Luna

So, my wife and I picked up our newly adopted rescue dog (australian shepherd mix) today and made the 2+ hour trek home with her and our 12 year old shi-tzu, Moonshadow, in tow. Moon is nothing if not tolerant and, while only showing a cursory interest in the new dog, being true to his nature he is wonderfully "tolerant" of Luna. I think it's only a matter of time before I post pics of them playing.

I should note that Luna came up to New England from Missouri, so including our little trip home she was on the road for nearly 48 hours; most of that in a crate. This and the fact that she was spayed a day-and-a-half before her trip made for a stressed, nervous and "lost" looking dog. Her first act when coming off of the transport trailer was to lean hard into our legs; a sort of dog hug.

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It has been a little more than 12 hours since Luna has "come home". In that time she has settled in nicely. She already knows where her bed is and has understandably spent a lot of time on it. Her appetite is healthy and she no longer has a lost look in her eyes.

In everything Luna does there is a gentleness and honesty. And unlike dogs that walk with their nose to the ground, this little girl walks with her head held up. And given her good leash manners, I daresay she looks graceful at times.

A lot of credit for this dog's mental and physical well being goes to Sue of New England All Breed Rescue. It is obviously apparent that Luna spent time in a gentle, loving foster home. For that I am grateful. Many thanks, Sue.

My Circle Of Life

The Universe has seen fit to make me a grandpa. Add to that, circumstances have colluded to bring a new young dog into my life, for which I am awaiting word that she is healthy and ready to travel the many miles to New England from Missouri. The boy (my step-grandson) is healthy and beautiful. The dog, well, she is also a new part of my circle of life. (See Yule Tidings)

His name is Payten.

And she will be called Luna.

It is my understanding that Luna loves children. It is my hope that they love each other. For that matter, it is my greatest hope that we (Payten's family) all love each other, for that is the boy's best chance for a successful future.

Blessed Be, Wicca

It's been more than a year since her passing. She died from a disease that left her beautiful mind, but took her body inch by inch. It was an inglorious way to go. Yet, as with all that she faced in her 12 1/2 years of life, she suffered her demise with gentleness, courage and humor.

I found her in a dog pound when she was a 43lb 10 month old puppy. Ironically, after a week of intensive searching, she turned out to be a spur of the moment, second choice. The Gods were looking out for me when I picked her.

In her short life, she spent 5 1/2 years as a therapy dog, escorting me and my clients (cancer patients) to their appointments. She made even the toughest, longest rides bearable and even comical at times.

There are too many stories and not enough time. She was a brilliant, trusting spirit with a gentle sense of humor and I am a much better person for having known her. May the Gods hold and keep you, my Baby-girl.

Wicca

February 18, 1996 - September 10, 2008