A Very Sad Day ...

Saturday, September 20, 2008 was a very, very difficult day for me. I had to make the unfortunate, but correct, choice to surrender my dog, Adam, my cherished companion for the past seven years, to another family in order to ease my daughter’s chronic allergy symptoms. It turns out my daughter has a severe allergic reaction to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, cats … and yes, her own dog, Adam!

I circulated posters for four days and then I had to pull them down because I received a tremendous outpouring of support from so many people. It was tough to decide who to award custody of my friend but I had to make a decision. Finally, I made my selection. I selected a husband and wife who lived way out in the countryside. They had a 9-year old beagle named Lucy who had just recently lost two companions herself - Snoopy (13) and Cuddles (15). Lucy was home alone all day and seemed very lonely. This, so I thought, ought to be the perfect fit!

A few short hours after a very emotional hand off, I received a call that Adam was really much bigger than they had realized and that it really wouldn’t be the best fit. I had to go back and get Adam and start the drama all over again!

Fortunately, I had a waiting list of caring dog lovers standing in line just waiting for the opportunity to take Adam. I contacted Jennifer and I brought Adam to her and her daughter, Claire.

Claire and Adam hit it off like you wouldn’t believe. The neighborhood is filled with a bunch of other labs and I just knew Adam had found the perfect retirement home. Not only would he be walked every day and get a huge, fenced yard to run in, but he also inherited a summer cottage on Lake Erie that he would be able to roam and swim … I’m a bit jealous!

So, tonight is my first night without my companion. I do hope he is adjusting well to his new home. I’m sure he is -- after all, he is the PERFECT DOG!

Many thanks go out to all of you who circulated flyers and spread the word that Adam needed a new home. This has certainly been a wonderful demonstration of a community filled with caring folks showing love and support to people and pets alike.

Adam will be sorely missed but never forgotten!