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Friday, April 29, 2011

Addie Reunited With Family After 8 Years!

After eight years, Addie was going back to her puppyhood home after no one came to claim her as their own.  While she may not be aware of the wonder of this situation, I certainly was, and I was hopeful that the reunion and transition back into her home would be pleasant and smooth for everyone involved.

(If you missed Parts 1 and 2 of Addie's story, click these links to read them...

Addie's parents and I arranged to meet up in Coralville Iowa, in a Walmart parking lot.  We would drive two and half hours, and they would drive three and a half hours.  We exchanged descriptions of our vehicles so we would easily recognize each other once we were at the meeting point.  We were all very excited.  One of my Veterinary Assistants, Kassy, came along for the reunion ride.

The drive was terrible.  It went smoothly, but the wind was horrific and blew the van all over the highway.  For a day in April it was bitterly cold.  Addie was very well behaved riding in the car, but I didn't expect any less from her.  She enjoyed looking out the window from behind my seat. 




We stopped for gas and a poochie potty break, and while I took a few moments to shoot this photo of Kassy walking Addie, I ran straight back to the shelter of the van from the wind after I took it.  While I sat in the comfort of the van, Kassy was very brave (and very cold), giving Addie enough time to do her business. 


We finally arrived at our destination.  On a nice day, we would have sat in the grass with Addie, but considering this weather, let's just say "Forget about it".  The wind continued, there was no sun, and neither Kassy nor I brought a coat worthy of this weather, after all, it was April.  We waited in the car after another quick poochie potty break.  I was nervous and excited.  I was nervous because there were still many unanswered questions.  How would Cody and Addie get along with each other?  What if Addie did not seem comfortable with them?  What if the people that I liked after speaking with them over the phone, were not as "nice" in person?  And most of all, what if I cried?!

Suddenly I noticed a vehicle to the right of us and in the passenger seat is a woman pleasantly and excitedly waving at us.  I knew it was them.  Cody came bounding out of the car, and her parents soon followed.  The time has come, and out came the video camera.  While I recorded, Kassy brought Addie out of the van. 


Addie's new old Mom, Caroline, cried while her husband, Tim, seemed to hold it together.  I was able to concentrate on the "motion picture" (made even more so because of the wind), so while I was emotional, I did not cry, at least not at first. 

The dogs seemed to enjoy each other's company.  That was reassuring.  We decided to climb into their car and discuss Addie's story.  Caroline told me that her father passed away two months ago, and she believed this reunion was his way of saying things were going to be okay.  That is when my tears came.  I am so happy that Caroline's Dad reached down to Addie and told her to go home.

Caroline and Tim shared Addie's puppy photos with me and we talked about the past, and the lessons that this experience has taught them.  They understand much more now, than they did eight years ago about the origins of pet store puppies.  Hindsight has given them 20/20 vision.  While this family has been given a second chance with a dog they loved, not everyone is so lucky.  A simple microchip made this reunion possible. 

While these kids enjoyed Addie's puppyhood, they missed out on eight years of Addie's life.


Fortunately, these young adults have an opportunity to cherish Addie's "retirement" years, and perhaps educate people by sharing Addie's story and relaying the truth about pet store puppies, and the importance of microchipping your pet.


So, how are Addie and Cody doing now?


While Cody's nose is slightly bent out of shape having a "new" dog around...

She is willing to share her home...

And her fireplace...

And her people...

And her treats...

And her Easter Romp in the rain...

While they won't openly admit to loving each other...

The truth shows in little ways...






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20 comments:

scrub4pups said...

Wow! When I first started reading about this I was so afraid she was one of the dogs you pulled from the mill and that the store had sent her back to make more puppies. I am relieved to find that she had been spayed and not had to live that horrible life.

Thank you for sharing.

Agape Fosters said...

Great way to start a day, thank-you! x0"

lovesmehorse said...

I have been following this story from your blogs...what a wonderful amazing & extraordinary story. I could go on & on & say like other's have, that I could never have given the dog back, not in a million years, but it was their choice. All I can say is that I'm a great believer in fate & things happen for a reason. I'm sure the dad who had passed had a hand in this because it sure is a miracle they were reunited again. I hope the family & Addie enjoy many more happy years TOGETHER xxx

Jill Thompson said...

How does something like this happen? Were they able to contact the pet store or the breeder? Thrilled for addie and her family! Great story lisa!

Sarah M said...

As I read this story it touched me in so many ways. We just recently moved here from North Carolina and live in Ames. I have been searching different animal hospitals in the area to find just the right one for our babies. I have done many ...rescues back in North Carolina and all but 1 of our babies is a rescue so finding the perfect doctor is of utmost importance to me. I went to your hospital website and I think I have found the perfect place to place all my trust in to help maintain the proper care as well as the love they deserve. I will be calling to set up an appointment for two that are due for their vaccines and yearly exam at the end of the month! Hope you are taking new paitents!! :)

Beverly Cazort said...

BEAUTIFUL!!!! Tears of joy flowing freely here! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Bonnie Drescher said...

OMG - Great reunion story. She looks like wherever she was, she was well taken care of. Feel a bit sad for the people who lost her but it's also a lesson that changing chip information is just as important as chipping your pet."

mel said...

I'm sad that people have been so quick to judge this family.

I wish everyone would keep in mind that this was almost 8 years ago. Sure, you may not have done what they did, based on all you know about puppy mills, but did you know all of this 8 years ago? I most certainly didn't.

Let's all be happy that Addie was able to return to her first home.

Brittany Tessier said...

such a sad, but happy story

Cathy said...

What a great outcome for Addie! I can't help but wonder what she did during the missing 8 years!Thanks for sharing this story! Wish I lived closer so you could be our vet too!

Cathy Bolson said...

Lisa - you see the best and the worst. What an emotional roller coaster. What a beautiful ending. Love your blogs. ♥

Mary A. Dempsey said...

Welcome home Addie!! Welcome home!!!

Cindy Khalsa said...

That is such a great story , I am so happy Addie got her home back to finish her life out with them Thankyou so much for sharing this with us ,I have been having a really bad 2 days personally and really appreciated the happy ending thankyou

Beth Nash- Scharpenter said...

What a wonderful story! Do you have a guess as to how Addie is still alive and able to walk?

Linda Jetter said...

bless her

Christine Ehlers said...

THANKS, ST. FRANCIS!

Bobbie said...

What an awesome story!!

Johnna Hanson said...

awesome story Lisa! Garrett and i were both teary eyed!! anyone that hasn't read this story definately should!! :) ♥

Leeanna Beth said...

happy story but-just hope theyll keep her now no matter what, even if she ever gets sick or hurt and i really hope some other family who actually raised her all these years isnt devastated that they lost their dog just bcz they never chipped her and didnt realize she already had one with old info.

Luckypaws said...

What a brilliant story. The video of Addie's reunion with her new old owners made me cry.