One day in March of 2005

It was a rainy, cold March day in the wee hours of the morning when I heard a very strange sounding bark. I mean STRANGE...deep voice and irregular rhythm to it. It was around 4 in the morning, so I got up to see what in the world..I was not familiar with any dog in the neighborhood that sounded like THAT! Before me, in front of the door, stood a starving, cold "little black dog"...about a medium size in height. MMMm..wonder where "it" came from????? I raised the garage, feed "it" (but soon looked to find out it was a girl) and gave her a bed to sleep on. Could deal with her in the morning...but at least for now, she was fed, protected, and warm.
Fast forward to the next day. Looking at this poor little creature, I saw that she was missing hair and was very "itchy"...took her to Dr. Beam that afternoon and found out that she had mange. YUK! She had to spend time away from Angel and Maddie bec of the mange...it's very contagious.
Over time, I learned where she came from (a rental neighbor had her, but they were arrested for crack, so she was left in the backyard), and more about her personality..or lack there of. She was just the sweetest dog ever. Never chased or messed with the cats, got along great with Angel and Maddie...but I really needed to find her a home. THAT never happened. For whatever reason, noone wanted her. She just didn't have much personality. Quiet and kept to herself.
Now 6 years later, she is in heart failure. Her breathing is labored and in an effort to buy her a little more time, Dr. Beam gave her two shots to help with her breathing. He doesn't think they will help, but that's all we can do about it.
I began by calling her "little black dog" because I thought if I named her, I would get too attached if I found her a home. Her home was to be here, so I called her "Beau"..French for beautiful.
I don't know what it is about me, but I want to help little orphaned animals. My kids have never understood that, and really don't even like animals..well, Stephen does, but Emily would rather not have them. Maybe it's because they just love you no matter what. Their love is unconditional. It doesn't rest on what you buy them or do for them, they still love you AND appreciate you.
We will know in less that 24 hours whether the shots will help. If they help, then we will give her medicine to take daily. Doc says it will only last about a month, but that's fine...I need a little time to process this. I know for some, that sounds really stupid, but it IS how I feel. It's sad. It's so hard to let them go, but there comes a time when you just have to do what's right for them, irregardless of my feelings. That time is fast approaching with Beau...whether it's tomorrow, or next month, it is surely eminent.
Lil Beau, you are one strange dog, but I still love you and will miss you terribly. At least I gave you a few good years...