tina's blood work is back..her kidneys are going, she is quite anemic (most likely from her kidney failure) and her mouth tumor has grown so fast, the vet expects it will be causing her real problems in the next month or so. she remains on really good

So I have been thinking about Tina and how such a bundle of determination can come wrapped up in such a small package. I remember when she managed to get out of the yard & Carol received a call from a lady who found her running on the road ( or on her porch …can’t really remember that part ) but she had traveled a fair distance..it was when she first arrived & I suspect she was trying to find her way home…Home…so much meaning to a four letter word. Well I believe Tina did find her home at SAINTS, she went from an apartment dwelling dog, to a puddle lovin, mud running farm dog. Up until last year, she would join us for the week-end morning run with all the other dogs, she hung at the barn while we shovelled poop, following from stall to stall or she would find her spot in the sun & relax.. I would often join her for short breaks and whisper in ear how special she was & how much I loved her.

I remember the day when she disappeared , we called, we looked absolutely everywhere.. I mean everyone looked every where, even the neighbours heard our calls for her & started looking too. I got in my car & was driving all over the neighbourhood..no sign of our little 7 pounds of spirit. We called carol at work , who dropped everything & headed home.

I was choking up with fear & anxiety …standing in front of the feed room calling & calling her at the top of my lungs and pleading with the higher power to bring her back to us ..safe & sound. When all of a sudden I hear a little noise behind me.. I turn around & there she is…making her way out from UNDERNEATH the feed room. It was a pretty warm day that day & she had found a cool quiet spot & made it her own . The relief ran over me like air rushing out of a balloon.

I was yelling out loud WE FOUND HER.. WE FOUND HER and you know what…. the neighbours started clapping & Whoo Hooing along with all the volunteers.

So by the time carol got home , we were able to place her in Carols arms and I know that carol felt that same wave of relief like air rushing out of a balloon.

I know Tina’s time is not long, I know she has been happy & loved, I know I love her like my own. I also know I don’t want our relationship to end.