This day I knew I had a great pal to care for: Clifford the Big Red Dog - YES! There is such a guy and he is a marvelous member of the canine family. He guards his home in a friendly manner but with enough authority that a stranger should think twice about approaching. He and I share many secrets so we are OK together. He's got 3 cat "roomies" too. They remind me of Cindrella's step-sisters for they anticipate every feeding and caregiving that they believe (and truly) they are due. they are big chatterers, reminding me of each chore I'm to complete and how honored I should feel. Oh, that's cats, isn't it? Anyway, I stopped in a bit earlier than usual as I was going to spend the longer part of the day with my pals Heidi and Amber (dog and cat), a duo who live in splendor and have a marvelous setting - very relaxed. Heidi's a senior and wants for very little beyond loving closeness, some treats and trips. Amber is independent until she realizes what she's missing in terms of treats!
And, indeed I did get there and was able to spend time with each of them, serving up brunch and taking a few walks, sitting outside, petting and cuddling and keeping them company.
However, interspersed with this calm behavior were phone calls and texts and emails about a not-so-lucky baby we just became aware of today: a Great Dane, stored in an attic --- IN THIS HEAT --- because the daughter of physically ill-equipped parents decided she'd had enough and left all of them on the 5th. Mind you, this is the 15th and the dog has been in the attic --- need I repeat:--- in the attic--- IN THIS HEAT --- sfor ten days. Keep in mind that dog temperatures are higher than ours so she has been at risk this entire time. Mom has crawled (yes) up the stairs to give the dog food and water each day as Dad is unable to help at all. The county wanted to charge them to come and get the dog and euthanize her - more money than they have on hand,....thankfully or Mitzi would not be a rescued pup.
So today was about getting the call and then reaching out to souls who are able to help. The result at this point is great. The dog is rescued and coming to us tomorrow. She will go to our vet (thank you Rochester Veterinary Clinic) for shots and all else and be boarded for a couple of days until she can be transported to the Humane Society of Central Illinois which will welcome Mitzi with open arms. She's big. She's old for her breed. She's had it rough. She's OH-SO-SPECIAL. People who accept these challenges are standouts, and, like them, we are all blessed whenever we interact with any of these dogs who KNOW they are getting another chance,that there was a reason to keep surviving, to exercise the will to live, to hope when there seems to be no reason to hope.Thank you to QK9C for NEVER giving up, for reaching out and beyond and beyond that. This girl-dog thanks you without even knowing how fortunate she is. Whatever we give her she will return with love 10- fold. And, thank you to Humane Society of Central Illinois for taking Mitzi in as soon as we can get her there! WOOO-HOOO to team work!
I really don't care who you are, what your title is, what you do. Having climbed up the corporate ladders and retired from them while still there I know only too well that you work hard and I appreciate that. But now, being able to move along I also appreciate much of what I missed during those years. If you haven't done "deeds" for animals or less fortunate people you need to realize that your faith is unfulfilled. It is thru your faith you can do works such as rescue or taking food/clothes/supplies to poor, or whatever it is that draws your attention, creates your passion. It is deeds that bring your faith to life.
Today started out ordinary and became complicated. I would never ask for it to be any other way. Tonight my heart is bursting with joy because enough people in the right places at the right time are willing to sacrifice to save this one dog that none of us know. And, we will all do it again and again and again. What would Jesus do? I think we all know.
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