GORDON jUNE

It was the middle of June, 2008 when I went to the Miami Dade Animal Shelter to get a Rottweiler female. The shelter had called me several times telling me about this sweet girl named, Lola. The shelter workers had fallen in love with her for her sweet temperament. She had run out of time and was to be put to sleep.

While I waited for the paper work to be completed on Lola I decided to take a walk and check out the runs. I found two intact males housed together in one run. One, was sitting against the wire gate wanting to be petted. The other was jumping on top of the dog sitting, also wanting to be petted. I could not believe the sitting dog was not reacting to the other falling on top of him. I figured the two males had come together from the same household. No, they had been picked up by animal control in different dates. I really was impressed with this big dog sitting calmly and not minding the other male. I wrote his number down and the date he had come in. He had five days after the intake date before being killed.

Five days later I was told by the shelter that someone was adopting this nice dog. I was happy to hear that he was not going to be put to sleep. The dog went to the shelter clinic, was neutered, checked for heartworms, micro chipped and given all his shots. A day later the shelter called again, the adopter did not come for the dog. He had until the next morning to be picked up, or it was his last day here on earth.

We were in a predicament, our clinic does not take dogs from the shelter. We have to find a foster home and quarantine the dogs for 10 days before going to the clinic. The only place available was the "Acosta Motel". Grace called Yoly Ramirez in Broward County and asked her if she could adopt this dog out the shelter, I was away at a dog show. She did, named him GORDON. Gordon came to live with me on June 23, 2008.

When Yoly picked Gordon up, his neck had been shaven. Gordon was injured from wearing a spike collar. He had holes all around his neck. These wounds were fresh and he had to be medicated twice a day and placed on antibiotics.

This dog was amazing from day one. He came to my home greeting everyone. He stood quietly when we cleaned his neck. He never barked or looked at my other dogs aggressively. He ignored the others when they barked at him.

GORDON, without any doubt, has been the BEST RESCUE in my home. I honestly think he does not know he is a dog.

After a few days in isolation, Gordon came indoors to air condition. He shared his "condominium" with his new girlfriend, ASTA, another rescue.
He loved being indoors!

I think of you so often. I hope all is well. I would love another boy...a big, big boy like Valor. Any thoughts? The kids are all married. Lovely families. Valor was my best friend. I sure miss him. Still. I've been so busy with the weddings and babies I have not kept up with you. Hope to hear from you sometime soon. With love, Laura

and I reply...

Laura, you must believe when I tell you, I think of you very often. Last week I was looking at the pictures of you and Valor, I had tears in my eyes. I don't know if you know I lost Bandido. I miss him terribly.

Laura, I want all of you to be patient. I will find you one out of my lines.

I continue to do RESCUE. I keep asking God to give me a break. Grace

and Laura writes back...

Remember the song, "When I fall in love, it will be forever." It is that way with Valor. I have not seen another like him, ever. I can wait years if I have to for a big (not necessarily show quality) boy again. If you think you have a big rescue boy, I am willing to have him as long as he is not an angry boy. Naturally, I would prefer one of yours because I know the personality. With love, Laura

And, who do you think I thought of?

SWEET, HANDSOME GORDON!
on July 15, 2008

Meet Laura Massengale from Tucson, Arizona. I have known Laura for many years now. VALOR was an ELLSA vs GRANT son. Valor died almost two years ago and is buried under the big tree below. Laura also bought from me two girls, these two live with her married children.

and Laura offers to adopt GORDON. Gordon needs to fly from Miami to Tucson, Arizona. And Laura sent pictures of Gordon's new home! She wrote, "if he likes to swim, this is His pool!"

On Thursday, July 17, 2008 GORDON took his last walk in Miami airport

and flew Continental Airlines, Miami-Tucson

What a great ending for such a wonderful dog.
God knew the heart of this dog, and he blessed him with a wonderful home.

Gordon,
I am going to miss you tremendously. I would not have let you go if it had not been for the great life that awaits you. I will see you again, my boy. I promise.
I love you,

Grace

JULY 18, 2008 - UPDATE FROM ARIZONA

Laura called me to tell me Gordon had arrived safe. Gordon slept next to Laura all night and this morning it was him who said, "Laura, wake up! I have to go out!"
It was funny to hear all the good things Laura was telling me, funny because I knew them all!
Things like, "He is very handsome, he is so sweet, he is so easy to handle, what a wonderful temperament he has, etc." I think she had recorded my previous conversation with her and she was repeating my words! HAHAHHAHA!

GORDON, WELCOME HOME!

page created on July 17, ,2008 while waiting for a phone call telling me you arrived safe