If I did not take the time to write about my little Duck-man I should not be doing what I do. This little pup spent 7 of his 11 months of fostering with me.
A little about the man…
He and his 7 siblings were born to the nationally famous Wiggles :). Ducky and 2 of his sisters Tria and Ali contracted bordetella pneumonia. We lost Tria (the littlest) but Ducky and his sister Ali, under the watchful eye of many loving and nurturing foster moms and specialists, fought to survive.
All the pups including Wiggles went off to new and loving homes. Ali was adopted at a young age to a wonderful family whose husband specialized in lung issues in prenatal babies — so she went off to a wonderful, safe, and thriving life. And Ducky remained behind. And Ducky waited. For the first 7 months of his life he fought this crippling bacterial disease. He took steam baths and had his lungs coupaged repeatedly, he gulped his medicine faithfully and spent time on road trips to specialists and vets. At night he would stretch his neck out and rest it on mine to help himself breathe easier. We spent many nights in that position – waking every couple of hours to have the thick mucous pounded out of his chest. He was always good — never cranky. His tail always had a wag and he is famous for his endless kisses. And Ducky waited.
My two dogs adored the Duck-man and would spend hours running through the house with made up games like unstuff the warthog, redesign mom’s shoes, rearrange the furniture and let’s eat mom’s magazine before she reads it.
Coming home from work was always a surprise – but Ducky was always first at the door to greet me and first at the window to watch me drive away. I think he knew how much I loved him and worried over him. And Ducky waited.
Ducky’s face was on blogs, Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet, our website, and Facebook. He decorated wine bottles. He showed up for adoption events and he always had a smile on his face and a wagging tail. Everyone commented on his handsome physique, adorable nature and his striking eyes. And as each pup got an adoption application submitted, Ducky waited.
And then it happened…
Last weekend a couple walked into our adoption location at K-9 Planet looking for a puppy to complete their newly purchased home. They lingered for over an hour – watching, playing and imagining. There were four adorable 11 week olds in the room and there was 11 month old Ducky. As official greeter ”wagger” – Ducky introduced them to all the puppies by gently playing with each one, skirting around the room to show off their gait and skills at play. Ducky would occasionally stop to show the couple how great his kisses were and how hard his wagging tail could be when near to your face. As the hour passed – the couple smiled – said they loved one of the puppies and were smitten with Ducky and his wonderful demeanor. Glimmer…
The email came and although they wanted to take two dogs – they decided to begin their new home life with 1. And their decision was…hold your breath, the adorable little puppy…NO they wanted Ducky!
My emotions kicked into overdrive. Excitement and joy… he found a forever home; heartache and sadness, I am losing my little man. No more Ducky snores near my ear and no more Ducky kisses as a daily routine. And yes, I will move on from this as another foster moves into my life, but this one has carved a VERY deep pocket in my heart and it’s filled with everything Ducky.
Ducky waited for a long, long time – but he knew as soon as he saw this couple that he had been waiting just for them. Sweet dreams – sweet life Duck-man. Hope to see you soon!
