And for the love of Sally (aka Sal’s, Salzie’s, Salzers)… Have you ever looked into the eyes of an animal and known that somehow they just “get you”? That they see who you are right down to your soul? That they know you have some crazy in you (my crazy is dance, dance revolution….Thank God dogs can’t talk or there’d be a real story there!) and they can’t wait to jump into the crazy with you?
That’s how it was when I saw little Sal’s for the first time. Bella (my goof ball wire haired dachshund) and I had been a dynamic duo for quite awhile, but when I saw Sally, I immediately knew two would soon become three. But this isn’t your average “healthy, sweet dog” meets “I need another” girl. I saw Salzie’s for the first time on a rescue website (Denver Dachshund Rescue and Transport, to be exact). She was tiny, and fragile, and beautiful. A red, long haired dachshund with imploring eyes and a quiet sense about her. She’d recently been rescued from a hoarder/breeder situation that was uglier than I have words to describe. But she was free and under the watchful care of an amazing group of people. Sal’s came to them pregnant, malnourished, and afraid. Without going into all the horrid details of the situation, I will tell you that she became very ill, lost all of her pups and almost her own life in the process. But sweet Sally is a hell of a fighter and she wasn’t about to give up on this life. So she recovered as best she could and eventually came home with Bells and I. The dynamic duo was now the tenacious trio. We walked, we ran, we ate hamburgers (of course we did… my dogs are my tribe and they eat what I eat…although not vice versa, I’m not one for hard kibble).
Oh, how I loved that dog. If love alone would have been enough, that little girl would have lived forever. My heart still breaks to think of what she went through and how a mere 8 months with us was so much less than she deserved. But I have a feeling she wouldn’t feel the same way – dogs are funny like that. Their ability to forgive and move forward without resentment or hesitation is astounding to me – something I think we humans could take lesson from. To her, those 8 months of runs and walks, treats and toys, the sun on her back and grass beneath her feet were pure joy, and so they must be to me as well, in honor of her and in honor of those who haven’t yet had the chance.
Sadly, Sally was never able to fully recover from the abuse she experienced at the hands of others. How someone can take the gift of unconditional love and turn their hand against it, is beyond me. And it’s not something I have the strength to see and hear and feel every day, as is required in rescue, so I do what I can to help those who do it for me; who love more than most, and who have committed their lives to rescue, and changing the story others have cruelly begun to write. What mad respect I have for these people and how unbelievably hard it must be for them. And I realize that even though my part will never be enough, it is something – it is awareness where there might not have been, support where it may once have hidden, and love that heals the broken. It’s not enough to only provide a portion of my commissions, to donate collars and toys and food…..and yet it’s a start. And a start is still something….
When the time came and Sally’s little body couldn’t fight anymore, I did the unthinkable; I said goodbye, and let her go (well, sort of….the vet hospital was unbelievably kind, but even they had to gently “suggest” it was time to leave after what was quickly approaching qualifying world record time in “room number1”). And I knew from that moment on I would do what I could to help the people who saved her and who gave me the opportunity to show her what love was. To give her a sister, and a sense of belonging, even if only for a short while.
It’s not the typical thing to do, but when I made the jump into real estate, it was obvious to me; I would give a portion of what I earned back to rescue organizations, especially Denver Dachshund Rescue and Transport. It hasn’t been a windfall to date, but my time is coming….watch out doxie nation, it won’t be long before your collars are covered in bling and you have more treats and toys than eye can see!). It’s the right thing to do. It’s healing for me. It may save another Sally.
And so now comes the time to shamelessly plug the donation/adoption event that is fast approaching, and that I will plan to hold every year (hey, what’s the point of my own blog if I can’t shamelessly plug?). The event is Dachshunds and Dogs (because who can resist a hot dog when amongst hot dogs). This year’s event will be held on July 31st at McNichols Park, off of Syracuse and 17th Streets, and will run from Noon to 3pm. The rescue is always in need of paper towels and cleaning supplies, as well as dog beds, dog toys, dog food and who doesn’t love treats? As well, the wiener crew will be there to give kisses and laughs…and will be available for adoption. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Salzie’s comes to me in my dreams sometimes, and she is healthy and happy and whole. Her coat shines, and she smiles at me. I think it’s her way of telling me that she’ll be waiting for me and Bells at the rainbow bridge, and when it’s time, she’ll greet us and take us home. How does one human get so lucky??
Until next time…..
