01 Dec Happy Tail for Hoagie!
The first week of March this past year, was a difficult one to say the least. My dad, who I had been estranged with for most of my life, was on his final days after a short, but brutal battle with cancer. My husband and I traveled to Florida to make peace with our past and to say our good-byes. He had slipped into a coma on Wednesday March 7th, and it was just a matter of time. My dear friend (and my “other” mom) Donna was at Pet Smart that day helping out with adoption days and called me to say that she had just what I needed to cheer me up, a visit from a pittie puppy, “Pax” that her daughter in law, Jill, was fostering. Now I already had a pack of five large dogs in my house and had assured my husband that there would be no more until we had just 2 of our own and then we would foster again. So even though, I so wanted to see this puppy, I was convinced that my husband would say “no”. Not only because of our five, but because he was not fond of pit bulls. I had fallen head over heels with the breed after going to Best Friend’s Sanctuary in Kanab Utah and got to see where 19 of Michael Vicks dogs were now living and getting the much deserved love and rehabilitation they so needed. Also, working at Sheyenne River Kennels and meeting some of the “rescue” dogs that were being boarded there, I knew one day I would have to have one. So even though Donna said it was just to cheer me up, I knew I’d want that puppy if he came out to my house. I told her that it wasn’t an option, but thanks for thinking of me. In passing I mentioned it to my husband, and to my surprise he said “she can bring him out here”. So, I called Donna back and let her know it was ok to bring the puppy out for a visit. When she and her husband arrived, my heart melted immediately. I scooped him up in my arms and was in instant head over heals in love. I had to go and show him off to my neighbor and my husband quietly said to Donna, “there is no way I am telling her “no” if she wants that puppy, but don’t tell her that” . Donna, of course, told me that little nugget of information. So the plans were set in motion, the application was filled out online and an “interview” over the phone with Jill and plans were made to go and get my new puppy the next day.
It was a sleepless night for so many reasons, the excitement of the new puppy and the fear of getting the call on my dad. Morning came, and I was so anxious to go and get him I was ready to go get him by 7:00 a.m. – BUT I knew that was a tad bit too early. On my drive into town to Jill’s, I got that call that I was dreading. My dad had finally passed. I was on I-94 near the West Fargo exit and I honestly do not know how I made it into Fargo. I was able to get enough composure to get to my destination. I knew I needed to get there to get my puppy, I needed him that day, not a minute later. Jill was kind enough to offer to keep him for a few days while I mourned, but I knew I needed him. I needed him and he needed me.
I love all of my dogs for so many reasons and they all have a special place in my heart. And I don’t play favorites. Hoagie (named in memory of my dad – my maiden name was Hogue) has been an incredible comfort to me in the last months. He makes me smile when I am having a difficult day. He makes me laugh when I feel like crying. He has won my husband’s heart and has changed his perception about Pit Bulls. Hoagie is an energetic, playful, funny, loving, sweet, smart and is full of kisses and hugs every day.
I am so grateful for everyone involved with taking care of Hoagie (aka Pax) and all of his nine siblings and his Mama Opal and allowing me to have the privilege of adding this incredible dog to my family. And to have the opportunity to go to the Pittie Puppy Reunion at his former foster’s mom’s home this fall. He was able to be reunited with his Mamma and 7 of his siblings, it was an amazing day for all of us!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
And a word from Hoagie : SPOILED 🙂
With Love,
Mike, Kris, Brady, and Hoagies’s furry siblings: Buford, Willy, Hooper, Casey & Kyla