about Lynn-Dah that I can’t explain. Perhaps it is the fact that she sat patiently by my side through my widowhood, Four moves in five years, epic auto journeys, (FL to MA) and her first New England Winter.
We had just taken a trip together to ME, where she got to play puppy games with Ziva (A Lab Mix), and sleep in front of a real wood fire.
On November 2, Lynn-Dah went to the “Rainbow Bridge” and I missed her so much that I knew I had to “rescue” another dog.
After wandering around as many as four shelters in the southern Massachusetts area, I ended up in my old stomping grounds at the ASPCA in Jamaica Plain (part of Boston). It was “Free Cat Day” and the place was very crowded, as some generous donor had taken care of all the adoption fees for adult cats.
I wanted a dog, however, and preferably a Lab Mix. of course, nobody could ever replace Lynn-Dah, but that is not the point. Each pet is a new entity in our lives, have a personality all their own, and are their own unique creature.
I went through the shelter, and there was a plethora of Pits and Pit Mixes, and there was Penny, the most gentle creature in the most intimidating package, a Beautiful, Brindle, Lab/Staffordshire terrier Mix, 6 years old, surrendered because her human had gone off to college.
We went for a walk together, and the pact was sealed. We both needed rescuing.
She’s home with me now, has met Patty and Don, and some of the neighbors, and she fits right in.
She’s a big girl, 65 lbs, Her temperament is one of the most docile and gentle I have ever seen in a large dog. She has had all her shots, is spayed, negative for heartworm, and very healthy.
I will probably lose weight walking her as she is very energetic.
I know it seems soon, but when it happens, it happens.
Love ML
Thank you for the wonderful update. I knew about Lynn-Dah passing over the rainbow bridge but hadn’t heard that you had gone looking at adopting.
I knew you would eventually seek out another rescue (there are so many out there needing the love, It becomes somewhat of a habit, right?). So, no, I don’t think it’s too soon. Lynn-Dah can’t be replaced, but Penny and those like her can help fill the hole in the heart.
I’m so happy she found you.
HUGS
Thank you for the wonderful update. I knew about Lynn-Dah passing over the rainbow bridge but hadn’t heard that you had gone looking at adopting.
I knew you would eventually seek out another rescue (there are so many out there needing the love, It becomes somewhat of a habit, right?). So, no, I don’t think it’s too soon. Lynn-Dah can’t be replaced, but Penny and those like her can help fill the hole in the heart.
I’m so happy she found you.
HUGS