rescue
FROM RAGS TO RICHES…
A Puerto Rican Princess By Erica Madden – Rye, NH
Being a dog owner and knowing the unconditional love, affection and happiness dogs bring to our lives is an experience everyone should have. In the winter of 2012, I had a sweet little puggle at home and was content doting on him and being the best puggle mom on earth! Little did I know, on a winter holiday of that year, I would find the littlest love of my life and forever be changed by her presence. My friends and I went to Rincon, Puerto Rico for some sun, surf and relaxation. The trip was fabulous except for one thing, my heart ached for all the homeless dogs. Knowing these street dogs, through no fault of their own, were forced to fend for themselves each day and might never experience the love and safety of a forever home saddened me beyond belief. I also knew I couldn’t rescue them all, as my bank account wouldn’t make it out alive had I tried!
On one of the last days of our trip, while soaking up the sun on a beautiful Rincon beach, fate took over. While chatting with a family on the beach, they told us about a kind woman wintering on the island who had come across a little dog living in the field next to her bungalow. She was feeding the little doggy and had even brought her to the local vet to get spayed. She was essentially fostering the dog until she could figure out what to do with her, as she was leaving the island in a few weeks with her boyfriend who did not want a dog in their home. (I think I would have gotten rid of the boyfriend!!!) A couple of phone calls later, I went to Sally's bungalow in the jungle and met my little sweet Puerto Rican princess for the first time. She was timid at first, but after a little gentle coaxing she curled up in my lap and fell asleep. We could tell she was a younger dog, just a couple of years old, and had been in a few scraps during her time on the streets with some telltale
scars. It was also visibly noticeable that she had recently had puppies, and Sally took to calling her “Mamma.”
Sally told me about some of Mamma’s quirks. She loved to try and drink your coffee, made the cutest little “monkey noises” as Sally called them and loved to go for car rides. She was also quite the little daredevil and had jumped out of the car window a couple of times. I was instantly ready to pack her up and bring her home but due to being spayed recently, she needed a bit more time to heal before she could get vet clearance to fly. Unfortunately, I was flying home in a few days so Sally and I exchanged information; and I assured her I would adopt this sweet little girl when the time came.
Jump ahead a few weeks. With the purchase of a plane ticket and lots of coordinating between Sally and I, we had our little Puerto Rican princess on a flight to Boston. With it being February and having a plane change in Newark, my
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nerves were on edge worrying about her airport safety and handling between flights. It was a huge relief when I arrived at the Logan airport cargo facility and saw her happy little face peering out of her crate. My heart exploded when I saw Sally had put a small sweater on her. Sally was truly a savior not only to this little doggy but to me as well. My sweet little Mamma, who I renamed Medalla, was home.
Medalla is now 12 years old, and we are thick as thieves. She still loves her car rides, makes adorable little monkey noises to get your attention, still enjoys sips of coffee and walks on the beach are her happy place. I am forever grateful to Sally for fostering my sweet Medalla (a.k.a. Monkey). The love for animals brought Sally and I together and allowed us to rescue Medalla. But there are many more who need homes, so please strongly consider adoption when looking for a furry family member. The love and happiness they bring to our lives is irreplaceable.
