pets | Debra Fillingim

Originally posted on Blogger 6/6/12

In March of 1996, my beloved cat Theo went outside and never came back. I will write a story about him another time. I searched for months-put ads in the paper etc., but no luck.

My husband is tough, but he does not do well when I am sad. First of all-I never really am. In the worst of circumstances, my happiness is within and I am always happy. (Psalms 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.) During my time of grieving, he suggested we get a dog. I had said many times that I wanted one. If it was up to Marty, we would not have pets but he knew this was important to me. Having to choose, I think he would be more of a dog person than a cat person. He suggested I get a small dog-one I could hold as Theo was always on my lap.

I talked to my daughter Megan-a Veterinarian Technician about what kind of small dog I should get. She said a poodle. My response was not positive. I didn’t want a poodle-they are too foo foo. I always liked big working dogs. Megan responded by saying that poodles do not shed, they are very smart, and poodles she had seen at the animal clinic where she worked had been wonderful. She also said that I did not have to get a foo foo haircut. I have to admit-that sounded good. I looked online and found out about Coastal Poodle Rescue (CPR) and I liked the way they worked. They would come and interview you and when you choose a poodle, you had time to see if it worked. They always want their poodles back should there be an issue.

I wanted a black poodle. I knew poodles had runny eyes and I thought it would not show as much on a black poodle. It also had to be female. I started to look online. One day Lin called me from CPR and said she had a dog that my work well for us. It was a white female and she lived in Ft. Lauderdale. Marty drove me down there and Ellie (her formal name) had dark drainage streaks under her eyes. She was a little messy (due for a grooming). She gave us the evil eye and growled at both of us for the first ten minutes we were there. We went outside and she did stop growling. Marty at one point just picked her up. She did not snap at him and she just laid her head on his shoulder. Down in the grass again, I laughed as she jumped around like a bunny and chased a palm frond. I could see she was happy and silly. We decided to give it a try. I picked her up and she snuggled me all the whole way home.

I won’t say things have always been perfect. I had not owned a dog in a long time so I had some relearning to do. I will tell you though that from the minute I have brought her home, she has been a constant source of joy for me.

Because she is little, I always feel like I have a puppy. Who doesn’t like puppies? I remember Lin from CPR calling to check on me and I was laughing because Maya is always being silly. She picks up toys and throws them in the air and then goes to get them and does it again. She prances lightly on her little feet and hops around like a bunny-just like when I met her. She has the smallest brown eyes that hook you early on and her face is full of expression. I love her dearly and love her more each day! She still is a pup with issues-most of them are funny tho and can make up another whole story.

I was so sad to lose my Theo, but am thankful to a God who can take a sad time and allow for a blessing. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28)

This started as story about Maya nd my Grandson….oh well. On to another post…

April 16, 2015