Monday 18 August 2008

Do things happen for a Reason?

We've never been without a dog - or dogs - for thirty years. When Charlie-dog died we thought we would maybe get another dog in a few months time when we'd had time to mourn but it would only be if a dog needed us.
I even contacted Collie Rescue to say in a few months we'd go on the list for rehoming a dog who needed rehoming. I was told we were too old to go on the list and anyway there was a long waiting list (that's good it means there aren't many rough collies needing help).
Then on Sunday afternoon we get a frantic phone call from a breeder who'd heard we might be looking to help an older dog in the future. She desperately needed someone for an eight and a half month old girl rough collie puppy who needed rehoming. Needed them like right NOW, she was off on holiday and couldn't take the puppy herself, she'd been on the phone all morning and couldn't find anyone.

We dithered for a while, but then decided the timing of Charlie-dog leaving us and this phone call was fate or something. We wouldn't have brought a pup into the house with an old boy like Charlie, it wouldn't have been fair to him.

And, we couldn't really turn our backs on the situation. So now we have Tessa. I think she'll settle in happily and, although we feel a bit emotional about not having long enough to grieve for Charlie-dog, I like to think he and our other dogs we had down the years are happy we're helping Tessa. Am off to the vet with her now to get her checked over.

Added after vet appt. Vet says Tessa's in good condition - except for her weight and lack of muscle. Proper walks will sort that one out. She got fed on junk food and fish and chips etc and some cr*ppy cheap dog food. I was worried she might be pregnant although she is a bit young to have had her first season; it can happen from 6 months, thought that's rare. Vet doesn't think she is but hard to be 100% certain because she's so plump and it was hard to tell by just feeling. We're going back in 10 days and Tessa aka Buttons might have to have a scan.

34 comments:

Yvonne said...

Awh I just love collies, a [[HUG]] for you and give Tessa a hug from me.

CL Taylor said...

Oh I definitely do think things happen for a reason. And I'm SO glad you've got a new dog to care for. You needed her (although it felt too soon) and she needed you. How lovely :o)

Amanda said...

Without doubt things happen for a reason, Pat. Charlie-dog will be so pleased for you and Peter. :-) And Molly and Polly say hi to lucky Tessa.
A x

Pat Posner said...

Thanks for my hug, Yvonne.
Tessa aka Buttons says yummy-scrummy, she loves hugs and cuddles almost more than food.

Pat Posner said...

Thanks, Cally
We are already in love with her(g).

Tamsyn Murray said...

I'm sure you are in love with her already. I'm so pleased you were able to give her a home x x

Pat Posner said...

Tessa says hi back to Molly and Polly. She's made a few doggie friends today. Can't wait until it's safe to let her off the lead for a proper play with them - though, of course, it'll be cyber play with Molly and Polly.

Pat Posner said...

Thanks, Tam!
Yup, love, cuddles and hugs are the order of the day. She loves licking ears.
Hope you had a good festival.

Patxx

Jill Steeples said...

Aw, how lovely! Tessa is a very lucky dog to have found you.

HelenMWalters said...

That is so lovely and absolutely the right thing to do x

Karma said...

I do believe that things happen for a reason. They might not be obvious at first, but there is a shadow behind every object. You just can't see it sometimes because there is no sun.

Lane Mathias said...

Oh that's lovely. The timing may not be perfect but it sounds like it was absolutely meant to be.

She sounds gorgeous and looking forward to seeing photos.

Carol said...

I'm sure Charlie-dog will be very pleased that you all found one another and that your giving another dog the opportunity of a happy life.

Can't wait to see photo's

C x

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

My grandmother had collies, lovely dogs. I agree that this definately happened for a reason and now Tessa has a wonderful home to go to. It sounds like she deserves it after the bad start she's had.

Pat Posner said...

Maddie, I hope Tessa thinks she's lucky! I reckon she does; it's amazing how she's settling in. We're lucky, too, that Charlie-dog and the others 'organised' it. She's here at my feet as I write this, not whining or pestering just chilled out and so relaxed.

Pat Posner said...

Hi, Helen
Yes, it was the right thing to do, I still wish it hadn't had to be so soon but there's probably a reason for that - though maybe we'll never find out.

Pat Posner said...

Ellie
That was such a beautiful way of saying it. I'm crying again.

Pat Posner said...

Thanks, Lane, C and Debs

We didn't have a photo shoot yesterday because Buttons wouldn't have stayed still long enough. There's so much to explore and sniff at, she had a very busy day!
It's hammering down today but hopefully, we'll take photos. Still do it the old-fashoned way so will use a whole roll of film, get photos developed then I'll have to scan them. Will put them up as soon as all that's done!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to have missed your last posts. Time is definitely catching up with me.

My greatest condolences to you for Charlie-dog. He will be missed but thought of fondly and that is all that counts.

You have definitely been handed the card of "it is meant to happen". I don't believe in coincidences. Everything in life happens for a reason. It is still possible to mourn Charlie and enjoy Tessa because your love for Charlie will always be there. But now, another door has opened where one recently closed and has given you a new opportunity to love again. Embrace it. And enjoy it.

My best wishes,
Crystal & Amy xx

Pat Posner said...

Aww, Crystal and Amy
I'm blubbing again. I've said it before, but I'll say it again:
The support, understanding and love from all my new friends in blogland means more than you'll ever know.

Sara Hantz said...

Tessa aka Buttons sounds an awesome dog and I'm sure Charlie-dog will approve.

Karma said...

Impact, eh? Cool! Ummm. fuzzy message deal.... not so sure... good thing? hmm.. bad thing? hmmm. i still don't know. happy tuesday. :D

Flowerpot said...

well that really is fate isn't it and I'm sure Tess will have a wonderful new home with you. How can people ill treat a dog like that? Makes me mad...

Pat Posner said...

Happy Wednesday, Ellie!

Pat Posner said...

Flowerpot,
They weren't physically cruel to Tessa Buttons, but just had no idea how to love, look after, feed or walk a dog and obviously she was left alone a lot - probably with a selection of yucky food to graze at. And they thought it OK to let their little boy to 'torment the life out of her' as they proudly put it!!
To be fair the Mr phoned yesterday to see if she'd settled in. So maybe it was his young wife (I think she could have been a mail-order bride, she must be at least 30 years younger than him)who didn't want the bother of looking after a dog.
Still, it's our gain! Buttons has settled in amazingly well and is so full of love.

Pat Posner said...

Hi, Sara
Hope to get photos back on Friday.
With any luck some will be clear; it was awful weather when Peter took them.

Karen said...

What a lovely story. Our Molly is a collie/labrador cross and was a rescue dog, but she'd been well treated from what we could gather.

Tessa's lucky to have you :o)

Pat Posner said...

Thanks, Karen
It's her 3rd full day with us and I still can't fault her in any way. That's not soft talk btw, but nobody believed the previous owners' tale about his landlord saying they must get rid of her immediately. Not after they'd had her 6 months. So I've been on the look-out for the real reason. Unless the 'dolly-girl' wife was just fed up with having to look after her. Of course, there is the preggers scenario, but hopefully, our vet's guess of 'probably not' is right.

Kate.Kingsley said...

Aw, perfect timing! Tessa is so lucky to have found a happy. healthy home.

I hope you are all very happy together :-)

Pat Posner said...

Thanks, Kate
We can't believe how well she's settled in. It's as if she's been here for ever (well, I suppose in a way she has).

Colette McCormick said...

My darling dog Zoe died very suddenly in April and within a week of her passing I was at the rescue home looking for another dog to fill the void. Most people, including my own sons said it was too soon but something made me go there on that day. Himself thought it was a bit soon but he recognised that it was something that I had to do.What I found there was a dog that needed us as much as we needed him. Said dog is currently flat out on the sofa just like Zoe used to do. I know she would approve because she always had an eye for a good looking bloke.
I know that Charlie-dog approves of Tessy too.

Pat Posner said...

Hugs, Gonnabe
I really believe our pets who are no longer here with us - are still around and approve when we help another animal in need of love and a good home.
Tessa Buttons is also sprawled out on the sofa.

Anonymous said...

What lovely pictures! He looked like a beautiful little dog. Im very sorry but glad you have a new little dog. They all have their own little personalitys so its not as if you are replacing him.
Also, thanks for Birthday wishes!! I appreciate it. xx

Pat Posner said...

Hope it was a good one, MotherX