This story is about Rachael our little Maltese. She came to us 12 years ago as our first Maltese and our first rescue. She came from a back yard breeder that did the wrong thing by breeding her. She had very bad little legs and had to walk on her front elbows as her legs were not able to work properly. We saw an ad in the local newspaper for a home raised Maltese puppy. I called and they said she was sold but were going to sell the Mom as not breeding her anymore as she had been bred 3 times and only 1 puppy had survived! My daughter in law and my 2 granddaughters and I went to meet her. She was very sweet and we could see she had trouble walking. We came home and talked to my husband and he said okay we could get her.
The next day while I was at work our older son and my husband went to get her. We took her directly to the vet and her ears were sore, she needed to be spayed, she had a hernia and her legs were bad. We had her spayed and she did very well. She was able to get along by taking a few steps but it was painful. After a short period of time she could only take a couple steps to go to the bathroom so we carried her everywhere. Her legs were so bad our vet felt it would be very painful to try to fix them and since she could function it was best to let them alone.
She settled into our home with the 3 Yorkies we had at that time. Rachael was always kind and sweet and loved everyone. Our granddaughers and grandson were young and she so much loved each of them. She would try to play a little bit and enjoyed being with us. After a couple years we made her a safe bed on our recliner with the footrest up and pillows to keep her from wiggling and falling. She had that high spot where she could watch all the activity around her and be a part of things. She had a few episodes with pain in her legs and we gave her medicine to make her feel better. Our vet was totally amazed she did not have more pain and also that she was able to somehow take a few steps. He said there was not logical reason that she was mobile at all except for determination. She was loved and cared for by all of us. Her tail would wag and she would bark when she got excited.
Just last week she started to get even more frail and could not sit up very well. She was eating only broth and a small amount of meat and dog food. We could see the weakness get worse each day so we decided to take her to see her doctor and before we went we pretty much knew that it would be time to let her go. After checking her he felt we were making the right decision as she was almost 16 and her time was running out. He was afraid that soon pain would be a part of her life as well as the weakness she was already having. She was gently put to sleep with us right here with her and me holding her. I was just so sad to lose a dear friend and a little girl who was part of our family for 12 wonderful years. I pray and hope that she is able to run on those little legs now and that all her pain and weakness is gone and she is free. She introduced us to the Maltese breed and because of her wonderful personality and spirit we have rescued several more Maltese. She is now in heaven with her 3 Yorkies that she grew up with and I know they are taking care of each other. As Rachael left us she took a part of our hearts with her and in return she left us with a part of hers. I know we will remember her always and the gentle little girl she was. I look up in the sky and can almost feel her looking down on us and saying, it’s okay, I’m fine. I know you are resting in peace and with time our heartache will be replaced with memories and smiles of a wonderful little girl that came into our lives and made them much richer. As I walk past your chair I have to cry everytime as you were always there. Life isn’t always fair and you were not blessed with good legs to run and play but instead you were blessed with love and joy of being with your family. I don’t know anyone that ever met you that did not admire your determination and see the love in your eyes. Rest well little girl!
Rachael, you are forever in our hearts!| Rachael |
| Oct. 16, 2012 |
| Vicki and John Manker |