Greetings....
On my last post I explained how I had been given a last minute reprieve from Death Row and was under the gentle care of Melissa and Scott Wu and their Vet.
As you may remember I was looking forward to Sundays planned outing and soon enough Scott and Melissa arrived in their car to collect me.
The back seat was carefully decked out with a protective sheet.... hmmm... this made me slightly nervous.... was Scotts driving going to be so hair raising that I might have a little accident? A quick glance at the unadorned passenger seat reassured me that Melissa obviously felt safe so i decided to reserve judgement and cautiously allowed myself to be cajoled onto the back seat where I made myself comfy and waited quietly for the engine to start. With that .. off we went. After a while we pulled into a parking slot near Pizza Hut and while we waited for the foster parents to arrive we sat outside on the grass in the welcome shade of a leafy tree. My nose twitched in response to the mouth watering aroma wafting over from the restaurant and my tummy rumbled appreciatively in anticipation!
Finally a green SUV pulled up by us and 3 people piled out.... I felt a bit overwhelmed by all these new people but they knew this and just the older man came up to me with the others giving me space to relax. The older man introduced himself as Franklin and sat on the tarmac making himself as small as possible so I did not feel threatened. He chatted to me quietly and I gradually relaxed and enjoyed his compliments about my beautiful face and golden coat. Then he offered me his sunglasses and I wore them proudly on my head while he asked me if I would like to be his and Jannie's foster dog, and come to live with them and their elderly dog Bear and Spook the cat. I was so happy to feel wanted again that I offered him my paw and we shook hands on the deal!!
Then Franklin took my lead and we walked towards Pizza Hut.....my pace quickened with eagerness then slowed again when we walked right past the door! I gave one last regretful look at the menu board then gave myself up to the enjoyment of walking with Franklin and listening to him as he told me all about life in the village they lived in. When we got back to the others Jannie was sitting under my tree and I flopped down next to her and enjoyed being stroked.
Eventually it was time for me to return to the clinic and say our goodbyes....I hesitated about getting back in the car but Franklin just lifted me in and with one last stroke told me he would see me soon... I had a slight Kennel Cough so could not move in with them until I was cleared by the vet.
Melissa and Scott told me that Franklin and Jannie loved me and would be delighted to foster me as soon as my cough cleared. During the following week Melissa turned up with a huge smile........... She and Scott had decided to have me stay with them as their house guest for the weekend !
They did not tell me they had cats !! Cats ! How could my Auntie Melissa and Uncle Scott be kitty people !!
I did my best not to chase them though I did get a bit fired up at times which unnerved Auntie Melissa a bit to the extent that when she went out I was put in their guest room. Upon her return she realized I suffered from separation anxiety which happens to a lot of rescue dogs...... my foster parents were not unduly worried when she told them as Jannie is at home most of the time and their elderly dog was so laid back that I would feel safe after a while. It was only in a later email conversation that Melissa let slip that the builders had been to repair the door and door jamb that I ate my way through that they realised just how badly I had panicked being left that time. I can still hear Daddy Franklins incredulous " YOU ATE A DOOR????!!!!!!!" ringing in my ears ! Oops...
However not once have I ever been in that state of panic while living here which I put down to the friendship and comfort offered to me by Bear Dog who kept me calm whenever we were left alone even for a short time.
It was arranged that I would be moving to Franklins house on Sunday afternoon and I spent the days leading up to this keeping Melissa company and watching her swim in the pool. To my shame I accidently tripped as I strolled nonchalantly around the pool and fell in! I dont know who was most surprised.. Melissa or me !! However I found that I am excellent at the Doggy Paddle lol
Finally Sunday came and we set off in the car for the journey to Pahokee. I gazed out of the window at all the fields and canals until we finally pulled up outside a yellow house and were met by Franklin, Jannie and Bear Dog. We all went for a walk around the back field together and I realised that Bear was a friendly soul who was not fussed about me being theie and let me have my own space. He welcomed me into his home and I felt wanted and at home. I gave Melissa and Scott and fond farewell and promised to keep in touch letting them know how i was getting on. I watched them drive off then Franklin asked me if I wanted to go meet Uncle Johnny who has 13 cats ! Not sure about Johnny but I sure did want to meet those cats !!
Speak Soon
Much Love and Waggles
Ellie xx
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