Dog Blog: A Stranger's Gift

update ~ I am delighted to report that Charlie's owner adopted a rescued fawn pug. Dad and dog are doing wonderfully. Raven is the sunshine of her new family, and a joy to her whole neighborhood! 


A recent tragedy (dog vs alligator) set off a chain reaction ...... I was contacted by a friend to find a pug for her friend whose dog (Charlie) met with tragedy (alligator). We located a black pug girl, who was owned by a woman who did not want to "put any more money into her". She simply needed a tooth extracted.

The owner decided he wasn't ready for another dog yet ~ which was fine. I knew something good would come of it.

My very dear friend and fellow rescuer (the gal in my film, Breathless), Christine could not bear to send Raven back to the backyard breeder. After telling me what a nice and comical girl she is, I had to help. Fellow rescuer Jan, founder of Grateful Paws Rescue agreed to represent Raven. Thursday, I drove to PGA and got her.

A bellyrub-addict and master at funny expressions, Raven won me over before we returned to Boca. I was not used to the pug-snort and Ravie's (uh, hum) large frame-waddle. She instantly got along with my five aussies, cats, and vacationing golden retriever.

Friday, I took her to the vet. She had not one, but four teeth extracted. She also had a severe UTI and ear infections -- NONE of this ever comprised her zest for life or willingness to make friends.

As I picked her up, over the weekend, in Hollywood, I received a call from a family who had seen her, on Petfinder. I happened to BE in  Hollywood, judging a photo contest, and planned to picked Ravie up, from the vet's. They sounded really nice. I asked if they wanted to meet Raven. They had a black pug, Sophie, who died of cancer, at age 15+; six weeks ago, their fawn pug, Benny wiggled out of his collar and was hit by a car, in front of their home, witnessed by their young daughters.

We chatted in the room, waiting for emergencies to stabilize and them to bring Raven, in. As she bounded into the room, she was delighted to see me and HEY! more new friends! Whoohoo. She wiggled, and snorted with excitement. We visited and got to know each other. The tech came in and reviewed her meds. As we walked out, I asked, "What if we do your home visit?" They were up for it.

Their three daughters were away, with the grandparents.

Raven & I followed them to their lovely home. She walked in, like she owned the place. Went right to the kitchen where she was promptly served water. She checked the house out, and found a basket of dog toys; carefully looking up, as if to say, "Is it ok to sniff these?" She went out to the yard and marked her spot. "Goooood girl", the three of us, chimed. We visited some more. I knew I wanted Ravie to be their's, but I wanted them to carefully think it over. I never had an adoption occur so quickly, but this was definitely GREEN lights, all the way. I was sure, Charlie was pushing it along.

We drove home, her on the passenger seat, belly up; me rubbing her tummy. This afternoon I got their application, verified references and vet records. Then an email, that they had thought it over and would love to welcome Raven to their family. They came up to Boca tonight. I had her all packed up. We signed the papers, they paid the adoption fee (no where near the vet bill), and away she went to her new home, and new life with a mom, a dad, and three little girls, whom I am sure will treasure her. If I destiny had not intervened, Imight have turned her away....Raven would have gone back to live with 60+ dogs, failing health, and a certain miserable death.

I truly believe we are all brought together for a reason. While I am sad how Charlie was lost, I always KNEW something good would come of it. Raven found the love and happiness of a HOME and healing the loss felt by a family. So, THANK YOU, Charlie!!