dixie

After the death of my cat, Hannah, I thought I could never bring home another pet. She was the first pet I owned as an adult; a true friend, and both my husband and I were devastated when she died. We still had another cat, big Louie, who we had adopted several years ago. He adored Hannah, but she only tolerated him because she was just too old and too ill to play. So my husband and I agreed -- no more pets, it was just too hard to say goodbye.

Two months later I was talking to my co-worker Theresa Corcoran -- a volunteer with Sheltie Rescue. She was telling me a story about the progress she had been making with a little unsocialized female named Dixie. Dixie was a puppy mill survivor found as a stray, so naturally she did not trust humans. But Theresa had managed to get Dixie to place her head on her arm. Something about that story made such an impression on me. Even though I am sure that Dixie suffered at the hands of humans she was slowly willing to trust again. Amazing.

Several days later, two of my sisters came over for dinner and I was relaying the story of Dixie. My sister, Chris, had been thinking of getting a dog and was interested to see what Dixie looked like. We got on-line and there she was-- pitiful and sweet. Chris instantly fell in love -- had to have her! I mentioned this to Theresa the following Monday at work. She was happy that Chris was interested, but cautioned me that Dixie would be a special needs dog. Because Chris had no recent experience with dogs, she might want to consider a more socialized dog. Although she really had her heart set on Dixie, Chris was happy to consider other dogs, so she filled out her adoption application, passed her phone interview, and brought home not one, but TWO dogs -- Thelma and Louise. They had been part of a group of five dogs rescued in Springfield, Missouri -- the “Springfield Five”. Lovable Thelma had a bad skin condition and beautiful Louise was skittish around humans. Chris did not mind. She rose to the challenge and has made great progress with both her “Girls”. But she still worried about the fate of Dixie -- it was so important that she find a good home!

Along with this group of five dogs from Springfield was a tiny female named Twinkle. I had seen her picture on-line and felt an instant connection. She had a mischievous look in her eye and I could not stop thinking about her. I mentioned this to my husband and we agreed that we would both think about it. Theresa suggested I fill out an adoption application just in case we decided to move forward. One major concern was that we did not have a fenced backyard, which we would need. Several weeks went by, and then one day Theresa brought Twinkle into the office. When I met her I almost cried. She was absolutely adorable! She was tiny, incredibly furry and a little scared. I was determined to win her over. I gave her some treats, and fussed over her. Theresa felt that it was a good meeting -- Twinkle was not too nervous around me. We continued our visits -- Theresa brought Twinkle to the house to meet my husband Mike and big Louie. All went well. Mike fell for her, and Louie did not seem to mind her. So we put up a fence, and on March 15th we adopted Twinkle! Within a week she had made herself at home. Suddenly she was in our bed flopping back on the pillows for a belly rub. She was chasing Louie around the house with her tail wagging. Her entire body would wiggle with excitement when I walked in the door from work. She claimed every pet toy in the house- even Louie’s favorite toy duck was in Twinkle’s crate. She had definitely settled in! Both Mike and I agreed that we could not imagine life without her. When I told Theresa about Twinkle’s progress she laughed and said she knew that Twinkle was going to be a pistol!

Three dogs had now found homes. But sweet Dixie, the dog whose story had prompted these adoptions still had not found her forever home.

One Friday night, Theresa brought Dixie to the house for a visit. This was good socialization for Dixie, and Twinkle needed to run and play with another dog. Chasing Louie just was not enough for this little ball of energy! Twinkle was thrilled to see both Theresa and Dixie. She showed off for them both as she wiggled and hopped from Theresa’s lap, to the couch, to Dixie’s back. Theresa admitted that she had definitely made herself at home! It was a very fun visit, Dixie did not seem to be too nervous and she was very patient with sassy Twinkle. I told Theresa that Dixie was welcome any time!

Several weeks later Theresa asked a favor. Would we be willing to foster Dixie for a couple weeks? More dogs had come in to rescue and they were running short on space. Of course I agreed. Twinkle would be thrilled, my sister Chris was ecstatic that she could get her Dixie “fix”, and my husband did not mind. Dixie was coming for a long visit!

Theresa brought her over on a Saturday afternoon. She seemed to remember us and Twinkle could barely contain her excitement. Theresa was a tremendous help, as she has been all along, coaching me on how to deal with a puppy mill survivor. She explained how to work with, and care for Dixie because of her special needs. Honestly, Theresa had done all the hard work. Dixie had made such tremendous progress from the first time I met her at Theresa’s house months earlier. She no longer wanted to hide and shiver under tables, but was curious about her new surroundings. She was more than happy to play with Twinkle, since Twinkle would not be ignored! And Dixie was so good for Twinkle. I did not realize how much Twinkle needed the companionship of another dog until I watched the two of them run and play. What a pair! Mike immediately took a shine to Dixie. She has the most beautiful, soulful, brown eyes, and when she looks up at me I just want to melt. He asked me how anyone could be cruel to an animal with such a sweet face. My response was that I couldn’t imagine why someone would knowingly neglect or hurt any animal. Louie also liked Dixie! She has a very gentle nature so she does not threaten him like little miss sassy.

Days and weeks passed and Dixie seemed to be thriving. Her tail would wag as she explored the backyard. She was taking treats from Mike’s hands without hesitation. She started to spin circles at mealtime, and prance around the house just like Twinkle (Oh my!) It made me so happy to see her happy. Mike declared that he would really miss her when she left and my thought was “ Does she really have to go?” In just a few short weeks she had become part of our little family. I loved her dearly and was not prepared to let her go. I would miss the way she follows me around the house, and puts her paws up on the bed when she hears me roll over to turn off the alarm. I would miss the way she cocks her head to one side when she hears a noise. The way she loves to watch the fish in our Koi pond -- especially when they splash. I would miss watching she and Twinkle play chase -- Dixie’s long legs allowing her to run incredibly fast while Twinkle desperately tries to catch up. Sometimes they are so funny when they play I find myself laughing out loud. They are such a great stress reliever! I would also miss watching the two of them sleep together, so peacefully, until the next game of chase! I want these dogs to know love and happiness. They have so much life and energy, and so much love of their own to give. They are so good for me. I mentioned all this to Mike and he agreed. We needed Dixie as much as she needed us. She had finally found her forever home. So, on May 16th the adoption was finalized! She is now an official member of the Thompson family and her “Aunt” Chris could not be happier. We have regular visits with Thelma and Louise -- “Girls Night Out” as we like to call it. All four dogs run and play and get along (surprisingly!). They are all so different and so special -- I truly cannot imagine life without them. If someone had told me last fall, that by Spring I would be the proud owner of two Shelties and an “Aunt” to two others I would have responded “No way”. But I am. And feel that I am so lucky. I have to believe that everything happens for a reason. Although I did not think it possible, Hannah’s passing actually allowed me to open my heart to the idea of adopting another pet. Although I will always miss her, I have found great joy in loving and caring for Twinkle and Dixie. Each day brings a new adventure! I think Hannah would be pleased.