Candy

	Candy joined us on September 7, 2004. Her owner was going into long term hospital care and no one in her family would take 13-year-old Candy. She took her to our vet's office to have her euthanized rather than go to a shelter. Dr. Costa took one look at the chubby girl with so much spirit and knew it wasn't her time to go so she asked if they could try to find a home... gave us a call. Of course we would take her -- It had been a year since Santo made his journey to the Bridge. He had come from the same vet when his owners took him in to be put down for barking too much. When will people ever learn that these old guys and gals have so much character and value?



		She discovered there were a couple of other girls with minds of their own who had to be won over. Not that Candy spent much time trying to make friends. With her cranky old lady attitude, she quickly made it clear who had taken over. Fortunately Zoey feels safe as long as she's in her bed and Rosie the Peke is too deaf to hear the growls. Bottom line... no one is scared of anyone and they all get along well... as long as the food bowls are respected. Don't stand between any of these girls and their food dishes.

When we first got Candy she weighed a whopping 26.6 pounds! Her poor little legs just couldn't support that kind of weight so her diet started that night.		She's absolutely no trouble and has fit in well with the group. We think she's happy -- you can tell by the smile on her face.
One Month Later... Three Pounds Lighter!

In just a little over a month, Candy lost three pounds and the change has been amazing. She gets around easier, although her little legs are still a little wobbly. She breathes more easily and is a lot more comfortable when we pick her up to carry her upstairs.
Down a Total of Five Pounds!

As I posted this, I read the previous entry and realized that I had forgotten how hard Candy used to pant when we got her. We forgot because she doesn't pant at all any more. Whether dressing in her jelly bean scarf for Halloween or relaxing in her bed, Candy has really become a most treasured member of the family. Thank you, Dr. Nancy... for knowing that she wasn't ready to go and for letting us have the chance to share the rest of her life.

		Candy made her journey to Rainbow Bridge on July 7, just ten months after she came to live with us. Although she was 14, we weren't ready for her to leave. I don't think we ever would have been. Run young and free, Candy... no more arthritis, no more pain, and as many cookies as you want. You will be missed and you will be remembered with love.