My little old pitbull - her name is Puppy - who we rescued so many years ago - will be 19 years old tomorrow! She is still full of life and such a joy - she still gets around just fine, although not quite as fast as she used to. She still plays with me and her furry brothers, just not as long, and the boys have to be reminded from time to time to be gentle. She amazes me every day. When we rescued her she was a terrified little dog that had been beaten and abused by her former owner. If any man approached her she would run and hide and curl up in a ball and shake and shiver, tail tucked. My wonderful husband has taught her that she does not have to be afraid of men. The transformation we have seen is nothing short of a miracle. Love and patience have wonderful healing qualities. Every day she goes to the top of the hill behind our house and rolls down it with such abandon and at the bottom she gets up and shakes and prances off. She is such a happy puppy dog now, trusting of everyone, no fear. I wonder if she remembers her earlier days of terror and pain? She is my shadow.Where ever I go on the ranch and in the house, I know she is not far away. Always watching over me, the first to jump in between when she thinks the horses are coming my way from the pasture a little too fast. Or when she saw the rattlesnake before I did many years ago and was bitten because she jumped in between us. She is in great health for her age, no known issues except for her hearing. She is getting weaker, but she still is happy, gets around without any help, and has no problems eating. She moves slower, gets tired faster. But that is okay, as long as she isn't in any pain or discomfort. I love this old girl with all my heart and will miss her terribly when she is gone. She has brought so much joy to our lives. I can't erase what happened to her before she came to us, but I have tried to make it as vague and distant a memory as possible. Her happy go lucky personality puts a smile on my face. Her loyalty, her companionship, have been given expecting nothing in return. Yes, I will miss her when she is gone. Our furry friends are at our mercy, totally dependant upon us for their care and the quality of life we give them. They give unconditionally. How lucky I am to be able to have the animals i have. Anyway - I am rambling on. I just wanted to let everyone know it is her 19th birthday tomorrow. I made a little doggie birthday cake for her I made out of hamburger - tomorrow she will get her cake and eat it too! Take care everybody! Clydesmom |