Pets

Meet Abby

susanenholm326 Comments

When Abby swiped her Get Out of Jail Free card, she began a happy, new life. At the end of April, a Pima County dog catcher picked her up as a stray — no collar, no tag, no chip, no name. A staff volunteer approved her adoption since I’ve owned dogs and have a fenced yard. Best yet, she said all dogs over six months old went to new homes for free.

Abby’s muzzle and ears say German Shepherd mix. She seems to be a reincarnation of Amber, our beautiful girl that died six years ago. Abby does show separation anxiety. Unless I close doors she gets into unrolling toilet tissue. She likes shoes, boxes of Kleenex, and wicker. Yesterday she chased and killed two quail chicks. Abby’s instincts took over — chase, capture, and bye-bye birdies.

Next Sunday she graduates from the Petsmart beginner’s obedience class. We’re going right on to the intermediate class and, eventually, if she’s smart enough, to a therapy dog program. Abby has lots of love to give. I wish she could tell me her life story . . . .

Maggie and Laila

susanenholm322 Comments

 Old dogs are still good dogs. They deserve love, care, and respect until life ends. I wrote the the story of Maggie and Laila with as few words as possible. I trust your imagination will fill any gaps.

Although her hearing has collapsed,

Maggie reads lips and responds to gestures,

Twice a day she chows down chicken and kibble,

And takes a daily walk to sniff the rocks.

She damns the day a rescued dog came to the house.

By retreating to distant spaces,

Maggie shunned her eventual replacement.

*

Laila, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, has special needs,

Insulin injections twice a day, 12 hours apart.

One cup of kibble and a piece of cheese,

Injection in the nape and a rub,

Another piece of cheese, please.

Her brown eyes flash the “I’m Still Hungry” sign.

*

The adoption agent said Laila was trained,

Not so said I when she stayed for a week,

Peeing on the carpets and using the dog door

Only when she pleased, surely

Competition for food and affection upset her balance.

*

Maggie deserves stress-free senior years,

No matter how short the leash on life.

Sadly, Laila needed another home,

The girls were not meant to be friends to the end.

                         * * *

Maggie
Maggie

Liala