It was a day of joy and a day of sadness. Three months after Pretty Girl came into our lives, she has left us almost as suddenly. Tuesday she went on to her forever home. The couple that adopted her have a long history with German Shepherds. They recently lost their senior lady of the pack and about a year ago, lost their other older dog. They have an 8-year-old male named Rolf and now, he is joined by Pretty(or name TBD).
We bustled about the house to get a little goodbye care package together for her, sending along some food, treats, a toy and her blanket.
Great pix and more of the story after the jump
Great pix and more of the story after the jump
I think it goes without saying, although I will say it anyway, that it was hard to let her go. She was such a sweet thing, so full of love and affection, and so giving. She came a long way in our home; from the scared and skinny shelter dog to the energetic and playful pup who would wrestle with Loki for hours.
She will go to someone else and put one tentative paw on their lap, giving someone else that little pitiful stare that seemed to mean “I am here, love me.”
Today as I write this, the house, while still full of dogs, seems just a bit empty.
But, despite our sadness for our loss, we are happy for our girl. She is going to a great home, relatively close. Her new family is very nice and she is sure to get lots of love and attention. The male half of the couple is a runner, so she will still get to enjoy runs like she shared with me. And Rolf is a nice big guy who will surely let her chew on his ears a bit like Loki did, as well as throwing a paw over her to get his turn as the alpha. We think about the short but meaningful time we shared, and lament our inability to have it last longer, but celebrate the fact that she has a great new life opening up ahead of her.
Goodbye, Pretty. Good luck. We love you.
Remember, you always have a home here.
So I will end this post with a badly written poem that for all its horrible prose gets the sentiment right.
There I sat, alone and afraid,
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love.
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.
I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold.
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend.
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.
And just when I thought you’d done all you’d do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.
First you said, “Sweetheart, you’re ready to go.
I’ve done all I can, and you’ve learned all I know.”
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss.
Along came a new family, they even have kids!
They took me to their home, forever to stay.
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love.
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.
I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold.
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend.
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.
And just when I thought you’d done all you’d do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.
First you said, “Sweetheart, you’re ready to go.
I’ve done all I can, and you’ve learned all I know.”
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss.
Along came a new family, they even have kids!
They took me to their home, forever to stay.
At first I thought you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear.
No matter how far, you will always be near.
And so, Foster Mom, you know I’ve moved on.
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.
But I’ll never forget what I learned that first day.
You never really give your fosters away.
You gave me these thoughts to remember you by.
We may never meet again, and now I know why.
You’ll remember I lived with you for a time.
I may not be yours, but you’ll always be mine.
– Author: Mary Mendenhall
the American Canine 