It was horrible, beyond horrible.  The word “devastated” gets tossed around, but this time it was apt.  Heartbroken, inconsolable, the sobbing was so out of control, day after day, I was prescribed Klonopin just to tame my emotions enough to get through the days in bed.  My grief, the weighty sadness felt more than I could bear.  We are told time heals all wounds, but we walking wounded know that’s a lie.

The Best Friends Animal Society is a wonderful organization committed to helping animals in need, so I’ve been committed to supporting them the best I can.  In return, they’ve gone above and beyond to support me.  They don’t just treat me like a donor, they treat me like a friend.  Danielle Mazandi is always taking me out for pancakes, and she helped me grieve the loss of Dr. Waffles’, including helping me sell my clothes, shoes and jewelry to raise money for them in his honor.  When I told her what happened to my puppy Johnny Cash, she jumped on a train and arrived at our apartment, coming into my bedroom loaded with pastries, caring and support.  I was too sad to eat a pastry (if you know me, that should elicit a sad gasp), but her warmth and words nourished me even sweeter.  Seeing the pain of my loss, knowing how big the hole was in my heart and in my life, Danielle and the wonderful network at Best Friends went about finding me a young dog to help me heal.

It’s not easy.  I’m allergic so I can’t pet, much less sleep alongside most dogs.  In the middle of my terrible, thorny grief, Danielle texted me a photo of a young dog in a shelter in Las Vegas.  Apparently his owner was arrested and he/she neglected to get their pup back when released from jail.  Would I like to rescue this baby?  Still in the throes of mourning, it was a little overwhelming, but could Best Friends be delivering the best answer to my impossible prayer?  Best Friends takes such great care of their donors.  Knowing I’m allergic, they sent me some of the little guy’s fur and a collar.  When it arrived by FedEx I put it inside a surgical mask and wore it for a few hours.  I could still breathe.  Would this homeless little guy give breath into the lump I’d become, give me life like a modern-day Adam?  A HUGE thanks to Best Friends’ Michelle Logan and Danielle, for really caring for and about me; the puppy’s foster mother, Terran, who updated me with photos and videos, and got the boy used to being super snuggled; Daryl Sprague and the folks the Animal Foundation, the shelter in Las Vegas; and a big shout-out to Audrey – a Best Friends employee who has volunteered to bring the 4-month-old puppy with her on a trip from Las Vegas to Newark – this beautiful boy should be here late this Saturday night.

Terran and Danielle send me photos and video, and I’ve been buying the toys and food I’ve heard he likes.  I’ve already got more plush beds and toys than any dog could want, not to mention tees and hoodies with his name on them.  His name, btw, is Mr. Famous.

Thanks to Danielle, Best Friends, and Providence, I think I have hit the jackpot.  I don’t know what breed(s) he is yet, but Best Friends did a DNA test so I will know his background soon.  But from one adoptee to another, I can tell him I don’t care.  I’m just so grateful that we’ve been given this chance to be a family.  I’m going to curl up next to him and say, “Little boy, are you missing someone?  I’m missing someone too.  What do you say we rescue each other together?”