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On July 17, 2003, Susan Klakoff brought Nessie to my home. The papers described Nessie as “11 years old, female spayed, bi blue.” All we knew about her is that she had a home, her owner died, and the family left Nessie at the animal shelter. There, TSR stepped in and rescued her, and asked me to foster Nessie until we found a forever home.
Nessie was badly arthritic and on daily medications. She had trouble with the hardwood floors when she arrived, but she improved and was much better able to get around. She immediately was accepted by my two Shelties, Sadie and Sammy. Nessie loved to “referee” when Sadie and Sammy would wrestle. It was her job to keep these young’uns in line, it seemed.
It didn’t take long for Nessie to steal my heart. And, frankly, it didn’t take me long to steal hers. Her big black eyes were so sad, and I know she had not had the best of lives. When I gave Nessie a belly rub, I knew it was the first in her life. She didn’t know what was going on when I rolled her over, but she came to love it. After awhile, her belly full and her bowels empty, she learned to roll herself over on the carpet, scratching the back itches.
Nessie had found her forever home – and it was with us. The day I adopted Nessie was a blessed one, and we had a wonderful 18 months together. Despite her arthritis and age, Nessie never complained. She followed Sadie and Sammy into the yard and, on nice days, would spend hours sunning herself. When she was in the room with us, she sent forth an energy of love and peace – despite her quiet ways.
In the end, Nessie developed problems with her kidneys. Despite all the efforts of the doctors and all the love we could offer, Nessie decided on Feb. 7, 2005, that the pain was too much. I know she is waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge, and my heart aches for the day I shall see her again.
-- Dale Gibson
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