Friday, September 27, 2024

The Arrival and Departure of Wiggles

As Carl was getting ready to leave on a 2 week trip, we were asked to take a hospice girl for Lab Rescue, named Wiggles. 

At almost 15 years old, Wiggles was being returned to the rescue because her owners are going to the UK to take a clock repair class - That by the way is offered throughout the year. But the bottom line is they didn't want to take her with them, or wait to take the course. You just can't make this up. And yes, I'm afraid I'm totally judging. 

~Introducing Wiggles~

The owners were insistent about returning Wiggles to the rescue, and so she was taken to a temporary foster home until arrangements could be made to bring her to my side of the Potomac. I received the below text from her temporary foster home that broke all of our hearts for Wiggles. 


Needless to say, Wiggles didn't do so well in her new surroundings. She wasn't eating, hardly getting up from her bed, and seemed totally disconnected. Again, our hearts all broke for her, because all that Wiggles had known for so many years was gone. The temporary foster home did all they could to reassure her, and it worked. After a few days, she began eating again, and getting up and exploring. It was a relief! But we did worry that at almost 15 years old, how she'd handle yet another change. 
~A new collar and new start for Wiggles~

We soon found out. On August 22nd, I met Wiggles for the first time. She was exactly what I thought she would be. Gentle, sweet, endearing, and in need of reassurance. Our first few days didn't go so well -- She was fine with all our dogs, but the change in her surroundings really did leave her unsure. 
~Meeting Wiggles~

I didn't know what Wiggles story was going to be. I'd agreed to take her with the plan that she was going to remain with us for the rest of her life. It was what all of us involved in this chapter thought too. But with 'healthy enough' test results, the rescues medical coordinator made Wiggles available for adoption. 
~At the vet with Wiggles~

Given her age, I never thought someone would be interested in adopting Wiggles. And it had been my plan to keep her. But with a lot going on peripherally, I never got the chance to say I'd wanted her to stay. 

But stay, Wiggles did not. Surprisingly someone wanted to adopt this almost 15 year old girl. A retired gentleman, who lost his wife about 2 years ago, and his 16 year old Lab just a few weeks ago wanted to. Try as hard as I could to talk him out of Wiggles, he was determined to come and meet her. His grandson stays with him on weekends, and he wanted to come too.  And so we met them last Saturday. 

Of course I liked Retired man. He said more than once that he wanted someone to keep him company and to care for, and that's exactly what Wiggles needed too. I couldn't deny it, they were meant to be together. And so Wiggles was adopted. They are a perfect match -- and it was a perfect way and day to celebrate Wiggles on her 15th birthday. 🎈

18 comments:

  1. Retired man, his grandson ( and that says so much about them both together!!!) and Wiggles, I hope this is like the fairy tale, They all lived happily ever after., How can the original owners be so callous? Surely to wait, at 15 Wiggles might not have a long time left on this earth, but this is indeed a match meant to be. A lovely tale today, that shows how much love there still is in this world, be you young or old.

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  2. What a great ending to this story. Thank you for all that you do.

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  3. It makes me so angry - what a ridiculous and selfish excuse to give Wiggeles up. No way could I give up my dog, whatever age, to travel so far to go on such a useless course!
    I'm so glad that things have worked out so well for Wiggles and her new owner, and I'm sure they will all live happily ever after!

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  4. What a sad and happy story about Wiggles. It's disgusting that she would be given back to the rescue at 15 years old, but we're glad Retired Man wanted her. Our paws are crossed that she brings much joy to her new owner.

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  5. Wiggles is darling and selfishly I wish she might have stayed at Golden Pines. But it does look like an ideal home for her with the retired gentleman. As far as her previous owners' priorities, although it was a traumatic transition for her, all for the best that she is in her new home where she will receive devoted care. Bless you dear Wiggles! And all at Golden Pines. 💕

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  6. This man has a heart of gold . Thank you man.

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  7. Don't you love it when a cosmic plan comes together?! Wiggles deserves the loving home she had when she came to you, but her new forever home is one step more perfect. Three hearts mended!

    Hugs!

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  8. I’m tearing up over this perfect adoption. Ty for your willingness to keep Wiggles, if that was needed

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  9. What a kind hearted gentleman, I wish Wiggles and her new daddy many more years together.
    As for her previous owners, it's best I keep my opinion to myself.
    Thank you for all of your unselfish devotion sweet friend.
    Hugs,
    Jo

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  10. What a kind gentleman, I hope he and Wiggles make a great team! Previous owners obviously thought she was disposable...hope they never get another dog.

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  11. I didn’t expect such a heartwarming ending. The beginning hurt.
    Cheerful Monk

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  12. We agree with the above. Just the fact that the grandson and grandfather have that kind of bond is reassuring that Wiggles is where she will be loved and cared for and not tossed out for a clock repair class - sorry, we are judge-y too. We know her life would have been magnificent with you as well, but something else must be in the works of the powers that be for you in your life.

    Woos - Misty and Timber and Mom

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  13. May all their clocks develop random, intermittent and unfixable problems! Oops! I shouldn't have thought/said that! But your elderly gentleman sounds like a perfect match for an elderly gently boy. May Wiggles' tail never stop wagging.

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  14. Oh my. How wonderful for Wiggles!

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  15. We are so happy to read that Wiggles found someone who would give her a wonderful last chapter. Lady says she is also judging. She and Man question going on vacation and leaving us (even though we have found a wonderful place to stay) because of our age. They can never imagine moving without us. Lee and Phod

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  16. Wiggles really and truly has a new 'lease' on life. What a pretty gently lady she is too
    I'm so sorry she had such a time with the less than kind former humans.
    Good thing about dogs is their forgiving nature. The kind retired gentleman and Wiggles will make lots of fond memories.
    Hugs Cecilia

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  17. I’m totally judging her former family, some people are so selfish and heartless! But I’m so glad that even at 15, she seems to have found her person! I hope they have some wonderful days together. And what a great name! I’m adding Wiggles to my list of future dog names!

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  18. Sometimes, in the midst of great sadness, there comes great joy. We are so very happy for Wiggles. She is with someone who deserves her. Live long and prosper, beautiful girl!

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