In memory of Roxy

I received very sad news yesterday. The beautiful Roxy (originally Rosalie) died last week of natural causes though she was only about 1 1/2 years old. Roxy and her sister, Natalie, were rescued from Dead Dog Beach and though undeniably adorable, neither were very healthy puppies.

Roxy's family sent me a letter with the above photo included to let me know of the sad news. They said she just went through sort of a system shut-down and died in their arms at home. They all miss her terribly as does their other dog, Jake, and they said Roxy is absolutely "irreplaceable" and you can see why just looking at those huge ears and that silly smile.

Both girls came to my home for foster care and Roxy was adopted quickly but little Natalie was what's called a "failure to thrive" puppy from the very beginning. She seemed to get sicker and less energetic and the vets couldn't find what the problem was. In the end, she just lost her will to live and I had to make that horrible choice to let her go. She has a special spot in my backyard where I think about her whenever I see her little home-made marker and remember her snuggling with me on the couch.

Natalie and Roxy were apparently not made to be on Earth for long but those who were lucky enough to spend some time with them got lots of wiggles and licks and I can only hope they got all the snuggles and head scratches they desired while they were here. It's a tough part of rescue, losing one of your angels - but it's better to have them go in the arms of love with a full belly and a good life behind them rather than cold, hungry and alone at that horrible beach. And that's why we do what we do. Goodbye, Roxy. You were very loved.

Roxy (Rosalie) at the beach before she was rescued.

Natalie in the back of Yolanda's truck shortly after she and her sister was rescued. Yolanda fostered the girls for a few weeks before they came to the states for adoption.
Natalie's grave and marker in my backyard. I've since planted some Anthurium and society garlic around it so it doesn't look so bleak.