A Heavy Heart But Happy Life

Someone once told me that we are only as happy as our least happy child. I do agree. My daughter recently went through an experience I want to share with you. Emily Rose has always struggled with allergies and asthma. We have been cautious when welcoming pets into our home. Happily, Marty, my gray and white Parti poodle has been such a blessing in so many ways, among them completely compatible with her allergies. Hopeful, we started a quest to find her a Marty of her own.

After almost a year search to find the perfect hypoallergenic pooch, she found Oliver. It was love at first sight. Oliver is a gangly, wide-eyed, oversized standard poodle with big brown eyes and huge feet. He followed her everywhere and would raise up on his two back legs and put his arms around her neck. He had no idea how big he was and would crawl up on the chair with her and snuggle into her arms. He loved his reflection in the mirror, which he thought was another friend to bark at and dance around with. Watching ER and Ollie interact together melted my heart. But, quickly, she started experiencing familiar asthma symptoms. Trips to the allergist, groomer, purchases of air purifiers, special shampoos and countless other attempts didn’t work. Weeks later and a very long story short, nothing was able to ease the tightness in her chest, shortness of breath and hives.

I have watched her tirelessly search for the perfect home for sweet Oliver. The quest has been brutal because, ultimately, it’s a decision she doesn’t want to have to make. Finally and fortunately, she found a lovely couple who recently lost their pet to cancer. Emily Rose felt comfortable they are a loving fit. But when she told me they wanted to take him home right away, she asked for one more night with her precious pup. It broke a mother’s heart. Hers, for Oliver, and mine for my daughter, who made a hard choice to do the right thing even though her heart is heavy.

I know all things happen for a reason. Oliver, this oversized 48-pound pup, was only available because he was “too large to breed”. He was destined to be a breeder dog. While she may not have been able to keep him, she removed him from his environment and he is now free to be a joyful boy in a happy home with people who will love him and raise him as part of their family. Oliver will be forever loved and we wish him a lifetime of licks and tummy rubs.

But this morning, two moms are feeling sad—one for her daughter and one for her dog. On a higher note, it’s confirmation that prayers are answered but not necessarily in the way we envision.