labsnewfy
07-12-2004, 05:01 PM
Our little Tootsie was a puppy mill rescue. Tootsie was found along side the road picked up and taken to the local shelter. She was treated for heat exhaustion. LRR was called in to come and take a look at her, but in the condition she was in they were reluctant - she was afraid of everything and everyone shaking not able to hold her head up. The shelter convinced LRR that she was a great girl, so life begins anew. Tootsie was dirty, she had dead hair and skin lesions, her paws were splayed and tender (the first 3 years of her life living in a cage with chicken wire bottom) Tootsie is also blind in her right eye and has had her vocal cords cut as well. Tootsie through the patients and love from LRR volunteers began to live. Going through her second puppyhood, learning what toys were and soft beds, playing with other labbies, the touch of a loving hand, and the warmth of hugs and kisses. She learned what it was like to go up and down stairs, swim, play and run free through the soft grass. It took a while for Tootsie to become house trained but eventually she has caught on. Every milestone that Tootsie mastered was rewarded with praise and love. With labs we don't think about the drool until you have a lab that never experienced the anticipation of something good enough to salivate. Tootsie is my hero, I look at her and what she has over come the strength and courage that I see in her is breath taking. I watch her now as she plays carefree with her brothers and I am amazed. To watch her run to me, smile on her face, wiggling next to me for attention makes every worry of the day fade away. I look at my kids and I am in awe of them. They live every day to the fullest, love unconditional, harbor no ill feelings, forgive easily and regret nothing.