Dandy was a senior Shih Tzu who was taken out of the Devore shelter. She was matted to the skin and had to be shaved. Worse for her was the phone call from the vet who was spaying her and told us that she had bugs in a place that no female dog would ever want them. She had been neglected for so long that it had caused blindness for her. A simple eye drop that cost less than $10 a month would have preserved her sight. Unfortunately it was too late by the time we got her. But we promised to offer her a great home none the less.

  For her time in our rescue she lived with a woman that can only be called a slice of heaven. Her foster has taken in several dogs who were blind and/or deaf. And Dandy fit right in and did well. Finding Mary was the final chapter for us and a new journey for Dandy and her family. We always believed we would find this type of home and we did and though it was bittersweet to say goodbye for all involved, it is why we do rescue. A heartfelt thank you to Dandy's new saint and Mom, Mary. Thank you for giving this beautiful girl a chance to live out her life and be loved as she should have been loved all a long. Each day with you is a blessing for a little girl who so richly deserves it. Thank you.



Hi Laurie,

Well, I don't know about you but I am just exhausted! What an emotional day for both of us to say the least. My heart just goes out to you really...you are an earth angel to do what you do. And thank you for taking care of little Dandy all of this time. I'm sure she has you in her little heart forever..

Our trip home was a breeze.......we should have driven up that way. When we left PetSmart Dandy did everything before we got in the car; then she drank some water. She did fine on her trip and settled right down on her pillow and took a nap. I think she must have been tired after her long day even though it was 2 ish. When she woke up I gave her the bone treat that you gave us and she certainly scoffed it right down. Then she had some more water and went back to sleep.

When we arrived home of course our dogs were thrilled as they were alone since 10 AM. I introduced them to Dandy and vice versa and there wasn't much interaction with any of them. So much for that! Dandy went into the back yard and I let her sniff around for a spell. Then some of our friends came over to see the new baby and they all just love her and very happy for us and for her. Lots of company! She ate her dinner quite willingly and seemed to like it very much. I don't know if I told you that we cook their food. I didn't take Dandy to the park as I thought it would be just too much for this little one today. She seems to be doing OK around the house.........lots of exploring and I, of course, am a nervous wreck. She found the water right away and already knows where it is. We have a huge side porch and she spent a lot of time there looking around and I think she liked the area. Our floors in the house are wood and she has been on them a lot as I think she likes the coolness.

I am going to try her in our bed tonight and see how it goes for her. Fran has an all day meeting tomorrow so this will give me a chance, I hope, to bond with her. Do
you know if Dandy hears at all or is she completely deaf? It's OK but I just wanted to know if you knew.

I guess that is all for now. I promise that I will keep you up to date with all of her doings. I will email Tera tomorrow. Will you be getting a new dog to foster?

Hope all is OK with you and that you feel better. Be good to yourself!!

Mary and Dandy






Hi Laurie,

So, here is the report on day 2:

I took Dandy into our bed last night and she did just fine! I was so worried that she would fall etc. but she settled right down between us. She didn't cry at all so we were happy about that. I didn't sleep too well as I kept listening for her so I'm still tired!! I thought of you going to bed and not having the little one with you......such heartbreak and I know it had to be painful for you. At least you know that I understand and are in my thoughts...........

Dandy slept late which I thought was good. I made her a scrambled egg for her breakfast in hope that will help alleviate some of her dry skin. None too happy about her eyedrops and tomorrow I'm going to spend some time trying to clean her little face without frightening her.
She also had more company today so she was just a busy little girl. When Fran came home we took the dogs to the park..her first outing! She didn't like walking on the leash and came right out of the collar Leslie gave her. So I picked her up and took her to the grassy area where the other dogs were..........she just had a ball!! Most of the doggie parents there are men and they think Fran and I are just nuts with taking on this little one....the female parents were delighted and thought Dandy was adorable. So, I say tough and the guys won't know what they're missing. I was really upset.....not about us of course but to think that this precious pup would be a burden etc. Takes all kinds I guess! Dandy is now resting in front of the fan. She doesn't like her "day" bed too well but I think that she will eventually. I changed the pillow we had yesterday as I thought it was too tall for her to get into etc.

Question: Is the vet that is named on her eye drops the one that has all of her records etc. about her eyes and other care? If so, do you think it would be OK to call their office and request her records for our vet to have? Of course we would pay any fees etc. necessary.
I just feel we should have them as this is no small matter like her record of shots would be.

I still haven't written to Tera but I will. Don't know where all the time goes. Anyway, if you wish for me to continue writing to you about Dandy's little life please let me know. I don't want to be a pest and most certainly don't want to place any more difficulty on you that you already have by letting us adopt her. I probably would update you weekly I think.

So, gots to go and iron a shirt for Fran for tomorrow.. it never ends. Hope all is well with you and your fur kids and thank you again, Laurie for everything....


Mary, Fran and Dandy






Hi Laurie,

Here we are again.........

Our little munchkin is doing just beautifully. She never ceases to amaze both of us on how well she has adapted to her new home and hopefully happy life. Everyone just loves her! She now barks to get both on and off the bed..how cute is that? Maybe she did that at your house so you already know that but all is new to us.

She is a regular chow hound! She seems to know when lunch (her egg) and dinner time is and just trots right into the kitchen like she's always been here. Yesterday I had to leave to get my nails done and was gone from 1 to 4......she was fine but I of course worried myself to death. Today I took her to get a new harness and when we got home all of us went to the park. This works so well........she's not afraid to walk on the leash now. When we get to the back of the park where our doggie group is I take her leash off and I tell you she just has so much fun! All the new smells and all the dogs to experience. Tomorrow the pug babies (4) are coming......they are a month old so this should be interesting. The parents are there every day.

I've been able to brush her a little more each night so hopefully she is building up to trusting me. She has started wagging her tail which about brought me to tears and once she put her paw out like you said she would......adorable of course!

I hope you are doing a little better since we left you. I just felt terrible and helpless. Has your new dog arrived yet? How long have you been this great angel doing this fostering? Straight to heaven you will go!!

My sister is coming to stay tomorrow for a few days but mostly to meet Dandy. Everyone was just so devastated when we lost our Sadie that this arrival of our new little one is one important event down here. Will let you know what happens.

That's about it for now. I still haven't written to Tera but I will. Not very good of me that's for sure. Hope you are well.

Mary, Fran and Dandy

 
 

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