Thursday, August 11, 2011

Wonderous Winnie

I wrote this article for one of my favorite websites (http://bostonterriersrock.blogspot.com/), and wanted it to share it with you.


The epitome of grace

Boston Terriers have been captivating my heart since the mid 90s. I find them to be the most amazing creatures. Maybe it’s their wide jackal-like smiles, or their overly expressive eyes, or perhaps I’m fond of their quirky personalities, or their ability to do hilariously fearless acts. You get the point. I love Boston Terriers.

I had two Bostons for many years and they provided me with endless entertainment, unconditional love and tenderness. In 2008 I had to put my 11-year old Sadie down, and my heart broke into a million pieces. A year later I had to send off her 14-year old brother, Quincy. What was left of my soul evaporated, and I swore off dogs.

After year of grieving and healing, I was finally able to consider getting another dog, so I started doing research. I was hoping to rescue a Boston, but it seemed nearly impossible. The good thing is they’re so popular they get rescued quickly. I started talking to a breeder in Redding who would have puppies soon, but I had my heart set on getting a rescue.

I figured it wasn’t meant to be. A week later she emailed about a friend who was looking for a home for a 3-year old female. She forwarded me to JeanE's Boston Terriers (www.thewholedog.org). I perused the website and knew I was in the right place. How could I pass up anyone with a tagline that says: Naturally Reared For Health & Beauty since 1984. Also, the pictures were perfection.

Jeannie and I emailed for about month, she was extremely diligent in her screening process, wanting to ensure her dog would be going to a safe and healthy home. When she told me about the raw food diet I backed away. How could a vegan handle raw meat? But something kept bringing us back to each other. In the end, I decided raw meat couldn’t compete with a Boston Terrier’s love. When I received the photo of little Winnie wearing her “Good Citizens” ribbon, my heart grew fifteen sizes. It was love at first site.

We drove 6 hours from Los Angeles to Redding to pick up Winnie. After getting lost on the winding country roads, we finally found the location. I jumped out of the car and sprint-walked up to the house. From the porch a little black and white blur darted full-speed ahead right toward me, smiling ear to ear. Somehow this special little gal knew we would be together.

Winnie’s been in our home four months and every day gets better. She has taught me how to open my heart again. Her love is like the bright sun, lighting up our home and bringing so much laughter and joy. She is quite the character with a personality so huge, I started a website devoted to the adventures of Winnie.

I made a promise to only get future Bostons from Jeannie because Winnie is the most well-behaved, well-mannered, gentle, tender, intelligent, sweet, obedient, healthy and charming little dog I’ve ever come across. Jeannie’s website says they are dedicated to “producing healthy, sound dogs that are teachers, soulmates, bringers of daily joy, and dearest of companions.” And the proof is in the pudding, or rather, in Winnie.