Prayers and Passages

A dog who touched a heart...

There are animals who are in a rescuer’s life only fleetingly, but stay in the heart forever.

That is the case of this dog, Larry, and his admirer, Denise Rinker.

Here is what she wrote on Nov. 3:

“Today I received some very sad news. A dog I had fostered died today. His name was Larry. 

“Larry just barely caught the train to my house, I was actually taking Celine from Denton Animal shelter and Amy [Pelzel] asked would I please take Nomad.

“He got along great with Celine, and he was on the EU list. If I did not take him, he would die. I saw his happy, smiling face, and said ‘Sure, why not?’I renamed him Larry, as Nomad seemed like a homeless dog. and he was to no longer be homeless.

“Just so happens, I had reconnected with a friend, who has a husband named Larry. Nomad reminded me very much of Larry. He was laid back and really cool.

“We had a new foster come into the group, and she needed an easy foster for her first one, so as bad as I hated to, I gave her Larry. I bawled my eyes out when I handed him over.

“See,  the dog I pulled with him started having seizures, so I needed to get my numbers down so I could care for the medical dog. Well, Larry, shortly thereafter, started having seizures.

“The new foster fell head over heels in love with him and adopted him. He was also, heartworm positive. She recently had him treated, and that, and the combination of the seizures, 3 weeks after the heartworm treatment was too much.

“He passed away early this afternoon.

“Larry, you were one of the most awesome dogs I have EVER had the privilege to save. I am so very sorry, that at the young age of 3 or so, your life ended.

“If only the people who had you at first, had properly cared for you, then you would have never gotten the heartworms and that harsh treatment would have never had to happen.

“I know Tamarah was a good Mommy to you, and I hope you will wait for us both, at Rainbow Bridge.

“We love you, Larry, and will miss you terribly. God speed.”

Prayers for Ninja Kitty...

Our pal Terry Lynn Fisher, the tireless rescuer in Burns  Flat, Okla.,  has a request of you readers. When you see the emotion in this story, you'll see why she’s turning to the legendary big and loving hearts in the readership.She writes:

“Please ask your loyal readers to keep my Ninja Kitty in their thoughts and prayers.

“He has a golf-ball sized tumor on the side of his front shoulder. I took him to the vet today [Tuesday] and they will be doing surgery tomorrow [Wednesday].

“We found Ninja when we first moved to Burns  Flat. My dogs were in the backyard barking at a clump of grass. I went and looked and there was this tiny little black and white kitten looking up at us.

“I ran the dogs off and took him inside. He was purring and so full of love.  The vet said he was under a month old.

“That was in 1994. My Ninja Kitty is now 15 years old. He is the sweetest, most loving cat ever. He loves everyone and every thing.

“Please say a prayer for him, that he comes through the surgery OK and the tumor is not cancer.

“He is my ‘Ninja Kitty’.”

We can hear the chorus of “Amens!” traveling from Texas to Oklahoma and, of course, beyond.

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Sigrid Mureen, admirer of Shelties

Sigrid Mureen, with whom I'd worked at the big paper in Dallas for many, many years, died Wednesday morning in a local hospital.

She was being treated for complications of complications, I guess is the best way to say it.

Sigrid had fallen ill a few years ago and the battle raged on because, basically, Sigrid had the heart of a champion..

As I recall, she first came to the paper to work for Line One -- that was a consumer column the paper ran for many years. People would complain about being cheated by a company or stiffed by a bureaucracy and Line One would go after the bad guys. After the paper dropped that column, Sigrid became an editor. Long and late hours.  

We most often mentioned her in print in the context of work with the organization she'd founded, Sheltie Haven. She loved her Shelties. She loved show dogs and she loved to rescue dogs. Loved mutts, too. Every now and then she'd get me to write something about a sheltie that needed help, or an adoption session that Sheltie Haven would host at the North Texas Irish Fair, for example. Or she'd round up workers to support dog events -- Sheltie Haven would be paid to provide the workers and Sigrid would see to it that the money went into the care of down-on-their-luck Shelties.

Years ago, when I was writing columns for the big paper, I'd be sitting in my lavish cubicle and suddenly, Sigrid would peek over the flimsy wall and ask, "Got time for a funny dog story?" She would have one. Or she would have a tale of rescue or a story of a dog show adventure. She was dedicated.

I'd gotten a note from mutual pal Sally Hoover back on July 30 reporting that Sigrid had been in intensive care in the hospital. Her diabetes and a liver ailment, I guess, were fouling her system. At one point the docs put her on a respirator for several days, Sally wrote. Then, on July 30 that was removed and Sally, who was there, wrote that Sigrid was "trying to talk. Of course, she can hardly talk because of having the respirator for so long. We finally figured out that she was saying, 'I want grits.' Only Sigrid would say something like that for her first words."

She'll be missed, but she leaves a legacy of dogs that live in happy homes because theyhappened to find themselves under the influence of Sigrid Mureen.

Jazzy, who touched hearts...

Word has reached us of the death, earlier this week, of Jazzy, the dog who was rescued from a lonely backyard existence.

She suffered from a wasting muscle disease and other problems and she lived in a pen in a suburban backyard until Brenda Bredemeyer saw her and started the ball rolling to get her into a better place to live.

But, her problems were too much to overcome and she began to deteriorate and, on Monday, she was euthanized.

Foster mom Sara Shepperd wrote of the end: "Despite her sweet demeanor, affectionate nature and seemingly improved health, she actually continued losing weight for the past week. We had her on a 4-meal minimum at a total of 1200+ calories per day but she could not keep any weight on.

"She was most likely in organ failure/liver failure and she was in a constant, insatiable ravenous state all day long.

"After several discussions with vet and Nancy [Underwood, Jazzy's benefactor], as well as the others helping to feed her and love her, we all agreed that she would be more comfortable in a better place. ... I was with her and she looked so peaceful. I think she was tired of fighting. I promise you that her last week was spent surrounded by people who loved her; she was constantly petted and kissed and slept in my bed with me.

"I am sorry I could not do more, but I believe Jazz is looking down, with a full belly and a big, wide-open-jaw smile, knowing we will all continue to help other dogs like we tried to help her."

And, Brenda wrote, "Yes this breaks my heart but I'm very happy for her. I know she is no longer suffering and she is 'HOME.'  Now she can run free and she's whole and surrounded by the most beautiful Pure Love.  She will never suffer, be hungry or lonely again.

"Nancy without your help, my husband and I would not have been able to do what we did. ... This is my first time to ever help in rescuing a dog. It is probably one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life. I told a friend of mine that ever since I did this, it felt like my heart grew 3 sizes. Kind of like the Grinch's heart.

"Sara, thank you for recognizing that Jazz was only getting worse and for not letting her suffer any more. I am so happy that at least for the last few weeks of Jazz's life, she was happy and surrounded by love."

Zeus, a partner ...

In September 2003, I wrote a column in the big paper in Dallas about Deputy Constable Matthew Rollins' efforts to raise money to buy a bullet proof vest for his partner, Zeus.

They were based in Mesquite and Zeus was a celebrated drug dog -- he needed protection from the bad guys. He was 2 years old at the time and everything a peace officer could want in a partner.

Around noon Thursday we got word from our pal and veteran rescuer Dianne Cole that Zeus has died.

As the fraternity of peace officers so touchingly put it, Zeus was at the "End of Watch."

We received a "chain" of Zeus e-mails that included this sentiment from Mesquite Constable Lt. John Colwell noting how sad Deputy Rollins must be. "This was his partner. Zeus was an outstanding, decorated and efficient police service canine who never shrunk from duty. This is a great loss. Please remember Matt in your prayers. Attached is Zeus' official ID picture that was on his Departmental ID. I took the picture. Zeus liked me. I will miss him greatly."

Gina Colwell, the lieutenant's wife, sent out word of Zeus' death, "This one makes me so, so sad to send. ... Zeus has served Precinct 3 well as a brave canine officer. He and Matt, his human partner, have been with the department for several years. ... He was a brave, brave officer, always ready to do whatever the job called for and was just a fabulous soldier.

"For those of you who don't know the phrase 'End of Watch,' it's associated with the end of a soldier's or an officer's life. You'll need to know that when you read to the end of this email. Please keep Matt and his family, as well as all the deputies in Precinct 3 in your prayers. They're all hurting today -- as am I. What a sweet, brave boy. Rest well, Zeus...rest well, all is well in Heaven now because you're on watch."

At 5:57 a.m. Thursday morning, Matt Rollins sent out this e-mail about his beloved partner:

"A bad day….
"Today [Wednesday] started out normal. Woke up, went to the gym, ate breakfast, then loaded Zeus into the patrol car and went to work…just like I have for seven years. Zeus ready for anything, tail waggin’ and always beats me to the car, and me draggin’ behind not really ready for anything.

"I had a lot of paperwork to do today, so the morning hours were uneventful for Zeus, then after lunch I noticed him being strangely quiet. By five o’clock I really began to worry about him.

"Zeus has always been rambunctious and completely full of himself when on patrol, now he’s lying down in the kennel and having a tough time breathing.

"So I take him to the vet, and when I get him out of the patrol car, for the first time in seven years, I can see scared in his eyes. The veterinarian was also concerned and after numerous tests, semi-diagnosed him with pneumonia. She advised me to take him to a 24-hour animal hospital to monitor him. After we get there, they told me I would have to be back at 7 a.m. to pick him up. I spent a little extra head-scratchin’ time with him than I normally would.

 “I just had a bad feeling, then went home to get some sleep. The phone woke me up at 2 a.m. The vet said things are getting worse and I needed to come back. I got so nauseous I could hardly get dressed.

"So Lindsey, Brooke, and I headed to the vet’s office where we saw poor Zeus with tubes in his nose and I.V. bags all around him, with the same scared look in his eyes. We all huddled around him to make sure he knew we loved him.

The vet said he wanted to try one more procedure to find out why he was having such a hard time breathing. This involved sedating him and using a scope to see his lungs. When the doctor showed the pictures of the bloody fluid in his lungs with no real reason why it was there and knowing how fast this came about, I realized that there was something very wrong with my partner. I also realized letting him wake up to more pain and suffering would be selfish.

"Patrol Service Dog 'Zeus.'
"End of watch 23 July 2009."

Epilogue:

This is the note that Matthew Rollins sent to friends of Zeus and family:

"Today was a little better...still catching myself looking for him. I took off work for a couple days thanks to a partner that picked up the slack for me ( thanks Vance). I'm dealing with what to do with Zeus now. I believe cremation and bringing him home would suit us best. I know that some officers have a service for their partner, but I really don't think I'm up to that. It's hard enough looking at 'his spot' by my bed and just seeing carpet. I cant imagine what it's going to be like when I go back to work without my right hand. Right now we are mourning the loss of Zeus the family member, Monday the loss of Zeus as an officer will hit."

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A tribute to Ariel...

Veteran rescuer Joyce Conley writes lovingly of her dog Ariel who left the family on July 15.

"Ariel Belle Jasmine Snow White Conley joined her brothers, Shadow and Sunny and her kitty sisters, LP, Treasure and Cassie,  at the bridge today [Wednesday].

"Ariel would have been 15 in September. She lived a long time for a Labcetera, according to Doc C and the lab rescue folks.

"Ariel has lived with me since she was a 4 week-old-puppy. My son, who was living with me at the time, brought her home from work with a belly full of tapeworms and a partial bag of Purina Cat Chow. The [bleep] that gave her to him had been feeding her that and had every intention of drowning her in the Red River (on his way back home to Oklahoma) if someone didn't take her.
"Well, [my boy] is his Momma's son....and being the Disney nut he is, he named her! Somewhere along the line we started calling her Miss Belle Snow in addition to Ariel and she always answered to both names. I even called her Snow Girl sometimes and she knew that handle, too.

"Ariel was one of the most loving dogs in the world. She tolerated most everything the MinPins sent her way and just looked at me like 'Will you please DO SOMETHING with your children?'.  She would go potty outside in pouring rain, freezing ice, snow, or drizzle. Making a mess inside was just 'not acceptable' to her. 

"I found Ariel in the yard about 6:30 this evening [Wednesday]. I am devastated that she died without me being right there with her. She did not show any signs of trauma. Just laying out in the grass on her side. There was a huge container of water out there and the access to that yard is via a doggie door. Of course, Noel was in Addison at a meeting. I called him and he headed home. Meanwhile, Doc C returned my call and [so did] Rick from Pet Rest in Sachse. Rick waited for us to bring her to him for cremation. They are wonderful.

 "So, my precious little girl is at the bridge now. Happy, playing, and saying hello to her siblings that arrived before her. I am attaching a good pic of Ariel. She looked a little more 'ragged' lately than this pic. We loved her very, very much. Tomorrow this will probably really become reality and I will be a basket case more than I am now."

Joyce signed this, "Ariel Belle Jasmine Snow White's mommy."

Bella, a big love...

 

This is a memorial for a dog named Bella who inspired her human in many ways and, in the end, taught her things about herself. Paige Segovia presents this in honor of 

BELLA

(February 14,2006 - June 30, 2009)

"I have about a million things to say about Bella, some funny, some heart wrenching, but most importantly what I can say about Bella is that I loved her with all of my heart. Bella was a throwaway, purchased by someone who thought that the small fluffy ball of white was the cutest thing that they had ever seen and then when they realized that she wasn't the perfect dog, it was time to get rid of her. She was about 3 months old when she came to live with us.

"Bella taught me patience in life. She taught me that it was best to discipline with love and not anger and that most things could be solved with a hug and a kiss. Bella loved life. Chasing coyotes and, unfortunately, cars were her passion.

"Tugboat was another of her passions, she decided from the moment he came home that he was hers and she took over his education until he was about 10 months old. For some reason when he turned about 10 months old she decided that he was my problem. Even though she gave him back to me, she still loved him dearly. Tug has had some moments this past week of what seems to be confusion, I know that he knew that she was sick but I don't know what all he understands.
"Cancer is an evil disease that affects not only the one that is sick, but the family members who love them. Its a strain that can not be explained.
"From the moment that Bella was diagnosed until I held her and kissed her goodbye, she was my reason for being alive.

"So many nights I held her, sang to her, rubbed her tummy, her ears and her shoulders, singing to her and talking to her and begging God for a miracle.
"I am bitter, my faith has been tested and this is something that I have to accept and live with and find peace with, the fact that I have lost her and there is not a reasonable explanation as to why. I know that it is not my position in life to question God, this is my belief, but I am so hurt right now that I am having a hard time with my faith.
"So many nights I just wanted to freeze the moment- I hated each morning that the alarm went off as I would have to leave her for the day.

"Every meal that she had from the time she was diagnosed, I hand-fed her, most of her meals I cooked. Despite all that we were doing and all that she was eating, she was still losing weight.

"Giving her meds to her became a challenge, she hated the pills and could tell anytime I had it hidden in her food and would immediately decide not to eat, so I then started dissolving the pills in mineral water and giving to her with a syringe.

"Towards the end, the tumor had continued to spread, grow and disfigure my beautiful baby. It had already taken over her eye and the right side of her face. This tumor was a hot bed of infection and ultimately it was probably the infection that took the final toll. Cleaning the tumor daily was also a huge stress for her, but a necessary evil. I would always just hold her and love her afterwards and tell her that she was the most beautiful Bella in the world.

"The Neoplasene actually killed a part of the tumor but the type of cancer that Bella had was shooting out tendrils in the bone and it just kept growing and spreading. I think that on certain types of cancer, the Neo is the best option. 

"Bella's death cannot be in vain -- her passing at such a young age from such a ugly disease just can not be in vain. There is no plausible reason that cancer should still be such a deadly disease. Or that such a young dog should die from it. Where are the answers? Where are the answers for all of the millions of dollars that have been raised?
 "Luke Robinson of 2 Dogs 2000 miles believes that we need to find the cause then we don't have to worry about a cure or putting our babies thru the treatments.
"I am sure that I am rambling -- Bella deserves so much more than what I can put in writing and it's also so very hard to even think when I can't stop crying. I have cried so hard over the past 6 days that there are times my eyes are so swollen I can't see. It's hard to drive or to work. Everyone tells me that it will get better with time. I don't know that it ever will.
 "We are going to plan a Memorial for Bella and would like to raise some money to make a donation to 2 Dogs 2000 Miles in her name. I am also trying to figure out how to join Luke on September 18 to walk the 2 miles across the Potomac River. The goal is 2 million dogs walking the 2 miles, to the White House to bring attention Canine Cancer. 
 "Well here are some pictures. Again, I have cried as much today as I did on Tuesday, this is literally killing me. I so want to hold my baby again and tell her that I love her so much.

"Attached are some pics -- the one with the puppy- that is Tugboat, then there is one with her and Zoey, the 2 white girls and then one with Bailey. Bailey and Bella decided last year that they hated each other- it was sibling rivalry of the extreme. Most people would have gotten rid of one or the other, part of the lesson of patience that we had learned with Bella, got us through a most difficult time, and we didn't give up either dog.
"Usually Male dogs will fight until a butterfly passes by, females fight to the death. By the time that Bella had gotten sick- both Bailey and Bella were once again sleeping on the bed with us.
"I am sure that Bella came into my life for a reason, compassion and patience is the first thing that comes to my mind. I hope to honor her in all of the way that she deserves in her Memorial and maybe if we all pull together we can find a way to beat Cancer for not only our canine companions, but our family members and friends.
 I hope that everyone can take time from their day and visit the 2 Dogs 2000 Miles web site, Luke is one single guy with a mission and he is doing a great job, but the more people who know what he is trying to do, the more that will be accomplished.

"Paige

"P.S. Luke, THANK YOU for being so kind and compassionate, talking to you on the phone made my whole day a bit easier on Friday. To talk to someone who still understands the raw pain of going through this with their beloved baby made it easier to actually get through the day. I hope that 2 Dogs 2000 Miles is the beginning to stopping this evil disease."'

You can follow Luke's progress on his blog HERE.

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Remembering Sierra

We have received a touching tribute to wonderful dog named Sierra [right, in this photo] who left her family on Sunday morning.

The note to Readlarrypowell.com began, "Larry, we lost our first granddog today. Would you mind putting this in the Prayers and Passages section? She was a very special part of our family.  Thanks so much! Debbie and Craig Bryan."

We're proud to publish this tribute to a family member.

"Remembering Sierra, July 5, 2009:

"Our first grand dog, Sierra, lost her battle with lymphoma after a hard fight this morning.

Sierra, “grandpa” and I talked about you, little girl, on the trip back from Magnolia, Texas, where your new home was with mom Kelley, dad, Scott, the babies Caiden and Hailey, fur brothers Arkos and Dexter.

"You first came into our lives in April, 1997, when Kelley called from A&M saying that she found you at the Brazos Valley Animal Shelter, and would we keep you until she got out of the dorm for the year. She brought you home at about 8 weeks old, tiny red tough little heeler mix…one of the cutest babies I’ve ever seen. You looked like a baby dingo with your dark red hair and white tipped tail and feet. Our big Sultan took to you right away and you two became constant buddies. We worried that his big 114 pounds would break your neck when he pulled you off the ground with your tug rope play! You delighted in bossing him around even though you were so little.

"You were our Kelley’s constant companion and made many trips to A&M and back with her over the next few years. I never worried about her living in her apartment alone or traveling by herself as long as you were with her…You became the most protective guard she could have had. Holidays and summers were always fun with you in the house.

"We got to where we had to spell 'squirrel' in front of you because you went so crazy when one was at the house! 

"When Kelley and Scott graduated and got married, we laughed because you didn’t want to share your bed with Scott and refused to mind him….total jealousy. You would look over at Kelley whenever Scott gave you a command as if to say 'Do I have to mind him?' "You were always the queen in the house with the other doggie members of the family, and the boys knew it! You raised Arkos, accepted (sort of) Scott’s Tucker (Corgi) and then of late, the new foundling, Dexter.  I fell in love with the heeler breed because of my love for you, eventually getting my own Sydney and Parker.

"You took to both grandbabies as your own, alerting Kelley when they cried. They could not crawl without your kissing all over them! You were always by Kelley’s side and we often laughed that even with big Arkos was in the house, YOU were the one people had to look out for.

"You diagnosis in April was a terrible shock and Kelley tried everything known to make you comfortable. You fought so hard to stay with her!  Sierra, Sultan and Sydney are waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge where you all will be healthy and happy until we can join you. We love you, little tough one, and we will all miss you!

"Nana Debbie"

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Remembering three...

Readlarrypowell.com has been staggered in recent days by sad events. And, oddly, the sad events involve some of the most un-sad people we've ever encountered.

These are the passages, but there will, no doubt be some prayers involved.

CONSUELO "DR. CHELO" MURRAY

A veteran rescuer whose e-mail tips were always upbeat and her manner always gracious, Dr. Chelo died last Saturday from cancer. We got the news from another rescuer, Wendy Anderson. And we know that among Dr. Chelo's friends and admirers is our Oak Cliff pal Mary Garrett -- they conspired to help critters.

I asked Wendy to give a brief comment about Dr. Chelo and this is what she wrote:

"Dr. Chelo was a caring and loving individual who loved life and her dogs. She had a radiant smile that would brighten up anyone's days. Always donating to causes that mostly included animal welfare, Dr. Chelo was truly a blessing to us all.  She was surrounded by those who loved her in her last days, especially her dogs, which made her transition easier. She will be forever remembered and always loved." (Make memorials to Straydog Inc. at www.straydog.org.)

 

WENDY RAINS

During my career at the big paper in Dallas, I ran into a lot of interesting and very dear co-workers. One of them, Wendy Rains, has left us. She was found dead in her apartment several days ago by her early-teen daughter, Grace. Wendy's husband is in the service and was in Iraq -- he has since flown back

Wendy was a research librarian from the time she was a teenager -- quick, fast and efficient. And always fun to talk with and work with. Can't say that for everybody in a newsroom, you know.

There is a really nice paid obituary in the big paper today. You can read it HERE.

Many, many, many years ago, I discovered Wendy was a cat person. I think she actually was an "any critter" person and, of course, when Grace came along, Wendy triumphed as a "baby person."

 

JANE BAINBRIDGE

The weeping will not soon stop for Jane Bainbridge and I think that would probably irritate her. She's among the most consistently upbeat people who ever walked the earth.

We saw her over the weekend -- frail and physically diminished by lymphoma but full of spirit and quite ready to spend the afternoon chatting for as long as her energy and morphine held out. We all became conversationalists anytime we were in a room with Jane. Conversations with Jane were just about guaranteed to offer the opportunity to laugh, to enjoy a moment, to give you something to smile about.

At one point, as conversations reigned, Jane looked up at me, smiled with a twinkle, gestured around the room and whispered, "Pandemonium."

Jane had a lot of life to talk about -- her life started in England, went to Bermuda where she was the island TV station's weather girl in the 1970s, then to San Angelo where she found a husband named "Slats" and after his death from cancer, she came to Dallas and found a home with the Hunt Oil Company family. And, having watched these people rally around Jane for everything from transportation to sitting with her in waiting rooms, it is a "family."

I stopped by to visit Jane just before 11 a.m. Tuesday -- she was quietly sleeping. It was the sleep of someone who is weary, perhaps hopeful for peace and escape from pain.

I left a note -- I write. I didn't know what else to do.

In better times, I recalled hearing my laughingspouse Martha cackling during phone calls and she'd explain, "It's Jane."

Not a silly person, but a fun person. Quick wit. Big heart.

By the afternoon Tuesday, word was out via the "Hunt Family E-mail" system that Jane was fading swiftly. That evening, Martha gathered her Kindle and knitting drove across town to spend the night in Jane's hospice suite.

About 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jane left us. There was an immediate deafening silence on our part of the planet. A great voice for mirth and fun has been stilled.

Things are always left undone in the life of an optimist -- those people expect to finish everything and enjoy the triumph. There are details of closing down a life that will need to be handled by Jane's loved ones and friends. Jane's beautiful old fluffy cat Tasha will be getting a good home. "Quite the Diva," Jane would explain.

Years from now, even when the changes of the world have bewildered us beyond comprehension, those of us who knew Jane will find ourselves smiling -- probably just from the flash of a memory of a moment with Jane.

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The Passing of An Angel...

"The Passing of An Angel" ...That is the title Rev. Melissa Wootton-Bitting has given this remembrance of The Boofer, as the dog Marty was known.

Some of this is written in present tense, though this little guy left last week on his own time, having given a lot more life to this family than anyone would have suspected.

The photo on the left is of Marty when he arrived -- before he became "The Boofer. The glorious glamour shot of the vivid dog? Well, that's what love can do.

Named Marty but known as "The Boofer," he arrived in this world sometime in 1994 and left on May 13, 2009. His final six years were spent in the home of Rev. Melissa (of the First Christian Church of Lancaster) and her husband, Bill.

Here is the story from the dog's human, Melissa. This portion is subtitled "Rescuing Marty—or as he is known far and wide: The Boofer." She writes:

"Marty’s story began with us in 2003.  I had just graduated from seminary when I received a call from a Humane Society asking if my rescue, Recycled Pomeranian and Schipperke Rescue, had room for an older, toothless, midget of a Pom.  Of course, I said yes. 

"I still remember anxiously awaiting his arrival!  And then I saw him.  He was so pitiful.  Marty was about 3 pounds -- skin and bones, and basically hairless.  I thought then, 'I am not sure that he will be around long' -- he was in such poor shape.
"Marty’s story was that his owner had died, and one of the adult children had taken him in (sort of). 

"They had been keeping this tiny dog in their backyard with a larger dog.  Poor Marty was not getting any of the food.  He could not fend for himself.

"So began our relationship with this wonderful boy! 
"I took Marty home, and began to try to fatten him up.  I also took him to the vet to get him checked out.  We started him on thyroid medicine and gave him high quality holistic food and supplements.  Within six months, Marty had a glorious coat of hair, and his true personality was beginning to shine.

"We nicknamed Marty, 'Boof' -- or 'the Boofer' -- because he did not bark, he boofed. Marty would exert so much energy in boofing that his little front feet would come up off the floor every time he boofed. 

"And Marty was and is a character!  He loves people. . .  and thinks that everyone should know who he is and fawn all over him.  When I started taking him to PetsMart, he became known to the employees.  After they knew him, I would swear that he looked around as soon as we entered the doors to PetsMart, looking for his entourage  as he expected them to come and fawn over him.

On one visit to PetsMart to have a photo taken, we had a real problem keeping Marty upright for his photo as he kept rolling over on his back to ask for a tummy scratch.  Everyone that was watching Marty’s antics were laughing.

"Initially, I had planned on finding an adoptive home for this special boy.  But after several potential adopters asked me if Marty could be trained to keep his tongue in his mouth—as it hangs out because he does not have any teeth to hold it in—I decided Marty needed to stay with me.  Of course, my husband and I were already quiet smitten with him. 

"One of the funniest things about Marty is that he hates the word raspberry and the accompanying sound. If I ask him if he wants a raspberry, he will wrinkle his nose and try to look fierce and even growl—and then he will come after my nose with his toothless mouth…I call it being 'slobber knockered.'  However, this is a game that he will only play with me, his mom.

"Marty has grown old now with us. He is a welcoming Pom to all  of our fosters.  "Currently, he is taking care of a seven-week-old Porkie  (Pom-Yorkie cross born to a rescued Pom) while she waits to go to her new adoptive family. 

"Marty is 14-15 years of age now and has numerous health issues. This past summer, he had a health scare and I thought we were going to lose him, but he rallied.  Our vet said that he does not know why or how Marty is still alive.   I think he is still alive because he knows that he is so loved.

"Boofer, the Boof, or Marty—will always have a special place in my heart.  I cannot imagine what the last 6 years would have been like without his loving and humorous presence in my life.

"Many times people are reluctant to adopt an older dog.  I can tell you from personal experience with several dogs that I have adopted as seniors—I would not go back and change a thing.  Yes, you may have them with you are shorter period of time, but the days that you spend with a senior are golden!

"Please look at the senior dogs that are in shelters or rescue groups and give them a chance.  Your life will be greatly enriched!"

Melissa, in thinking about The Boofer's long life, says, "I am sure that he was deeply loved by his original owner.  His owner died and it was his/her relatives that placed Boof in the backyard with a larger dog and almost starved him.  The fact that he is reunited with his original owner---comforts me."

And, she writes, "Thank you Marty-Boof for coming into my life. I will always love you!  You are my fur angel here on earth.  I love you Boofer!!!

"Marty, the Boofer, passed away during his sleep on May 13, 2009.  God Speed, Marty Boof---Run Free at the Bridge---I will see you again soon!  I love you with ALL of my heart always!"