Lucky Dogs!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Yesterday, I woke up to the news that Rudy had died.  Rudy was a dog I wrote a blog about and he touched many of our hearts. 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/rudy

His owners decided they wanted to travel after their kids had moved out and no longer wanted Rudy and at the age of six he lost the only home he had ever known.  So many of us could not understand how traveling anywhere could be more important than our dog. Luckily, he ended up with the DRC and his foster parents became foster failures when they adopted him.  All this has happened when I have been thinking a lot about the misfortunes of some dogs and the luck of others.  Every day when I get on Facebook, I see many posts about dogs that have ended up in neglectful situations, lost dogs, chained dogs, or dogs that need our help.  Some days it is enough to make me want to close up my computer and go back to bed.  You can’t even escape it on TV because throughout the day they play that heartbreaking ad for the ASPCA and the faces of those animals almost makes me cry.  As soon as I hear the music that goes along with that commercial, I want to flip the channel and avoid the feeling it gives me every single time. 

 

I had to drop Fudge off at the vet on Tuesday at 8 am. She had her teeth cleaned and I wanted to get something that has been bothering her on the left side of her mouth checked out. I didn’t get to pick her up until 6-8 pm.  I haven’t had to leave Fudge at the vet since she was spayed and to say neither or us were happy would be an understatement.  She didn’t want to go back with the vet tech and kept looking back at me to let me know that she never expected this from me and I left feeling sad and guilty.  The good news for Fudge was I went back to pick her up.  In fact, Vern and I felt a little lost all day without her.  I was surprised how much I missed her wacko energy on our walk and Vern walked along with less spring in his step.  We didn't like being the Two Musketeers and Laurie and Vern doesn't sound nearly as good to our ears as Laurie, Fudge, and Vern. Now, I know in my head that this was really no big deal and I wasn’t sending her off to college and going to get back a dog at school breaks that insisted she was grown up now and curfews were a thing of the past. I remember when Megan left for college and John and I walked around for days feeling like someone had died.  I cried when Megan left and cried even more when I went into her room and looked around at the mess she had left me to clean up. No, this wasn’t like that at all, it was just Fudge going in for a routine “tune up”, but I still missed her and couldn’t wait to go get her.    Fudge doesn’t know it, but she is one of the lucky ones, because I will always go back for her.

 

Monday night, before the teeth cleaning, I was talking to Vern while making dinner. He was sitting there staring at me and silently pleading for a piece of cheese.  I couldn’t help but smile and when I said, “Vern, how did I get so lucky to get me a Vern?  I must have done something really great to end up with a big ol’ Vern,” he actually smiled back and wagged his tail.  I told him I felt the same way about Fudge. She was too busy sleeping to care about this revelation, but later when she got up to eat her dinner at 11:00 pm, she had no idea how relieved I was because I had been staying up hoping she ate before I had to pull her food and water dish at midnight. The thought of her being hungry all night and at the vet’s did not sit well with me.  Vern got up that night and the only reason I know that was because I vaguely remember hearing John tell him he was a pain in the posterior and hearing Vern’s tail thump in agreement.  Many nights while John is reading his Kindle in bed I will hear him laugh as Vern nudges him with his nose to let him know he is there.  Vern has a real need to know we are there and often just stops by our room to make sure.  Sometimes, he will just find you throughout the day and if I stop what I am doing and sit on the couch with him, he almost always puts his paw around me to say thanks. I consider this to be one of those times I need to “stop and smell the roses,” or in Vern’s case, “stop and smell Vern.”  Vern really doesn’t know how lucky he is that we find all of his traits so endearing, even at 1 am.

 

For the most part, all of our dogs on DK got lucky and I think that is another thing this website gives all of us…a place to come where other dog lovers “get it” when we talk about the goofy things we do for our dogs.  Most of us were horrified that Rudy’s original owners were so selfish, but in the end, Rudy got lucky, too.  He died knowing how it is supposed to be for our dogs. My own mother says I have a screw loose when it comes to my dogs and when she tells me that, I probably confirm her opinion when I pretend to talk like Fudge and Vern and say, “grandma is dumb.” I also want to say that some dogs get very lucky because of the rescue organizations and the people involved who work tirelessly to save dogs, when others of us just want to look away from the TV commercials and the FB entries and hug our own dogs. Not all dogs get lucky the first time around or maybe ever, but I am thankful for the ones who get a second chance, just like Rudy. RIP, sweet boy, and know that I will be making a donation to animal rescue in your honor.  I urge all of you to do the same. Happy Holidays to those of you who make your own dog lucky every single day!

[Jeanne, Tura and Dolly]

Laurie, I just realized that I have separation anxiety after I leave the dogs for a few hours. I guess I'll have to go to the training group for advice.......

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Camilla. Darwin was the perfect dog for you to start with....he is goofy perfect :)

Leslie, I am glad Halas is helping you smile at this sad time. My heart goes out to you and Judy!

Donna, Me, too!

Karen, Thank you! Some of these dogs just get to me....Rudy was one of them. JD got very lucky :) I have slept many a night with my legs hanging off the bed and few covers, but I don't want to disturb a DOG, but I wouldn't have it any other way. We are all lucky to have your passion for dogs on DK!

Jeanne, All those stories like the one you told make me sick. Where is the justice for these animals? How do these people get away with such cruelty? When I am away from home, after about 4 hours, I start to get nervous...I know the dogs are waiting...everyone thinks I am nuts. Oh well :) I get it! LOL

BG, I love how you love Gavin!

Nicky, I love that image of Rudy on the boat. It is how I want to remember him, too. I thought of Boris when I was writing this...so much worse than a teeth cleaning and how you must have been feeling. I pray he makes a speedy recovery.

F, You last line is exactly how I feel. Thank you!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Cheryl and Gail!

Lori, Thank you for the lovely comment.

Elizabeth, I agree.....loved in the end. The way it should be!

Cyndi, I am so glad to hear about your company and the employees giving to animals. That really is a wonderful, positive change, and thank you for sharing. I do the same thing with instructions when I live my Doodles WITH my daughter :) LOL Have a great Holiday!

Carol, I know what you mean. I think if I was God for one day, I would make every owner change places with their dog for a week.  I would hope all the owners of chained and neglected dogs would change their tune. If only......

Miss Ellie, I couldn't believe how much I worried over one teeth cleaning. I remember Fudge being spayed, too. We are just dog crazy...what can we say? I wouldn't want it any other way. Thank you for your lovely comment.

Thanks, Gina! I know just what you mean and these Doodles mean as much to John as they do to me. Buddy and Kona got as lucky as Fudge and Vern :)

Allyson, I think Megan's first word was dog....it beat mama and papa :) You are very lucky, but so are your dogs and Charlotte :)

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I'm so sorry to hear about Rudy. I'm grateful he got to be one of "our lucky dogs" during the last few months of his life. I know Finn is lucky -- but I'm luckier. Not a day goes by that he doesn't bring a smile. I love this blog!

[Gail and Bailey]

RIP Sweet Rudy.  What a wonderful tribute, Laurie.  You said it all...perfectly.  

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Oh Laurie, you are such a wonderful writer.  I never know whether I will be laughing out loud or quietly crying at my desk.  This was more of the latter, but it still brought a warmth to my heart because Rudy did finally find his family and you reminded all of us of how lucky our doodles are and how much we get back in return.  

Rudy, sweet big ol' boy, may your adopted family find peace as they mourn you, and comfort in all the wonderful memories I know you left for them to remember you.  

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

I think after reading your blog and hearing about Rudy, I am hugging Miss Bailey a little tighter tonight.  I cried when I heard about Rudy but was sooo thankful for his new momma and family.  He was loved in the end and that is all he will remember!  

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

I was very sad when I saw on FB that Rudy was gone and your blog was right on point.  Personally, I always thought the traveling was an excuse.  We have 3 doodles and if we wanted to travel continuously, they would be right beside us. Would it be less than relaxing at times, yep.  Worth it anyway, you're darned right it would be.  As I get older, stories like Rudy's hit an even deeper cord.  Someone getting rid of a family member because they are older and in the way :(   I have noticed differences this year is how animal charities are viewed.  My company (a large global presence) gave employees a choice on directed giving/matching this year. The ASPCA was one selected by everyone (and everyone in the US is a lot). Employees make contributions and the company matches.   Our office is in a 20 story building and in the lobby next to the Toys for Tots box is one for Angels Among Us. AAU is a local animal rescue. Yesterday, it was filled to overflowing.   A big change for the positive

I know our 3 are lucky and I tell them frequently although they don't seem impressed. They are all unique and I love them more than I thought I could ever love a dog.   When our son left for college, the house was so empty I filled it with doodles and never looked back.  They will be boarding a few days during the holidays.  The place is wonderful and they are pampered.  However, just to be on the safe side, I've packed their food, toys and 3 single-spaced typed pages of instructions.  You can never be too careful. 

[Carol and Banjo]

Oh, Laurie…..it seems that each day I'm reminded of the many, many dogs out there who deserve to have what our dogs enjoy.   It saddens me so.   I feel so privileged to have Banjo in my life.  I  can't  imagine him having any less than he does.   I wish all of his "relatives" had "the good life".

[Miss Ellie]

Laurie my sincere apologies...but I accidentally deleted my original post.  I saw a typo and thought I was editing and deleted instead.  I am sorry for your loss.  I wasn't aware of Rudy's story but was saddened to hear he started his life with such heartless people...glad to hear that he eventually found happiness and then saddened to hear of his passing...my heart is sad.  I totally understand your not being comfortable leaving your dogs at the vets for an extended period...when Ellie was spayed last month I was a blubbering mess.  Only us dog lovers can truly understand...other people think we're crazy...but I think they are crazy for not having a dog to love that way.  I too am one of those people who turn off those commercials because it just makes my heart ache too much...God Bless the people who don't turn them off and actual make a difference.  Yes, the dogs that belong to the members of DK families are very lucky...but truthfully I think we are the lucky ones to be blessed with their presence in our lives...they bring so much joy, love, comfort, companionship, loyalty and laughter to our lives!