A tribute to a very gutsy gal

By KIM ARANHA Animal Matters

If you have ever gone to Fox Hill Nursery in the past years you may have noticed a big potcake who had trouble walking. This lovely lady was Roxy, keeper and protector of all things and people within the business.

Fifteen years ago, Roxy was just a little pup and she walked through the door of the shop and sat firmly in front of Amanda until she noticed her.

Amanda is firmly convinced that Roxy was “sent” to her, and their union was absolutely meant to be. And she is probably correct.

Previously, about a year before her Mr Bojangles had passed on and everybody urged Amanda to get another dog, but she humorously answered, God would send her one.

And true to her prophesy, one sunny day this little two-month-old puppy walked in and looked up at her wagging her tail. She took her home and named her Roxy.

That simple gesture was the start of a very long companionship and bond between dog and human. They loved and respected each other, oh so very much. Talk about having each other’s back. You have never seen a finer example of that, and you may never see it again to the limits it was pushed.

Both Roxy and her human mum Amanda possessed that indomitable quality called “feisty” in the Bahamas. A strength of devotion that fed off each other. And together they could face any challenge thrown their way, and poor Roxy was most definitely tested by fate.

Many years ago, Roxy had a freak accident that ended in disaster. Her back legs became paralysed after she slipped chasing a rat (I hope I remembered that correctly).

Amanda was not about to give up on her loyal friend, and after numerous consultations with veterinarian Dr Valentino Grant she was moved to the Hollywood animal hospital for further care.

When she came back, Roxy had made a huge improvement and after that she slowly regained some use of her back legs. She could go up and down a flight of stairs; she could walk around the nursery conducting important canine inspections. Only dogs can understand the complexities of the leaf inventory that some of our fur friends insist on updating on a daily basis in our gardens. Just imagine Roxy; she had an entire landscaping nursery to keep tabs on.

Roxy had friends – canine, feline and human – and received them all gracefully. As the years crept up on her, her dignity never lessened; she remained the doyenne of Fox Hill Nursery.

I think the most essential part of Roxy’s tale is not just how she coped as a handicapped dog, but how her owner never gave up on her for a moment. We all hear the expression of responsible animal ownership, but do we know what that really means?

Once you get a dog, it is for life; the dog’s life or yours.

Never did anybody give up on Roxy; she was still young, she received help and therapy; she was assisted as she got older. There was always a helping hand to guide her, a loving word to encourage her; tolerance and patience. Roxy set the pace. She in turn gave her love and support, understanding and companionship.

Those of us fortunate enough to have had a bond with a special dog understand the pain of loss, the feeling is a vacuum in our hearts and lives. personality will be appreciated. She’d also like to remind you that she’s part of the Summer Adoption Special where adult dogs are $20 and puppies $25, so now’s a great time to adopt.

I love going to Fox Hill Nursery because you invariably see an animal perched up on a stack of dog food, or bags of soil. If you are very lucky, you will run into Bella, the cat who likes to snooze in the office out-box tray on the counter.

Before Roxy became handicapped, if somebody came into the nursery with a threatening manner, she would leap up and rush over, placing herself between the intruder and her family. She was a vigilant and brave potcake guard dog who never needed to be trained, because it comes naturally to them if they love you.At the beginning of July, already 15 years old, which is a grand old age for a big dog, Roxy crossed over to the rainbow bridge. She left many people shedding tears, because her loss will be noticed all around the nursery.

But it was her time. One of the most essential things an owner can do is know when to let their beloved friend go. It is a dreadfully difficult decision, and it hurts like hell, but it is the greatest last gift you can give.

They provide us with unconditional love; they give us reason to smile.

Roxy and her mum faced all the hardships of being disabled with their mutual stubbornness and determination, and a shared sense of humour. Roxy would laugh at life in her own way. She performed in movies, she made commercials, she travelled; she was a star.

I have written too many of these tributes lately about remarkable dogs.

Come in to the Bahamas Humane Society to meet her or call 821-4121 for more information. Roxy Moxy looks forward to meeting you! -

Roxy