(ABOVE: From a few years ago...Foster dog Taffy liked to clean the inside of my glasses. She later was adopted by my wife's aunt.)
Shyla (my wife) and I use our home to foster abused, abandoned, or surrendered West Highland White Terriers as we assist Oklahoma Westie Rescue. This isn't an easy thing to do because some of the dogs need lots of love and proper socializing before they are ready for new homes. And the dogs are kind of cute too, and they become part of our family!
Now...meet Zoey! She was a 10 years old girl who was given up by a family because she bit a child and didn't like men-- turns out she was actually the most loving dog ever-- let's just say that Zoey became my little girl!
We had our own Daddy and daughter time as I took her on walks, played with her and took her to the vet. She quickly became attached to me too! I learned her noises, mannerisms, and I always knew what she needed. She wouldn't leave me, and she kept close watch on anyone who was near me.
What made her even more special was her Zoey smile. She was always happy, always smiling!
(ABOVE: Here's Zoey and her smile! I took this picture with my camera phone in the Channel 2 Weather Center when I brought her to work with me one day.)
Zoey has a new home now.
A lady named Karen who owns a yoga studio in Dallas needed Zoey's love! Zoey and Karen keep each other in good company, and Zoey greets Karen's clients with that famous smile.
I wanted to speak with Karen when she drove up to Tulsa to adopt Zoey, but I left early instead because my eyes were tearing up when Daddy realized he was losing his girl.
But I smiled when I read this email our rescue group recently received:
From Zoey:
"Hi Foster Mommy Shyla and Auntie Meredith,
Zoe here just sending a note to say “hi” and to let you know that I am very happy in my new home in Texas.
Every morning we go for a big walk. Sometimes my friend Rocky, the cairn terrier comes with us with Auntie Rebecca.
In the afternoon we go to the doggie park where I can play with my new friends Andy the bichon and Finley the westie.
I’ve lost 2 lbs and am feeling great. We have a big back yard and I love to roll in the grass. Jack, the maltese, who lives next door comes and rolls in the grass with me. It’s more fun with two!
Yesterday mommy took me to see Dr Nub, my new vet. He’s real nice and I gave him kisses, which made him laugh!
Next month we are going to outdoor obedience and agility classes. Last week we went and watched the current class. It’s going to be lots of fun and you even get good treats, too.
I am very happy here in Denton. Thank you for taking care of me and finding me a forever home with mommy. She gives me lots of love and tummy rubs.
If you get a chance, can you please sent mommy the report from my last vet visit with I was in OK?
Here’s a picture of me on my back porch. You can see what a good girl I am.
Love and wet kisses,
Zoe Grace"
Bottomline: As long as Zoey is smiling, then her Father will always be smiling too. Thanks for reading! George Flickinger
(BELOW: Zoey checking out her new back porch in Texas.)
