Sandra Larson’s Blog

Hi, Sandra,
An unusual and, for me, wonderful thing happened today! A lovely female dog, which looks similar to Paloma & our other kids came to our door! As we live on top of a hill, this is rare.

She is such a loving girl, but when she arrived she seemed in bad shape - no collar, dirty, hungry, and full of fleas. We gave her a bath & put Advantage flea medication on her. I have some collars & leashes to donate to the needy dogs…where we got Paloma…and I picked out a cute red one with paw prints on it for her. She ate some chicken & rice with our kids for lunch, snacks, and for dinner…STEAK! I also gave her a good brushing.

We drove around, looking for her family, and posted notices at all of the nearby vets and pet stores, but when late evening rolled around, we had to face the sad truth that she had been abandoned. This happens often in our area - countryside, but no one ever comes to the top of our hill. She was very eager to jump in the car when we embarked on our search, which also made us think she was forced OUT of a car at some point.

Well, to make a long story short, everything seemed so predestined that we decided on the spot that she would now have a home…with us! It will be a bit of a financial issue, since we just adopted Paloma (who is less than thrilled about this. I am sure that eventually, all of the dogs will “find their place” and become secure & happy in their home.) Since I have been writing & illustrating the children’s book about Gus, I’ve been thinking about animal angels a lot. I decided to call her Angel.

We got a beautiful black name tag with “diamonds” on it; even though we have never “lost” a dog yet, if we should lose her, she will be returned to her family, who love her so much!

All day I was thinking about writing to you, to see if you “sent” her to me. However, it was obviously a busy day, and I didn’t get a chance until now. I thought you would enjoy the story, since you love & understand animals on a deep level.

Tomorrow, Paloma & Angel are going to see Dr. Lorrie, our vet & my friend. She’ll make sure everyone is doing ok.

Oh, there’s one more thing:

Often, only an animal’s love can make me feel better. Tonight, my bedroom door caught on a throw rug as I opened it. I whacked my face pretty hard, and got a minor bruise around my eye. As I cried with pain, Angel came to comfort me. I buried my face in her fur, & she “absorbed” my pain. What a girl!

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I’m sorry to be inundating you with emails! Our talk made me feel like a friendship is beginning to bud, and we have very common interests. Also, you inspire me & make me feel, somehow, special & unique.

Just wanted you to know that I was able to write this because I have an iPad. It allows me to write in bed, or anywhere. Right now, Angel is curled up next to me, finally secure enough to get some well needed & well deserved sleep. She is a true angel.

I have the entire text of the book written & laid out. I have illustrated 5 pages so far. I am very excited! Thanks for the Inspiration!

I’ll send a photo of Angel when I download one to my computer. Meantime, I’ll call in at 12, or slightly before, on Sunday. I have some good ideas about “rat freedom.”

Talk with you then!

Love,
Holly & the kids