We prepared for a puppy, but didn't know that there had been a fire in the building next to the shelter the night before we arrived. In an attempt to save the animals, they were quickly pulled out of cages & crammed into nearby cars. Imagine the noise, smoke smell, confusion, and high emotions. All the animals were saved, but traumatized.
I was 12, and the puppy was to be mine - I had my eye on a big, bouncing black & white sheep-dog type. My Mom took me aside, and with tears in her eyes pointed out a little brown puppy huddled in the back of the cage, saying "She needs us." For a moment I thought I was going to get TWO puppies! <Chuckle>
It turned out Mom was right - Cinnamon needed lots of love and security all her life, and got it in our family. She had also apparently been abused by a man or men, and the only 2 she would ever allow near her were my Dad & Grandpa, who both doted on her. I'm convinced she was meant to be ours. We honored her memory by doing it all over again with Maggie - but that's another story!
Atlanta, GA
