Rescuing Clancey-A Lesson on Love
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Rescuing Baby Clancey
Those who believe that dogs can't talk
have never looked deep into the trusting eyes...
never learned how to interpret the body language...
never listened to the expressive barks and growls,
nor observed the "talking tail" as it wags,
sometimes high and sometimes low,
sometimes fast and sometimes slow.
But whats been missed the most of all.
Is the unconditional love given so freely.
Written by Audrey Hunt - all rights reserved 2011
As I pulled up to the address I was given during a phone conversation, I tried to picture in my mind, what the the little shih tzu puppies would look like. At the same time, a small feeling of guilt started stirring inside me. It hadn't been all that long since my 1 yr old yorkie, Buddy, had to be put down. I had a difficult time recovering from such a sad good bye to my little friend. I didn't want to be unfaithful to him.
As my thoughts suddenly snapped back to the present, I stepped out of my car, walked to the white front door and knocked. A young lady in her early 20's opened the door, and without saying a word, led me to the garage. On one side of the garage were all of these crates, stacked 3 high on top of each other. Inside each crate were an array of puppies, not all of them were shihtzus'. These poor puppies were obviously very neglected. For instance, the crates of puppies from the top crate relieve themsleves which then drops into the crate below.
As I was analyzing the situation, I heard the 20 something young lady ( I use the term loosely) murmur, "The 2 puppies in the bottom crate are shih tzus' and are brothers. Ya' wanna look at 'em?" I answered "yes, let them both out."
Love at First Sight
Two adorable tiny shih-tzu puppies were taken from the crate and set on the concrete floor before me. One went one way and one went the other, trying hard to make its way to me. We connected immediately. I gently gathered him up, wishing I could have afforded to take his brother too, and out of the house we went.
Fast-forward to the Vet.
Home and Happy
After our trip to the Veterinarian, and a bag full of medications, with another bag full of healthy dog food, we headed for Clancey's new home. He must have liked his unfamiliar surroundings, as he scampered and played, then slept like a baby. I watched over him like a mother hen, day and night.
Clancey and I have been together for 11 years. The love I feel for him is unlike any I have felt before. He has been through every challenge, heart break and trial right beside me. In so many ways, he has taught me how to love.
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Some things dogs teach us about love
Unlike most of us, a dog loves totally, completely and unconditionally. It would do us well to observe the many ways our dog does this and to appreciate them more because of it. As I have said, I learned so many lessons from Clancey about life and about love.
- Never take love for granted. Little surprises, here and there, including just "showing up" bring excitement and joy.
- Sometimes you must put anothers needs before your own. When others really need you, you must be there for them, during the tough times as well as the good.
- It's important to play a little every single day. Even if its only a short break, its good for you.
- We all have our own needs, so its important to respect each others boundries.
- Each one of us need love.
- Never abuse love and trust. Abuse is a terrible thing and both humans and canines never forget it.
- Go on a walk each day. This is one way we can respect and love our bodies.
- Its not necessary to speak out loud to communicate. It can be done through the touch and eye contact.
- And the biggest lesson on love that we learn from our wonderful dogs is - forgiveness.
~Please remember to rate my hub~
Thank you for reading and rating my hub.
More of my favorite hubs ~ Top Great Ways to Say I Love You
Have a Laugh or Two on Me ~ Gaze Green - A Beautiful Color for Heart and Soul
How the Vocal Cords Work ~ Persistence - The Keys to Success
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Awww, how sad !
He is gorgeous. The little ones need us so very much. Puppy mills should be illegal. Ninety percent of them are poorly run and the animals suffer greatly. Thank God and you that Clancy is out of there. I just love that precious face of his!
It does sound like your love has been well rewarded. Voted UP.
What a cute little fluffball. We rescued our dog from a puppy mill. No telling how many litters she had but thank God she's with us now. What a pleasure to baby and protect her now.
I have seen things like this too - I am so glad you got Clancy! I love my animals like crazy - I can tell you do too:) I love that - up and awesome and every single button!! So cute!
I voted up and beautiful because this is a beautiful story. It brought both tears and smiles. The lessons are ones that we all can benefit from in every way possible. I am so happy you shared this wonderful love story.
What a beautiful story. How precious is Clancey.
I'm a sucker for doggie tales! Your Clancey looks adorable, and what he's taught you is quite priceless! :)
Clancey gets the Academy Award for cuteness and lovableness. You are both fortunate to have each other.
Dogs are well-known for displaying unconditional love for their owners even when said owners mistreat them. Thanks, Audrey, for this interesting hub and great photos. Rated up, of course.
Deborah - I'm so glad to see you. And yes, animal neglect and abuse just enrages me. I wish I could take all of these animals. Thanks for stopping by. :)
vocalcoach,this is an amazing hub and really loved the very first line: "My name is Clancey and my mom is a vocalcoach and she loves me"! Both of you are lucky to have found each other.
I am also a proud mother of a four year old lab.I just love him like anything. He is my darling and an apple of my eye!
thank you for sharing this. voted up!
What a sweetheart Clancy is. I know what you mean about being so smitten with a pet...my four-legged daughter, Sugar Pie, is my best buddy...I love her like my grandkids! Very touching hub...good job! voted up and tweeted this.
Clancy is absolutely adorable and how could you not love a precious dog like that? I love the way that you wrote this hub and I smiled the whole time I was reading it. Rated up, awesome and beautiful.
An adorable dog, a wonderful write up by his mother and a great celebration of love together :) God Bless
Aww Audrey, that's very touching. You're so right about the unconditional love. It's not just a means of getting a treat, I feel the dog really wants to be with you, and can tell if you feel the same, or not.
I can totally relate. I lost my buudy Pran a while back (whom I wrote a hub about). Thanks for writing this.
This hub is about your little pup that is truly your little child, and like babies, all dogs and puppies respond by the love given to them directly. I wrote a hub called "Poor Puppy" recently about a dog in my neighborhood that is so ignored and the neighbors next door are the ones that really feed and water him, but he needs so much more than that. Thanks for sharing.
CMCastro - Hello. I feel so bad for the little dog in your neighborhood that is so ignored. Shame on his owners. I'm on my way to read your hub about him. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs*
Oh, I just loved this. Your love shines through. Clancy is adorable. I want another doggie. Why the Puppy mills are allowed, is a question i've asked many times. Not long ago, a semi truck was stopped, there were several dead puppies inside. He was charged. Thank you for sharing Clancy.
Oh man...I want one! I once read an article written by a veterinarian stating that animals (dogs and cats) are not capable of love or displays of affection. I immediately came to the conclusion that he was an alien and had never had a pet. Remember the pooch who lost his family in the tornadoes a few months back, and with two broken legs managed to find his way home to the family he LOVED? Look at how they take care of disabled people. I'm glad you and Clancy have each other. This was a two hankie hub...*sniff* Voted up, and across the board. "Liked", too!
Pets are a safe someone a person can depend on.;)
Tears, Tears are running. You are a good Mummy for tiny dogs and so sorry about Clancy.
What a Beautiful Story of you and "Clancy" and (so far) 11 years of Companionship...What a Treasure you both have found in one another, Lots of Love. I tear up easily as I read your Hub Audrey for I had my BIG Belgium Shepard "Brandy" also for 11 almost 12 years and oh the memories...For he's now in Dog Heaven. Thanks for sharing this Lovely story.
This is such a sweet story. I was feeling sad about your puppy's sibling, then I realized it was 11 years ago! Thanks, Vocal!!
I loved the way you used your observations of your prescious Clancy and other dogs as a love lesson for us all. Am so glad you've had him to help through the good and bad times during the past 11 years.
Thanks for the chuckle at the end of the hub with the photo titled, "Donald Trump's Dog".
Voted up across the board.
I really enjoyed your "Lessons on Love." They were all perfect- from a dog's point of view- and lessons that we should remember. Very well written hub! Voted up!
What a great story VC. Clancey is one lucky dog! Although there are many, my favorite line is "The love I feel for him is unlike any I have felt before." I totally can relate to this feeling. Have a great weekend!
Sharyn
Superheroesales - My "clancey" is my most precious gift. Thanks for reading and commenting. Good to see you here and hope to see you again real soon. :)
I loved this pice. How fortunate Clancy is to have found you. Up and beautiful.
breakfastpop - How wonderful of you to take the time to read my little story and comment. You know, of course, that you are one of my very favorite people :) I'm so happy with your rating of Up and beautiful. Thanks, my friend.
b. Malin - Oh, I am so very sorry for your loss. It must hurt like h*** not to have the familar sights, sounds, smells and feeling of oneness you had with your beautiful Brandy. When Clanceys' time comes, I don't know what I will do. Brandy will be the first to greet you when your time comes. I know that to be true with all my heart. Consider writing a hub about Brandy - I would just love it!!! Thank you, my blessed friend.
You are a very special woman and Clancy touch the hearts of many people through your story of him. You should feel really, really good. Have a great and wonderfully beautiful day.
Hi VC, what a wonderful heartwarming story, Clancy looks adorable and it sounds as though you have had a wonderful 11 years together.
Thank you for sharing.
Oh Audrey- he is the absolute cutest guy. I didn't know you were such an animal lover like me, even more to make you so special Audrey! Clancy is amazing and you are lucky to have each other. This is the best story, rated up awesome and beautiful of course....
Nice information and Clancey was so beautiful. Thanks for share with us. Have a good day! ~prasetio
Voted up very interesting
pras - I am glad you like my Clancey. I love him so very much. I am blessed to have him. I am also blessed to have you for my friend. Thank you and much happiness to you!
Dee - Your comments speak volumes about the kind of person you are.And I am honored to call you my friend. Thank you.
Thank you so much vocalcoach for your generousity of spirit in your words.
courtney - So glad to see you here. Thanks for the follow. Will be reading all your hubs!
Dee - Thank you my dear friend. You are a blessing to me!
SuzieQ - There are times when I wish I would have brought Clanceys brother home too. I always pray that someone kind and loving gave him a good home. Thank you.
Kristine - Wonderful to see you here. You have a big heart! Thanks so much.
Sharyn - What lovely comments. You must have a precious dog to be able to relate to what I have written. It is clear that you love these wonderful friends. Thank you.
Happyboomernurse - Your comments are always positive and uplifting. You are a good listener, which in my opinion, is both a gift and an art. My Clancey is like a little person with feelings. I hope that somehow he knows the joy he brings to me. thank you, dear friend. :)
Clancy is a gem and one of the prettiest shih-tzu's I've seen (some have very pronounced lower teeth! I hope you two enjoy each others love and fun for many years to come. Rated up.
Green Lotus ~
Good morning, wonderful one! I gave Clancey your message, and he has been staring in the mirror at himself every since. Trying to keep him humble isn't easy:) I, too hope for many more fun and loving years together. Love your comments...
What a sweet dog Clancey is! Adorable Hub.
Simone - Our canine friends teach us so much about life and love. Clancey has also trained me well...he is definetly the boss:) You're a jewel!
writer20 - Thank you for having such empathy for our little doggies. This world needs more people like you, my friend!
Mentalist - How right you are! I trust mine more than any person. Thanks so much.
Sylvia - I'm with you on the vet! So glad you brought up the story of the dog with broken bones that made his way back to the family he loved. You are the best. And thank you for all the good ratings too. Hugs...
always exploring - I will do some investigating on puppy mills. They ought to be outlawed! It outrages me so. Glad you liked my hub on Clancey and thanks, my friend. :)
sofs - How heart-warming your words are. They touched me to the core and made my heart melt. Thank you, my friend:)
Pamela - Good evening, my friend. I hope your day was a very special one. Thank you for enjoying my little hub on Clancey. I love him so. Writing about him reminded me that I must never take him for granted. I love all animals, but especially dogs. Hugs...
A spectacular pup and a wonderful Hub to frame him just right. Rated Up and many others.
JLPeterson - Love and appreciate your comments. Clancey is sending SugarPie a hug:) Aren't we just so blessed? Thank you for the tweet.
vocal,
I had to weigh in HEAVILY in favor of this FABULOUS tribute to one cool pooch! I love Clancey and wish my Aunt Baby could be pals with him...!
I have learned my best lessons from my furry friends...voted UP and UFABI, mar!
sonia05 - You have one of the most loving, sweet dogs on earth! And age 4 is a great age. I know just how you feel about your "baby". As I was walking Clancey today, it occurred to me that "dog" spelled backwards is "God". I must edit my hub and add that. Thanks, sonia.
drbj - How'd you like the photo I found of the dog with the donald trump come-over? :) I thought it was hilarious! My friend, thank you for all that you do for me. You always put a big smile on my face and a warmth in my heart. Appreciate you:)
Feline Prophet - Clancey really has been an example of forgiveness, love and fun. He also teaches me not to take myself to seriously. If you spell dog backwards, it becomes "God". Thank you.
Patty - Oh, thank you. It's been a joy to have this little guy in my life. Appreciate you for coming by and for the generous rating. :)
Chatkath ~ I might have known you are an animal lover too. My personal frustration is that I can't rescue them all. Animals are so innocent and dependent on their caretakers. Kath, I have a question for you which I am sending in an email...but first I must treat myself to your latest hub. Thank you, dear friend :)
I enjoyed reading your story. It reminds me of my first dog and the happy times we had together.
Realhousewife - Aren't we lucky? We love our doggies and they love us. Hard to believe that not everyone shares these kinds of feelings. I ask myself - " why does anyone have a dog if they don't feel love for their dog?"
Thanks, my beautiful friend -
coolmom2009 - Hello and thank you for being here. The memories of our animals are always with us. They remain some of the best ones, and are the best part of us as well. :)
MovieMaster - Oh, I am so glad you are an animal lover. Thanks for your kind words - I so appreciate them!
mckbirdbks - Clancey is amazing and intuitive. When I lost my son to cancer, and he caught me crying, he would actually do funny little tricks and things to cheer me up. Yes, you are so right...I have been very rewarded. Thanks.
Sinea - Oh, what a wonderful thing for you to do. Your heart is full of love. I'm so glad you read this and left your comments. Thank you. Hugs
Hyphenbird - I am so thankful for your comments, my friend. You and I are absolutely on the same page. I am researching the internet now to see how I can do something to stop these horrible puppy mills. It makes me sick. You are a treasure!
I have three rescue dogs and I couldn't agree more about what you said in your article. Mine are very precious to me. I can't imagine how people can be so cruel. It breaks my heart to hear about what some animals have to endure. Clancy won the dog lottery when you found him.
Eleven years together? Did I read that correctly? That is a very long time. What a touching story. Rated up.
Clancy has stolen my heart! This is a delightful treat of a hub. The life lessons you shared are good advice and worthy of a vote up on their own, but Clancy steals the show. Thanks to God you were able to save him.
I envy you being able to scoop him up and hold him for pictures. The love of my life, a French Mastiff named Ever, is not scoopable, but I would not trade her for anything.
Thank you for making me smile.
Thank you for sharing. What a sweet hub.
Lovely story! Your Clancy looks a little like my Toby; although, I don't think Toby is a Shih-Tzu. I certainly hope that breeder was stopped in her tracks!
Voted up and awesome! :)
Beautiful and touching story! I love pets and was drawn to the poem and your Clancy. I know the guilty feeling when you lose a pet and bring home a new one. We finally brought home a new puppy after the loss of our Nazoo 18 months ago. It was nine days after mom. When I think about my baby my eyes still well up ; but my new bundle of joy reminds me so much of him. Thanks for sharing and thumbs up!
Paradise7 Level 7 Commenter 10 months ago
He's a great little puppy and you sound so happy with him. I'm glad you rescued him and, with you, I'd like to save them ALL! No animals deserve that treatment.