Meet Foxy

"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms."

 -George Eliot

This is Foxy. She doesn't bark. She's a lady.

It's not that she can't bark, but being that she is the most mellow dog ever, she doesn't often feel the need. Foxy is my mom's Pomeranian and she has had quite the journey in her day. She is full of character, love, and fur. It's hard to believe that a few years back, her life was almost taken from her.

Growing up, we weren't a dog family. We gave it a try a few times, but it never worked out for us. My mom, especially, was not a huge dog fan. She liked them just fine, but didn't need one sleeping in her bed at night, thank you very much. So you can imagine my surprise when, one week after I went off to college, my mom called me and said, "I got a dog."

Foxy has had a pretty good life, from what we can gather. She grew up in the home of an elderly woman, who we just know she followed around like a shadow. Foxy is very loyal. But one day, Foxy's companion got sick and acquired a form of dimentia. It became so bad that the old woman had to go into assisted living. Well, the dimentia must have caused her to forget she had a dog, because she up and moved out, leaving Foxy alone in the house they once shared together.

It wasn't until days later that Foxy was found alone in the house; hungry, scared, and confused. She was taken to a local animal shelter and given 72 hours to live, unless someone came to save her. My mother, who was NOT looking for a dog at this time (or any time, for that matter), saw the ad and it struck a chord within her. Without thinking twice or talking to my dad (who was away at work), my mom and little brother hopped in the car and drove up north, almost four hours, in a snow storm, to meet this little lady. As they pulled up to meet the man who would be handing her over, they saw Foxy's little face pop up in the truck window and my mom thought, "I'm in trouble." She never intended to keep Foxy; rather, she wanted to buy her more time and help her find a loving home. But we all knew from Day One, this was no foster dog.

Foxy became an immediate part of our family, and easily settled into our hearts... and into our home. She became instantly attached to my mom and has become the most loyal and reliable canine companion we could imagine. And it goes without saying that the idea of a dog living inside the house no longer bothered us. Foxy is the best. She is so sweet to everyone she meets, so chill, and above all, patient (which is not a quality you usually see in dogs). She makes me laugh every single day and I love her to pieces. It is incredible to think that this dog, who is definitely no puppy, could have been euthanized several years ago now, having her life cut short, simply because she didn't have a roof over her head. Without my mom's rescue, we never would have taught her how to dance, cuddled with her at night, taken her on walks, or dressed her in silly clothes. But she is safe now and we will continue to treat her like she deserves until her actual time has come.

Saving an animal from euthanasia is one of the most win-win situations you can put yourself in. The animals in shelters deserve a chance to live; they need a second chance at a family and love. Be that chance at any time you can. Show your support for no-kill shelters and never over-rule the others. Search high and low for the right opportunity and the right pet. It's so easy to want to adopt a puppy or shell out hundreds and thousands for a purebred (and there's nothing wrong with that- they need love too), but if you can find it in your heart to save an old gal, like Foxy, I promise you that you will not be disappointed. Even the older pets can amaze you with their love and intelligence. See the potential in all of God's creatures and open your heart and home to them, whenever you can. It truly is a blessing.

Love you, Foxy!!

Keep your tails wagging (figuratively speaking),