It is hard, nearly impossible, to think that we adopted Kipling four months ago. The scars tracing his belly where his horribly large intestinal hernia was repaired have healed and his coat has grown back fine, although not yet to his proud puffed chest of before. I see the time passing when I look into his eyes, those eyes that were closed tight to near slits with fear when we first met him and are now, only now, really open. Open with trust. It is beginning. And it feels wonderful.
Remi and I still have peace to make with the fact that someone could abandon such a wonderful one.
When he sneaks under the table at lunch and rests his head on my feet, I know that it is something that he did before, in his previous home. When he looks up at our bed with longing, I know that too is something he knew in his other life. So then, why?
It is a question I am trying to let go of as the now begins to balance the weights of his past. I see him learning the ropes, again, with us. When we are in the country, how proud he is when he remembers to come back to us as he will go far so far ahead, at times too far, in big circles to the side so that we wonder if he was used in hunting to flush out game. And certainly, he licks his lips at our towns pigeons and strains to reach the cats. He is no angel…
…nor devil either. We call him coquin or rascal, it was Remi who started it, just like he was the one to choose Kipling for the adventure of it all. For who knows what happened during those ten days while he was waiting for his owner to come out of the shopping center? His front teeth are broken, making it nearly impossible to know his age–did that happen then? But he has, amazingly, retained a sense of humor, one he is only beginning to show. He would make a fine poker player.
All I know is that he remembers. I believe he would follow us to the ends of the earth.
And Ben? Not to worry. Ben has all the love he has ever had…
…and is discovering what it is to have a copain to boot. For the first time. Learning the ropes.
It is never too late.
Mais oui, you did not think that I could end there, did you? Really? No. Because you see…well, I am calling out to mes amis français…oui, je sais que vous êtes la grâce aux statistiques même si vous ne me communique pas! Vous êtes nombreuses en plus…Are there any of you who would be interested in adopting this fine gentleman? His name is Lou and although he is ten, he is in fine form…Just think of all of the love that he could give! Look at that perfect Golden smile…I know that he is a special boy and if I didn’t live in an apartment in town I would go all Bruce Weber and adopt a brood. For their love is spectacular I have to say….Camille, who told us about Kipling says that he is a sweetheart that gets along with everyone and everything.
If you are interested in having more information about Lou, please see: Here.
Many thanks to my friend at teamgloria for mentioning Kiplings adoption today. You can see her lovely portraits of her friend Richard and his Golden, Diego: Here.
For those of you that missed it, I guest-posted on the lovely idea of “Provence Time” chez the brilliant D. A. Wolf’s “Daily Plate of Crazy”: Here.
And for my friends in the States that are commemorating Memorial Day, I was deeply moved by the tribute that my friend NK wrote, especially as she is par norm a brilliant comedic writer so this is all the more surprising and beautiful: Here.
I couldn't agree with you more, Loree…
As you know, I think that it was hardest on Ben–I give him so much credit–he really made this transition work and it hasn't been easy for him!
I'm so glad that Kipling has recovered not just physically but emotionally. When animals experience trauma it's never guaranteed that they will recover, so I'm happy that you were able to instill trust in him in your happy home. : )
Seeing Kipling happy, settled and so loved melts my heart, and I'm sure Ben is beyond happy to have a partner in crime 🙂
I'm clicking over to read more information about Lou. I'd like for Fifty to have a buddy too x
Thank you for letting us know how Kipling is doing. It has made me so happy to see how his life with you three has unfolded. Frankly, I don't think he could have adopted a better family! You read him so well, noticing that his eyes have widened with the disappearance of fear and the growth of trust and love. He knows you are his family, and he is content. How wonderful that his humor has returned, and that his nickname is "Rascal" (a noun I use only to describe the best of characters!). Your photographs of Ben and Kipling are in a class by themselves, far better than the work of the professional "animal photographers" I have seen.
As for Lou: He reaches right out of his photograph and speaks to me. Henry (also 10), Bob, Scott and I would adopt him in an instant if he lived close enough that we wouldn't have to subject him to international and transcontinental flights in baggage compartments to get here. Please let us know how he fares!
Now to go read that to which you have provided links! And three huge Hip Hip Hooraye's for You Four!! Leslie in Portland, Oregon
P.S. Something must have happened to Kipling's former owner (like a fatal heart attack) that made it impossible for him/her to return for Kipling…no human who had been his owner could have abandoned him.
lovely!
and you can see from the pics how much the dogs love you. without a doubt they woudl follow you till the end of time.
xxx
He is beautiful and you are his clan now. I think he is learning quickly. It is hard to know how someone could abandon an animal. Last year a hungry cat appeared on my porch. I fed him potato chips and he stayed. I loved him and had him for six months. I had to give him up because I travel back an forth to Holland. I found a nice home for him. He had been neutered the vet said so he did belong to someone. He knew to put his head in my lap when I sat on the couch and he slept on Enno's feet. Those were behaviors he knew. I am happy for you that god has brought this precious animal into your life. He knew who would love him. xo Jenny
My heart has grown 3 sizes. Hope you will report back on Sweet Lou soon.
Oh, Heather….I think I may have previously sent you that quotation from J. Ackerley:
"A dog has but one aim in life: To bestow his heart."
You and Remi have done a fine and admirable job of giving Kipling a proper job.
Admiringly,
David Terry (whose own terriers are, this particular morning, less than entirely pleased with the man who's been combing cockleburs out of their coats for a solid hour…..it's that time of year; I carry a stripper comb with me half of each day)
http://www.davidterryart.com
Caring for these beautiful creatures is vital, Heather. They look so radiant and loved.