Sasha and Jasper

Once again it started with an email from Ginger's Pet Rescue:

My good friend has passed away and she has left behind both of her beloved dogs. Can anyone foster or adopt them as they are best of friends... This is a very heart breaking situation so please circulate this to everyone you know on your email list. Thank You, Ginger www.gingerspetrescue.org

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My name is Sasha— I am 9 years old and a very loving rottweiler mix. I am very well mannered.

My little brother’s name is Jasper - He is a black lab mix and 5 years old.

We have both had training at the academy.

Our Mom Sue Goldie passed away March 6th—We are very sad and lonely. Our mean uncle said we have to go by the end of the week. We would like to stay together—but we know that might not be possible. If you could help us find a home (together or separate) we would shower you with kisses. If you can help please call our caregiver, Lonnie...

I know that finding homes for BBDs (Big Black Dogs) is the hardest thing, and an older one plus trying to keep the two together would be difficult indeed -- but...

My little brother is Greg, and he and his wife Lisa were in need of some dogs (in my opinion -- and, as it turned out, in theirs too).  So I forwarded the notice and waited, pacing.  Three words came back:  "We'll take them." 

I met with Lonnie and she was wonderful -- so careful to ensure the welfare of these dogs.  Their owner, Sue, had died so recently, and she and Lonnie must have been good, good friends because she had willed the care of those dogs to Lonnie, who had promised to find them a good home and failing that, to keep them herself.  I described Greg and Lisa's situation and she listened patiently, sharing her concern about having to transport Sasha and Jasper to Southern California.  I understood her concern about commercial flying, but I've done it before with some of my dogs.  The statistics are favorable, but it's still a worry. 

I had the best time meeting the dogs in their home.  Sasha is a hundred pounds of mush and snuggle, loving to be petted and scratched.  Jasper is the worrier of the two.  He seemed preoccupied.  He greeted me politely but then excused himself and retired to the front entry, where he laid his head on his paws and waited at the door for his Mom to return.  It was heartbreaking.

Eventually Lonnie spoke with Greg and decided we could do this thing.  Arrangements were made by all parties and we aimed for Friday.  Lonnie and I met up at Alaska Air Freight.  I came with the crates and my friend Mary, who had loaded the crates into her own car and transported all to the airport, and without whom it would not have gone as smoothly as it did; Lonnie brought the dogs and their stuff -- those dogs came with a dowry: treats, food, treats, dog figurines for the front door, treats.  They had never been crated before and we worried -- but it was cake, it really was.  Those dogs are so well behaved and so calm. 

Lonnie was sad to see them go, and I know she was still in grief and mourning for her friend Sue, whose death had been so unexpected.  So she had stress upon stress which she handled gracefully.  Here she is in the warehouse, preparing to crate Sasha and Jasper.  I think the dogs are looking toward the forklift. --->

Then ensued four hours of worry and waiting until the call came from Lisa that the puppers had landed and they were safe and miraculously still calm, on the way to their new home. 

This morning, email from Greg and Lisa:

Here's a couple of pictures of the guys.  They seem to be adjusting just
fine down here.  They really enjoy the walks we've taken.   Sasha likes to
snuggle up in bed.
Thanks so much all you guys for helping to get them down here.
Greg & Lisa

And now, here they are, at home:

<--- Greg and Jasper

Lisa and Sasha (gloves?) --->

<--- Lisa and Jasper by the river.

< --Sasha auditioning for "America's Most Wanted."

And there came an email from Lonnie today:

I have been seeing those dogs every Saturday & Sunday forever. They were very special to me.

I couldn't help myself - I called Greg & Lisa this morning. I spoke with Lisa and she confirmed in my heart that Jasper & Sasha will be ok & very much loved.

   

I know I can speak for Greg and Lisa in saying she is welcome any time to call.  I think we are all connected, united by love and concern for these marvelous dogs.  In the midst of the joy my family experiences now, we remember Lonnie's grief for the loss of her friend Sue, and also her anxiety for her own much-loved dog who is having health problems.  Greg has said he hopes that when she can, Lonnie will tell us tales of Sue -- how she was and who she was.  We already know she loved those dogs -- that's reflected in their temperaments and their beautiful manners.  They are a living tribute to Sue Goldie.

Comments

[Lisa]

Sasha slept most of the night in our bed and in my arms. She's such a cuddler. Jasper's been "waggles" as that tail never stops moving. What beautiful babies they are.

[greg]

Nice article Cathy. We're really enjoying these two. I got an email from Perrin Kaplan this morning trying to place more dogs. I told her the story.
Your Brother
Greg