Comfort in a Wire Suit

This is a story of two good friends. One a middle age engineer,and the other an angel in a wire suit. Nearly eight years ago, we had a call from a shelter not far from us. A female wire in need of help, and we had plans to pick her up and bring her to our licensed shelter home. Unfortunately, she had been put into a kennel run with two other dogs, and a scuffle occurred over one food bowl. When the kennel worker pulled them apart, in the heat of the moment she bit the kennel worker as she pulled them apart by the collar.

We put her in quarantine with our vet, and waited the 10 days. While she was doing her time, she was found to be pregnant...and heart worm positive. To cut to the chase, her Dad fell in love with her the first time he met her. I would like to say the same, but I would be lying. She was a sharp female, very prey driven and determined. She took a lot of work, but was so worth it within the first year.

She had nine lives, actually. After the puppies were born, and we delighted in the little furry bundles, it was decided she would stay. Her heart worm treatment was interrupted with a bout of pyometra, we almost lost her. The heart worm treatment was so harsh, her Dad carried her upstairs and put her on a large dog bed next to his side. She recovered, and went on to steal his heart completely.

She also survived pancreatitis after opening the bottom door to the smoker, consuming the drippings of two bear butt spicy chickens, and survived renal failure due to tainted dog food. Her Dad was always there for her. When he changed jobs, he took into consideration the hours as she was used to her daily walks come rain or shine.

This was only his second dog....the first was a collie that died from bloat when he was nine. He found her lying lifeless on the back porch, only til Holly came along did he open his heart to loving another.

They have such a close personal relationship, when he became ill she seemed to recognize the severity of his cancer and was not shy of the machines that were installed in his room making strange sounds. Her place was with her Dad, comforting him during his aggressive treatments. She has been the comfort that none of us could have given. Care yes, comfort no. There is nothing better than an older dog stretched against your back when not feeling good. Her Dad was even able to cease taking his blood pressure medication.

Holly "Beans" as she is known has kept her Dad going essentially, and provided him with that special something that we all need. We are so very blessed to have our special family members, and I am so grateful Holly was here.