Pomeranian Rescue Brings Happiness After Loss

It is almost two years since we said goodbye to Aspen, the inspiration for this blog. It took me until a few months ago to feel ready to look for a new furbaby to rescue.

During the past 9 months, things have been difficult. I have not been blogging much, but focusing what energy I have on my brother who passed away 2 weeks ago today. My brother, John, had been disabled due to an illness since he was 6 months old, and then he developed a brain tumor on top of this. Due to his disabilities, he was unable to talk, and we could not converse with him about his ailment. We made many difficult decisions for him, and through it all, as long as he was able, he smiled and loved us back as we lavished him with love knowing our days with him were numbered. I shared what I wrote for his funeral in a post that is no longer published on the web, so I share it here: 

Monday my precious brother left this life for his home in Heaven. His difficult journey is finally over.

We had his funeral on Wednesday, it was a simple but sweet graveside funeral as my Mom is 86 and frail and something long and drawn out would have been hard for her. There was singing, and each of us shared, and I'd like to share with you what I shared, written as a letter to my brother, who lived his whole life mentally and physically disabled, but almost always with a smile.

Precious brother,

I am so thankful for the good memories that we have had together that I will treasure until we meet again in Heaven.

I am thankful that my husband was able to be there to be part of these memories with us. He loved you so much.

I remember going to holiday events with you where you worked years ago.

I remember making picnic lunches and taking you out for your birthday a few times to enjoy the outdoors.

I remember taking you on camping weekends to a wonderful place in Pennsylvania, your laugh and what fun we had in the car going to and from.

I remember how God opened many doors so that you could live at a wonderful group home.... You were loved and appreciated for your happy personality, a light to all around you. It was so much fun to attend events with you there.

I remember your courage during these last 9 months of your life spent in the hospital and care center…your ready smile, coloring and doing things with you when you were able; and then holding your hand, massaging your shoulders, praying with you, and stroking your arms with my heart full of love when you were unable.

Now all of that is part of the past, and right now I picture you seeing Jesus, running and walking tall, talking clearly for the first time, and look forward to our first real conversation some day soon in Heaven.
Until then, dear brother, I love you, and will miss you so much.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15

But back to the subject at hand...in May, after much searching, and little time to do so, I asked God if He could once again bring a dog our way, and He did just that. A neighbor's daughter knew the previous owner of the dog we have adopted, and she was destined to be abandoned at a park. 

I saw my neighbor and her daughter walking down the street with the dog as we were getting the car packed to leave on a short vacation...it was love at first sight, so I told her if she still had the dog when we got home, I'd take her. I was sure that a home would be found quickly, and she would be gone when we got home, but she wasn't, and within a couple hours of getting home, we had ourselves a sweet but timid female Pomeranian.

My grown children were visiting for Mother's Day, and my son said I should name her Happy, because she looks like she is smiling, and makes me so happy...so I did.

Happy has come a long way and is not shy at all anymore with my husband and I, and is a very gentle and loving approximately 3 year old 11 lb. Pomeranian. I am in love with a fur-baby once again!

Updated 2/27/17

We Have Owned Many Guinea Pigs

My love for guinea pigs goes way back to when I kept them as pets during my middle and high school years. In fact I had a guinea pig when I was in college that lived for a while in the science department. No, no experiments were done on it, it just seemed the best place to have a guinea pig and the college let me do this. 

I have had litters born and raised baby guinea pigs, these were always born at night...I think this may be a guinea pig trait. The babies are adorable.

My children had pet guinea pigs as well. They are gentle animals, children should be watched when handling them as they are not an animal that will protect itself if being handled roughly. 

If you are considering getting a guinea pig, expect to clean the cage regularly as they do produce a lot of urine. You will want to set up the cage properly for this...but they are wonderful pets.

This is guinea pig adoption month, it may be a good month to see if there are any available at your shelter if they house small animals like this, or at a site like Petfinder in your location.

Public Domain Image Credit: Guinea Pig by Peter Griffin

When You Have to Find Your Pet a New Home

Giving up your pet is a heart-wrenching experience. If you find yourself in this position, don’t rush to action. Before making a final decision, evaluate your situation. Are you thinking of giving your pet up because of his behavior issues or destructive tendencies? These traits can be corrected with proper training. Here are links to a few posts related to training that may help you:

Biting Dogs and How to Stop Them 
Housebreaking and Training 
Training Your New Pet to Sit, Stay and Come 
 
If your dog or cat is having incontinence problems, a trip to the vet may reveal an underlying treatable medical issue. A busy schedule that doesn't leave you much time to pay attention to your pet may be balanced by taking her to daycare.

But sometimes a severe illness or other life-altering situation makes you unable to care for your beloved companion animal. Or sometimes a loved one dies, such as a parent, and leaves a pet behind you are unable to take in. If you must find a new home for a pet, follow these tips.

Get Your Pet Ready

Before re-homing your pet, make sure that all of his vaccinations and other health checkups are up to date. Spaying or neutering is also a must if you haven't had this done already. Get your pet a bath and a grooming session if necessary. Now is also the time to work out any behavior issues that your pet might have.

Put the Word Out

You might not have to look very far to find a new home for your pet. A trusted friend or family member may be more than happy to take him in. Start by asking people you know before broadening your search. And have your friends and associates pass the word along to their trusted friends and family members who may be looking for a pet.

Taking your pet out to meet people is another great way to find potential adopters and for you to evaluate the potential new owner. People love to interact with animals, especially dogs, so bring your pet to the park, go on long walks and seek out adoption events that will let you bring your pet. Also check with your veterinarian’s office to see if they have a community bulletin board suitable for this posting.

Be Discerning

Have a list of questions ready to ask people who show interest in your pet. Make sure that they understand the level of care involved and know what to expect during your pet's transition period. Check references and visit the homes of those who appear suitable. When you find the right place, you'll know. 






Personally I would not sell or give away a pet through a site like Craigslist or Facebook, there is too much potential for problems. You want to have a way to know the new owners background. A shelter or rescue service will do this work before placing a dog in a home.

Shelters and Dog Rescues

If for some reason you can't find a suitable home talk to your vet about local humane agencies with good reputations. Visit the shelters that you're considering, meet the staff and ask questions to make sure that you pet will get enough attention and the proper level of care. 

Updated 2/27/17

Still A Popular Blog and Thoughts on Getting a New Dog

In spite of the passing of Aspen in August, something that I don't think I'll ever quite get over, though the pain isn't as acute as it used to be, this blog remains one of my most popular.  

As the new year came about, I reviewed each of my blogs, deciding which I am going to let go, and which I am going to keep.  Though tears may come to my eyes each time I see Aspen's face looking back at me in the header of the blog, this one will remain.

I have felt the pull to get a new dog, but am still struggling with the whole thing.  I guess until I "meet" the right dog and feel confident in the decision, the time is not right.  

Careful consideration should always be made when bringing a dog into the home, as you do not want to hurt the dog's feelings...and they do have feelings....by giving them up if things don't work out as you had hoped.  

So, I wish you a happy New Year, we will see what it brings, and I'll keep bringing you articles to help in the care of your pets.

Related Posts:

Grieving a Lost Pet
Saying Goodbye to Aspen  

Updated 2/27/17