Vanessa spent the first 6 or 7 years of her life in a damp, dark, wire cage. She was a breeder dog at a puppy mill in seemingly peaceful Amish Country, Pennsylvania until a rescue group brought her out, and my parents saved her. I wrote about it here.
In the five years she lived with my mom and dad, she continued to suffer numerous medical conditions caused by her imprisonment and she never quite got over the emotional damage she had suffered at the hands of uncaring keepers. But my mom patiently and lovingly tended to her physical wounds, and in showering her with love she had never before known, my parents also made her time with them safe and comfortable. I have no doubt that Vanessa realized she was finally valued, and that she loved my parents dearly (as they did her).
In the past year, Vanessa had even started coming to the front door when the bell rang (as opposed to cowering in fear) and joining in a little play time in the morning! She had a beautiful face, and a heart that was a testament to perseverance and courage. To see her tail wag slightly; to have her willingly let you sit beside her on the couch and gently stroke her back; to be the recipient of one of her very infrequent kisses; was to feel really good.
We will all miss her. And in her honor, I ask you again to NEVER buy a dog from a pet store or a breeder, unless you go to that person's home and see for yourself the environment in which the mother and pups are raised. I encourage you to check out the many rescue groups if you are looking for a specific breed of dog, and of course there is the SPCA and other local animal shelters where many wonderful dogs (and cats) wait hopefully for your love. You can make a difference in the life of an animal, just as my parents did.
Rest in peace sweet Vanessa.
6 comments:
Dear Jodi,
Thanks to your wonderful parents, Vanessa was able to live the last years of her life being loved and patiently cared for. Your comments about adopting and rescuing pets is most appropriate and will be honored in this home. Thank you so very much for expressing your thoughts. As always, they are wise as well as appreciated. Love, pam
Awww.... I'm crying! What a sweet tribute to an amazing puppy dog.
Those of us who knew Vanessa saw her slowly change through the years from a frightened, abused dog to one that greeted visitors and liked to be petted. She was blessed to be adopted by your parents. She was given a lot of TLC and the patience with which Hannah cared for her was truly heartwarming. Vanessa, you will be missed.
Uncle Rich & aunt Cathy
So sorry for your loss, Hannah. You were a blessing to that furry friend. Aunt Joan
Jodi, Thank you for the wonderful tribute to our "girl" Vanessa. She was the sweetest of dogs and I never regretted "rescuing" her and trying to give her a "normal" life with love and affection. She returned that affection with tiny kisses on my nose, especially after I had drunk a chai latte. She seemed to like that smell!! Dad and I will miss her and I think that Sugar is wondering where his friend has gone.
Dear Jodi, sorry it has taken me so long to reply to this post. I just find it so terribly sad on one hand, and so inspirational and touching on the other. Your parents are such special people, in many ways! It was so nice to see your Mom's post and know that they are all missing Vanessa but treasuring what is important.
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