Not too long ago, I had the wonderful privilege of fostering sweet CINDER. I was asked to take care of her for Freedom Service dogs and her foster dad who was out of the country at the time.
She was with us one week, and then another four....long enough to get attached to her. I cannot tell you how she took hold of my heart. I also had her for one week when she was a small puppy....she was extremely cute!
She presently is in the Canine Prison training system to be a therapy dog for someone. I don't know why, but I think about her every day. I wonder what she is learning and how that trainer will learn to love her just as I have.
There just was something special about her.... her look and her nature. She had a gentleness about her.... a kindness.
Everyone who met her thought she was special....I don't know why I was so lucky to have her, but I just know that there will forever be a hole in my heart where she was, and I will never forget her time spent with us!
How lucky I have been this week and weekend to be able to watch a sweet pup named Maeby. I was hired by a family to come and spend time with her each day. Of course that involves playtime, feeding, petting, and walking.
Right now the Hero Dogs Awards are taking place with the opportunity to vote each day for some very special dogs... but in my mind, ALL dogs are heroes to their families. They are heroes in a way that they are loyal and loving to those around them. I can tell that Maeby misses her family, but for now I am the next best thing. She continues to greet me at the door with her tail wagging and a loving lick on my hand when I reach out to pet her.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes and temperaments. If you own one, you are so blessed! Take good care of your pup, because they do care for us in so many special ways. Their unconditional love for us makes them all heroes whether they are in the battlefield, or leading the blind, or just an average family pet.
DOGS = HEROES!
Blessings,
Maxine & Molly
My Molly and I are so blessed to be able to walk daily together. I always see something new. There is much building going on with new homes in Idyllwilde. Richmond is building behind us and Village as well. Looks like Toll Brothers will start a new area soon. So there are many changes around us going on. We usually walk by the beautiful Idyllwilde pool that is now open, pictured above. It seems to be busier on the weekends and empty during the weekdays.
But one thing never changes and that is Molly's love for me. She gets very excited when I take out her leash and she jumps up and down with anticipation for her daily walk with me. And so we set out together and I always wonder what we will see.
Yesterday, I noticed all the beautiful potted plants on porches. I love the porches in Idyllwilde. Everyone takes care to make them inviting! I try to picture myself seated on each one. All have wonderful views.... all are a blessing. Yesterday I officially put out my rocking chair on my porch which always invites me to sit and stay a while!
I have started to take Molly earlier in the mornings before it gets too hot.... she doesn't seem to be bothered by the heat. I take water along for her and she sips here and there....don't forget that water for your pup!
Get out and take a walk and see our beautiful area.... right now all the flowers are in full bloom. Even the wildflowers are popping up! You won't be disappointed at all. I know Molly and I are not.... walking daily is good medicine for you and your dog!
In the days of a dog, I watch and pay attention. I am reminded of Charlie.... it has now been one year since we lost our precious yellow lab! There are many things that Molly and Charlie have in common, but there are many ways in which they are very different from one another. And that is a good thing.
My grief is teaching me that what all dogs have in common is a gentleness and sweetness, that can only come from Heaven above. Their unconditional love for us is a treasure that we should not overlook. They seem to just know when we are sad and when we need that special lick on our face as if to say: "I love you when no one else will."
My Molly is very much like Charlie in that she is forever by my side, wherever I go in the house. So really, I am never alone. Her constant presence is a comfort and peace to me no matter what I am going through.
If you are lucky enough to have a dog in your life, don't take them for granted. When they are gone, you will surely know it and realize what a big presence they were in your days.
So hug your pup today.... they are waiting for you to scratch their belly, and rub their ears. They will WAIT on you for anything.....dogs of grace are like that!
Blessings,
Maxine
I recently took my new rescue to the vet - it was a beautiful day outside, sunny and warm. As I was sitting there waiting for Molly to get her nails trimmed and her Heartworm test done, I couldn't help but look outside the open window and remember....
You see a year ago this week, we had to put our beloved Charlie down and the day was very much like this day in the vet office on that visit.
Of course the tears came..... grief will do that to you. Even with all the love of Molly and all the dogs I am blessed to be around at Freedom Service Dogs, there is still an ache for the one....
Charlie was a loyal lab, full of fun and love. I would give anything to look into his huge brown eyes again. But for now, I can't. He has gone and has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.
In my heart I believe there will be dogs in heaven.... their unconditional love for us is a small reflection of GOD'S love for us!
For now then, this is written for you Charlie, in your honor this month. You gave us so much love for 11 years and you will never be forgotten. Thank you for being by my side through all the ups and downs of life. We will always love you. Bless your sweet and gentle doggie heart!
Today my Molly and I went for our usual walk. It was the first time this year that the breeze felt warm to me - yeh! We made our way on one of the back paths and heard many birds singing together - I loved it.
All was well until I came upon a snake... they are NOT my favorite thing to see. It was laying on the path I am sure getting warm. I just am glad that I had hold of Molly and that she was on the other side of me - she always walks on the leash on my left.
We do have a leash law here in Parker so make sure you follow that. Also, pick up after your pet - we will all benefit from that. The summer is a good time to exercise your pup, but now that it is getting warmer, either do it early in the morning or late in the evening.
I am taking Molly in for her annual Heartworm test this week... make sure to give your pet their Heartworm medication this time of year.
Enjoy a walk with your pup and check out all the beautiful paths we have here in Idyllwilde. You will feel great and so will your dog!
We are back from our week away on vacation and we left our sweet Molly with some friends: Katie and Chad. They have 2 dogs of their own: Daisy and Stoli. I knew I was leaving Molly in capable hands since Katie rescued Molly from being turned in to the Dumb Friends League. I shudder to think what would have happened to her, since she is a little older and not a pup anymore!
For a week Molly was able to play and play with Daisy outside in the back yard. I know they had fun because Katie said they were exhausted at the end of each day.
It is a comforting thought to know that your dog is being loved and cared for in the same way you would if you were there. A dog's love comes into your heart, and fills it up completely. As a dog owner, you want that love returned to them 10 fold.
So this is a special "thank you" to Katie and Chad.... thank you for opening your wonderful home to our Molly. Thank you for feeding and caring so well to Molly's needs.
She is home now and back into her normal routine and I can't help but think that while we were on vacation, Molly had a little vacation of her own.
Blessings and Love to Chad and Katie!! XOXO
Oh and Molly thanks you too!
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