An addendum to my Sadie & Charlie story, and a happy ending.
Thanks to the combined graces of Angels With Me animal rescue and a warm-hearted couple who we met through a family connection, our former neighbors’ pups – Sadie & Charlie – have now found their forever home.
It all began last winter when our neighbors, Sue and Kehau, suddenly passed away. Patti and I opened up our home to their orphaned dogs. We grew to love streak-of-lightning doxie-greyhound Sadie, and Sadie’s bossy little doxie-beagle brother, Charlie. And my dog Lucy adored having them around. In June, Keahu’s brother and sister-in-law, Kelau and Patricia, held a memorial celebration for S&K. It was a heartwarming affair with Hawaiian music. That’s where we met Stella, a relative of the family who expressed an interest in adopting. That connection led to Stella’s friend, Ruth, who was Stella’s neighbor in Nevada.
Angels, the adoption agency that had been working with us to help us find a home for Sadie & Charlie, did all the home checks and paperwork. That was complex, as the interested party was out of state. But it all worked out. Last weekend, Patti and I loaded up our little car with all of S&C’s belongings, and the five of us – including Lucy, who was a calming influence – drove 270 miles to Las Vegas.
When we met Ruth, S&C felt immediately at home. Their new mommy welcomed them to her beautiful large house, with food and brand new cushy beds. The dogs all ran around, sniffing and wagging, and they were intrigued by the large desert-style backyard, with a swimming pool and jacuzzi. Driving away was emotional. We broke up the journey home by camping in a little cabin in the desert outside Sin City. As we sat under the Nevada stars, Patti and I felt hopeful. This was meant to be. And, boy, did those two pups land on their feet.
Ruth and her husband Gary are the most adoring pet parents. S&C now not only have a lovely new home, but three new siblings – with Westie-mix Rosco, Yorkie Lola, and a wise-looking cat named Oliver. The dogs get walks around the lake every evening, cuddles aplenty, and, most amazingly, S&C turned out to be swimmers!
I do not doubt that Sue and Kehau would be overjoyed and amazed to see their pups living large in Vegas. And we are so grateful to have found the best possible outcome to these tragic circumstances. Patti and I would like to thank all our friends and neighbors who, for the last nine months, have helped us with S&C’s food and maintenance, especially our neighbors Roger and Mary, Ledy, and everyone at Angels who were immensely kind in helping with veterinary needs.
Best of luck, much fun, and love to Ruth, Gary, and their sweet pups on their new adventures.
Special thanks to Ruth and Gary Sharples for all the Vegas photographs.
