On March 24th, my friend Dan, an older (75) gentleman who had a post office box in my Post Office, and who had many health issues, passed away. He was found in his car in a Walmart parking lot, and his kitty was with him in the car.
Dan knew his health was failing, and was worried about his animals. A few months ago I promised him I would take them if he died. He had a dog, a beautiful older Rough Collie and former show dog named Chippy, and a dilute tortoiseshell kitty, Wee Little, whom I had given him when she was a kitten almost three years ago.
Dan was single, with no family. He was a former champion figure skater who went pro, then a long time NYC resident who worked at the Metropolitan Opera, before he retired to Vermont many year ago. Once here he became a substitute teacher at the local high school. He was a character, and much loved.
Before he died, unbeknownst to me, he brought Chippy to New England Collie Rescue - where a board member immediately fell in love and adopted her.
It took me several days to find her whereabouts, though, I was much relieved to learn that, after all, I had made a solemn promise.
Wee Little was taken by the police to the local shelter near where his car and he were found. Tonight I get to go pick her up.
But the last week involved me calling every shelter and rescue I could think of locally and inquiring, putting the word out, and worried.
Please, make a plan for your pets if you pass away, and update it year to year, and let friends and family know. That would have saved me a lot of stress, and having to do all that while simultaneously grieving my friend, and letting people know of his passing.
Rest in peace, sir, and know Chippy and Wee Little will now be safe and loved as I promised.
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