HONEST FRIENDS

KIKI MAUS IS BY THE COLORFUL RAINBOW BRIDGE

 Today at 12.53 we lost beautiful soul. Kiki Maus  RIP

I was never scared of adopting a senior dog, quite the opposite. I saw so much more coming out of it. The maturity, calmness and peacefulness of an older dog, I found so appealing.

Kiki was a hospice client at my foundation Animals Without Limits. When she came to us, it was love at the first sight, we all loved that dog with the longest ears and legs. She was fast on those legs when she put her nose down to the ground and ran in circles in the garden. Kiki was 14 years old when she arrived, and had been on a short chain most of those years. She was an Italian Hound dog, with a long, slim nose and a long, seal-like neck. One day at the hospice a terrible accident had happened with her, and I couldn’t forgive myself. I rushed her to Dr. Damiani’s office where a long surgery had to be conducted immediately. I whispered in Kiki’s ear that when she survived, she would come home to me.

Four years of friendship and love she gave to me, this amazing girl. With the strongest heart and an attitude as being Margret Thatcher, she gracefully mingled around my other dogs. Kind and gentle to all, and all respected and seemed to love her dearly. Our Kiki Maus.

Some say it’s a short time to adopt a senior dog. For us the quality time was long, that is why it was easier to let her go.
Would I turn down a friendship because I know we wouldn’t see each other forever? Traveling and living 4 years here and some years there, would I turn down a new friendship since I know I won’t live there forever?
Memories and time are equal with the love that comes out of everyone’s heart. If you don’t dare to love and invest, so scared to lose and be sad, then you are afraid for your own love.

Kiki my wise woman, I thank you for these beautiful 4 years, you are my light and my wisdom. Go in peace and tell them across the Rainbow Bridge, that we are doing our best to be able to love as much as you do.

The power of unconditional love.

When my wonderful veterinarian Dr. Martina came, you hadn’t been up on your legs since last night. With your wise eyes you looked at us, wagged your tail and lifted your leg for a last belly rub. I cried and smiled at the same time, I hugged you, I kissed you and told you to run quickly over to the other side. Go now!

I could feel your joy, and excitement to be totally free. At 12.53 this afternoon, your heart stopped, but my heart will forever go on for you, my Kiki Maus. I love you so.

Shiloh spent the last weeks sleeping together with Kiki, seemingly guarding her and making sure she was okay through the nights. This afternoon Shiloh has been guarding her from the pack. She growls, she jumps out at the other dogs to stay away. She doesn’t want anything to happen to her friend. And, as she had done when our dear Labrador “Ranger” died tragically in 2007, she lovingly pushed the blanket around Kiki with her nose, as if tucking her in for her body’s long slumber.

That’s Amore!

Mia Mattsson-Mercer (c) 2013

Don't Fight Over Small Things

Friendship and Morale

A couple of days ago, I ran into a woman that I have met in different places here in Italy. She is from Norway, and just had her first child. Being away from home and help can be difficult in many ways.

She looked thin and pale, so I asked how everything was going with her and their new daughter. She was nearly in tears when she told me how tired and alone she felt, her husband did as much as possible, but he worked full time, and many times you need help and advice from another female.

I asked her if she didn't have any friends here that could help her or visit and have a cup of coffee. Just to have an adult conversation can boost anybody's mood.

Her tears rolled down her check. "First they said I had to call them, they didn't want to bother me now when I had a newborn. A couple of days later I called and invited them over for coffee, to come over and chat a little, but no one has returned my call."

It is hard to be away from home, your country, family and friends, it is darned hard. I dislike people who say they will help and then never return a call or just check in. I think it would be much better for them to not say anything at all. At least it would not give anyone any hope of support and friendship.

Now this time when we had our second child, I was more prepared for people's "oh I will help you".

I smiled and remembered what my "Bosnian mother" once told me; "Let people show their friendship instead of believing their words."

"Mom", that's Amore! You have showed me loyal friendship and love for eight years now.

I remember one "friend" who had a big party in December this year, and her excuse for not inviting me and my family was; "well you are busy now taking care of a new baby so I didn't think you would have time to come."

"Assumption or fact?" I asked her.

So when people ask me why more people are not helping animals, or children, I can just look at this story and sadly say; "If we don't support each other, how can we support those on the outside?"

This is not Amore!