More than just a Footnote

There is a bittersweet footnote to my last blog entry, and she is oh so much more than just a footnote!  Her name is Mitzi, a little Bichon Frise who celebrated her 12^th birthday on Saturday. 

When my cousin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last fall,  her one concern was the future of her dog.  Mitzi had only Anita,  and Anita loved her dearly. 

My cousin read my blog regularly,  and our frequent phone calls and emails often included chatter about our dogs.  So it was only natural that we should discuss Mitzi’s future. And it was only natural that I should offer to take her in.  She is family, and my passion is senior dogs.  I had never met Mitzi (who lived in the States), but Anita had met my dogs, seen my island home, read my blog.  She had a pretty good idea of what I could offer to Mitzi, and of the changes Mitzi might face.  A few days later, Anita asked me to be Mitzi’s Mama Jean.  I am honored to be entrusted with her care. 

In the past three months,  we talked often about Mitzi’s personality, her needs, her temperament, her habits.  Mitzi, an only dog, is polite to all she meets.  Anita told me that despite her diminutive size (about eight pounds soaking wet), she’s no lap dog.  She likes to have her person around, but as for cuddling -– not so much.  She’s an independent little lady.  She enjoys twice-daily walks, and she wants her evening treat of yogurt.  I promised my cousin that I will always respect Mitzi for who she is, and provide her with both the care and the space she needs.

In mid-December,  I went to meet Mitzi for the first time, and brought home some of her  belongings.  For as long as possible, however, Mitzi would stay with Anita. And she was with her to the very end.

Yesterday, I took the ferry over to the mainland.  Anita’s sister transported Mitzi across the border, and with tears in our eyes and lumps in our throats, we transferred the little white half pint from her car to mine, and Mitzi and I headed home. 

And so, with both sadness and joy ,  I would like to introduce you to Eddie and Allie’s little “big sister”, Mitzi. 

Welcome, Mitzi, to my home, my life, my blog, and my heart.  I hope you will like it here. 

Mitzi checks out Crofton beaches

(For those looking for further pictures of Major, Zuke and friends, I will return to them in the next day or two, along with the adventures of Mitzi, Allie, Eddie and Riley).