On the
eve of my special Mexican friend, Scarletta’s 10th birthday, I am
reminiscing about the times we have shared together and the love that we
have enjoyed for all these
years.
I know that those of you who have been lucky enough
to be “chosen” by one of these amazing canine friends, will relate to my
comments and hopefully be reminded of your intertwined journeys.
There are so many joys that come with sharing your life with an orphaned dog especially those from Mexico.
There are no words to describe the unconditional
love that bonds you “two” together. Many pet owners believe that they
too have experienced this kind of “love” but when you pick an animal up
from the streets with only hours left in their
body, save them from being run over by a vehicle after they’ve been
tossed like garbage onto the road, saved them from another day of
“starvation” on the streets, snatched them up from an abusive home where
there is no hope or taken them home after they’ve
been treated by the wonderful staff of our local clinic......that’s
when you really know “unconditional love” in it’s purest form.
Not a single day will pass when you are not “thanked” by them for literally saving them from death.
Most of us who belong to this “elite” group have
stories of heroism, often putting their own lives on the line in the
face of home break-ins, perceived danger to “their” family and
intruders. Most of these appreciative animals would die
for us.
They seem to have their own special “secret” voice
inside. They have their own unique way of making their needs known to
you. They have a “whisper” that is only theirs and once you embrace
these special creatures, you are able to understand
exactly what they want.
Every scrap of food, every crumb, every treat is savoured and enjoyed. No matter what is served, it’s “good”.
Every so often you catch these special friends with a
smile on their face, when they run “untethered” on a walk, deeking in
and around you as they savour their freedom and good health.
There isn’t an “arrogant” bone in their bodies.
When I am asked what my dog’s name is and I reply “Scarletta”.....I
often see broad smiles and a comment like “That’s a fancy name for
......”. I often finish their sentence, “a plain little
street urchin?” Then we laugh together. When she showed up at our
gate 9 1/2 years ago, she had barely a day of life left in her. We
truly believed that she would not be with us for many days, however her
resilience and determination proved us wrong. We
immediately started calling her “Scar Face” which was not at all a very
attractive name for a family pet. When we realized within days that
she was a ‘fighter” and was going to make it, her name quickly became
“Scarletta”....but to us she is just “Scar” in
deference to the “wounds & reminders” that lurk under her gorgeous
black coat.
These wonderful fur friends come in so many varied
shapes and sizes. As unique as their sweet souls. We were often asked
by passers by.....”Just what kind of dog is that?” My late husband Sam
always had the perfect comeback....”She’s
a Mexican hybrid.” Yup....they sure are !!! They are a wonderful
mixture of all that is good and strong and beautiful.
We are the truly blessed ones who are allowed to take this amazing journey of hope and love with these special animals.
One of the greatest joys ....”benefits”, is getting
to chose the birth day of your friend. Scar’s is September 1st....so I
would always be able to remember.
So here’s to all the special hounds who have blessed
our lives, have changed our lives and inevitably made our lives so much
better.
Although my days in Mexico are now behind me, every
time I look down on my two special friends, Scar & Tamale...I think
of all that is good and amazing about Mexico. Thank you to each and
everyone of you who have allowed one of these blessed
gifts into your homes and hearts and please continue to support the
efforts of the Matanchen Bay Animals, as they care and rescue these
abandoned gifts.
Happy Birthday sweet Scar......love you to the stars and back.
Oxox. Teresa. (Dunnigan) in Canada.
