Thursday, September 1, 2016

Finding Leo

We were driving down a familiar road headed home to our cottage in the country when we saw something brown running alongside of the road. As we passed by the creature, it fell to the ground and turned over, legs up toward the sky. We pulled off the road and walked back toward the little thing and it started wagging its tail.

The pads of his paws were bloodied by the distance he had traveled on the blistering hot asphalt. We could tell he was some sort of toy poodle despite the filthy, matted fur that covered his entire body. We scooped him up and headed home.

I put him in the kitchen sink and ran warm water over his body, soaping him up with shampoo. He shivered nervously as I clipped the matted clumps from his frame revealing a soft coat of white fur. His ribs were showing through the short hair when I finished. We wrapped him in a soft towel and held him until he was dry. I’ll never forget the look of gratitude in his sweet eyes as he reached up to give me a kiss before falling asleep in my arms.

The veterinarian told us that he was likely around nine years old, about ten pounds, suffering a bit of malnutrition and from the normal parasites that go along with living in the wild. We got him his shots and medication for the flea bites and abrasions that were present on his feet and body. He went back home with us, immediately taking charge of my lap like a hood ornament, staring out of the front window of the car.

We weren’t supposed to have dogs in the small place we were renting, but we convinced the landlord that he wouldn't be any trouble. With tile floors, any cleanup would be minimal, we told them, and we would be responsible for any damage. The little guy never once messed in the house.

Shortly after that, we relocated to another city where we took him with us into an apartment in a new complex with lime green shag carpet and Harvest Gold appliances. We both found new jobs and Leo stayed home during the day. It wasn’t long before the neighbors stopped us on our way inside.

“Did you know that your dog howls the entire time you’re at work?” they asked.
“Well, no.” We had no idea that he was so lonely. “I hope it doesn’t bother you.” No, they didn’t mind. They also had a dog, a beagle they named Beagle, and he barked most of the time.

Leo seemed fine for a time and then he started howling so much he began to wheeze and cough up foam. We took him to a new veterinarian who x-rayed his throat and discovered he had a torn esophagus, probably from eating sticks and rocks when he was out on his own. His jaw was also broken and not repairable, according to the doctor. We were given little choice other than to put him down.

Still in my teens as a young wife, it was my first time to make the ominous decision to end the life of a pet. I could barely live with myself for weeks afterward. The gaping hole in my heart after he made the trip to Heaven was nearly unbearable. The only consolation was that his last few months of his life he was happy and secure and well-loved. I always wondered where he came from, why he was out on his own, who might be missing this little boy.

The only remedy to the lasting heartache was to bring another dog into our household, a puppy, whose exuberance and joy was a much needed blessing after losing our rescued pup.

16 comments:

  1. Peg - You display your generous heart so well. Even as a youngster your love of pets shined. What a great story.

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  2. Hello Mck, From the time I was four years old we had a dog in the house as part of the family. I credit my dear old Dad with imparting a love for all creatures especially the four legged ones. Thanks so much for your kind remarks.

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  3. Such a heartwarming and sad story. At least you showed him what love could be and he is up there chasing butterflies and always will be loving you.You were so right to take in a puppy right away it is the best way to deal with the sadness. Our first cat died in my arms after 12 years and I last only a couple of months until we adopted our cat boy Sid. It also helped greatly in the healing process.

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  4. Hello Rasma, Sorry to hear about your sweet cat. As you said, she knew love and kindness for twelve years. We've had to bid goodbye to quite a few who spent their lives with us. They enrich and reward with their affection every day. Thanks for stopping in and for sharing your thoughts.

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  5. Oh Peg,
    This story is beautiful, heartbreaking and inspiring all wrapped into one package.
    Leo is with Baby Kitty and all the other fur angels who had an angel Momma in their final days.
    Thanks for sharing this...it is a fine marker of your character. Love, Maria

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  6. Dearest Maria, I'm so glad I read your blog and the story about Baby Kitty. It brought back such bittersweet memories of the short but happy time I had Leo in my life. Thank you for the inspiration and for stopping here to read these thoughts. Your warm remarks are always welcome. Love, Peg

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  7. Nice job, Peg. I am wiping tears from the corners of my eyes.

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  8. Aww, Rebecca. I know you understand the sadness surrounding a lost pet. Thanks for the sweet sentiments. Love.

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  9. A wonderful serving of compassion to go with my Sunday morning coffee. So sorry Leo wasn't with your family long, but very thankful he spent his last bit of life in the company of those who loved him.

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    1. Hello Angelia, I'm thankful, too. After all these years, I still think about him.

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  10. What a wonderful heartfelt story Peg. I understand exactly how you felt having to say goodbye.

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    1. Dear Susan, I know you understand. It's never, ever easy. Thank you for coming by today.

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  11. Heart-touching story, Peg! I think we instantly develop a special bond with pets we rescue and preserve from danger :)

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    1. Hello dear Martie, You know it's true that they rescue us as much as we rescue them. He was my little boy for such a short while but I'll never forget him. Love.

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  12. Hi Peg,
    Stories like this remind us of the numbers of sweet but unappreciated animals in the world. It's quite heartbreaking. So good though that you were able to give this little one love and caring. Making the decision you did was part of that. Nice post!

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  13. Sometimes the friendliest, cuddliest animals are the ones who don't have long to live, and you realize too late that they snuggled to distract themselves from pain. I'm glad you found another dog to love; you sound like a loving family!

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