It was on the day before New Year’s Eve, the December before last, that Maggie came into my life.
Maggie, said the woman from GRRAND, the Golden Retriever rescue organization, was about two years old. Her owners had obtained her to use as a “breeder” and had dumped her when they’d finished with her. When I met her, she appeared empty inside; disconnected; in shock. She was also practically dragging the ground, having recently had a litter of eleven pups.
The story of Maggie over the subsequent months is one of rebirth, of the sun coming out again for a traumatized being who so deserved it.
What’s the connection? Well, just in the past ten days, Maggie has suddenly, joyfully, insistently found her voice. I hope that her story will help you find yours. You, too, deserve it.
* * *
In November, almost two years ago now, I had to say goodbye to Molly, the sweet little black and white terrier who had been my companion for twelve years. We’d been through two houses together; she’d been with me when my kids launched themselves into the world. We’d endured treating her kidney failure with subcutaneous fluids; I had had to steel myself at an unprecedented level to administer these; the job seemed to me something like fearlessly poking a needle into a flattened football to pump it up. Molly was unflappable and handled it like a lady. But eventually, it wasn’t enough.
I was certain I would never get another dog. I couldn’t imagine setting myself up for a loss like that again.
But there’s nothing like being welcomed home by a warm, living, breathing creature who’s delighted to see you at the end of a long day. I missed it.
So when December rolled around, I decided to dedicate the month to finding an adult “rescued” golden retriever Read the full story »
When you find yourself unable over a long period of time to move toward an important goal, if you look carefully, you will find that you have a deeper, more powerful goal that …
20% off Launch Your Life Coaching until 9/15/2010
Senior year of high school and freshman year of college — these are times when decisions are made and actions are taken that have life-long impact.
One of my …
Being overloaded is no joke, especially if your sense of self worth depends on getting it all done and making sure everyone around you is happy. I often think of the miller’s daughter in Rumpelstiltskin. …
It’s been incredibly exciting to facilitate the first Perfect on Your Own group for the past several weeks. The instant connection and support experienced by the group members — each with a unique background and …
Jelly Side Down — by Nancy Stahl — I read this book so long ago that I remember almost none of it, but the title alone has been enough to sustain me through many a …
It’s about time someone redefined perfection.
A couple of weeks ago, I was ambushed by the Worst Stomach Flu Ever (W-S-F-E). Not that I’m an expert, but this, as my long-ago chemistry teacher would have said, …
different can turn out okay
Coping with divorce is painful and de-stabilizing for kids, and often they feel they cannot fully talk about it with the people they need the most – their parents. That …
I just finished reading a post from one of my favorite bloggers about how much news and exposure to images about Haiti should be shared with children. It’s a tough question — because it …
Sign up for Invincible Voice, the free weekly teleclass about depression-free living.
