Happy Anniversary SADDI

Today is the anniversary of the most meaningful day of my life.  In 1996, i was rescued by a tiny black bundle of fur who looked like a bear cub.  i tell the story often and never do i have to embellish it because the reality is better than anything that even Hollywood could create.

It was a warm dry May 11.  Shirley, a family friend, saw a posting at her vet that they were giving away chow/lab puppies.  i wasn't sure if i was ready to bring a dog into my house again, so i went along just to look.  When the screen door opened, two puppies came running out and started chasing each other round the yard.  Shirley instantly saw the puppy she wanted, but was unable to catch as it ran wildly though the yard.  The screen door was about to close, when that black ball of fur walked out.  Carefully walking down the steps to the yard.  Crossing the yard, barely avoiding her brother and sister who were still chasing one another.  She made a straight walk over to me, sitting on my foot and placing her head on my leg, looking up at me.  Shirley said "pick her up".  But i wasn't ready.  Still, i bent down and lifted her to my chest. She put her head against my neck and i knew, i was picked.  As time went on, in our 13.5 years together, i realized i was actually rescued.  

SADDI gave me purpose and a reason to wake up everyday.  And when i was in an abusive relationship, though she was scared too, it was SADDI who comforted me.  And on that New Years eve, as i laid on the sofa, crying, with a knife against my wrist, it was SADDI who came out of the bedroom, looked at me, gave my face a kiss and then went back into the bedroom.  Making me realize that i did have something, everything, to live for.  And in her final moments, before she took her last breath, SADDI lifted her weak paw and placed it in my hand as i kissed her good bye.

Even today, 10 years since she has been gone, SADDI is always in my thoughts and encourages me to push myself when i truly want to just give up.  And she visited me in my dreams often, sometimes it is so real i forget, when i wake up, that she isn't here anymore.  i've been disowned by my entire family, i really have no true friends and i spend most of my time alone.  But i am always comforted with the thought that i have known faithful love and loyal friendship, because of a silly little black ball of fur who rescued me on this day in 1996.

Thank you SADDI.