21 Comments
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Lynn Brugnolotti's avatar

Ruby, our rescue dog, seamlessly moved into our retirement, and makes me wonder on a daily basis: who rescued who?

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Annie's avatar

Always buoyed by your insights; thank you so much. Finding hope here in northern Indiana in the burgeoning buds on the trees outside my window and in the comforting presence of the two dogs at my feet--rescues who also keep more than my fingers moving each day!

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Anne Poorman's avatar

It must also be said: dogs are not grandchildren.

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Jeff Chu 朱天慧's avatar

Haha... I am not going to wade into that family situation. Thoughts and prayers!

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Stephanie Harmon's avatar

What a beautiful story of life-giving and life-sharing love. ❤️

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Gayle Hernandez's avatar

I've become ridiculously attached to my little dog--but I think the quality that I note from her is love. She's not a human, but she exudes love and attachment that I feel strongly.

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Debbie's avatar

Once again, your words move my day forward. We don't have a shelter dog but our Yorkie - Sparkle keeps us humans trained very well when it comes to dog treats. I am now making them homemade and cut in cute little shapes - go figure. I find hope in my growing herbs and butterfly garden that is coming back after a terrible freeze here in Texas that destroyed many gardens and yards. That is my happy place - patio time soaking in the smell of freshly mowed grass and watered herbs, gentle sounds of the wind chimes in the cool spring breeze and little growing plants that Mother Earth (with a little help from me) seen to provide - reminding us a season gone and come forth at the same time.

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Svetlana (Sveta) Nikitina-Kim's avatar

What a beautiful and poignant story. We have a dog and a cat that we rescued - or have they really rescued us? Our pandemic year was so much brighter with them around (we've had them for a few years, but never spent THAT much time together, hahaha). Fozzie is perfect for you, and you are for him. I love his name, too.

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Jack's avatar

"We just want to give him a good life"

Thank you for this article, and this affirmation of giving a pet what you can.

We took in 2 cats 10 years ago, kittens from a feral colony that a workmate was desperately trying to reduce in size. They have lived full lives, until recently healthy & content. One of those boys, the one more taken with me, died 5 weeks ago from what we discovered was likely a heretofore unseen but lifetime ailment he was born with at birth. We miss him (and love his bro). But we know we gave him a life he would not have had that was safe, warm & made him happy. And that is enough.

Oh, and love that running pic.

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Alex's avatar

I have loved the glimpses of Fozzie over this past year and was so excited he got a whole post! Just over four years ago I was decidedly anti-dog, but then our son persuaded us “just to take a look” at the adoption day in our local pet store. And Mitzy was there waiting for us. Apparently, the previous week no one wanted to take her home. I highly doubt that: I think she didn’t like them and hid or growled until we came along and she picked us. She has changed our lives and in every way for the better. My husband 100% lives up to the “dad said we’re not getting a dog” memes. She was a one year old when we got her and I often wonder about the previous owner who trained her so well and gave her her name but, somehow, I really hope not intentionally, broke her little heart. I’m her chosen human (I feed her: I’m not naive) and the welcoming relief she greets me with makes my day every time.

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Chris Grace's avatar

Oh, your faces (human and dog) on Fozzie's first ride home - what a delight!

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Rose Hayden-Smith's avatar

This is so wonderful. Thank you for writing about Fozzie. I love you all so much.

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Carol,Schaab's avatar

I loved hearing Fozzie’s story! He does have an irresistible sweet face.

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Stacey T.'s avatar

Thank you for sharing your home with Fozzie and giving him space to be his best self. I enjoy your posts about him so much.

PS - We have three rescue dogs who are ridiculously spoiled and loved. That said, the whole “fur baby” term has always annoyed me too.

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Corina Dulecki's avatar

I love Fozzie stories and pics and I know it's going to be a good day when I see Fozzie out for a walk on my way to work! Give him a hug from all his faithful followers

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Ruth's avatar

Your love of Fozzie inspired me today

Reading about giving him a good life got me thinking about how I treat my parents and I've been trying to think of how to better love them as they are fox news and all. Who knew your story would do that ?! You inspire me Jeff to do better.

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Kari Sabo's avatar

Oh... you have Fox News loving parents too that are sometimes hard to love? I am working on letting them be who they are, just like letting a dog be a dog.

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Jessica T's avatar

Fozzie brings me joy - I love reading stories about him.

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