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The journey had been frightening for the jittery youngsters. Then at last,
the auto stopped and the whine of the engine ceased. Struggling out of
undersized crates, five timid rat terriers appeared. Within minutes the only
human they had ever known was gone; she had discarded them in short order.
Curious, little noses sniffed the unfamiliar surroundings and the unknown
lady, Vicki, who greeted them. Their lives had been turned upside down in
one afternoon; everything was different, they were fearful, but at least
they still had one another.
Vicki spoke gently as she stroked each trembling body. The five newcomers
found her voice soothing and her eyes revealed something they’d not seen
before—love, compassion, and empathy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vicki’s heart twinged when the terriers were uncrated. With raised
eyebrows she pressed for answers about the two handicapped pooches.
The breeder had only a nonchalant reply. "The one with deformed back legs
was dropped when he was a puppy."
"He can’t even walk; he hops! Didn’t you take him to a vet?" Vicki asked
through gritted teeth.
"No, I knew he’d make a good stud regardless of his legs."
Vicki held her breath, and then asked about the female with one back leg
turned nearly 180 degrees in the wrong direction.
"Oh yeah, she got her leg broken. I didn’t take her to a vet either; she
was such a good Mom and I needed her to keep making babies for me to sell."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The five little waifs were tossed out like yesterday’s newspaper after
spending the first two years of their lives producing offspring. They were
simply puppies having puppies! And, to the breeder they were nothing more
than pieces of machinery covered in fur, cranking out puppies on demand.
Living in cages and mating had been their entire existence.
Ready to give up the breeding business, it was now time to clean
house and dispose of
any useless tools of the operation—those tools— being five innocent,
unwanted young
dogs. Luckily they would no longer be under the control and manipulation
of an unfeeling breeder. They were now safe in the hands of a guardian angel
and rescuer named Vicki. Life was finally looking up for them!
For a short while there will be some angst as untended injuries are
addressed, as well as neutering and spaying. Yet, even then, the terriers
will find their lives being touched with the "good" things life has to
offer.
On the horizon is an amazing new world just waiting to embrace five very
deserving canines. The dawning of each new day will find them building
confidence and learning life can be filled with joy. They will be energized
with the wonder of affection, freedom to romp, and they will learn to play
until they are dog-tired.
Love for mankind is inherent in canines; it develops as they build
trusting relationships with humans. For these terriers it is an emotion that
was stifled but is about to become unleashed—so watch out world! Tails will
wag at double-speed and kisses will rain down upon those giving them
attention and love. Fortunately, they are still youngsters and most likely
they will recapture some of the bliss of being puppies!
Just when they think life could not possibly be better, it will be! For
they will thrive in new loving homes—homes that Vicki selects with heartfelt
compassion for each animal in her charge.
Dedicated to five innocent terriers, their guardian angel,
Vicki,
and all those in the business of rescuing God’s creatures.
©2006 Kathleene S. Baker
Lnstrlady @ aol.com
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