Puppy Love, Part 2

So last time I wrote, I was mourning the loss of my Percy. I still miss him everyday but I am excited and touched by some of the good that has come after his passing. I donated to Florida Little Dog Rescue and after reading my post, my sister Katie followed suit and did the same. One of the things I love about the group is that they will post pictures of all the dogs they want to save and then credit the person who donates to allow them to save each dog. So Katie and I both got to see who our money saved.

And then there's my mom. Not only did she donate money, she took it upon herself to write to FLDR tell them about me, Percy, and this blog. Here's what she wrote:

Dear Little Dog Rescue,

I have made a donation to your group this evening, following the example
of my two daughters, Kristen and Katie in honor of one very special

little guy.  Three years ago Kristen adopted a miniature poodle from LDR

(originally named Snowflake) and renamed Percival, aka "Percy".  Sadly,
Percy passed away last week, but not before making a big impression in many
people's lives.  Kristen writes a blog about various events in her life.  I
thought you might enjoy reading the blog post she wrote about Percy.  I
have attached it to this email.  Thank you for all the hard work you do and
the difference you make in the lives of so many dogs.  Your site pulls at
my heartstrings just as Percy did.
Sincerely,
Jane

Then, amazingly, they wrote back. 

Oh Jane....

I am so saddened to hear about Percy. My heart is breaking and tears are flowing.  He was so blessed to be so loved. What an amazing gift your daughter gave him, for him to truly know "the good life" before he crossed the Bridge.  In that last picture you can really see how safe and loved he felt.  There are not enough words to express our thanks for Kristen giving him that comfort and love.  You raised your daughter well, she is one special woman:)

I will be thrilled to save one in his honor.  I met a very special little girl tonight at Osceola Animal Control, a very scared 7-9 month old silver yorkie mix.  Her owners just dumped her off when they decided a puppy was too much work, and honestly, given her condition, I don't think they ever did any "work" with her.  The kennel manager asked me to come up tonight and see her, to see if we could please rescue her Monday morning when her hold time is "up". (this is how I spend my Friday night - dropping my kids off at dance and going to see emergency dogs at animal control after hours!).  I told them of course we would save her.  

That is who your donation will save, and if it's ok with you, I would like to name her Kristen.  I have attached her picture here.

Laurie

I'm not ashamed to admit it...by the end of that second letter, the tears were streaming down my face. Saving animals is hugely important to me and honoring Percy through donations means so much as well. But to have a little one actually named after me touched me more than I could have expected. I am so happy she's getting a fresh start and I can't wait to follow her journey through grooming, foster care, and eventually a furever home. And of course I promise to share that journey here. But until then, please meet my namesake, little Kristen :)

Love,
KayCee

Puppy Love

My Percival passed away last week. He'd been having many health problems over the last 6 months and eventually his little heart just couldn't take it anymore. But I like to think that his heart just wasn't big enough for how much love he tried to hold in it. I got him as an older adult from a rescue group 3 years ago because I wanted to give my love and home to an animal who needed me, but who didn't necessarily require the time and attention a new puppy would. Little did I know, Percy would reignite my passion for those who have lived unfortunate lives and cannot speak for themselves. He'd been picked up as a stray and it was obvious by his weight and the length and state of his hair that he'd been fending for himself for quite some time. It took a little bit of time for him to grow accustomed to knowing he could trust me, but once he did, he showed me why dogs really are (wo)man's best friend. Never have I felt such amazing, pure, unlimited love from such a little creature. And I will forever be thankful for all the cuddles, nub-wags, and happy squeaks awaiting me every time I would come in the door. He was the highlight of my day over the last three years and the apartment feels so much emptier without his little 6-pound body. Percy, your mama loved you so much and misses you every day. But I find peace knowing you're at rest now, without pain, and that Prancer was across that rainbow bridge waiting for you.

Percy cuddling up on his warm mountain of freshly washed sheets

Bravely showing off his bandage after one of his procedures last fall

My little man and I getting ready to celebrate New Years Eve 2013

The two of us cuddling the day before he died. In his last few days, resting on my chest seemed to be the only thing that helped him breathe easier. Today, I am so thankful for this last picture with him.

So, number 16 on my 30 Before 30 list is to "Donate $50 a month to 12 different causes I feel strongly about for one year." In honor of Percy, January's donation went to Florida Little Dog Rescue which is the rescue group I adopted Percy from. I cannot say enough good things about this group. All of their animals are dogs that they've saved from Death Row at animals shelters. Every single one of these dogs would be put to sleep if FLDR hadn't of stepped in. And not only do they save the healthy dogs, but they are not afraid to step up and save the special needs dogs, the animals with problems that need medical or surgical attention before being placed for adoption. These are the animals that are usually put down without a second thought because they're not "worth" the time, attention, or money it would take to rehabilitate them. These are the animals that need us the most! Here are some of these animals stories:

Here is Houston, who was dubbed a "throw away" dog because his owners literally just discarded him. A lab mix, he came in incredibly underweight at only 26 pounds with gashes on his ear, a fever, skin rashes, and actively throwing up. FLDR gave him the vet care and medicine he needs and he's now being fostered until they find his forever home.

Above is a before and after of Rojo, who came in severely underweight and suffering from pneumonia. Look at what a turn-around he made in less than a month of just a little TLC!

Above is a picture of Liam, who picked up by Animal Control, unable to walk due to a shattered pelvis and two broken back legs. Through FLDR and their donations, Liam had extensive surgical repairs and is on his way to a full recovery. And here he is, all happy and healthy after a bath:

These are sweet, loving, beautiful dogs that don't deserve what life has dealt them. FLDR unselfishly donates time and money to the rehabilitation of these animals. Each dog will be individually fostered in a home so when that dog is adopted out, the foster parent can accurately account for the dog's likes, dislikes, fears, behavior, etc. And when you adopt a dog, whether its from FLDR or another rescue organization, you are paying $75-300 for an animal that comes fully vetted with all their shots, spayed or neutered, and the knowledge that the money you're paying is directly going towards the care and rescue of another animal in need. You can't get that confidence or feeling from a breeder or pet store! 

I urge you all to go to the FLDR website and take a look at all the work they do. Their special needs cases are chronicled so you can read updates and all their adoptable and recently adopted dogs are showcased with pictures and stories. Additionally, there is a place where you can make donations. Forty-five dollars can save a dog from Death Row. Seventy-five dollars will not only save a dog, but will guarantee the care of a special needs dog who just needs a little extra help to get their life back. 

In honor of Percy, once known to FLDR volunteers as Snowflake, I am donating $75 to kick off my year of donations. I know Percy would be proud to know the people who once saved him from a life on the streets are being provided the means to continue to save the lives of more deserving souls. 

Love,

KayCee