Willow Oak

[Randi]

I meant to reply before, but then something came up, and when I returned to this thread, there was another exiting tale to read.

Wow, what amazing stories! You have saved a lot of lives, and you have every reason to be proud of yourself! You know the meaning of "patience" - that is of course what's needed to rescue animals.

Your story about Buddy reminded me very much of how Fister came to live with us (John and I). It had to be on Fister's conditions, or not at all! I still have Fister, who is now 12 years old, but unfortunately not John.

I'm so glad you were in the hospital at the right time and all is well now - it really would have been unfair to all your furbabies, had you departed, and of course, you're not nearly old enough for that!

As others have mentioned, you should get a book published about your rescue work - you really write well!

I wish you all the best of luck and hope you'll keep the good work up! Give all your furbabies some scritches from me - Fister sends headbumpies.

[jazzcat]

I just now found this thread. What amazing stories you have and you tell them so well.

You have such a kind heart, I'm glad you got it fixed.

[Emeraldgreen]

I hadn't read any more of your posts after #14 until today and now I'm all caught up! Quite literally.

Your comment below really got me thinking.

I hope that someday I do stand before God. And above all else I want God to give me exactly what's coming to me. I don't want mercy. I want to pay for my crimes. I hope God does not consign me to burn for eternity, but I do want to do some sort of penance. I want something else. I want an opportunity to see and apologize to Princess and the other puppy. I want to tell them that I am sorry for what I did. I imagine in my mind that if that opportunity presents itself that I shall hear something like, "Gee, I don't remember." And if and when I do, then among God's creatures, those two precious ones will have proved themselves to be bigger and better than I.

I don't think a fiery eternity is in anywhere in your future. It seems to me that God began to offer you the chance to do penance right here on earth with every creature that appeared to you 'in the middle of nowhere'. The image of snow white Buddy in the forest is nothing short of magical. And as I read your stories I began to think of each animal that crossed your path as an angel sent to you in a broken state but in the end, they were the ones that would heal you. I don't believe in coincidence and I think each and every animal that you reached out to was a gift from God and perhaps from Princess and the puppy.

You didn't have to choose this path of caring or to open your heart up to these animals but you did and it seems like your reward is great with all of the unconditional love you receive from these wonderful beings.
Of course, they too are on the receiving end at a second chance at life and companionship and love. They are lovely stories of reciprocal healing.

I was particularily struck by the story of your heart condition and the manner in which you were saved. The mere moments that were a deciding factor in your living or dying immediately made me think of big, beautiful Sam. He too only had a few seconds that would decide if he would go on to live or not but you followed your heart and you guys are together and well. I think God returned the favour back on June 23rd.

Sharing your stories benefits us all because there is much to be learned through your trials. From them, I remember that I should trust my instincts, follow my heart and love with abandon. Thank you.

[Willow Oak]

Sharing your stories benefits us all because there is much to be learned through your trials. From them, I remember that I should trust my instincts, follow my heart and love with abandon. Thank you.

Thanks for all of the responses. I had never thought of any of my experiences as "trials." I know you didn't intend that in a negative way, but having read so many posts on this forum I have come to realize how truly devoted so many people are to their animal friends. I'm quite sure that there are many similar stories to tell among the Pet Talker faithful.

This particular post touched me in a different way however. I had no idea that anything I would write would have such an effect on someone. For me it has been purely a therapeutic excercise. I have read many more posts than I have written, and I have cried many times while reading some of them. I especially like to read those eulogies written by someone who has recently lost a dear friend. Those posts do help to assuage my own grief so.

As far as a book, wouldn't it be nice if someone with real writing skills would compile the best stories from Pet Talker into some sort of anthology? Just a thought.

As for me I am still trying to work up the courage to write about Yella Fella and Goldie, and their mother and her friend.

[Catty1]

As for me I am still trying to work up the courage to write about Yella Fella and Goldie, and their mother and her friend.

You know us on PT a bit by now...you know it is safe to share that story.

No, sharing it sadly won't change the outcome - but will free you.

{{{hugs}}}

[mruffruff]

Nothing wrong with YOUR writing skills. A book of your tales would be wonderful. I get LES every time I read one.

There are many great stories here at Pet Talk. Some of them are written better than others, but they are all good reading. Should someone compile them, we would have a book of short stories all ready to publish!

If you keep them coming, we'll keep reading. They are stories of compassion and love.

[Willow Oak]

Nothing wrong with YOUR writing skills. A book of your tales would be wonderful. I get LES every time I read one.

There are many great stories here at Pet Talk. Some of them are written better than others, but they are all good reading. Should someone compile them, we would have a book of short stories all ready to publish!

If you keep them coming, we'll keep reading. They are stories of compassion and love.

I just read your profifle. "Two mixed-breed mutts." Is there any better kind? Aren't we all?