Long story short . . . an awesome dog born at our home in Gallipolis nine years ago today.
Short story long (two pictures included). . . it was Easter Sunday. His mother had been dropped by her owner. The Thursday before Easter she found her way to our house, along a really busy rural route. She plopped down right outside our front door.
I eventually made my way outdoors and sat with her, once I realized she was a friendly dog. I ended up offering water and food, which she seemed to want badly. While watching her eat and drink I noticed movement in her tummy area. I then realized she was pregnant. We had storms rolling through the Ohio Valley and I couldn't stand the thought of this obviously pregnant animal having to stay out in such storms. Adam and I agreed that she would stay in our basement/garage for the night, although we were not allowed animals (that house ended up as quite the landing zone for animals, some of which came into the house for short visits.) We called her Lady since she seemed to respond to that.
By Saturday Lady was in labor. She gave birth to five stillborn pups, all of which looked to be big and healthy. We buried each one throughout the day. Lady was very distraught over the loss of her puppies. We'd carry one to their grave and she'd follow us, every so often pulling one back out. We even tried to save a couple -- yes, by breathing into their noses . . .
When it seemed Lady was finished, she still required lots of TLC, so we very willingly gave it to her. The next day she seemed better -- hopped up to greet me and gobble down food and water. She was still rather tired though. I left to go teach Sunday school but didn't stay for Easter services since Lady was back at the house and I worried for her. When I returned home she was curled up in a ball on covers and sheets. About two or three feet away from her was a dark glob. I just figured it was after effects. As I neared it I heard it squeaking. I quickly realized this rather small glob was alive. It was the runt of the liter and Lady had no interest in him.
I eventually made my way outdoors and sat with her, once I realized she was a friendly dog. I ended up offering water and food, which she seemed to want badly. While watching her eat and drink I noticed movement in her tummy area. I then realized she was pregnant. We had storms rolling through the Ohio Valley and I couldn't stand the thought of this obviously pregnant animal having to stay out in such storms. Adam and I agreed that she would stay in our basement/garage for the night, although we were not allowed animals (that house ended up as quite the landing zone for animals, some of which came into the house for short visits.) We called her Lady since she seemed to respond to that.
By Saturday Lady was in labor. She gave birth to five stillborn pups, all of which looked to be big and healthy. We buried each one throughout the day. Lady was very distraught over the loss of her puppies. We'd carry one to their grave and she'd follow us, every so often pulling one back out. We even tried to save a couple -- yes, by breathing into their noses . . .
When it seemed Lady was finished, she still required lots of TLC, so we very willingly gave it to her. The next day she seemed better -- hopped up to greet me and gobble down food and water. She was still rather tired though. I left to go teach Sunday school but didn't stay for Easter services since Lady was back at the house and I worried for her. When I returned home she was curled up in a ball on covers and sheets. About two or three feet away from her was a dark glob. I just figured it was after effects. As I neared it I heard it squeaking. I quickly realized this rather small glob was alive. It was the runt of the liter and Lady had no interest in him.
After toing and froing over names, we settled on Jimi. We had a thing for naming animals after musicians, so he's named after Jimi Hendrix. We spoiled Jimi for the first five or six weeks of his life. We coddled him like a baby and took him for walks while cradling him in our arms, and we’d shield him from the sun, which he seemed to hate back then. He was resilient little guy. :)
As mentioned earlier, we were not allowed to have animals in the house we were renting, so we had to find Jimi and Lady good and loving homes. Jimi found his way to his grandparents. His grandmother welcomed him with open and loving arms. :) Jimi is still healthy and smart and just a great dog. We're so happy his grandparents kept him!
Happy Birthday!
