 Last weekend, a friend that Geoff and I had worked with in my first hospital assignment died unexpectedly from cardiac arrest at 58 years of age. Joe's death was another reminder of how fleeting and precious life is. We soon learned that Joe left behind a seven year old Black Lab named Zoey. I cannot imagine the loss our Andy, only two years old, would experience should his human parents leave him without warning. There was no doubt that we needed to rescue this lady pooch. Working with the Montgomery County SPCA was a pleasure. The staff explained that Joe's daughter had thought it best to surrender Zoey with the hopes she would soon find a fur-ever home. We picked up Zoey, after medical clearance, on Wednesday evening. We quickly discovered that the newest member of our family was affectionate and appreciative of the love shown to her. In short, Zoey made herself 'right at home', showing curiosity and wonder at her new surrounds.  We took the advice of some friends and introduced Zoey to her 'new' brother Andy on neutral territory. Geoff and I orchestrated a chance meeting on opposite sides of the street a bit down the block from where we live. Greeting growls and booty sniffing occurred with both of these black beauties. We paced our return to Zoey's new home and spent some time in our back yard. I kept Andy close to me, as is his custom, as Geoff won a 'fast friend' in Zoey. I was shocked when Andy belted out this Isley Brothers tune to Zoey, upon meeting her, Who's That Lady? I was even more surprised when Zoey gave a little bit of Aretha Franklin right back to him, Respect. It's not too soon to call that we now have a Daddy's girl and a Mama’s boy, although we each get plenty of loving licks from the opposite side of our furry alphabet. No doubt there will be a lot of sniffing going on as this brother and sister get used to the other’s presence. We are blessed to have a house and yard that is plenty big enough for these two to feel secure and loved by one or both of their parents. There is no rush. It's my understanding that a peaceful (unsupervised) co-existence can take a week to even months. It's a bonus that both of these dogs are filled with love and we love them. We also have Andy's 'puppy issues' out of the way and Zoey has ladylike house habits. I will happily share a 'double shot' of Andy and Zoey as soon as they agree to sit for a portrait. ☺
In conclusion, I realize that many of my readers are animal lovers. Perhaps you even have your own menagerie of dogs and / or cats. If so, have you considered what would happen to your 'fur charges' in the event you were unable to care for them, whether serious illness or unexpected death? Please think this over, if you have not already done so. Having our pets lovingly and safely cared for is as important in my mind as one's Advanced Directive and Will. In the meantime, if you are in the market for adoption, there is an awful lot to be said for rescuing an older dog or cat. As I look into our beautiful Zoey's eyes, I will forever remember the legacy of kindness and caring that Joe left behind. ShoutOutsBy the way, happy November! As we begin this month of Thanksgiving, I'm grateful to each of you who faithfully stop by my musings each week.
Sending you hugs! Until next week, mar
26 Comments
What a beautiful thing to do, rescue an orphaned pup! You are so right about leaving an Advanced Directive in the event that our departure is swift. Making sure our animals are well loved and cared for is a big responsibility and I would imagine a factor in the number of adult dogs left at shelters
Sunshine
11/2/2016 10:09:45 am
Awe! Zoey must have been devastated losing her dad. Leo still misses Randy. Foxy never recovered after losing Cap. Canines are more intelligent than we give them credit for. If only they could speak. I hope Zoey and Andy enjoy each other's company and have many years of fun together. I am sorry for your loss! Much too young... 11/2/2016 10:17:28 am
Congratulations on your newest girl Zoey! How very lucky she is! Oor fourth rescue kitty has a very similar story. Her human mama succumbed to cancer and her kids had no interest in a cat. She has been with us since. I'm sure Zoey and Andy will be fast friends! Enjoy! Love to all of you!
Mike
11/2/2016 11:55:44 am
This a compelling story on many levels. Note to Zoey: "You lucked out big time." This is a sweet story even though it was sad to lose a friend. Zoey is a lucky girl to be adopted by you and Geoff. I have had another sad experience with an animal. My friend Tammy had a long haired Chihuahua that she was going to take to the shelter because she is now taking care of three grandchildren, well of course I wanted to try again to have an animal. His name was Fluffy and he was beautiful. He looked like a Pomeranian. I had him four days before I got sick. It took him two days to have anything to do with me. On the third day he sat in my lap and slept in his bed in my bedroom. On the forth day I woke up with swollen eyes and congestion. I called Tammy and she came and got him. She promised she would keep him so I could at least see him. I bought him everything they had to sell for a doggie. I took him to the vet and got all his shots. I will continue to help her financially with his care. The sweetest thing, he was so happy to see Tammy, but as she was leaving he came over to me and licked my hand as if to say, " I am glad mommy came to get me, but I love you too. " I have learned my lesson. I will not try again. I might get a bird, my luck I'd get histoplasmosis. lol..
Dear Mar, I've read this post all the way smiling, and then laughing. "I was shocked when Andy belted out this Isley Brothers tune to Zoey, upon meeting her, Who's That Lady?"
Nothing less than what I would expect of you & Geoff. Where there's a need for love & generosity, there you are. How wonderful that you have added a daughter to your family~~and such a sweet, beautiful young lady. I won't be surprised at all when once the initial adjustment has fallen into place, Andy finds he has a big sister who will spoil him and protect him. (That's what big sister's do with little brothers, according to my grand daughter who has 3 younger brothers!)
Mary Lawlet
11/3/2016 01:40:40 am
This is the best story I've heard in a while. I'm sure Joe is pleased from above. This is truly a love story. You and Geoff liking Joe so much that you adopted his beloved dog. I look forward to hearing the progress of Andy and Zoey. Thank you for thinking of Joes devestated pooch. I remember when my sister n law died and How traumatized her little dog was. 11/3/2016 09:39:15 am
Prof. Mahreer,
Dear Mareer,
Gail Sobotkin
11/5/2016 06:14:29 pm
What a beautiful adoption story. Sorry to hear your former co-worker died unexpectedly, but glad you and Geoff adopted Zoey so quickly. Sounds like you're doing everything possible to ease the transition for her, and for dear Andy, too.
Shauna
11/15/2016 03:37:07 pm
Congratulations on the new addition to your family, Mar! I'm really glad you posted this. I never even thought about what would happen if I die while my cats are still alive. I guess I didn't really worry about it because I know my son will care for them. 12/26/2016 12:22:17 am
It is wonderful that you took this dog named Zoey into your home and family. So many circumstances bring pets into shelters. It is wonderful when they can once again have loving families. Am sure that Zoey will bring joy into your lives.
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