Friday, February 14, 2014

A Valentine's Day Wish from Valerie



Smiles to you from Darling Val
Dear Readers:


Five years ago today, I found a new home. I had a real home once before, but I can hardly remember it now. I do recall, however, that I became lost and some people found me and locked me in a cage in a big room with other dogs in cages. I was scared and wanted to go home.

Then a nice lady came and took me away to a doctor, where I was poked and prodded. Then I was bathed and brushed and my hair was trimmed. I caught an image of myself in the mirror and I thought I looked pretty. I thought they might take me home now.

But the nice lady took me to yet another place. While I was comfortable and safe, I still had to stay inside a cage. She fed me, and played with me occasionally when I was allowed outside, but I was quite lonely. And scared.

One day soon after, she and another lady placed me in a vehicle and we went on a long car trip -- maybe for an hour or two.

When I was finally removed from the car, I was led along a sidewalk. I sniffed but nothing smelled familiar.

We entered through an unfamiliar door. Two strange people were standing there and I could tell by their voices they were friendly. But I was scared. So many changes over the past few days had upset me and I just didn't know what to do. 

The four people sat down, and since there was space on the sofa between where the two new people were sitting, I hopped up. They didn't seem to mind, and both started touching me and speaking in soothing voices.

I think I fell asleep for a long time, because when I awoke the two ladies who had brought me were gone. Throughout the day the new people sat beside me and hugged me.

They took me outside but never ventured far away. I liked that. They fed me but mostly they let me sleep.

I slept on that sofa for the better part of three days. I think I needed the time to heal myself of the mental trauma I had endured.

When I recovered from my healing rest, I woke up and knew I'd finally found my way home. My forever home.

Life is good. And I hope your Valentine's Day is as good as mine was five years ago.

P.S. My brother Kris became very jealous (that's his nature) when he learned I am wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day. He's a "me-too" kind of guy so I asked Mom to include a photo of him so he won't be harass me the rest of the day:

He can be so silly at times. Like this morning when he rolled around in the snow!


*******

When she was rescued from the pound by the Golden Retriever Rescue group, she was given a name. Introduced to us as Valerie, and we didn't see fit to rename her, as she had experienced quite enough changes over the past weeks. And besides, it seemed such an appropriate name, since she came to be a member of our family on Valentine's Day.


A Poem
Author Unknown


When God had made the earth and sky, the flowers and the trees.

He then made all the animals and all the birds and bees.



And then His work was finished, and not one was quite the same
He said I'll walk this earth of mine and give each one a name.

And so he traveled land and sea, and everywhere He went
a little creature following him, until its strength was spent.

When all were named upon the Earth, and in the sky and sea,
A little creature said, Dear Lord, there's not one left for me.

The Father smiled and softly said, I've left you to the end,
I've turned my own name back to front
and called you "Dog" my friend.


Happy Valentine's Day from Valerie


17 comments:

  1. What a wonderful poem to celebrate Valerie´s Valentine Day.
    She sure is lucky to share your home´s warmth!
    Having seen many Golden Retrievers,I must say that both of your dogs have an extra intelligent look in their eyes.
    It is good, that you have managed to keep them slender.
    Morty sends his wuffs!

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    1. Val is nice and slim; we feel Kris is a bit overweight, but his weight is so difficult to control because he's so food focused! They both are wonderful pets and we thoroughly enjoy them. Thanks for the Morty wuffs!

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  2. A perfect love story for Valentine's Day ♥

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    1. I feel so sad for all the animals abandoned or lost. I think the rescued ones are so fortunate to find loving homes. And they make such excellent pets - it feels as if they are grateful!

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  4. How sweet! !! Makes me want a cry but Valerie has a wonderful loving home now. She was so shy for awhile but has fully recovered and I'm sure she has no bad memories. Love the poem and love Valerie a LOT. Aunt Sissy

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    1. Her only bad memories seems to be her association with steps, which she still won't navigate. She misses out on companionship when we go downstairs into the family room. Have tried so many ways to tempt her into coming down but she simply stands and stares and turns away. Bless her heart; she has some very bad association with them from the past. And Val loves you so very much, too!

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  5. A very sweet and timely story. Happy Valentine's Day to dear Valerie.

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    1. Thank you, Patricia! Couldn't resist sharing Valerie's Valentine story.

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  6. Such a moving post. Enjoyed hearing how Valerie and you found one another.

    Darla

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    1. It was love at first on both sides. She is such a sweet girl.

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  7. My last dog, Sunny, was a Golden Retriever. He ran away soon after we moved to Salt Lake City. He always had been part homing pigeon, but I never was able to find him this time. I like to think that someone kind took him in; he was a beautiful and very sweet dog. I've never had another pet since and until I'm certain I can give one the perfect home, I likely won't.

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    1. Oh, no! I too hope he found a good home. You are a wise and responsible pet owner; so many are not, which makes me so sad.

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  8. Happy belated Valentines day to Valerie, Kris and their human parents! I hope you all had a nice relaxing weekend playing outdoors and hugging and cuddling on the sofa :-)

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    1. Thank you, Anna. The dogs are really into cuddling. We had nicer weekend weather after a difficult week with coldness! Hopefully, spring will be here soon -- none too soon for all of us.

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  9. Hello Sanda

    That is a beautiful and moving love story. Your decision changed Valerie's life for the better. How wonderful that you gave them a loving home with security.

    Helen xx

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