All Moved in and Back to the “Tails”

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These past couple of months have been, in a word, interesting.

Moving even a short distance from my last home was still a major upheaval. It’s hard to believe that when I was younger moving wasn’t such a big deal, and I navigated the relocating water with relative ease. Not so this time.

From gathering boxes for my ‘stuff’ to realizing that I really needed to clean out before packing up has been enlightening. Actually, it has been liberating! Not feeling weighed down by material things I didn’t absolutely need or love has freed me up.

Downsizing has given me more room, and I love it. I adore my new home in Huntington Landmark and as a side benefit, I am even closer to the shelter.

It was with great anticipation that I once again had the time and energy to return to the shelter and give the pups a little freedom—sprinkled with lots of hugs, petting, and time away from their pens.

…And now about my first day back

As I sit here and try to explain what I’m feeling, I first have to ask you if you have ever met something or someone who made such an impression that you just can’t get them out of your mind?

cooper-cropThis is what happened to me yesterday at the shelter. In a word, I met Cooper. Physically, he is a medium sized Lab mix with eyes that look at you with trust and eagerness. I noticed that he walked beautifully on the leash — didn’t pull and was a perfect gentleman.

Why then would anyone give this precious dog up? I found the answer when I read his short bio.

The fact is that his owner loves him very much, but has gotten extremely ill and can’t care for Cooper anymore—and Cooper is 14 years old.

Belying his age, he has clear, steady eyes and walks like a much younger dog. He is a charming older gentleman who would love to share his senior years with you.

He loves to be loved and returns every kind word and action tenfold. I adore this dog?

He is well-behaved and would be a wonderful companion, if only you can look past the years on his chart and into his sweet face.

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Please visit Cooper. Take him for a walk and let him know there is still hope for him and, somewhere, a loving home.

And then there is Jackie.

jackie-cropNo, that’s not I, but rather a furry-faced facsimile who is as sweet as can be. It appears that she recently had pups and is a tad shy at first.

When I walked up to her pen, she ran to greet me but when I attempted to put the leash around her neck, she stepped back.

I went into the pen and sat on the floor with her, which did the trick. She came into my arms and let me put the leash on her, which led to a lovely walk and some time spent on the curb of the Edison Access Road—giving and getting lots of kisses and tail wags.

Please take a look at this charming little girl who has so much to offer.
She would make a very sweet companion.

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Both of these dogs are available for adoption at the shelter on Newland in Huntington Beach.

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Having lived these good many years, (71 to be exact), has given me the opportunity to reflect on what I value most. Family, good friends, and the precious pets that have shared my life  have enriched me as a person. I’ve evaluated what is most important to me and what lessons I’ve learned, and what I’ve determined is that I want to leave this world a better place for having lived here. It is one of my deepest desires to be able to help those who have no voice — because animals have always played an important role in my life. They were constant friends when the world around me was changing.  One, (a small parakeet named Petie), accompanied me when as a child my family moved across country twice, (New York to California and back again)-I can still see Petie in his small travel cage sitting on my lap as I explained to him where we were stopping for the night and feeling that his company as well as my dear parents were all I needed to feel safe and secure. My pets were with me in good times and bad, often being the consistent non-judgmental voice my heart needed. Although I spent my working years as a commercial artist, both teaching the craft at a local college and in my own studio, it seems that in my later years it is by painting with words that I am now able to reach out to people, and it is my joy to do just that. I hope my stories help to connect people to kindred souls that wear fur on their faces but are just as capable as we are to feel great love in their hearts.  Rescue animals particularly deserve another chance at a happy life and it is my honor to bring their stories to light and hopefully be the catalyst that joins two different species on their journey. The connection we share with our pets is like no other, There is no need to be anything other than who and what you are. No amount of money or privilege will impress them as much as your kindness and attention. I do know that in the final analysis, life is good and most people honestly want to do the right thing. If that includes opening their home and heart to another living being, then my purpose is accomplished. I hope in some small way I can contribute to that greater good. Bio- Born in Middle Village, New York- 1945 Mother to a wonderful son, Michael who truly would be a cherished friend even if we weren't related--and fortunate in meeting my kind and thoughtful soulmate, Burt, in later life- I am blessed indeed. Retired teacher/ Orange Coast College/ former owner and operator of a commercial art business in Huntington Beach, California.
 Lucky to have had the opportunity to work in the art field where I was often quoted as saying, "You mean I am being paid for something I love to do?!"

 Interests: travel, enjoying local points of interest, movies, volunteering at the Newland Animal Shelter and writing about the wonderful personalities I have been honored to meet there, both human and furry-faced, and generally enjoying the retired life.