Saturday, January 16, 2010

The Game of Fate

I believe in wishing on a falling star, heaven, dreams, and karma. What some call coincidence, destiny and kismet I really believe is fate when lives "accidentally" collide and change forever. I think this is what has happened to me so many times in my life. Over the last several months I've been trying to move in the direction of not being involved in the Golden Retriever Rescue. I've spent 10 years volunteering with them, and 4 of those years were as its president. But my life is changing, the rescue is changing, and I really feel that it's time for me to make my exit. Its truly been a life changing experience for us. I tell everyone that "rescue has broken my heart and touched my soul." Of course we will always support the effort of rescue. I would never turn my back on a dog (or any other animal) that needed help or needed someone.

Having said that, it of course goes without saying that I feel a responsibility to find homes for our two foster boys, Maguire, and Hamlet. Some of you may recall Hamlet's story. Pictured in this paragraph, he is about 12-13 years old, and was left behind in the garage of a home that had been foreclosed on. Left without food or water he was very ill and unable to stand when I first saw him. I was asked if I could "just" pick him up and take him to a vets office where he could receive overnight care. This is where fate unexpectedly showed up. I just "happened" to be going over to where Hamlet was and where he needed to be taken was on my way home...Even my adamancy or determination to not take another foster dog could trump the card that fate had dealt. I was instantly smitten with Hamlet, and it didn't take long to decide that he had a place as a permanent member of our household.

Which brings me to Maguire...For some reason, he has been a bit more complicated. I've appreciated everyone's vote and support for him to remain with us. I've been under pressure lately with the rescue to find a home for him. They have helped in this effort by highlighting him on the website and featured him in the latest issue of the newsletter. Then you'll remember that couple in DC that applied to adopt from the rescue with Maguire specifically in mind. Well, their home-visit was completed this week and they have changed their mind about him because of his age--Fate quietly dealt me another card...Today I had Maguire at the vet for his yearly exam and he didn't want to leave my side to be taken for blood-work. When the vet-tech returned, Maguire couldn't get back to me fast enough. I don't really know "Tracy" that well but she joked that he was really attached to me, and asked if I was going to keep him--Was Fate, the dealer, asking me if I needed yet another card?

After the vet visit, Maguire and I drove to Wendy's and shared a cheeseburger and fries (I didn't share the Diet Coke!) and as I looked into Maguire's sweet-brown eyes, I told him what you and he have probably known all along, and that's that he would be staying with us. Fate has dealt me enough cards! I know that there are some that say I am "not playing with a full deck" and while I don't know if this is true or not, what I do know without a doubt, is that I am holding a full-house!

19 comments:

  1. Kim, don't feel like a sucker for your rescue dogs. You are an angel and a God send to them. Glad Macguire is staying!....and Hamlet too.
    :-D

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  2. Dear Mom and Dad,

    My dream has come true, I am yours!

    You are my family and my heart's happy home.

    We will love each other forever and ever.

    I promise.

    Your Golden,
    Macguire

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  3. Kim,
    It sure takes a special person to foster and love these precious animals. I don't know how someone could treat such trusting creatures so badly. As I am typing this my Mabel is laying right at my feet--occasionally looking up at me for approval. She too is a "mommy's" girl. I am so glad that Maguire and Hamlet have found their forever home with you. They deserve someone that loves them. Have a wonderful weekend with your full-house :)
    Fondly,
    Mimi~

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  4. I admire you so much. Almost every animal I have owned has been a rescue..including my horse. I belong to an informal rescue group which is probably easier than a formal one. I've had litters of puppies and kittens and managed to find homes for most of them.

    I don't know you well yet, but I have a feeling even if you're not involved in the "formal" rescue group you'll still resuce. Your full house beats any full deck! I do believe you are an angel...

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  5. I'm happy to hear that Maquire and Hamlet will be staying with you. I've never quite found the word that describes the open doors that fate seems to leave lying around - destiny, serendipity,... none of them quite fit. I just know that it's right to walk through them.
    - Anne

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  6. Kim, I think you have a heartful of lovely cards you've been dealt. And I think MacGuire is richly blessed. Cruelty always astonishes me. I never get it. Why? Thank heavens there are people like you to help when needed. Sending you a giant hug and a great big pat for your lovely friends!

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  7. what a beautiful post.....and what lucky dogs....
    xoxo

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  8. What a lovely,kind,caring post.

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  9. I believe in all those things too. I also believe you should trust your instincts and you should do what feels right in your heart (about the GRR). I'm so happy Maguire will remain one of your fur babies :)

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  10. What a beautiful blog and post!!! Your goldens are gorgeous!!! Looking forward to following you on all your adventures!!

    lotsa licks,
    Miley

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  11. those faces.......

    i will be blubbling soon!!!!

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  12. My poundeing heart
    is listening to your words.
    I can feel you across the miles.
    I can feel your passion
    and tender heart.
    Somethings are not ment to be,
    but in this case-
    wild horses
    could not drive you
    from what you feel in your heart.
    You made the right decision to love Maguire forever.
    You were chosen as a gift,
    and you made a heart
    so happy.
    love
    tweedles

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  13. Such a sweet post. Hamlet and maguire obviously fell in love with you from the moment they met you...it seems that feeling is equal...
    Sophie's Mom

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  14. Hello Kim
    Thanks for dropping in recently and for all your lovely comments, This 'delightful'machine ha been a pain so I have only just been able ot do any of my own visiting.
    I'm so glad you amde a decision about Maguire and Hamlet, as so many others have said you are an Angel.
    Now you can slip away from the rescue service - somehow I don't think this will happen. You amy not be active but I couldn't see you fade a way altogether,
    Take care
    Cathy
    ps Love your house and land and the area where you live.

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  15. Woof! Woof! Lovely inspiring post. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  16. I am so glad you are keeping those two guys. Things do happen for a reason, I am a great believer in that.........

    Gill in Canada

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  17. aww bless - I've told Dillon & Sam. You do great work & to follow your heart & not your head is sometimes the best move !

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  18. Kim,

    Beautiful post and fantastic news.
    Those two beautiful labs I'm sure are truly grateful and are blessed with your kindness.
    Fate has found their true home.
    Sending doggie hugs and kisses.

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  19. My heart is bursting with happiness for all of you.

    You truly are an angel. There are no other words.

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!