MATILDA GOES HOME 20 FEBRUARY 2010
Shannon writes: It's a little quiet in our home tonight. I don't have a little girl that keeps scratching on my chair to move back so she can jump into my lap. Our Tilda (a/k/a Matilda) went to her forever family, Avon & Patrick Sulser and new sister Abbey in Illinois.
Tilda came to us so extremely shy, very skittish, fearful, not wanting to be touched or even held. Over the weeks, she became pretty comfortable and more secure while home with me. Her personality was beginning to come out . . . she was mischievous, playful, loving; even giving kisses now. She loved to play and would do so for as long as my arm held out, throwing a basketful of toys down our long hallway into the family room. Back & forth, back & forth!
About two weeks ago Joe and I renamed her Miss Sassy Pants . . . she had finally become comfortable in her home, which meant trouble for us! She'd grab the throw rugs and dash through the house growling as she dragged them behind her . . . never mind that her favorite was the five-foot-long rug from the bathroom! She managed to push the toilet paper off the holder, or would just take the end of it and race around shredding it as she went . . . wastepaper baskets held all kinds of treasures for her, too. And we didnšt dare leave a thing on the floor because it became hers . . . shoes, slippers, t-shirts, socks . . . . Joe and I had to laugh and couldn't get upset with her . . . she was a two-year-old who had never gotten to be a puppy, and now she was!
She had come leaps & bounds but still needed a special home to go to. I had the pleasure of doing Avon & Patrickšs reference checks. They were interested in another dog that had already been placed. I asked Shell to consider them for Matilda, because I just knew in my heart this would be the best home possible for her. All of their dogs have been rescue dogs so I knew they would "get" Matilda.
It was love at first sight for Avon . . . Tilda hid around the corner looking at her! She finally came out and touched noses with Abbey . . . and it was love at first sight. Even while barely able to hold Matilda because of her being a bit apprehensive, Avon said, "Yep, we'll take her." SO now Matilda's new life begins in her wonderful forever home . . . and there's no place like home!

Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed, All nicely tucked in my warm new bed. I'd like to open my baggage Lest I forget, There is so much to carry - So much to regret. Hmm . . . Yes there it is, right on the top - Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss, And there by my leash hide Fear and Shame. As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave - I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain. I loved them, the others, the ones who left me, But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me. Will you add to my baggage? Will you help me unpack? Or will you just look at my things And take me right back? Do you have the time to help me unpack? To put away my baggage, To never re-pack? I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see, But I do come with baggage - Will you still want me? -- Evelyn Colbath

LUCAS & OTHERS ARE ADOPTED HERE