In April 2008, Mary sent me a picture of a little dog owned by her friend Fran who was dying of cancer. Franklin stole my heart the moment I saw him, and I so wanted his new home to be with me. The refrain from Kenny Chesney’s popular song says it best:
You had me from hello
I felt love start to grow
The moment that I looked into your eyes you won me
It was over from the start you completely stole my heart
And now you won’t let go
I never even had a chance you know
You had me from hello
Franklin became part of a trio of little old rescued train wrecks we affectionately called the Medicaid Mafia” … foster dogs through New Beginnings Shih Tzu & Friends Rescue who were adopted on May 4, 2008 by John as our engagement gift. They had him from ‘hello’ too.
Sweet Franklin, your stay with us was too short, and you were taken from us too soon. We know you are now reunited with your mom Fran who loved you, and with your buddy Phoenix of the Medicaid Mafia, whose eyes you loved to lick. We so miss your happy-go-lucky walk, your bark which sounded like a beagle’s howl, that ridiculous tongue, and especially your sweet, laid-back loving disposition.
You truly did have me from ‘hello.’