Celebrate life with Harriet and Maude!

As my dear sweet Harriet battles Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. I reflect on her life and the joy she and her sister Maude have brought me.

 

       This is their story.

It was the coldest day of winter when Harriet and Maude were born, outside, in the snow, to Lassie the farm dog.

They were very, very cold. We brought them indoors. Their tiny puppy bodies had to be warmed and rubbed and brought back to life.

They had to learn how to eat and to stay close to their mother. They were all moved to a house in town.

Their mother had to learn how to live indoors. She learned very quickly.

They grew bigger and stronger. It was time for their mother to go home to the farm, but Harriet and Maude were already home. The family that had helped them, loved them and wanted them in their family

Harriet and Maude had to share their home with three cats. They had to learn how to get along. Some days they did well and some days were not so good, but that is what it is like when you live with someone.

Harriet and Maude were shown many times, what a toy was and what was not a toy. Most of the time they remembered, but some days; they forgot. They broke windows and chewed many, many remote controls, shoes, pillows and even books!

Harriet and Maude went to school. This was very hard for them. They did not understand the rules and would sit by the door and cry to go home, but they stayed and learned. They finished Puppy Kindergarten with new friends, new skills and a diploma.

Harriet loves her squeaky ball and fish. She will jump in the air to catch them.

Maude loves to look out the window and patrol the yard for any intruding cats, dogs, or bicycles.

They both love their walks and to play with each other.

When Harriet and Maude were six months old they had an operation so they would not have puppies. This was very important because there are many animals in the world that need homes. Their mother and cats all had this operation and are healthy and happy.

Harriet and Maude are always happy to see you, whether you are late, early, tired, cranky, or just left the room and came back.

They like you when you smell like onions, dirt, and other dogs.

They lick tears off faces and make you laugh when it tickles.

They never say anything to make a bad day worse, but they do put their big paws on your hand and their head in your lap.

They came into the world a big surprise and were a wonderful gift.

They know that leaf piles, mud puddles and putting your head to the sky and smelling are all good things.

It is good to run and yell or bark and have someone by your side.

No matter what happened last year, last week, a minute ago, that life is good and beautiful and every second is special.

Thank you Harriet and Maude!