Dear Gorby*,

Saturday was a special day. You probably don't remember a year ago, seeing as how I'm not sure you remember what yesterday was, but a year ago on Saturday, you came to live with us.

It was a a big day-we got the keys to the house that you have known as your home for almost a year now. We went to the kennel and picked you up. You were a terribly kind, needy little man. You had been rescued from sick sadistic fucks that ignored, neglected, abused and starved you. You went to a nice vet's office so that they could find you a home. You and your sister-border collie and Blue Merle collie crosses, were the two that no one wanted.

I will never understand that, for as long as I live.

And even though we went to see your sister (who I'm happy to report was also rescued, apparently by a home with a 5 year-old boy that has them doting on each other) it was you that we saw most. It was you, a 5-month old, scrawny, sweet dog. It was you, with your completely ridiculous nose. You were all we could see.

When you came home with us, you were terrified. You didn't untuck your tail out from under you for days. You were nervous and insecure. Mumin liked you right away, Maggie didn't, but one out of two ain't bad.

And slowly all of us started to become friends.

Your tail came out from under you. You began to wag it. You began to come alive, and it was amazing. We loved you right away. And soon, you began to love us back.

You've had so many adventures this year. You've been to Wales, you've been to visit family, you've been swimming in the lake. You've had your first snowfall.

You love Melissa and Jeff, and you always venture into the water with them.

You're an incredibly loving, patient and tolerant dog. You allow me to embarass you without a word of complaint.

Repeatedly, actually.

You're clearly still neglected of fun and love still.

You are the one who barks at the vacuum cleaner, the broom, ringing phones and bubble wrap. You hate the postman with a burning rage. You have to know where the cats are. You love macaroni and cheese (my kind of dog). You go crazy with delight when your father sings down a paper towel tube at you, and together you make so much noise they can hear you in New Orleans. You let me call you Cupcake (and you actually come to it when I call you). You follow me from room to room. We've gotten to know you in the past 12 months and three days, and you have more personality than we could ever have imagined. People tell us we should show you in the mixed-breed category, but we think of you as part of the family, you're not for show.

In short, it's been a fantastic year. We love you so much, you are such a huge part of our lives. You're a pain, a burden, a love, a delight, a joy, and a nuisance. I can't live without you. You have to live another 19 years, buddy, because there's no way I will ever let you go.

And you have my promise, Cupcake-no one will ever hurt you again.

Ever.

-H.

*What? Bloggers can write monthly letters to their kids, but it's weird to write your dog?

Posted by: Everydaystranger at 08:04 AM | Comments (31) | Add Comment
Post contains 598 words, total size 4 kb.

1 Happy Pet-iversary to the cutest dog in the UK. What a fabulous year it's been for you and your people. Good thing you picked them! I wish you many more years full of fun and silly adventures, and of course, postman hating! The Princess adds: Woof! Woof! (translation: YAY!)

Posted by: caltechgirl at March 27, 2007 08:10 AM (r0kgl)

2 *What? Bloggers can write monthly letters to their kids, but it's weird to write your dog? Not. At. All. I'll bet Gorby has fans the world over.

Posted by: ilyka at March 27, 2007 08:18 AM (l/ZiE)

3 Ahh what a great post! Looks like Gorby got a great family there. Love the shot of him bounding in the snow. And the dinosaur suit he even LOOKS embarrassed!

Posted by: Elisa at March 27, 2007 10:49 AM (AlPvn)

4 Wow, look at the transformation of Gorby from the kennel shot to the last picture- world of difference!! My favorite is Gorby running thru the snow :-) Although the dinasour costume has him saying "oh mum do I have to wear this??" Happy first year!

Posted by: Angela at March 27, 2007 11:04 AM (CfX1n)

5 Dogs are wonderful creatures. All they need is to feel like they belong.

Posted by: ~Easy at March 27, 2007 11:21 AM (G5FSP)

6 I'm not a dog person, but Gorby looks like a dog I might actually pet. (That's saying a lot from me.)

Posted by: wRitErsbLock at March 27, 2007 12:29 PM (+MvHD)

7 My favorite picture is actually of you two snuggled together. It reminds me of those moments my kitty cat snuggles into my shoulder as we fall asleep together.

Posted by: Minawolf at March 27, 2007 12:44 PM (svbR5)

8 Best monthly (annual) letter ever! I love the look back through pictures. You guys love him and it's obvious that he loves you guys back.

Posted by: Michele at March 27, 2007 01:00 PM (5VGFA)

9 Too early for teary eyes!

Posted by: SaraJane at March 27, 2007 01:10 PM (t5Xsa)

10 He has learned how to smile in the last year! Yay! Our dog, Zoie, hates the doorbell, even when it rings on TV. Too funny!

Posted by: Steff at March 27, 2007 01:39 PM (uKuUC)

11 happy adoption anniversary gorby!

Posted by: geeky at March 27, 2007 01:41 PM (ziVl9)

12 What a wonderful tribute to Gorby! And as someone who lives in New Orleans, I think I can say I've heard him over here once or twice.

Posted by: kitty at March 27, 2007 01:59 PM (Zl4mu)

13 Of course you can write about your dog. They are just people with fur anyway. I can not believe it has been a year. Seems only a few months ago that you were writing about looking at dogs-now he has been with you a year. Wow-time does fly! I love all those pics, but my fave is the one where you are holding him. The joy on your face says it all for both of you.

Posted by: Teresa at March 27, 2007 02:01 PM (l1R3v)

14 what a wonderful letter! i adopted charley, a hound mix, about three years ago and he was the same way - scared, shy and very distrustful. today he's a little shit, but i can't imagine my life without him. it's good to know there are other dog people just as crazy about their adopted children as i am!

Posted by: copasetic fish at March 27, 2007 02:31 PM (P1qaC)

15 Just came across your blog and had to say what a lovely tribute to your special friend. He's a very lucky dog to have found such a loving family, but that's something every dog should have. Love the photos - he's adorable!

Posted by: Akelamalu at March 27, 2007 02:47 PM (jLsb+)

16 Oh, that's lovely. I volunteer at an animal shelter, and I like to think that every animal who goes to a new home will be as loved and happy as your dog is with you. And what a cutie he is! I just love border collies, they have so much personality.

Posted by: lizvelrene at March 27, 2007 03:21 PM (wQ8l9)

17 Awwww! Too wonderful cuteness! And it's been a YEAR already? Holy Cow! Time is taking on science fiction like proportions for me. O_o :::waves at Gorby:::

Posted by: Amber at March 27, 2007 03:31 PM (zQE5D)

18 I much prefer letters to dogs. Congrats on raising such a sweet pup!

Posted by: chrissy at March 27, 2007 04:54 PM (BJxn7)

19 We are forever responsible for what we tame... Glad Gorby seems so happy.. and you seem to be too Larry

Posted by: LarryConley at March 27, 2007 05:24 PM (il2KP)

20 What a wonderful tribute to a beautiful and obviously very happy pup! All three of my girls were rescues but Libby was the truly abused, tossed away like trash, literally ditched, little baby. I got her at 5 weeks old and she will be 1 year old at the end of April. She is still learning to trust outside the boundaries of home but a more loving pup has never existed...except for maybe yours...The picture of your little Cupcake asleep with arms full of toys is my favorite. Bravo to you and your family for allowing this pup to love you. Bravo.

Posted by: Deb at March 27, 2007 06:29 PM (0lvli)

21 I don't think it was weird at all to write Gorby a letter. Such cute pictures of him, too. Jeez, he seems to have grown! I want a puppy so bad.

Posted by: Jen(aside) at March 27, 2007 07:21 PM (NtnM5)

22 Love him! That last photo absolute melted my heart. I can't believe it's been a year already. Oh and Gorby? Hating the postman is quite cliche, you know. :-)

Posted by: donna at March 27, 2007 07:21 PM (Np8VQ)

23 Awwwww.... this has to be one of your most heartwarming posts I've read in a while. Nothing warms the heart more than a happy pet, particularly a dog because they show it well. Especially when rescued from an abusive hellhole and taken into a loving home. I'm sure Gorby would thank you for the life you've given to him, if he could find the words. Come to think of it he is already thanking you, without words. What's more, they are always happy to see you. They don't look down upon you or point out your inadequacies, they don't care how depressed you are or how worthless you feel, and they don't bitch at you. They are the perfect example of unconditional love. If you don't have it already, I suggest you look for the poem "A Dog's Prayer" (do an online search if you have to) and post it above where Gorby sleeps. Or where he eats. Or anywhere in the house. Great post, Helen.

Posted by: diamond dave at March 27, 2007 08:36 PM (jofqp)

24 I think a tribute/letter to Gorby is a fantastic idea. He's such a precious little soul, isn't he?

Posted by: Mia at March 27, 2007 08:49 PM (Dlq0g)

25 Love that dog! The photos are so cute; especially the one in the snow. Bless you for rescuing that sweet boy.

Posted by: kenju at March 27, 2007 09:00 PM (L8e9z)

26 This is my kind of entry. I love to hear how an unwanted animal who had a horrid life before was rescued and then smothered with love. My favorite thing to hear! He is such a cutie!!! That snow pic....did you use a telephoto lens or did someone get bowled over 2 seconds after that shot was taken?

Posted by: Serenity at March 27, 2007 11:37 PM (8gtvD)

27 OH and I love the before and after photos. From sad, lonely, pitiful to happy, loved and smiling. You're awesome Helen. You've made a difference in this world.

Posted by: Serenity at March 27, 2007 11:38 PM (8gtvD)

28 Happy Pet-iversary, Gorby! You picked a great set of humans to live with!! =)

Posted by: Amanda at March 28, 2007 02:26 AM (Yc9Qw)

29 Love the picture of you holding Gorby. What a sweet boy. So glad he's there for you, a tail-wagging bundle of love.

Posted by: BeachGirl at March 28, 2007 03:22 AM (2SKFM)

30 It took us nearly a year to send that jack? I will be in the corner, hanging my head in shame.

Posted by: amy t. at March 28, 2007 04:03 PM (fm3Rv)

31 That's one lucky Gorbzilla!

Posted by: Heidi at March 28, 2007 10:51 PM (h6kyW)

Hide Comments | Add Comment