12/16/2018
Christmas where has it gone
If you would bear with me for just a minute, I think you will get my meaning.
I would like to combine my thoughts with a story and a tribute. As i set here thinking about what Christmas has become, it occurred to me. That Christmas has always been the same, it is us that has taken this particular day and turned it into a pain in the butt. I can't remember when myself or anyone I know, has just gotten their loved ones together and been thankful that each and everyone of them are healthy and able to be here. Instead everyone is running around, fighting over the discount items, and standing in the lines for hours complaining about how much they've spent and can't wait to get this holiday over with. What people has forgotten about, it isn't about what is left laying around them after opening the presents, or who got what. It's simply about enjoying life with the ones they love. To celebrate the birth of baby Jesus.( Everyone knows i don't proclaim to be a christian, so let's leave it at that). I remember Casey (my daughter) had just been born in Nov. we had nothing, worked our butts off to provide the best we could. So i went out and cut this little tree out from a fence row, stuck it in a bucket with some rocks in it. We took a old sheet to wrap around the bucket, popped popcorn and ran thread through it, bought a dollar strand of lights and made the ornaments. We spent what little we had on sleepers etc. for the baby. But what we had was a beautiful baby and we was healthy. The best Christmas I ever remember. My point here is. Be thankful that you have each other, and grateful for being able to set down with everyone together and have a good meal. Throw the damn cell phones away for the day, and instead try talking and telling stories with everyone. You might just be surprised by how it turns out.
Now to continue with what i really came here to say!
Friday night I received a message. It was one that no rescue ever wants to hear. It came from Mike which is someone that adopted from us. (He and his family has always wished to be kept private, so it shall continue) Not just one animal. But they have taken into their home 3 from us. Stout & Porter formerly known as tator and tot. Later while out i spotted this dog, it was a great dane. obviously in really horrible shape. I stopped trying to offer help, to shorten this up it was refused, but with being bull headed i finally was able to get the dog surrendered and immediately took him to the vet. This animal was so starved that it had been surviving by eating cardboard. But with the care and meds. from the vet he pulled through. We put out a message asking for fosters to help with this dog. Immediately we received a call from Mike and his family, willing to step up. Knowing how caring these people were, off we went. just the look on the families faces when we got out with the dog. I knew what they were thinking as i often feel the same. But with out hesitating they took him in. Right into their beautiful home, a Great Dane towered over the two little beagles. With love, a gentle hand and patience Mike and his family brung this dog back from certain death to a happy puppy and soon officially was adopted as part of the family. Now the story changes. Although this dog was given a wonderful home, full of love and caring. Never to be cold or hungry again. I sadly and regretfully must say. Vinnie passed away Friday Evening December 14,2018 of a massive heart attack. The vet said they thought it was because of the dogs starvation prior that had caused the heart condition. But Vinnie died surrounded with people that loved him, cared for him and seen that he would never be hungry and always had a warm bed to sleep in at night. So why tie these together? Because we always seem to forget that it isn't what we have. It's what we do with what we have. This family opened up their home, gave these animals a wonderful life and most importantly showed them love. In case anyone try's you just can't buy this stuff. So as you set around your home this Christmas. Look around the room and be thankful that you have your family and animals. And remember there are those animals, that will be out in the cold, hungry and scared. Please do your best to help out, it is something that you won't regrete. As soon as i can figure out how to post the pictures. I will show everyone how great Vinnie was, with pictures of the whole pack from Mike and his family. Ending this with. Wishing everyone a peaceful Christmas and much Love and Respect. And a heart felt condolence to Mike and his family. Steve Svehla