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When events happen in your life you are sometimes not sure as to what to do with them. Where they are to be used to shed and grow. We have had several in our family over the last few years. We have embraced some and are still learning with others..
In early Feb of 2002, my husbands father had passed away and we all deeply saddened by this event. Our 3 year old was very sick during December of that year that included a trip to the ER. He was fine, but my husband carrying and holding the weight of a sick child, herniated a disc in his back. He had surgery early in 2004. After a mild recovery period was able to go back to work at a desk job he had for 11 years. Shortly however, they restructured the company and he was with out a job.He has accepted many short term jobs, but his field has a limited amount of openings. After the death of his father, my own mother was having medical issues and passed away in 2006. That was extremely hard on all of us.
Daisy (left) and her friend Zo (right)
My husband had asked me what I had wanted for my 40th birthday of that same year his father died and I told him that I wanted a dog. (i.e. puppy). I knew he wouldn’t get one. We just put the last dog down after having 2 of them (Springer and Siberian) for several years. I did find an ad in the paper for a springer and called. I knew we couldn’t/shouldn’t get a dog at this time. I just wanted to touch, hold and have the reality set in about all the care of, training, shedding, feeding, pooping any responsible dog owner should accept .... to sink in. It did!
The gentalman I called was nice enough to bring the dog to us! He was conveniently coming into town and would drop her off ( and Yes, it was a fantastic sales ploy). When he came back to pick her up a few hours later, I told him that we just could not do it right now and that if she didn’t sell, to give me a call. Yes, I sent her back!!! His tactic didn’t work on me. I indeed realized in a few hours what it would mean from us as a family .... (ok "me" as the mom who takes care of everything) .... what it would mean to have another dog around. That was all I needed. I was cured of my "we need another dog" phase for the moment! He emailed me a week later and told me she was gone. Whew! (Still No regrets!)
My husband came home a week and half later, and told me the news of his loss of employment. Within hours, we got the phone call from the gentleman with the puppy. “If you want her, she is yours. The other family decided not to take her.” Well, I told him that husband lost his job and we didn’t know if we were going to be able to feed our own mouths, yet that of another one. I also told him we just couldn’t spend the money right now to purchase her. Well, what he said next was not expected: “You guys have a great family and you have a nice big yard that is fenced in and you can just have her if you want her. I know she will be taken care of and that is really what I want for her. I travel a lot and I just can’t let her be alone so much…”
Well, indeed she became part of our family. However within six monthsshe ate one of my Hosta’s and was 
in doggy ICU for almost a week. Over the years, she has become a faithful friend and family member. She guarded my garden from the squirrels and birds. She could hear the ice cream truck a mile away and always enjoyed the dog bones they had. She was a guard dog to our family, loved to play with our family and never left our side if one of us were sick.
The day after Thanksgiving this year, she just was not herself. We took her in and found out that she had a blood disorder. They were not sure if they could treat. That wouldn’t have been so bad, but again my husband was terminated from yet another employer the end of October and we used all of our house payment to attempt to make her well. Only 4, her body just could not fight this. We had to put her down peacefully. Our family gathered one last time to say good bye and be there for her as she was so many times for us. She was so very weak, but her eyes watched us all. Despite her sickness, you could tell she was so very happy to see us, happy we were there. With or without money, with our without food, with or without smiles on our faces. She was loved!
(Go ahead and drop some'thin dad!!!)
I really believe we were "chosen" to be her family and that she was "chosen" for this short stay with us. She was a gift in time. A blessing in disguise. Despite our own financial situation, I would give it all way to bring her back. I am embracing this journey and again realizing that everything has a season and a reason. Some are soft and furry. Some are small and cold like a snowflake. Taking the time to be still, reflect and listen are so very important. Allowing time to grief is also a gift and should not be discounted in the healing process or journey. I have not allowed myself to do this until now. The power in the post may only be for my purposes, but thank you to those that have taken the time to be part of my journey.
God Bless you and my Daisy! (You tube video made by my daughter)
All rights reserved by Charlene Hammontree, Property Works, Inc. 2008
Our thanks go out to Dr. Mark at the Animal Emergency Hospital and our vet at Rogue Valley Veterinary Hospital
We would also like to thank the staff @ Sleepy Hollow Pet Cemetery & Crematory who helped us with the final choices. They were very symathic and caring with our wishes.
Your professionaism, care and support was shown in your passion for our pet(s). Thank you!
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