Circle of Life

Losing a pet is hard. I hesitate to say too much because, well, others have lost spouses, children, parents, and in face of those losses, a pet seems minor. But, I am here to say that, two weeks ago when I had to make the decision, I was devastated. My heart literally ached for the empty place in my life that had once had been filled with Cleo.

Cleo is the beagle, Munchkin the indignant cat. In reality they were tight and, while I can't tell for sure, I think he misses her. Cleo was fourteen and had lived a life of luxury for twelve of those years. I rescued her from a busy road; no one claimed her so she became a Means.

In thinking about a life without Cleo, I seriously thought that we would become a cat family. After all cats are fun and cute; they are fairly self sufficient and tend to live a long time. But after Cleo died I missed her canine companionship. She always wanted to be close to me and I never realized how much I talked to her during the course of the day. I was very lonely.

Three days later I decided to check a pet adoption website. I put in my usual criteria: female, chihuahua or terrier mix, small, young. As I scanned the first page one little face jumped out at me. It was love at first sight.

 

I immediately contacted the rescue organization, filled out the adoption application and planned for our meeting. It was not to happen that weekend. Crushed, I didn't want to deny her a forever home, I really hoped she would not get adopted. On Sunday I got the news that Maggie was still available. Her foster mom and I made arrangements to meet the following Wednesday evening.

I was so nervous. What if the meeting didn't go well? What if they suddenly decide my application was declined? Borrowing trouble - one of my great talents. I was outside trying to get a signal on my phone when I looked up and saw a little cream colored dog walking proudly with a spring in her step and ears bouncing up and down. She made me smile and I haven't stopped yet.

She brings with her the baggage of a rescue dog - but these things are small and nothing that time and love won't cure.

"All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need."

Next time...Maggie comes home.