Unfortunately, no prospective adopters visited the shelter to view this transformation.  His allotted time was up and the date made for unwanted pets was on the horizon. A kind employee circumvented his date with destiny by placing him in a petstore where she was sure the exposure would net him a home.  That is where I entered the picture.

I don't patronize stores that sell dogs or cats.  This store sold supplies only, and that was what brought me in.  The last thing I expected to do was to leave with an animal!  But this sad little fellow who timidly wagged his tail when I spoke to him, won me heart and soul -- so there we were!

First stop was to the vet's, where a thorough evaluation was conducted.  It was quickly determined that this was not a pup of 2 or 3 months -- he was at least 9 or 10 months -- possibly as much as a year old.  His younger appearance was due to delayed development caused by months of malnutrition prior to his stay at the animal shelter.  With proper nutrition and lots of love and attention, he blossomed into the healthy, energetic, and beloved companion he was born to be.

On that final day, that awful day for all Americans, I went to work with high hopes.  The previous week he had experienced a set back and I had felt that awful decision to let him go was at hand.  His coughing had increased and the meds weren't helping.  His appetite had become almost non-existant and only through hand feeding was I able to get a few morsels of food into him.  But the evening of 9/10 he actually ate a few mouthfuls on his own.  To be, it was a wonderful turning point!

Shortly before lunch, I learned what was happening in our nation.  Stunned with the news, I went home during my lunch to check on Rudy.  Perhaps sensing my distress, he was there at the door to greet me at the door.  He seemed better and that was a bright spot in what was certainly a dismal day -- Perhaps I was just distracted and didn't see the signs I should've seen . . .

I returned to work and upon walking in the door at the end of my work day, I immediately called Rudy as I always did.  He did not come but I could hear his tail thumping against the floor in the livingroom where he had a favorite spot to lay.  I went to him and immediately saw the drastic change.  He was obviously in distress and, although he tried, he was unable to arise.  His breathing was extremely labored, he was noticeably scared which  increased his coughing and I knew he was suffering to a totally unacceptable degree.

On that horrible day,  while our country was in such turmoil, I had to say goodbye to my old friend and faithful companion. Rudy, I can only surmise there was a greater reason that you had to leave me that day.  Until we meet again . . .