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MEET SKIPPER

November 10, 2017 | 22 Comments

INHERITED LOVE

For some, the heartache of losing a beloved, animal companion is so severe they choose not to invite another into their home and their heart to avoid experiencing that kind of pain again.
Until, one day, along comes a cat or dog. That wasn’t exactly the case for Roy and his wife, Liz.

Skipper wasn’t just ‘a’ dog, and he didn’t just ‘come along’ one day.

Skipper had known Liz and Roy for many years; they were neighbours in a beautiful crescent, in a small town in Ontario, Canada. The town was so small that, when Skipper’s person Don first moved to the area, an employee at the local Lumberjack Sawmill suggested he contact Roy. Don was in need of some hardwood to patch a small area of floor in his new (old) house, and Roy had recently purchased the exact kind required by Don. The sawmill employee suggested Roy might have enough left over for Don’s minor repair.

Don called and introduced himself to Roy, and told him he had just moved into town and shared his new address. ‘Well,’ said Roy, ‘if you look out your window, you can probably see my house.’ Roy provided Don with enough wood to repair the small patch that had become rotten and over the next few months, the two men would say ‘hi’ when they saw each other walking their dogs around the park in the crescent. Eventually, Don would stop by Roy’s house for a visit.

Sadly, seven years ago Roy lost his best friend, Bob. The little Jack Russell Terrier went most places with his person. Bob and Roy were a well-known duo in the town and over the course of their relationship they had created lasting memories of their many adventures; the stories of which Roy is finally able to recount. Roy was devastated by the loss.

In the past couple of years, Don’s health had been declining. Roy would take Skipper for his walks, and when they returned to the house, he would feed Skipper and get marijuana drops out of the fridge for Don. During one visit Roy found Don attached to his IV and particularly upset.

I’m afraid I’m going to have to put my dog down; nobody can or will take him, in the family

Skipper’s stepdaughter has cats that aren’t happy in the company of dogs. There was also concern that if (at that time) fourteen-year-old Skipper was returned to the shelter, he would spend his final days there. Roy played back their time in the crescent. Seven years of Don and Skipper; walks around the park and the memories created between them. It was a painful reminder of his loss; although in this case, it was the man being taken from his dog.

You can’t do that Don; you just can’t do that!

A dying man, kill his dog? Roy lowers and shakes his head as he recalls the difficult conversation.
I couldn’t let that be….I couldn’t make him do that…..I couldn’t let him do that.

‘We’ll take him,’ Roy assured his friend.

During Don’s previous hospital stays, Skipper had become used to spending time with Liz and Roy. The idea of having him on a permanent basis was not so far fetched, and it would not be a huge adjustment. And so, when Don went into the hospital for the last time, Skipper moved to the other side of the crescent.

It is often said, the best tribute you can pay to an animal companion is to open your heart and home to another animal, in need. This beautiful act of kindness by Liz and Roy honours both Bob and Don.


The transition, it seems, was not without a few challenges. It did take Skipper a considerable amount of time to settle to sleep, and he does have anxiety-related issues. Skipper doesn’t like to be shut in anywhere and wears a belly band to prevent leaks during stressful situations. After a little more than a year, the three have adjusted well; he only wears his band when left alone and in new situations. Skipper is content to holiday in a local kennel when the retired couple is away but is very happy to see his people when they return. It is obvious that Skipper adores the couple.

Don’s family stop in to visit when they are in the area and bring treats for the little Schnauzer mix.

Liz says,

I wish that Don could see that Skipper is happy

Perhaps, he can! There was an incredible bond between Skipper and Don. So much so, the evening before Don passed, Skipper had an extremely restless night. Liz remembers saying to Roy ‘something must be happening.’ Soon after, they received the sad news that Don had passed.

Don enjoyed writing; he even authored a couple of books. His thoughts were penned in his journal. During his service, Don’s family shared the following passage:

Roy is taking my dog; I can go now.

 

Thank you, Liz, Roy & Skipper for sharing your story,

 

 

 

If you are part of or know of a rescue story, please contact us; we love to share happy tales!

 

Categories: HAPPY TALES & TRIBUTES Tagged: Friends, Happy Home, Love, Rescue, Trust

OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN

September 27, 2016 | 53 Comments

BUDDY’S RESCUE TALE

Only a pro ball for Buddy. He pops anything less.

Only a pro ball for Buddy. He pops anything less.

Buddy chose Deb to be his person.

Literally!

He walked into her kitchen and her heart.

The side door was open due to the summer heat and having run away from home – a home within the neighborhood, he found solace with Deb.

She called him buddy as he was company for as long as he wanted to hang out with her. Deb fed him and took him for a swim before calling around the grove in which she lived.

mms_20160926_221145

 

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People that knew where ‘Buddy’ had been living came to collect him and later informed her that the people in the house would not even open the door for him.

Just keep him Deb. They don’t want him

The hair on his back was so sparse you could see the fleas running across his skin. Deb learned that Buddy had been neglected and abused for the first two and a half years of his life. He was not housebroken.

Like many dogs that end up in need of rehoming, Buddy had been a Christmas present for the children in the family. And, in true, forgiving dog fashion, Buddy is happy to see those children but has made it clear that he is Deb’s Buddy now.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas (from now on)

One evening, the kids were over at the marina and were excited to see the dog for whom they previously had no time. After a quick hello, Buddy ran across the yard, kid hot on his heels, and jumped up into Deb’s lap and protective embrace.

Buddy was home.

Happy, Happy, Happy

Happy, Happy, Happy

Deb would leave Buddy in the house while she went across the street to work.

Next thing I know, he’s down here at the Marina! He had chewed a hole through the screen of the front door and ran over to see me

Deb took Buddy home and closed both doors at the front of the house. That did not deter Buddy, a Jack Russell Terrier (plus a mix of another type of terrier), from finding an alternate means of escape. Within fifteen minutes, Buddy had figured out how to split the accordion-like side panel attached to the air-conditioning unit in the bedroom and was back at the marina.

Deb and Buddy have come to an agreement: as long as it’s not too hot, Buddy comes to work with Deb. When he can’t be outside, he sits in the window and takes in the view.

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The children love him and watching the tricks he has learned to do. They would share their ice cream with Buddy and missed him when he wasn’t there.

‘He’s such a good little guy’ shares, Deb. ‘There’s a kid on the Island that asks his Dad: When Deb dies, do you think I can get Buddy? So cute, says Deb. They do have a dog.’

Deb says Buddy is the boss of the lake and rides with Deb when she, as part of her marina duties, operates the ferry boat service to Snake Island. “Wanna go to work Buddy”? She asks and Buddy is always there, captain of the ship, ready to greet people.

Captain Buddy

Captain Buddy

Says Deb,

‘He is my best Buddy.’

mms_20160926_230039

Thank you, Deb and Buddy, for sharing your story (and the fun photos).
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Categories: HAPPY TALES & TRIBUTES Tagged: Forever Home, Happy Home, Love, Rescue

P – PAPA

April 19, 2016 | 14 Comments

BLOGGING FROM A TO Z

ducks_wm

Almost two years ago we shared the story of Stu, a duck in need of relocation.  His two sisters were killed assumedly by a predator and his owners feared for his safety.
 
We are happy to update you with some special news; Stu is a PAPA!  It seems he has settled in at the farm and is doing quite ‘ducky.’
 

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Categories: WORKS OF ART Tagged: A to Z Challenge, Happy Home, Rescue

TRIBUTE TO BLUE

December 3, 2014 | 18 Comments

I always feel especially bad for families who experience a loss during the holiday season.  And December seems to be non-stop Christmas parties, luncheons and get-togethers.  As others celebrate, these heartbroken people grieve.  The Occassion becomes a painful reminder; perhaps for many years to follow.  Until the grief becomes less painful, and they can celebrate the memories along with the holiday.

The loss of our animal companions is no less significant.  They are members of our family, and we mourn their passing.

My brother works away from home for periods of two to three weeks.  Leaving his older dog became more difficult with each trip as  he could not be sure Blue would be waiting for him upon his return.

Unfortunately, that was the case this trip.

For the longest time, my parents have provided a second home for Blue while my brother is away.  They loved Blue as their own.  He was in the best place and could not have been provided better care during his final moments.

The following is a tribute to Blue – a tribute to Senior Dogs

Blue and Penelope

Blue & Penelope

Welcome to your new home

Welcome to your new home little one, we’re excited to have you finally with us.  Our parents have spent much time researching how best to care for you.  They’ve picked the coziest bed, the cuddliest toys and are equipped with everything necessary to give you the best start in life.

You are loved -you will be happy

And when you grow, big enough to get into mischief, you will undoubtedly do things our parents disapprove of.  They will make it clear that what you did was wrong.  They will, with patience, encourage you to do it differently – for as many ‘tries’ as it takes.

And when you succeed, they will shower you with praise and nurture your confidence.

You are loved -you will be happy

Our parents will set rules and boundaries, and you will learn manners.  They will teach you to be respectful, and how they expect you to behave around others.  These acts of love take time, effort, and tolerance.

When others notice and complement our parents on a job well done, they will look at you with such pride.  There is no greater reward than knowing your parents are well-pleased.

You are loved – you will be happy

Accidents happen, and we become ill – it’s a part of life.  Our parents will be by your side, make trips with you to the doctor, clean up accidents without frustration, and stroke your hair as you recover.  Love is the best medicine.

You are loved -you will be happy

New members may join your pack – a brother or sister.  You will both remain very special to our parents.  You will each have your unique ways of creating happiness and laughter in your home.  No one can be replaced.  No one will feel left out.  You are a family.

We have the best parents little one; you will see.

They are here for us when we need them and for however long we need them – unconditionally.

You are loved -you will be happy

It’s time now for me to say goodbye.  Please look after them little one; they will be sad.  The man you love, I too call ‘dad’.

I have been happy and treated very well.  Every day a new adventure but alas I am tired; too weak to explore.

I have been blessed with a wonderful family.  This dog could not have asked for more.

I have been loved – I have been happy

 

Photo of Blue & Penelope taken by Sarah Graham Photography

http://www.sarahgrahamphotography.com/

Categories: HAPPY TALES & TRIBUTES Tagged: Children, Dogs, Family, Forever Home, Happy, Happy Home, Love, Senior Companions

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Welcome to Sadie & Co!

We’re Sadie & Co. (her and her dogs plus the cat). Would you like to share your rescue story or tell us about an amazing service or product? We’d love to hear from you! Thank you for visiting, we hope you’ll stop by often. Better yet, subscribe and don’t miss out on the latest and greatest tips, tricks and treats!

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