Thanksgiving Day 2006 was a sad day in our lives. We went to the hospital to pick up our baby girl and the birth mom had changed her mind. On the same phone call that we found out we were not getting our baby girl, we were notified that our dogs, Toby and Bear had been hit by a car and died. We were devastated.
The next day, inconsolable, we went to Petsmart to a dog rescue event and came home with Princess and Spanky. These two little puppies eased my empty arms at not having a newborn baby to hold. They eased the pain of a five year old boy who had just lost both his dogs and a baby sister. Their cuddles and love eased the blow of a pink baby room empty and arms that should have held a fresh from heaven baby girl. Instead we had puppies.
Spanky and Princess eased the pain of that horrific day and the earth shattering events that unfolded in our lives that year of miscarriages, failed adoptions, death of our beloved pets and many other hard things.
These two had warmed their way into our hearts and family. We loved and cherished them.
As I have been sick, Princess also became ill. With my ever growing medical bills, we could not care for Princess in the way that she needed. When we are struggling to get doctors to treat me due to such high medical bills, there is no way to use our precious resources to pay for vet bills and expensive treatments for our dog. Many tears were shed over what to do. I tried helping to heal Princess all naturally but with how sick I have been, it was hit and miss. Thomas is burning the candle at all ends trying to work and take care of me and Hayden. Add on all the responsibilities of a mom and dad and he is at his complete max for taking on any additional responsibilities.
Princess began yelping in pain and the pain meds were no longer working. We knew the end was getting close and were devastated as what needed to be done.
As we were trying to figure out how to put Princess down without Hayden completely losing it, we received a call about Max. I had literally just stood from kneeling in prayer when we found out about Max. Hayden had just cried that he almost lost his mom and now was going to lose his dogs. Max was the answer to our prayers. We were given a thousand dollar companion dog at the time that Princess needed to be taken from our home.
After much prayer and consideration, we found out that Princess had an infection that was possibly contributing to my health problems. If indeed Spanky was a carrier, as well, then they both needed to go. Heartbroken, Thomas and I tried to figure out a plan.
Just as with Max falling into our laps, so did a solution for what we needed to do with our big dogs. A rescue shelter was willing to take both dogs and nurse Princess back to health.
Sadly, Thomas got up the next morning and took Spanky and Princess to a rescue facility so that Princess could get the medical help she so desperately needed and deserved. Spanky was with her to help nurse her back to health. Both of them together would be placed for adoption.
Thomas said that dropping them off was one of the hardest things he has ever had to do. Without him wanting to, the tears fell down his cheeks as he said goodbye. He said that the look in Spanky's eyes of trust and love is something he will always remember. The only good thing about the day was that the rescue intake workers fell so in love with the dogs that they were adopted right then and there.
Just as Max is better off with us and is home, I pray that Spanky and Princess are getting the help they need and have found a loving family to call their people.
The backyard is quiet. There are no dogs barking when rabbits venture into our backyard. There isn't anyone to jump against the door alerting me that someone is walking up to our front door. There is no one watching out for me as I walk along the back yard. I find myself having to shut the windows as the emptiness of the dogs being gone breaks my heart.
I know that this was the best for all of us. I couldn't risk the dogs causing me to get sicker. We couldn't afford medical treatments for me and Princess. Spanky and Princess are hopefully in a much better environment but I wish I could have expressed the feelings in mine and Thomas' hearts how much we loved those "mutts" as Thomas lovingly called them. Life is quieter and filled with more silence.
Thankfully, the Lord once again sent us a tender mercy and prepared Hayden for the loss of his dogs. He sent Max. I am in awe continually at the workings of our Savior. He knew that we would struggle, especially Hayden, at losing his friends. Yet, before we even realized how close the end was with us and our big dogs, the Lord knew and he put his plan in place for our family. His tender mercies are real. His gentleness and love is perfect. I pray each day for Spanky and Princess and that they will be comforted. I also thank my Savior for healing Hayden's heart by sending us Max. Yes, the Savior's plan is perfect. Whether it is performing miracles in behalf of my health or preparing the way for a young boy's heart to be healed, the Savior is constantly in the details of our lives.
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