A Post from Poppy's Mom

I live on the coast of Mississippi, in the county where Katrina hit the hardest (yes, harder than New Orleans).  I am now classified as too old by a certain dog rescue organization who would not allow me to adopt one of their dogs.  I am 71.  I am retired from the U. S. Court of Appeals in New Orleans but work part time at a paying job and constantly doing volunteer work, especially on the computer, and especially for my high school friends (I have a blog for them) and my Franciscan friends (blog and website for them).  I also have this blog for my dogs. 

I lost my husband last year along with my best friend, my daughter-in-law and one of our dogs, Juniper - four extremely important ones gone in less than six months.  I miss them all very much and am so grateful for the company and comfort of my dog family.  I have fostered once since my husband passed away but cannot do this again.  I am still trying to adjust to my new situation (I'm sure you understand) and don't think I am capable anymore of loving a foster and then letting go.  It takes being able to love lots but with a certain detachment that I no longer have.

I have four children:  3 Maltese, Tashee, Pal, and Rosie, and a Yorkie, Abby.  Rosie is a permanent foster for NCMR and is blind.  Tashee is almost 16, Pal, 14, and Rosie will be 16 this year.  Abby was adopted a couple of years ago and is estimated to be about 7.  There is great likelihood, of course, that it will not be too much longer before only Abby and I will be left.  She is my darling girl. 

Most of the seniors sleep lots and Tashee, who was the love of my life, is now distant, lost in her aging world.  She gives some kisses, sleeps nearby but no longer cuddles or wants to stay in my lap, growling often at everyone who comes near.  Pal remains adorable and affectionate, sitting in my lap right now, but is a little old man who still likes to play fetch.  Little blind Rosie must be the healthiest of them all, taking no medicine and when she is excited, jumps a couple of feet off the floor and twirls and barks.  She loves to be held and swoons and sighs with delight.  They taught me about love, and now they are teaching me about being old.  

Tashee was given to us by our groomer/breeder, and Pal was adopted from NCMR after recovering from heart worms.  I rescued Rosie and her best friend, Teddy, from the shelter.  They had been adopted but returned.  Teddy suffered with a severely collapsed trachae, loved me and Rosie with all his heart, and was young and healthy except for this one problem.  After several months, he had to be put to sleep.  Abby was rescued from a bad and neglectful situation, not receiving good medical care.  She has a mild case of heart worms and one eye that has been damaged by infections and dry eye before I adopted her.  The eye problem is being managed and has improved a little.  I pray that she will not have to have it removed one day.

All these sweet ones came into my life when I was not looking for another one - they just knocked on the door and I asked them in to love for the rest of their lives.  We all sleep together in the "big" bed.  Before I turn off the light at night, I look around at all them, and no matter what is going on, I feel grateful and believe that life is good. 

I seek to make God the center of my life, but on another and lesser level, my dog family is a center, and I have cried more for those dogs in my life - Poppy, Juniper, Teddy, Sammy, Lucy, Molly, Sophie and Nikki - who have passed away than most people family members and friends.  I know my mother understands.

My love to my little grandson, Peyton, who has blessed us all more than he will ever know. 

Love and Prayers, Ouida