Glory

Glory Died Sept 21, 2009

This post is going to be a little different from my normal post. However, this is about a cause that is very close to my heart. Many of you already know that I have been involved in animal rescue for several years. Today's post is about Glory, who died today. Glory is one of my rescue babies. She came to us several years ago with a broken heart and a broken spirit after her beloved owner died suddenly. In the month that followed her owners passing Glory had been to 4 other homes before coming to us. All those others who attempted to adopt her could not get her to eat so they kept returning her back to the rescue organization that had taken her in. Each time she was returned she was more and more withdrawn and more depressed. Thats when they called me and asked if I could foster her until a permanent home could be found. We gladly took her in but were appauled at the condition she was in. Not only was she starving herself to death, she had lost all sense of security. She was scared of everything. My husband and I had decided we would adopt her because she had been traumatized enough and we would be her forever home. After 3 weeks of trial and error I finally was able to get her to eat. I think I may have found the way her previous owner fed her because the gladly ate her kibble mixed with a little can food made into a paste. (Over the years that was the ONLY way she would eat.) Slowly she started trusting us and eventually she found the sense of security that she had lost. Her daddy became her favorite thing in the world and he belonged to her. She loved me but she loved him more and that was ok too. I believe she was grateful and that she loved us unconditionally. Her broken heart healed and her free spirit returned. She was always the first one to greet us at the door and was always there to give us that puppy love to comfort us when we needed it. Whenever we would bring in another rescue she would sniff it as if she was letting it know it would be ok. Glory wasn't feeling well yesterday and I was planning on taking her into the vet this morning. My husband got up at 4am for work and she appeared to be doing better. She got up with him, walked around and went out to potty. He put her back to bed at 5am thinking all would be ok. My rotty woke me up at 6:38am with a bone chillin howl and I immediately got up and went to check on Glory. She was dead. Her limp, lifeless body was still warm. I attempted to do CPR but she was gone. Glory was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure almost 2 yrs ago and I guess her heart finally gave out. We lost part of our pack today. All of the other furkids are quiet today. They all went to see her before I took her out and buried her beside the Jasmine bush. Its a beautiful bush that blooms and the Jasmine smells so good and I thought to be a great final resting place for her. Although some say our pack is a bunch of misfits that no one else wants, we love them without condition of breed, age, color or health. Some may say she was "just a dog" but to us she was so much more than "just a dog" as all of our misfits are. Glory became a big part of our family and we are going to miss her. Glory was a sweet girl and we loved her so much! She brought so much joy, love and happiness to our family and my only hope is that we did the same for her. Working in animal rescue I have come across some very special animals. If you are considering a pet please check with your local animal rescue organizations or you local animal shelter. Also consider when you bring a pet home that it needs time to adapt to its new surrounding. It needs time to find that security and that comfort zone. Don't be hasty in your decision whether it be adopting or returning an adopted animal. Remember they are traumatized and need comfort and reassurance from you. In return you will find a best friend who loves you unconditionally and will give you comfort when nothing else will.
Posted by JstMe2691 at 2:41 PM
Labels: animal rescue, pet loss, pets

3 comments:

Knottie said...
(HUG)
September 21, 2009 4:45 PM

Anonymous said...
Marilyn, My thoughts and prayers are with you and Glory. I know exactly how you feel. Bryan
September 21, 2009 7:04 PM

Anonymous said...
Dear Mama,Do not be sad for me. I am young and strong again.God has a special rug and pillow for me and I am visitingwith Jinxy and Hope. Time will fly by until I see you.Thanks for taking such good care of me.Love,Glory