My $60,000 Boxer Baby

KC continued to eat slowly, stay shy, and never really get that puppy bounce. He was still going to the Vet weekly, and now to see a series of Vet specialists. I think from reviewing his 2 inch thick chart  he has had to have seen 8 different Vets.  He has had every test, blood work up, etc. that they possibly could do to a fur baby. He still did not get any better. In fact KC  began to lose his hair. I was in shock! He was all red, and became a hairless dog, who was screaming in pain.

 

 

I got a referral to Animal Dermatology Clinic, in Marina Del Rey, CA. Thank God it was close by. Once in for our appointment,  the Vet sees KC she says ohhhhhhh, don’t worry I know what he has, and it’s treatable. I started to cry, holding my sweet boxer boy in my arms. Finally someone knew what was going on with him, and there may be an answer too.  Turns out KC had demodectic mange (aka red mange ). Demodectiv mange is caused by a microscopic mite called ‘demodex canis.’ All dogs raised normally by their mothers possess this mite as mites are transferred from mother to pup via cuddling during first few days of life. (after the puppy is older it is unable to pick up demodex mites.) Mites are not transmitted to people or other dogs, except from mother dog to her pup.The treatment plan was long and difficult. Baths, dips , medications, skin scrapings, and lots of visits to the Vet.

 

 

 

 

In between all this KC is screaming from some type of joint pain. X-rays, specialists, consultations etc. The money just flows from our account to theirs. It never really gets to spend any time with us, so our balances are always down.

The cost of love.

 

 

The good news is after lots of money, and time, and caring Vets,  KC finally recovered from all of his aliments. The growing pains ended, so no surgery was ever required, or even considered for the joints. The mange also with treatment, and time went away. We have had no relapses either, fingers crossed.

KC last week had a wellness check up, and his Vet at Bay Cities Veterinary Hospital, in Marina Del Rey, which gave him a clean bill of health.

Hip- Hip- Hooray-

 

 

 

Happy dog, Happy Parents!

Only a few days after Sammy Diva started her antibiotics, non steroidal medications (those were stopped after people alerted me thank you again), glucosamine tablets and getting 3 reiki sessions a day, did I see a HUGE improvement. In fact, I even researched and bought a ramp over the weekend.  And its on it way.  I can save it for the future or use it now to help her ease into the car. But Sammy is running up and down the stairs more than ever! The very next day, my husband Mark sent me a text message, the reiki is working! I was so happy to hear.  Almost too much … she has been following me everywhere. Lays right next to me as I type away. I believe the reiki worked! I gave her consistent reiki sessions both hands on and distant.  We’re going to get her to lose a few more pounds, finish up her antibiotics and closely watch her hips.  The Vet did tell me that Sammy’s thyroid may need to get looked at and may be a sign for something more serious. So we’re bracing for that news. But for now, life is good.

ps. She weighs 74lbs! She has been on her diet and doing well! She loves carrots!

Addendum: I just got the call from the Vet. I told her my concerns about the Rimadyl. I told her I am a pharmacist and concerned about the information I found. She was great and comp’d the medication! She said Sammy could be on buffered aspirin if need be in the future. She also consulted a pathologist and her thyroid function is fine!! All is normal. She’ll go back for a urine test once she is done with the antibiotics!

With age, comes wisdom

By now all of you know that I only have my sweet shy KC living at home. So we are getting a little restless at our house. Once you have had 2 dogs living together, you realize how important companionship is for a dog. So I contacted Ry’s breeder in Canada. I also looked at some other Boxer breeders. But then I remembered Oprah’s show about our responsibility to ourselves and our animals on this planet. Surfing Boxer rescue I went. I found a site called http://www.boxerocrescue.com. There she was. A little “Minnie”, her name at the moment. 12 weeks old, the prettiest female boxer I ever saw. I filled out the application, sent it off and then forgot about it. The other half of my brain is still thinking maybe I should just go with the breeder. I sit and talk to my husband. We look on line again at Minnie and read her story. Her mother Dory was about to be euthanized a couple days before she was ready to deliver her litter because she had kennel cough. Thank goodness BOCAR rescued her. Brenda Kinnie, the founder, rescued Dory and found her a foster home close to where she lived. A couple days later, Dory delivered 9 pure bred Boxer puppies. Unfortunately, 2 of them died. The other 7 were beautiful. What a fool I was all these years to have not rescued a puppy, any puppy. But for me, it was Boxers. I want to tell everyone that this is the greatest deal going. First, you get the most beautiful dog, you are saving a dog’s life, the dog is spade or neutered. Through BOCAR my dog also came with a microchip, food, toys, and complete records. When Brenda showed up with “Minnie” in her crate and 2 of her sisters I could have just screamed they were so beautiful. Each one was different, a fawn, a dark brindle and our “Minnie” Star. Brenda did a complete check of our yard and home to make sure it was adequate. We introduced sweet KC to Minnie Star.  KC seemed to get along just fine. He adapted easily.  I hated to let the other puppies go, but I do know my limits. I made a donation of $600 to BOCAR which I will be doing yearly now. I think the work Brenda and her organization does is so amazing. The reason I added “Star” is because I have a great Aunt Minnie, so just couldn’t call her Minnie. So you guessed it, she became our “Star”. Now we have KC and Star, two amazing Boxers running around. There is a difference between a rescue dog and a puppy mill dog. Star has been with us 3 days now and is open, loving, already trained to “sit”, goes out, sleeps through the night, wakes to a dry crate and plays wonderfully with her big brother. She has such a sweet nature and easy to please. It took me awhile to catch on but I will never ever go anywhere but to a Rescue. I encourage all of you if you are looking for a dog, any size, any kind. There is a rescue that has a dog, puppy, whatever you are a looking for, you will find each other and be so grateful that you did. 

Suffering Sammy Diva

Well, got another call from the Vet today. More bad news. Sammy Diva now also has a bladder infection. How in the heck did she get that. She’s never had one. She has had too many ear infections when I first got her. But bladder? No wonder she’s miserable on top of her hips hurting. Before I even knew she had a bladder infection, I was so sad last night, in tears reiki’ng her. I will NOT do well as she gets old.  My husband carried her up the stairs again last night. This morning, she woke up at 520am needing to pee. (now I realize its from the bladder infection, not just the side effect of the steroid injection.) Mark was so kind to get up for Sammy.  I did hands on reiki on her when I woke up.  Then when I went upstairs to get ready for my day (with no Sammy by my side sadly) I sent her reiki hoping that she may appear like yesterday. But no.  But a few minutes later as I was blow drying my hair, Mark said, look behind you. There was Sammy, about to give me kisses. Well, if its 3 reiki sessions a day for her, that is what it is going to be.

After the Vet called, I went to get her antibiotics for her bladder infection, baytril which cost a whopping $111.00 and her non steroidals for her hip, rimadyl which was another $65.50. I got the pill pockets, have you ever tried those? They are great. Dogs think they are getting treats (instead of nasty tasting pills). I also picked up some laxatone for Mochi hoping it will help with furballs. (I know, not fun to pick up). Ka-CHING as my friend Candy would say as she only knows too well about spending $$ on our furbabies. Well,  its all worth it if I can get Sammy Diva back to her fun loving , laying on her back with legs stretched in the air, saying AH, ah, ah!!!!

Big Puppy Shower

What an event I planned from the moment I knew KC was coming. Cookies were being made for the guests with KC’s photo on each one. I had four different photos for the guests to choose from. Edwin, my brother catered the festivities. There were 40 or so guests that came to meet, and greet our new boy.

 

This was all planned long before he arrived, and he we realized what a sick puppy we had on our hands. KC did come home from he hospital the day before his big party. He spent the most of the time in the arms a very nice young man named Jared, who lived next door. He slept through the whole celebration. I packed most of his gifts away, knowing there would come a day when he would enjoy them much more then today.

 

I’m sure this whole idea of having a puppy shower seems silly to some people, but for us it truly is a way to get together with our friends, and share a wonderful event in our lives. A time of joy, because we all know there is plenty of time for sorrow.

Canine hip dysplasia, not words I like to hear

Yesterday was one sad day.  The last few days Sammy was having trouble with her hip.  As you may have read earlier, reiki has helped her tremendously to the point where she was able to jump in Candy’s SUV! But we noticed only after the weekend, she was having trouble getting in my car. And in a matter of just 2 days, she was unable to go up the stairs to the bedroom.  My husband had to carry her 2 flights of stairs for bed. When I processed that information in the morning I became quite concerned. I had already made an appointment with the Vet for Friday but being Wednesday could I wait? While I was getting ready for work, I sent Sammy reiki while she was downstairs. While still sending reiki,  I could hear Sammy coming up the stairs! Next thing I knew, she was sitting right beside me receiving her reiki.  That of course made me happy. So off to work I went.  I had emailed my friend Heather up in Seattle mentioning Sammy’s hip. She sent me several emails urging me to call my Vet to see if it would be okay to wait till Friday morning. After feeling more guilty, I called the Vet. They said they really couldn’t answer until she was evaluated. They mentioned that they could take Sammy in that day and keep her while running x-rays etc. So since I could not leave work, I called my best pal Candy if she wouldn’t mind doing me a huge favor and drop Sammy off at the Vet.  Candy was unable to get Sammy in her SUV this time. So her hubby, Gordon took her in his Porsche. (Later that evening when I was thanking Gordon for taking such good care of Sammy, he told me she had no problems getting in his Porsche at all!) She was stylin!   Candy followed behind in her car.  Now, Sammy loves her Auntie Candy, she always feels safe and loved by her. If she had her choice, she’d probably live with her! She gets all kinds of good treats and rubs by both Candy and Gordon. So I knew she was in good hands. Candy saw that there were 2 big dogs waiting to be seen at the Vet, but she snuck Sammy right behind the counter so she would be not be bothered by those big dogs!

Waiting is always the hardest. Waiting and waiting.. worrying… waiting… I called the Vet several times. Finally after lunch, I got the call. Sammy had several x-rays. She said that the disease had spread to her other hip and that it was rather extensive. She said part of it was dysplasia telling me she had been born with it. Part of it could be some arthritis. Regardless, she was in pain. Part of hip socket was slightly out. She had tweaked it some how. As I was hearing this I felt such sadness for my Sammy Diva. I know, she must really be in pain.  The Vet was wonderful however, she spent enough time giving me details and what her plan was going to be. The fastest relief would be a steroid shot. I said yes, of course.  They would have to draw blood on her before I could get her medications for pain. I agreed to that as well. The Vet said, Sammy was giving her kisses and I thought, this is not my dog. She HATES the Vet. When I used to take her to VCA, she wouldln’t even get out of the car. I hated taking her.  But I was relieved and happy to hear that Sammy liked her new Vet.  Then I didn’t feel so bad leaving her there while I was at work.

This canine hip dysplasia got me researching… I know reiki can heal it. And that is why I learned reiki, for my pets.  The Vet was shocked at how well Sammy was doing. So in reading about hip dysplasia, I came across a well written article from a Vet. This has lead me back to breeders… and that this is genetic, it’s passed down. Is this part of the puppy mill thing? All I know, is that I rescued Sammy. She was the mother of the seeing eye puppies.   She was two years old and they were done with her. Thank God, I found her.

When I went to pick up Sammy, I was bracing myself for the bill. I figured it would be $1000, I mean, x-rays, blood work, that has got to cost.  The steroid shot itself was almost $40. But to my great surprise, the bill was $400. I was so happy. We love our new Vet!

The assistant was surprised I was so happy as she thought that was a lot of money.  They brought Sammy out. She seemed tired. I walked her to the car and she couldn’t get in. I tried to lift her myself but could not. I finally with great effort got in the front seat but I didnt feel she was comfortable and felt bad for her hip. The steroid shot had not kicked in yet.  Luckily the Vet isn’t far from home.  Brought her home, gave her a big carrot and on the couch she went for a nap. When I brought Lucy home from Candy’s, she ran to Sammy and gave her about 15 kisses. So sweet, Lucy was worried about her big sister. ( I think she remembered the day Ry was taken away and never came home)

I’ll be giving Sammy Diva reiki every day for the rest of her life. The reason I learned it anyways.

This weekend I’ll be looking into ramps so I can get Sammy in and out of the car easier. Much cheaper than buying a Porsche!

Caring for KC

KC was such a sweet little puppy, and we fell in love with him from first sight. Maybe because he was such a small helpless, shy baby we sensed he needed extra love, and kindness.

 

The morning after he arrived back in May 2007, I took him in for a check up with my Vet. Our Vet thought when he first saw KC that he was a 6 week old puppy, not 5 months old. He really didn’t believe me until he examined his mouth, and his teeth told his age.

 

I brought all the paper work given by the breeder that I had purchased our little black boxer from. The doctor didn’t trust a lot of the paper work. I don’t know why, and I did ask. He thought it was best to re-vaccinate KC .They also did all the tests that went along with a stool sample I brought in.

Now all along KC is pretty shy, and quiet, which is unusual for most puppies, but especially boxers. They usually are a little on the frisky, and very playful side. The next day KC had become lethargic, and was not eating, or drinking. Getting worse, he begins to vomit, and have bloody diarrhea. After vomiting 5 times I’m pretty shook up. The phone rings as I’m ready to pick it up to yell for help- It’s the Vet with the stool sample results: positive for ‘giardia’. Then I have to go in to pick up the flagyl  to treat this, and have KC examined. The Vet became suspicious of KC having ‘parvo’ because of the bloody diarrhea, drainage from his eyes, vomiting, being non responsive, along with feeling very warm to the touch.  Parvo- Now this becomes a life threatening emergency. They call ahead to the Animal emergency Hospital to tell them I will be rushing over with a baby boxer, etc. etc.

Of course I’m a wreck to think I could lose this little guy, and so scared for whatever he is going through. I call my husband, and fill him in, but I realize he is 2 hours away at work. I call Ming to let her know where I will be, and you know what happens next,  she comes,  driving us to the Emergency Hospital.  Upon arriving at the hospital another Vet is there to examine KC. She determines that he is severely dehydrated from the vomiting, and the diarrhea. She also hears a heart murmur in my little guy. They want to admit KC immediately, so they can start the IV’s, but before they could do that they need to run credit card. Unbelievable… Of course they run the card,  get it cleared, and admit our sweet KC.

  Once they admitted him, he was put in isolation. KC was started on 2 different antibiotics for the giardia, and some IV solution to hydrate the sick little puppy. There is good news in all of this, the parvo test comes back negative.

 On my way out they want to explain the billing system to me. Oh this going to be good….  They will be putting $2,000.00 on my card to start, and will call me to let me know when they will be adding more. Now I go home to my life, and try to wait, I pray a lot too.

 

Later the next day I get a call on KC’s progress, which is none. Still sick, and they will be re-testing him for the parvo, and keeping the fenbendazole, and ampicillin (antibiotics), along with hydrating I.V.’s going. They have moved him into ICU isolation, which I’m sure means my credit card has spent that $2,000.00 and the cost is rising. I now feel I should contact the breeder. Shame on me! After some searching, and some help from friends in the animal world I come to find out this place in Georgia is Not a boxer breeder, but a “Puppy Mill.” This was long before I had watched Oprah’s show on the horrors of these places. Was I ever stupid!! I felt so lied to, and taken advantage of, but nothing compared to my concern over KC’s well being. I just had to let it go, and get on with saving our puppy. I don’t think anyone really understood why I didn’t want to fight with this person over the bills. I did send her all the information, and then ask if she would pay for his treatment. You all know the answer to that. At this point my husband Gordon, and I decided to put our energy into helping KC survive, and not waste any on her, and her puppy mill. We were also embarrassed, and ashamed that we took part, even though it was unknowing in a puppy mill operation. Maybe our redemption comes from saving KC?

 

Don’t worry- we certainly got punished for our participation in the buying from the puppy mill. By the time KC is released from the animal hospital, the bill was almost $8,000.00, and believe me he didn’t look that great after almost a week in ICU. And did he ever need a bath. He was covered in his own poop. Thank goodness for Marina Pet Spa. (Marnia Pet Spa 576 Washington Blvd MDRey CA 310 827 5949) Auggy the owner was still there at 4:30 when I call, and told him of my predicament. He said bring the little guy over. 30-45 min. later KC was all clean, and smelled so much better.

 At  home we have a big celebration planned for KC. A puppy shower to “Welcome” him into our home. You know he’s already in our hearts.     

I wish I could be the person my dog thinks I am

I was on my way to Switzerland and France when my BFF gave me a book to take with me. When I unwrapped it, staring at me was a book called  “a rare breed of love” with a picture of a 3 legged dog. I thought to myself, “oh no, this is going to bother me”. Whatever happened to my days of reading Patricia Cornwell, (I still have one to catch up on!) or the Women’s Murder Club!! But, NOO, it has to be a book that I KNOW will get some kind of rise out of me. Of course, my friend had already left for her trip to Israel so there was no way of contacting her. I took the book with me. It wasn’t too long ago that I watched the Oprah Show on puppy mills and a lot of it was still a bit fresh in my mind. After reading this book, twice, yes, twice, I could not stop thinking about this author, Dr. Jana Kohl. It had been a long time, since high school actually since I wrote to an author of a book. But I could tell, I’d be writing a letter to this author before I even had finished the book. Its has been a while since my soul was so touched. If anything I would like to encourage others to read it so that more people are informed. I feel like such the little person who really can’t make that big of a difference but after reading the book, I felt at least I could get the word out. So that maybe all of “us” can do something to stop puppy mills.

 

What struck the core of my heart is – here is someone who adopted a three-legged dog who not only has no voice box (because of cruelty) , but is also 8 years old. Not only this, which amazed me even more, is that she did not grow up with pets and to have such  love and compassion for animals now, truly says something about the core of the person.

 

While I thought it so wonderful to be able to read about the celebrities (and there are many of them, and being in Southern CA, I can’t help but look at all the pictures and read what their thoughts were as well) it was the author Jana and her rescued dog, Baby that impressed me. Of course its awesome knowing that these celebrities have the resources to help. I found myself more amazed and humbled by WHO Jana is. I was moved by the passion that she felt which pushed her to help Baby and other dogs live another day without being abused in a puppy mill.

 

I have read often recently what terrible things other countries are doing to animals, dogs, per se but I feel we, as Americans should act more civilized and treat our fellow creatures with much more respect.  Given the joy that my dogs and cats have given me, I too, would like to give back to them.

 

Dear Dr. Jana Kohl, it would be an honor to give Baby reiki one day.

 

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book, a rare breed of love by jana kohl

 

“If it’s acceptable for a business to abuse animals, it makes it easier for us as a society to abuse the environment, the poor, women, minorities, children or any voiceless and vulnerable group.”

 

“ Undoubtedly you’ve demonstrated similar acts of love or even sacrifice for your animals. When they are sick or hurt you fuss and worry over them, when they’re frightened or threatened your instinct is to protect them. You give them their favorite foods, toys, and a warm place to sleep, which according to surveys, most likely in bed with you. Many of you even hang a stocking for them on the mantel at Christmas time. In return, they give you unconditional love like nobody else ever has or will, they help you fight diseases like depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and can even detect cancerous tumors in time to save your life; they wake you up in the middle of the night to tell you the house is on fire; they are the eyes, ears, hands, and feet for those of you who are disabled; and they are the protectors of your house and even of your human children”

 

“The Humane Society of the United States is doing great things for animals in so many areas, and they need your help. Please visit their site at www.HumaneSociety.org and get involved!”

 

 

 

The Astonishing Power of Reiki

I realize from my brief “Bio” that none of my readers know that I have suffered from a lung condition for many years. My left lung was collapsed and my pulmonologists had to perform a bronchscopy to find if there was any cancer or other disease process going on. Thank goodness, no cancer. Over the years I had regular check ups, x-rays, and many breathing tests. I had always been a little depressed about my situation. I felt having one lung limited me in so much of what I was capable of doing.

When I started studying reiki, I remembered my reiki master (Timothy Stuetz) worked on my lung during one of our sessions. After that, every evening (almost) I would reiki myself putting my hand over my left collapsed lung, hoping to transfer energy into it even though medical doctors said it wasn’t possible.  I know I was working with animals but in between I had to take care of myself too. Here is where my story takes a remarkable, interesting and fabulous twist! I woke up this morning with this persistent cough I have had all week. My girlfriend Ming came over and heard me wheezing, forget my husband, she threw me into the car to take me to the hospital. That was it. So we spent Sunday morning in an ER and as the heavens would have it, they took us in immediately.

My young doctor came in to evaluate me. He picked up his stethoscope listening to my chest. I explained to him not to bother listening to the left side due to it being collapsed. He said he heard something on that side and that if it wasn’t the left lung it was the reverberation from the right. After he walked out of the room, Ming and I thought he may not know that much. But we were here.  The respiratory tech appears with a one hour breathing treatment but not before the x-ray tech shows up to take me to x-ray. I tell Ming to go get a bite to eat. I also explain to the x-ray tech after he does the front view he doesn’t need to turn me to the left because I have no lung there. The tech says, I’m only a tech, but I can tell you, I see two lungs! So, he makes me come and look at it myself. Of course, I don’t believe what I am seeing. I go back to my bad and start my breathing treatment. Ming returns and we await the doctor’s re-evaluation. The doctor comes back and informs me I have 2 functioning working lungs. I ask him to repeat this after we pick Ming up off the floor. I did not tell Ming previously what the tech had said because I wanted to hear it AGAIN from the doctor this time. I told him it wasn’t possible because all the other doctors had said my lung would never re-inflate.

He called it a miracle. We call it Reiki.

The Liberation of Lucy

This story goes back to when Ry was still alive. So this is taking all of you readers backwards. This is a tender story about animals and their intuitive nature. It begins with Ry being very excited this particular morning. He is jumping and looking out our front window. Yes, he has my curiosity piqued. So I take a quick look and see my neighbor Susan with a designer leash in her hands. Attached to that pretty pink leash was a matching motif collar on the cutest little puppy I had ever seen. I quickly opened the door leaving Ry on the other side to investigate. I sound like a sleuth detective here, don’t I? This turns out to be a beautiful pembroke corgi. All fuzz and smiles, the happiest little girl I ever met. Her name was Lucy Lu. (yes, after the actress- Lucy Liu) The designer leash was Juicy Couture of course. They continued down the street as cute as could be.  On the return trip, I picked the puppy up. I could not resist. Kisses and all sweetness, what a doll. I make sure I rub the puppy all over to get her smell on me. Bye, bye and in the house I run. You can see where this going. Ry is all over me like a rash. Sniff, sniff, happy boy. I don’t see or hear anything about the puppy for a day or so. But Ry is frozen to the chair looking out the window on puppy patrol. The scene continues. Susan and Lucy walking down the street and then back in the house, once a day, 3 minutes spent at best. Now, I’m more curious since I only see this puppy once a day. I go over to her house, next door to find out what’s happening. I see the designer crate in the corner of the dining room. This is where Lucy lives 22-23 hours a day. I’m a little startled by this. The 1-2 hours she gets out so that her twin 5 year old boys can play with her. That was the first time I realized dogs can scream, cry out in pain. So Lucy learned how to hide when she got out of her crate/cage. This was a sad situation for me to see. I started to go over and offered to take Lucy out and bring her to my house every day and look after all.. knowing Susan was too busy with her boys, and life in general. I would be more than happy to watch Lucy much to Ry’s joy and happiness. I can’t even tell you what this picture is like. Ry was very tall boxer and this tiny corgi coming into our lives. Ry was so excited he was shaking. The first time they met, Ry laid down. I put Lucy on the ground and she climbed all over him with those cute puppy needle teeth, sunk them into his face. His tail never stopped wagging. It was love at first sight. This was his baby and she was in charge.

I wish it was all fun and games. But there were some horrific times for Lucy. I remember many mornings picking her up while my husband was still in the shower handing him Lucy because she was covered in her own feces. My husband was such a good sport, he took her in and would wash her. He had a big warm towel waiting for her, almost every day now. I was also lucky because my girlfriend’s husband Mark lived down the street and he pitched in whenever I needed help with Lucy. I think we were all falling in love with this little girl. This was a reciprocal love affair. I can remember one day standing out front of my house, holding her, Lucy would fall asleep in my arms. Susan’s husband came home and was amazed. I asked why? His reply was, we have never been able to hold her, she bites, cries and shakes all the time when she’s with us. I felt so sad for them, but more for Lucy.

I think it was very poignant that I met some house guests of Susan’s for a weekend. We were chit chatting and told them I was coming in to get Lucy, the puppy. Now, they had been there 2 days already, and they said to me, puppy? what puppy? They didn’t even know there was a puppy living in the house. Lucy’s visits became more frequent and her stays became longer, up to even 8 hours. It was harder and harder to take her home. Her heart would break, when I put her back in the crate and had to leave. I had to remember this was not my dog. Lucy belonged to my neighbor, and I was only puppy sitting.  Well, my girlfriend Ming and I had to go out of town. I was nervous about leaving Lucy. Up to this point, I had things under control. We are gone for the weekend. We get back home. First thing, I check on Ry who is a wreck. He is running around the house and I understand what he is asking. So I immediately go next door to check on Lucy. This when the horror story begins. Lucy had run away.  Not just once, but seven times. On top of that, she was at one point kidnapped by some boys and a couple noticed that Lucy was trying to get escape so they approached the boys and the boys let her go. The one good thing is that Lucy did have a collar with a phone number. 

So Susan goes on and on about Lucy running away and away. I felt guilty of course Lucy was looking for me.  I had found Lucy many times on my door step and then I’d just let her in. No one even realized she was gone.  Of course, I wanted to bring Lucy home to see Ry so he knew she was safe. 

Later that night, I had to return her, again. Monday morning, I am getting ready to leave for my work out as I do every Monday. Now Ry is acting absolutely crazy this morning. He won’t let me leave the house, he’s pushing on me. I finally get out of the house leaving the house keeper with Ry to help try and calm him down. I am running late at this point. I open the garage and get in the car, and all of a sudden in comes running this little Lucy crying. I pick her up and can’t figure out what is wrong. Next thing I know, I pull her away from me and I am covered in dog poop. Oh no! I am yelling help, Teresa! She brings a towel and wraps Lucy. I cannot be late for my appt. I run upstairs to change. I grab the puppy and drive down to my girlfriend’s house and ring the bell and hand the puppy to Mark. I explain what has happened. Now, Mark takes Lucy to bathe her. 

I come back later to check on Lucy and Mark. They are fine. Lucy smells wonderful and looks very happy to be so loved. 

I have now made a decision. I was going to talk to Susan and her family about Lucy. I could not take Lucy back there again. I promised Lucy, Ry, Mark, myself I could not do this. That evening, I went over I understood they loved the dog and what was best for her. I appreciated that their schedules didn’t allow for the time and energy that a puppy needs. I felt that I had to find Lucy a good home. Susan did admit she was overwhelmed with the boys, the house and her many commitments. She did feel guilty she did not have the time that Lucy required. Her husband admitted he wanted Lucy as a distraction for his wife. In the end, they agreed to give me Lucy. 

This is not the end, with me, it’s never that easy. Now, I decide I need to find Lucy a good home. I told you, it’s not the end. I did, I found her a great home. My trainer at the gym, his sister had just lost her dog named Lucy. Her and her roommate would be interested. So I thought, this is great. Lucy will have a great home close to me. He came and picked Lucy up. He gave me their address so I could check on her because she was still taking some medication at that time. Probably for the diarrhea she had from living next door. She is gone only 2 hours. I drag Ming and her close friend Heather who is visiting from Seattle. We go to visit Lucy. She is running in the yard. No one is around. She runs right over to me. I scooped her up and kiss her. Finally someone comes out of the house, I explain to her what Lucy needs, her medications, food, sleeping etc. We spend about 30 min looking at Lucy’s new home, seems ok but I find it very difficult to leave. 

I get home. 3 hours have now passed since I have given Lucy to a good home. I then tell my husband, I want Lucy back. That he has to call the house to get her back. I feel they are not taking good enough care of her, I was going crazy. Of course my husband said no. He was no help. So I call Ming and Heather for moral support. I finally called the woman back and said I had made a mistake. I did not realize how attached I was to Lucy. That I loved her and this was her home. And that I hoped she would understand that Lucy had been with me for a couple of months.  They hung up and refused to give her back. Now, I’m really losing my mind! How could they be attached in 3 hours? They didnt have to wash the caca off of her! Mark was already attached and wanted her too. He wanted to kill me for giving her away to anyone but him. I finally call my Trainer and plead with him. He says, he’ll handle it in the morning. What a sleepless night Ming, Heather, and myself had. Even my friend Marilyn called Ming continuously to get the dog back. Everyone knew of the attachment I had to Lucy which more than I realized myself. Well it turned out ok, because Frankie the trainer came driving up the next morning with a very happy Lucy in the car. Ry was jumping for joy, his little sister was home safe. 

So, see, even a person that loves Boxers when rescuing another dog can fall in love along the way.

Ry was the rescuer and I was the facilitator.