In the fall of 2006, Small Paws Rescue saved four little Shih Tzus who were living outside, with no shelter,
in a puppy mill in Talala OK.
Three of the four soon found their forever homes. The foster mom of the fourth, 8-year-old Franklin, commented: “We groomed little fat Franklin today and it was truly an experience. He can make the most awful noises! Thank heavens he only has six teeth in his head but still … we might be able to raise some funds for the rescue if we sold tapes of his grumpy growling for monster movies.”
Franklin was as grumpy as he was adorable, so his foster mom worried, who would adopt him? Who would look past the growly butt to see the cuddly boy
who longed to be loved?
A wonderful man did just that. Don met Franklin at an adoption event at the Greenfield Petco and something about this 12-lb. ball of cantankerous touched his heart. And on Easter Sunday 2007, Franklin began his new life, even though Don had some dismay that the little fellow was dressed up in a pink bunny suit! (And we wondered why Franklin had an attitude??)
After 8 years of misery in a puppy mill, Franklin enjoyed 7 more years of the life he always should have had, as a cherished family member.
Today Franklin crossed the Rainbow Bridge, leaving behind Don, his awesome dad; Jessica, who he loyally followed around (and didn’t bite!), Val his talented groomer, and his doggie brothers.
You were very much wanted, Franklin,
and dearly loved and missed.
Seven years in our lives and forever in our hearts,
| Franklin |
| 13, Mar 2013 |
| Don Berger |