Leaving On A Jet Plane

It was last Thursday morning and I woke up early to prepare for Bette Davis's big day.  It's strange to adapt to a routine and then, one day, it disappears.  I imagine for Betty it was even stranger than for me.  This little five pound creature has been alive for 15+ years and now she was finally heading "home".

I remember walking into the Downey shelter the day that I bailed out Bette.  Rows and rows of dogs were barking, throwing themselves against their kennels to get second chance at life.  I tried my best to keep my composure that day as I looked into the eyes of dozens upon dozens of dogs that probably wouldn't be alive for more than a couple of weeks.  It wasn't until I walked to the very last building that I couldn't hold back my tears.  There in the isolation ward were the oldest of the old...dogs that had lived a decade or more and then were abandoned by their owners. 

I saw Bette Davis in the darkness of her cage; her ears would perk up at the sound of my voice and I asked if I could take her out and hold her.  Her fur was matted and flakes of dry skin were caught in the tangles.  By this time, my eyes were a leaky faucet.  I stared at this pathetically old, sickly creature, wondering how she wound up in such an undignified and scary place.

I payed the impound fee for Bette and she came home with me on the spot.
The rest of her story has been detailed in my blog except for her big day last week.

Bette Davis and I drove to the airport with her sitting on my lap.  I was talking on my cellphone with William (Bette's new dad) while I walked around the airport terminal looking for him.  We found each other and sat down on a bench by the window and Bette popped her head out of her travel bag.  It was love at first site for William; he was ecstatic to hold Bette and meet the dog that he'd flown so far to adopt.  He signed the adoption papers that I require and I kissed Bette on her nose while putting her in William's pet carrier.  She had no clue what was happening or where she was going, but she was very relaxed during the process.  We said our goodbyes and then it was time for her to start the newest chapter of a very long doggy life.

Bette lives in Boise, Idaho with her human parents William and Andrea and she has four other small senior dogs as her best buddies.  She now sleeps curled up with another old dog in a fuzzy pet bed and spends her days lounging around the house and waiting to eat.
((I love you Bette and I know you'll probably be around for 15 more years...it's just your special way))

Are we there yet?

Comments

[Margaret]

Jon, you are absolutely wonderful--a true friend to animals. I am SO HAPPY for Bette! And for William and Andrea. Let the love flow!!!!!

[Christine]

Bless you...your efforts will not go unrewarded! I hope you have many more lives to save.

[bohemianblogger]

You should look for gainful employment as a writer. CLEARLY, it is your calling.

[Jenn]

I am so happy for Bette. You are amazing, Jon!

[Lex - Be]

I don't even know her, but though, felt like I was gonna miss something. Did you had news from her and how she feels there? I hope she feels good, and you too.
Thank you for being the way you are, can't wait to read another story of you. And Bohemianblogger is right, I don't read much *looks ashamed* but I really like reading you.
Send a little kiss for me to Bette, such a strengh in a little dog, makes me smile. :-)

[Jo]

You rock, once again.