There’s a saying in the Cursillo movement in the Episcopal Church that all things happen in God’s time. My involvement with APRA has been and continues to be proof of that statement to me. This involvement started years ago—but nobody knew but me until some 14 months ago. I had “lurked” around the APRA web page for many months, knowing that someday I would email this “pugsrescued” address and admit my presence! But various commitments of time and money always held me back—until I happened to read the “Letter to a backyard breeder” one night. Tears flowed freely, and I knew the time had come.
I sent “pugsrescued” an email that night, telling of my long time love affair with the breed, and describing the loss of Midget—and of the joy Bess had brought me in filling that void. At the time, I was still very much involved in the care of Chessie, the cat who refused to die from kidney failure for well over a year. Amazingly, Pam understood time constraints, welcomed me into the group and gave me a support group like no other. A few months later, Chessie lost her battle, and of everyone in my life at that point, my APRA friends, some of whom I’ve still never seen face to face, provided the most incredible fount of love and support through that sad time. I was floored by the outpouring of support at that time, and still marvel at it—and have seen it at work time and again since then, in the lives of all of us who are so entwined.
And then there are the dogs! Homer arrived, huge and emotionally needy, last June. He is now the official protector of this house, next to Buddy, the outside boy. He has become a teddy bear of a dog, always in my lap if it’s available; quick to wash my face, before settling in for his nap. But equally quick to respond to any noises outside; after all, this is HIS house to take care of, and everyone should know that! His busy and bossy life has trimmed him down to a shadow of his former self, and my favorite image of him is one I see several times a day; flying up the deck steps, ears swept back, tail wagging and mouth open in a great puggy grin. He was once on medication for anxiety; I think those days are very far behind him now.
And then one day on the group list was a description of a “rather charming” sort; a big opinionated pug/chin mix named Boots, whose family could no longer handle him. The night Pam asked me to consider fostering him, I had actually called her to ask if I could do so! Fostering turned into rehabilitating; all the while I worked really hard to convince myself that this was so he’d be an appropriate pet for someone else to take. His behavior at first so bad that I was afraid we would all have to decide he needed strong reevaluation—and on the gut level, I knew he might have been judged too vicious to risk placing OR keeping at all. We have volumes of emails sent back and forth about him and his progress day to day as he learned that rules exist for his own good—and for the safety of those around him! And then suddenly months had gone by, and I looked at his progress to evaluate him for someone else—and discovered that the progress “for someone else” didn’t matter; somewhere along the journey, I’d fallen in love again, and he wasn’t going anywhere. But I see the gratitude and love in his eyes every day, too, and it doesn’t really matter that I had sworn that I couldn’t “own” another dog right now! He’s taught me volumes about how these dogs carry so much baggage with them always, but have the capability and generosity to love in spite of being unloved and deemed unlovable. He’ll never entirely let me forget his past, but I’m so thankful to be part of his present and future—and know that he has that place in my lap, too.
And of course, Dru and Bess, who’ve graciously accepted these brothers into their lives in such individual ways! Dru welcomes all playmates; she remains six years, going on three months old. A gentler soul has never existed when playing with those pugs she loves so much. Bess? Well, the little black princess generously shares her bounty with the knowledge and security of being the number one dog in the land; as long as she can wrap around my neck and shoulders, those boys are welcome to sleep in my lap!
Pugs? Rescue? Oh yes, this group is all about that, but so very much more. I’ve been blessed with friends in my life; but never a group like this, whose unconditional love and support are rooted in the knowledge that down deep we are all so connected by this love for those who cannot speak for themselves. There’s a fundamental similarity that connects us all in God’s love for all His creatures, and I’m very grateful to be a part of this group. And want to say right here, thank you, Pam, for bringing us together and forging the spirit of teamwork that exists in this group. Beyond the rescue, indeed, and into our lives in ways too precious to count. We laugh with each other, cry for each other and pray unashamedly for each other; what better friendships are there? |
