Snoogles was a Jack Russell that I rescued
from the Humane Society when she was about 3 months
old. She was so very shy and reserved afraid of
everything. I felt so badly for her in that cage.
I kneeled down on the concrete, put my hand in the
cage and she just went to the corner. I relayed to
her how she must feel in this strange place with
no love having lost the comfort of mom.
I told her I understood how that could happen for
I had once felt the same way. With ears flat and
tail tucked she slowly came to my hand which I did not
move for I knew she was so frightened. She then layed
her head on my hand as if to say please. I could
not resist, I took her home with me which was the
beginning of many trying moments her and I.
She wanted to trust me but was afraid, so I had to
be extra careful with her. Naming her was equally
hard for she lacked personality due to fright.
At home, all she did was sleep and sleep and
sleep. Then when she awoke all she wanted to do was
snuggle up to feel safe. Snoozing and snuggling
ended up as: "Snoogles" which seemed to fit her fine.
And oh the problems we had the first year.
She would chew everything;
papers, garbage, chairs and so on. It was hard to
discipline her because of her already having been
neglected and abused before I found her. I don't
believe in hitting animals anyway, so she lucked
out there...lol..
Then after 6 months she finally did the ultimate
NO NO..
She chewed up a term paper I was working on for my
Thesis in School...Oh my 6 months of editing on
that paper and all chewed up...I was really angry.
"Now what do I do" I said to myself, as I gathered
up those torn term papers yelling at the same time
scared the living daylights out of her...She never
touched another paper, trash can, or the furniture in
the next 15 years. That was the beginning of a
trusting happy life for her and me. A year later,
I got Beaner.
The mother instinct came out in Snoogs.
She babied and pampered Beaner like she was her own.
She taught Beaner the rules of the house.
She showed Beaner the ropes on success with mom.
She took on this role swiftly and firmly. Beaner
and Snoogs became buddies which made it equally
hard on her when Beaner went to Clover Heaven.
Though she did tell Beaner to go, she still
suffered at her loss. Daily she would search each
room for Beaner, jumping on the furniture, crying
moaning and groaning all day. If I left the house,
she howled the entire time I was gone. If I took her
with me, she paniced in the car and would mess in it.
The neighbors thought I was abusing her and
couldn't understand the loss she is feeling.
Spending 13 years with Beaner was a big loss for
her too. She would not eat, lost weight and
became unbearable in her sadness.
I sat down with her and had a nice long talk.
When I mentioned Beaner's name, her ears would perk
up then she would take off running thru the house
looking for her...She was miserable and didn't know
how to deal with it. Months went by and still the
same. I took her to the Vet and he said she was
suffering from "separation anxiety" and will never
be able to get past it. Medication could not help her
Then one day I said, Oh Snoogs, what do u want?
How can I help you? I made Beaner stay with me and
suffer for months, do I do the same with you?
Just let you finish your days in pain; not eating,
pacing the floor night and day, howling, crying
and searching? Or do I do what I couldn't do with
Beaner? This weighed heavy on my mind each day as
I watched her 14 pounds twindle to 10 with ribs showing,
paws sore, ears never perked, nor tail upright.
So do I let her go to Clover Heaven to be with
Beaner? What a burden it is for me to carry.
I loved them both dearly, but they wanted to
be together and that they are now. I love you
Snoogs..Mamma misses you.
"The Last Battle"
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do wht must be done,
For this--the last battle--can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me frim and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close--we two--these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
I am now published with Mountain Mist Publications.
"Boogs" is a wonderful dog on an adventure of
growth and filled with life lessons told by an Owl.
Let's give Boogs a boost and click here to get the
whole story and perhaps even buy him for your kids
and grandchildren.
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