Dora's B-day # 2
 

Today is Dora's B-Day, 2 years old. We got Dora at a pet shop inside a mall in VA. I know... she probably came from a puppy mill, but I have never purchased a dog before, when I was growing up my mom was a cat lady, and the dogs were either show-ups from the street or a doberman pincher that almost ate me alive. I try to buy from a breeder on line with no success. I want it to see the dog in person and pick the one that fit what I was looking for, make some kind of connection. I was just looking, the dogs inside their little cages and the very first one to catch my eye was Dora, she was trying to lay down on a toy trying to keep her tiny paws from going into the holes on her floor and she looks very cold and sick.:( I stood there looking at her and the sales lady approach me and very enthusiastically ask me if I will like to see a Yorkie. I ask her what was wrong with this puppy? she looks like something is wrong, and she said, Oh, no, she is just sleepy... let me show you this other one, "her sister". At this place they put you in this cubicle type of deal so that you can interact with the puppy and they don't run away, I guess that if given the chance they will. The sales person is looking at her commission and I'm the perfect catch of the day, don't know anything about dogs, compassionate, and willing to hold the dog for a few minutes. They brought dog #1, she was like a squirrel, very cute, full of energy, she just ran in circles & couldn't get a hold of her...:confused: the lady took her away and I ask her to show me the other one, the sad looking one. She pass me Dora and I set her on the floor and she just look up at me, stretch herself flat on the floor on her belly and crawl to my feet...:eek:I pick her up, and she was shaking and I can feel all her bones as I touch her back, under all that pretty hair she was all bones...It was winter and I put her inside my jacket to keep her warm and she just lay there and stop shaking. A woman walks by and says "for that kind of money you can buy a Lab", my husband is standing watching and of course expecting me to snap out of the tender moment and give the dog back and say thanks, but "we are just looking", because that's what I told him to lure him inside the store. He is probably thinking "for that kind of money I can buy a hunting rifle"... Dora was at the moment 10 weeks old & a little over 3 lbs., I have already decided when I first saw her that she was going home today, I was going to rescue her from that dungeon & I was going to pay that woman whatever she ask just to get her out of there. There was silence in the car driving back to the house, Dora was still inside my jacket sleeping, the first word broke the ice, the silence, and the no eye contact tactic, "so", my husband said...what are you going to name her? I have the name picked for her already, her name is "Dora"...Dora was a big doll that belong to my daughter even that she was 22 years old, she got it one Xmas when she was young and always loved all the Dora the explorer stuff, she even looks like Dora when she was 4. My daughter died in a very horrible car accident back on 2006 in Fl., as a passenger going to Tampa in Alligator Alley by marker 95. There is a marker with her name on it right by the spot were it happen. I have her doll Dora. I believe that when you are a mom and your child is taken away so sudden, your motherly instinct don't go away, but it has to be canalized somehow, Dora has been a great companion to me, I rescue her and she rescue me. Today is her B-day and we are going to go get her a treat, a "Squirrel on a stick" from a local pet bakery. Sorry for this long story, I was just going to celebrate Dora's b-day and I ended up writing some kind of testimonial. Dora is healthy now, her 1st visit to the vet revealed an ear infection, respiratory infection, urine infection, and kennel cough. She really need it help that day we met for the 1st time.

Dora is a real cutie pie! Bless you for giving her a good home!

B-day #2
 

Thank you! Dora got a "Squirrel on a stick" and a B-day cup cake.:animal36

She was and is SO cute :) Don't know what a squirrel-on-a-stick is but she seems to like it! Thanks for sharing your story. I truly don't know how one survives the loss of a child, but I'm so glad Dora has been a comfort to you. Re the pet store thing - I fully understand people who say you shouldn't buy from pet stores because it perpetuates the puppy mill industry, which is probably true, but how can one resist a puppy who really needs a good home? God bless you.

Sorry but Dora is aDorable!!:rolleyes:

Your story brought tears to my eyes. I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet daughter. Dora is gorgeous! I'm so glad you both found each other...I do believe it was meant to be. You both have wounds that need healing. :ghug:

Here's to Dora:thumbup:

Happy Birthday Dora! I hope you enjoyed your special day. You are a sweetheart.

Happy Birthday Dora! I'm a true believer that everything happens for a reason... it's no accident you've come to comfort each other ;), blessed to have each other.

I'm so sorry about the loss of your daughter.
You and your pup Dora were meant to be together.
Wishing Dora a Happy Birthday.

I'm so glad Dora gave your heart a hug when you needed it the most. Your story will remain in my prayers. By the way what is a squirrel on a stick?

She's so cute!:p

Happy Birthday Dora! I'm glad faith has brought you both together. Sorry about the loss of your daughter. Hugs to you and Dora. :)

Happy Birthday Dora! :bigbdaypa

Dora is a beautiful little girl and I'm so happy that you found each other.

My Prayers are with you over the loss of your precious daughter, I can't imagine the pain you feel. So happy you rescued Dora and you have each other to love.

Thank you to all of you for your prayers and kind words, I really appreciate all the nice thoughts and they make my day brighter, it feels like having many friends out there:).
Now to the "Squirrel-on-a-Stick",
Description

What dog wouldn't love the opportunity to get up close and personal with one of those cute, fluffy, squeaky fur balls? This peanut butter squirrel on a beef stick makes for a slightly less violent and messy alternative.
There is one in the picture with Dora.