This story just goes to show you can never be too careful with who will get your beloved puppies. With so many unwanted dogs and cats out there why add to them??
HEAD OVER HEELS
I have been a "silent" fan of Petwarmers for a long time now, but with
the recent focus on two of my favorite subjects -- Bichon Frises and
rescued pets -- I feel compelled to share my own experience.
Eleven years ago my best friend's Bichon had the most adorable, loving
and amusing little puppies. I desperately wanted one, but being a newly
divorced mother of three young children I felt that the strain -- on both
my budget and my time with my children -- would be too much, and so the
pups were all sold.
Ten months later, my friend received a call from one of the puppy's
adoptive families. They did not want the pup any longer -- if she didn't
come take it, it would be "disposed" of.
I was horrified!
Within minutes we were on our way. I will never be able to forget
this dog's miserable living conditions. She was in a cage, inside a closed
cabinet, under a bathroom sink in the basement! These people explained to
us that they NEVER took her out, and that they left her down there because
she cried too much. She was pathetically thin with a coat that was
completely gray and matted -- if I didn't know that she was a Bichon, I
would never have guessed.
I sat down on the floor and the puppy was placed before me.
My heart broke as she attempted to crawl into my lap. She couldn't
walk properly -- her muscles were atrophied from lack of use, she was weak
and dehydrated, her spirit was all but broken -- yet she was desperate for
love and attention. She wriggled her little body and tail as she fiercely
kissed my face again and again.
I was not leaving her in that place. I was already in love and
feeling so relieved that I had been able to rescue her and save her life.
I didn't realize then that Kimba was also saving MY life...
You see, I was also recovering from long term abuse. Domestic
violence had left emotional scars that were taking a long time to heal.
Trust did not come easily to me, and my self-esteem was at an all-time low.
Financially I was facing disaster. Though a highly skilled college
graduate, I lacked the confidence to attempt anything more than my current
part-time job.
Kimba changed all of that.
Her indomitable spirit and keen intelligence made her the perfect
friend and partner. I have never had to train her. From the very first
day I brought her home she just KNEW what was expected of her. She
responds correctly to casual comments made in a conversational tone. I
know it sounds far-fetched, but it is absolutely true. I cannot explain
the bond that exists between us, but it is strong and it is real.
Her incredible devotion to me, her constant love and adoration, and MY
success in helping her to become all that she is, ultimately had a profound
effect on me. It didn't happen overnight, but I am very proud to say that
with Kimba's help (as well as my children's, friend's and family!) I was
able to pull myself together.
Today, I own a business where Kimba is the undisputed queen. She comes
to work with me every day, has her own sofa in my office, eats lunch with
the rest of us... do I sound crazy? I AM ... about this amazing little dog
who rescued me just as surely as I rescued her.
One final note: Kimba DOES the same "dance" that the Westminster
winner did when he won the award -- most Bichons do, when they are happy or
excited or just want to make you laugh. It's no wonder that most Bichon
owners are labeled "crazy!"
You can't help but fall head over heels in love with these fuzzy
little angels!
-- Jayne Mircica <
[email protected]>