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From the Husky Formerly Known as Bandit

Camp Bow Wow

Dear Malakai,

I dropped Mauii off for his first day of doggie daycare today. Not sure why because it was ver difficult for me to do that. Just as I was getting him ready, I started to cry. And when we got to Camp Bow Wow, I had to fill out new paper work for him. In the folder was the paper I had filled out for you. I started reading what I wrote that first time I brought you there and then I lost it. Right there in the lobby. I felt bad for the worker. Ended up running out of the building. Poor Mauii...I don't think that left him with a good first impression of doggie daycare.

Once I pulled myself together, I dropped Mauii off and then I headed over to where I had said good-bye to you...the animal shelter. I was thinking if I could help one of the animals find a new home that might make me feel better.

I saw this red/white female husky. 10 months old. Very sweet, little girl, with one blue and one green eye. She looked like she had been a stray. I've been doing this every week for the last four weeks. Last week there was a momma husky with her four pups. I helped the shelter find homes for all of them. This week I've choosen this little girl. Took down all her info and was ready to walk out the door, when I detoured down the kitty area.

I found this shy, Siamese mix. Only 5 months old and already had such a rough life. He was found in the engine of a pick up. By the time he was found, he had already suffered severe burns, lacerations, and other trauma. After he survived his surgeries, he developed a severe upper respiratory infection. He's been at the shelter recovering for the last 2 months now and was finally available for adoption.

He reminder me of you, all the struggles you had so early on, while looking like a feline version of Maya. So yes, I had to adopt him. Hopefully he'll fit in just fine with the rest of the crew!

Tomorrow will be 6 weeks since you've been gone. I'm still missing you terribly. I went ahead a finished planning that trip to Big Bear I had planned to take you and Maya on this winter. It's not going to be the same, but I will still try to make it an awesome trip for Maya and out little Mauii.

Love you always,
Mommy

License Renewal

Dear Malakai,

Yesterday marked three weeks since I last saw you. I also got a letter in the mail reminding me to renew your license.

Do you remember the day I put your license on your collar? I do. I remember telling you it was official. You were officially part of the family, and I think that was also the first time I ever told you how much I love you. We started off with such a rough start. But I want you to know, I was so proud that day when I first put that license on your collar. I was so happy to be your mommy.

I'm currently at work and I've spent most of my free time looking at your pictures and watching your videos and crying. Of all days to get your license renewal in the mail.

I can't tell you how terrified I was to come home from work last night. It was the first time I had left Mauii alone. Since it had only been his fifth day with us I didn't know what to expect. I sectioned off the dining room area so he would have access to the doggie door, but then I was so panicked that maybe he would try to escape out the backyard. Or if would figure how to get out from the area I secured for him and get into something he shouldn't get into. Not sure how long I'm going to be freaked out every time I have to leave any of my babies alone.

When I got home all was well. Mauii did escape the dining room area. When will I learn I can't out smart you huskies???

He was waiting for me at the top of the stairs with his tail a wagging away. Surprisingly, he didn't tear up the house. Not that I would have care so long as he was safe. Her even pooped outside, which was also surprising since I only taught him how to use the doggie door the night before. He did pee on a few things, but for having the run of the whole house it wasn't too bad.

I'm so glad I found Mauii. He really does help to ease the pain of losing you. With that said, it's also frustrating because we were finally at a place where we understood one another. Where we could enjoy our time together. It wasn't enough time. I spent so much time training you and working towards overcoming all the "issues" and just when I finally started to enjoy you, trust you, not have to discipline you all the time, you were taken away from me. And now I have to work on training another dog. When does the training end??

Sometimes I think I just don't have the strenght. At least another Wed/Thurs has come and gone. I should be all right, until next Wed/Thurs comes around. That will mark one whole month without you.

Miss and love you very much,
Mommy

The First 48

Dear Malakai,

It's been two days with the new puppy. He looks NOTHING at all like you, but could not be more like you!

First off, I can't keep him in the back seat of the truck. Everytime I exit the our doggiemobile, who do I find sitting in the driver seat? Mauii. Sound familar?

He's already escaped twice out of what I thought were secure areas and seems to be content to follow me around the house, even into the bathroom. And on his first escape, where do you think I found him? Eating all of the food out of the kitty bowl. He's enjoys eating just as much as you do and is just as much as a snuggle bug.

Took him to the dog park today. He's afraid of everything and was terrified of all the dogs in the small dog park, even though he was about 2-3 times there size. He's only 10 less than you were when I first got you, which I found shocking since he's 3 1/2 months and you were 10 months.

I don't think this little guy was abused like you were. He was either neglected or just extremely under socialized. The other thing he does that reminds me of you is how mch effort he puts into trying to get Maya to play with him. He' pretty persistant with her, unlike you, who politely would wait. You too became great friends and I hope for the same with them two.

Mauii helps to easy the pain of losing you. He is so grateful to have found refugee in our home, just like you were and is very eager to please. We started puppy class today. Mauii knows how to sit. He knows his name, and I'm also training him for our off leash hiking adventures! He's a great little guy. You would have liked him very much!

Where ever you are, have a great night, my sweet one.

And as always...

I love you!

Mommy