Category Archives: Pets

Can beauty come out of ashes?

That’s a line from a beautiful Celine Dion song.

I got a call from the veterinarian’s office downtown. I was told in the chaos of the fire that they would cremate all five dogs that were killed in the fire individually for free, which is very touching. I think one of my neighbors arranged that for me. The remains of the last of the five are expected at their office tomorrow, so I’ll have to pick them all up. I will make sure someone drives me because I’m not sure how I’m going to handle it.

Snoopy and I got approved to rent a house nearby in the Westpointe development of Glen Cove neighborhood in Vallejo starting next week. I’m glad I got approved, but of course it’s bittersweet under the circumstances. Having just become president of the community association for a second term, it made sense that I stay in the neighborhood, and my own home will be accessible for me to tend to the garden. I can also check mail with a modest bike ride. Thank you for all of the support my communities have given me. There is a lot to rebuild, but I feel weird asking for things. Last night I got a whole seven hours of sleep for the first time in two weeks since this nightmare began.

Family Visit Post-Fire

My sister and brother-in-law came to visit with their dog Ricki, who Snoopy had a wonderful time with. Panda joins in for a moment as well. This is the first time Snoopy has played with a dog since the fire, since he lost all his playmates in minutes. It’s difficult to think about this period since I was still in a fog and barely sleeping, but I appreciated the emotional support visit at my friends’ home nearby.

Snoopy to the Third Power

It took me a moment to register the sweetness and thought that went into this gift yesterday during this very dark time, which was not just of a random stuffed animal.

I was visited by my amazing friend, with a hot tub I will have to indulge in this year since mine is inaccessible, Peter Herman. He and Jack Morris got me a SNOOPY to go with my Snoopy, after I told him that my grandfather was a huge Peanuts fan and had so named his dog (the one I remember him having when I was growing up).

My Snoopy reminded me of that family animal from the 1970s, so that name stuck when he came to us after being found on the streets just walking up to someone’s doorstep trying to meet the large dogs inside. I really didn’t like my dear Snoopy at first because he was an escape artist. However, I thought he was unadoptably old because of his white whiskers. It turned out he was a young adult, but with a tail that constantly wags. By the time it was determined he was not a senior (I should have known better to check the gums), I could not imagine this dog being placed elsewhere, even though I really try to only permanently home seniors. I fell so in love with his eyes while he stands there daily and melts me with the tail wag. Hence the foster “failed.” I’m glad that my miracle survivor is also named in homage to grandpa and his beloved pet.

I will cherish this gift and it will serve as a reminder that I have to get my butt to the Charles Schultz Museum in Santa Rosa.