Fudge by Patty

In 1993 we went home for Christmas. My sister has always had dogs but she had an extra one this year. A cute little Dachshund mix breed. Her son (4 yrs. old at he time) named her Fudge because she was black. This dog ran all over the yard playfully chasing the kids. But when I mentioned how cute she was my sister told me to take her. You see someone had dumped her off and Fudge took up residency at her house. It was obvious that someone had abused her (obviously a man too) with the way she acted towards the men in the family (scared). They all hated her. I donÆt know why to this day. She stayed in their basement and ate cat food. They hoped everyday she would run off. I asked my husband if we could take her he said absolutely not. You see we already had 2 dogs. I picked her up and I knew I had to have her. I asked my husband to hold her for minute. He did. A little later he asked me if she could be his dog. Of course I said yes. So at the end of our visit we took Fudge home with us. The 300 mile trip was just that a trip. She was terrified. She wouldnÆt walk on a leash drink water go to the bathroom; she just shook all over and crouched down terrified. I wasnÆt sure this was going to work after all. But we made it home.

My other 2 dogs treated her badly too. They didnÆt like it that I brought another dog in their home but they soon adjusted. Fudge never really did become my husband dog (she was always afraid of him) no matter how good he was to her. She soon learned that she was safe and that she would never be hurt again. She went from pauper to princess overnight sleeping in the bed with us eating premium dog food receiving more love than she knew what to do with etc. She adjusted well and quickly.

Fudge quickly became a full member of our family. My other 2 dogs were retired show dogs. But in a lot of ways Fudge was better behaved than they were. She was definitely sweeter than they are.

She was with us 7 years when she began to get sick. She had a degenerative back disease that short long dogs like the dachshund frequently get. I spent $$$$$ on her vet bills to keep her well and comfortable. Soon she was having a lot of difficulty getting around and she couldnÆt run or jump anymore. She cried if you tried to pick her up she lost control of her bowels. After several weeks of this with each day worse than the one before the day arrived when I knew I had to take her to the vet one last time. I could no longer keep her comfortable and pain free.

I picked her up and carried her to the car. Cried the entire way to the vetÆs office and stroking her and talking to her. Telling her it was going to be all right. They took us in right away. They told me there was nothing more to be done for her which I already knew. They asked me if I wanted to sign the papers I cried and said yes. They asked if I wanted to wait outside I said no! I couldnÆt leave her at a time like this. So I held her in my arms while they administered the medication. She was not trembling now. She was calm. She licked my hand before she closed her eyes for the final time. She died there in my arms on January 20 2000.

I brought her home. My husband buried her in the back yard when he came home. This is the only real home she ever knew. I made a stone for her grave. Everyone thinks IÆm crazy because I did that. I had to do it for her.

It has been a year since she passed and I still cry for her sometimes. She is still alive in my heart. I think she always will be.

She definitely deserves her own shining star!

Fudge I love you and miss you terribly. You will live in my heart forever.

Patty