Bucky and Freddie’s Dilemma

The holidays have come and gone here in my hometown of Huntington Beach. Christmas trees wait at the curb to be picked up and carried to that great forest in the sky where only their memory will live in everyone’s minds and the Palm trees that line the beach are swaying softly with cooler winter breezes.

The holidays were a mixed bag for me. My family created special moments that I will cherish forever, particularly a granddaughter and her wonderful boyfriend who cooked the most phenomenal Thanksgiving meal ever and served it with great care and love to family and friends. Although grandma-(me) suffered, she complained in silence about the miserable case of shingles she was lucky enough to acquire—bah humbug.

Given all that, as soon as I was able, I returned to the dogs to share walks, hugs, and encouragement with those sweet furry babies who are still waiting for homes. Many of them never made it out of the shelter for Christmas as much as I hoped they would, yet those patient little faces were still there to greet me when I returned.

The great news is that we placed a record number of pets in wonderful homes these past few weeks, but there are two little gentlemen that cause me to worry.

Being a senior citizen myself reminds me every day that it is important to enjoy every single second we have, and seeing them waste precious moments in their lonely pens makes me very sad.

I am lucky because I have a loving family, and I am grateful. Little Bucky and Freddie do not.

Bucky is a refined little love bug with a stout constitution and a very huggable little body. When we sit at the curb on the Edison Access Road he leans into me for a hug and rests his little grizzled muzzle on my leg.

I noticed that with the colder weather he was shaking a bit so we found a nice little cozy sweater for him to wear. But what he really would like is a warm home and a person to call his own. He promises not to take up too much room, except in your heart.

Our other little older gentleman is Freddie. He’s such a nice little guy that I know it is only his age holding him back. I honestly think people greatly overlook the benefits of an older pet. They have so much more love to give without the over-exuberance of youth.

Please check these little guys out at the Newland Shelter in Huntington Beach. Take them for a walk and get to know them—You are in for a treat!

Previous articleSeeking Harmonic Balance
Next article4 Steps to Achieve Your 2020 Vision
Having lived these good many years, (71 to be exact), has given me the opportunity to reflect on what I value most. Family, good friends, and the precious pets that have shared my life  have enriched me as a person. I’ve evaluated what is most important to me and what lessons I’ve learned, and what I’ve determined is that I want to leave this world a better place for having lived here. It is one of my deepest desires to be able to help those who have no voice — because animals have always played an important role in my life. They were constant friends when the world around me was changing.  One, (a small parakeet named Petie), accompanied me when as a child my family moved across country twice, (New York to California and back again)-I can still see Petie in his small travel cage sitting on my lap as I explained to him where we were stopping for the night and feeling that his company as well as my dear parents were all I needed to feel safe and secure. My pets were with me in good times and bad, often being the consistent non-judgmental voice my heart needed. Although I spent my working years as a commercial artist, both teaching the craft at a local college and in my own studio, it seems that in my later years it is by painting with words that I am now able to reach out to people, and it is my joy to do just that. I hope my stories help to connect people to kindred souls that wear fur on their faces but are just as capable as we are to feel great love in their hearts.  Rescue animals particularly deserve another chance at a happy life and it is my honor to bring their stories to light and hopefully be the catalyst that joins two different species on their journey. The connection we share with our pets is like no other, There is no need to be anything other than who and what you are. No amount of money or privilege will impress them as much as your kindness and attention. I do know that in the final analysis, life is good and most people honestly want to do the right thing. If that includes opening their home and heart to another living being, then my purpose is accomplished. I hope in some small way I can contribute to that greater good. Bio- Born in Middle Village, New York- 1945 Mother to a wonderful son, Michael who truly would be a cherished friend even if we weren't related--and fortunate in meeting my kind and thoughtful soulmate, Burt, in later life- I am blessed indeed. Retired teacher/ Orange Coast College/ former owner and operator of a commercial art business in Huntington Beach, California.
 Lucky to have had the opportunity to work in the art field where I was often quoted as saying, "You mean I am being paid for something I love to do?!"

 Interests: travel, enjoying local points of interest, movies, volunteering at the Newland Animal Shelter and writing about the wonderful personalities I have been honored to meet there, both human and furry-faced, and generally enjoying the retired life.