One Thing I Have Never Regretted
One thing I have never regretted is rescuing dogs. Our first rescue was a Pug named Virgil. He was six years old when we rescued him. He was covered in mange and half of his hair was missing. His nails were so unbelievably long. It took weeks of going to the vet and having them trim them back a little each time to get them to an acceptable length. Eventually his hair grew back, his skin cleared up and he gained some weight. He was such an awesome dog and set the bar high for our future rescues. Virgil lived for about five years after we brought him home before he passed. We gave him the best life we could!
After Virgil came Coco. She was a puppy we rescued from St. Martin. She had been found with her mother in an alley by Dorette at http://sxmpaws.com Dorette caught both Coco and her mother Mellie and brought them back to the rescue. While on vacation me and my husband visited the rescue. We both fell in love with Mellie. She had an eye that was badly infected and which was scheduled to have removed. For that reason we were not able to bring her back with us. Instead we saw an adorable little puppy which unbeknownst to us turned out to be Mellie’s pup. What a coincidence. So we brought Coco back instead. She adapted well and thrived. However we never forgot Mellie. My husband continued to follow her progress online. Eventually (after a hurricane and plane extraction from the Island) we eventually flew to Tennessee to get Mellie and drive her the fourteen hours home.
Mellie is forever thankful and appreciative. She is so affectionate towards us. She can’t snuggle or give enough attention. In return we have thoroughly spoiled her and Coco. It is so gratifying to see them romp around the house and in the yard. They are so happy. We have started taking them with us wherever we may travel. They always love visiting new places to explore.
There have been challenges which we have learned to adapt to. In general they don’t like men and are leery of all strangers. They are protective of their home and owners. But we have managed to adapt our lives to deal with their little quirks. Regardless of this it is satisfying for us to know we are providing them a safe and loving home. I encourage everyone to rescue an animal. But also be prepared for the responsibility that goes along with it. The rewards far outweigh the challenges and you will be paid back daily with their love and affection. They are always a happy distraction even on the worst of days!
What a lovely post-Elizabeth…Like you, we have rescued also but locally. Our little poodle Gracie came to us almost 13 years ago and she has been an absolute delight. She is starting to slow down but hopefully, she still has some good time left but I would never hesitate to rescue again if the right dog came along. I’m so glad we sold our St. Maarten condo’s right before the covid hit. Sure could use a vacation though right about now. You take good care.
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Cheryl,
So glad to hear you have a rescue and have had a good experience.
Also glad you sold your condo at the right time. We haven’t been back since 2017 but we will get back there eventually. Although at this point I don’t think Orient Beach where we stay is totally restored. But it is bit by bit getting there!
It’s a long travel day but I’m sure we will go back at least one more time once it’s totally safe to travel. But there are also so many other enticing places I would also like to see first!
I hope all is well with you and your beautiful family!
Liz
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I absolutely love these pups! Virgil will always have a special place in my heart! We had times we snuggled, we swam in the pool! Miss him! And love coco she is such a beautiful dog! And a great guard dog and protects all the grandchildren!
And Mellie… my sweet sweet Mellie! I fell in love with her the day I met her! Whenever I walk in the house I always get a warm welcome from Mellie who won’t let stop rubbing her belly or scratching her back! I absolutely love that these pups were given a deck as chance at loving life! They life their life full of love, snuggles, treats and comfy nap areas! Living that dream dog life for sure!!
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Thanks Becky. Yes I still have the photos of Virgil in the pool with you. And Mellie does love you. Coco will always be a work in progress with her anxious nature!
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