ROXIE

I’m not sure what directed me to Homeward Bound but, I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying, “someone/something comes into your life for a reason”  In April of 2007 I stumbled onto Homeward Bound’s website and fell in love.  I knew in an instant that I wanted to be part of this wonderful organization.  My Golden, Ms. Bailey Rose, and I had a long talk about opening up our hearts and we both agreed --- absolutely – more than enough room!.

Adopting was interesting --- love those Foster Mom’s that fall in love with their charge and decide to keep them.  What a wonderful outcome for the dog but this human was getting a bit discouraged.  Then Lynn suggested Roxie, an eight year old, that hadn’t been with them very long.  Michele, the Foster Mom, and I exchanged pictures of Roxie and we fell in love.  Michele was a bit sad but loves the fostering aspect and “reluctantly” sent her my way with a promise that I would send her back if things didn’t work out.

The Friday before I received Roxie (thank you Deb & Mike for escorting her all the way to Bakersfield) my father was hospitalized.  He asked constantly about Roxie – where did she come from, how was she doing, etc.  I brought a few pictures to hang in his hospital room.  He & my mom watch Bailey Rose when I traveled so he was excited at the prospect of having another to watch.  My Dad passed away a week after Roxie came to live with us -- unfortunately he was never able to meet her.  All I can say is – when one spirit leaves your life another spirit comes into your world.  

Roxie, aka Woolly Mammoth, came to us with more than a dense winter coat (just will not work in Bakersfield on the verge of summer), an under active thyroid & a bit over weight.  Wait ---- Ms. Bailey Rose has an under active thyroid and is a bit over weight (we call her “fluffy”) AND her human has an under active thyroid and is a bit over weight --- match made in heaven, don’t you think?

We were a bit worried when she first arrived, as she wasn’t eating – probably just a cup of food over a few days.  So the Vet and I devised a plan to trick her taste buds a bit and things started to pick up.  What I’ve come to realize is that her not eating was far more emotional than anything else --- hummm; I think that could apply to the human too – ha!

Anyway, she has settled in and we are a happy family of three.  Not one bit of sibling rivalry, not one accident (learned to use the dog door & where to potty within two days) and not one undesirable trait that I can find (how could her previous owners ask a vet to put her down – I just don’t get it).  Loves her walks and just wants to be part of our family.  Oddly enough though, she is deathly afraid of my pool and the hose --- you have to wonder how a Golden became afraid of water.  I give her a few hot days with Ms. Bailey Rose jumping in after balls to change her ways.

Thank you Homeward Bound for all the wonderful work that you do and your truly wonderful volunteers who were more than supportive during my father’s passing.  I’m looking forward to doing home/site visits for perspective adoptive families in Kern County and helping with transportation between LA & Bakersfield.

Sandy (mom), Ms. Bailey Rose & Princess Roxie Rose (oh, didn’t I tell you --- I added the Rose to her name so I can have the Rosie Girls).