Happy Tails

     We kept up for the search for days, when my husband noted that you were having an adopt-a-thon in Oakdale.  He said, "Let's go check it out!"  I looked at him like he was crazy.  "I don't want some juvenile deliquent dog no one else wants...I want a puppy!" I said.  He then asked me, "Are you really that specific with what you want?"  I thought more seriously about his question.  I've always had very strong spiritual beliefs about pets and our purpose in each others' lives, so I answered with my heart this time.  "Let's just go.  If the dog we're meant to be with is there...we'll know in our hearts."  (I really felt that way, but at the same time I'm thinking "And it's gonna be a puppy that's all tiny, wiggly and warm!") 
     We arrived at the shelter and went inside, and I quickly glanced left to right as I moved down the line of cages. The first dog on the left was an adorable german short-haired pointer, but way too big, and not a puppy.  There were other mixed breeds as well, and they all were well and good, but I felt no connection as I looked into each cage.  I was ready to go home.  I looked around for my husband and he was back looking into the cage where this big-nosed pointer was sticking his snout out.  My husband looked at me expectantly.  "No way! I said, "It's too huge!" (around 60 lbs...way above my limit!).  "Can we just take him out and play with him a bit?" he asked.  My then 33-year-old husband had suddenly become 10, but I couldn't say no.  So, Jane, you came over and opened the door and let "Theodore" into our lives.  We took him outdoors on this beautiful fall day, and, still doubting in my heart that this was "the one," I knelt down next to him with my husband and pet him and rubbed his ears.  Suddenly, I felt this incredible rush of emotion that brought me to tears and, as I looked up at my husband, he, too, had tears in his eyes.  This was the sign I'd been looking for and I had no doubt we'd just added to our family.  We named him Maestro and took him home all those years ago. 
   We've since moved to New Jersey, my family and I (including Maestro and our two cats Pokey and Risby).  Our little puppy now weighs 110 and he couldn't be loved more.  He has added so much joy in our lives and truly has taught us all the meaning of unconditional love...there's no person in this world that can teach us this in its truest form...only our pets. 
   We had to put down our eldest family member, Pokey, just three days ago.It was one of the hardest days of my life.  But, in his honor, and to honor the love he brought to our home for almost 14 years, I wanted to thank you and the role you played in bringing our wonderful Maestro into our lives. (if you can see the attached photo, he does, indeed, have "the life.")  

Thank YOU!   Ginger and family