"Do you like Pina Coladas?"

Allie's story starts, as some love stories do, with an ad. Hers just happened to appear on the Joplin Humane Society Animal Adoption and Resource Center's Facebook page: 

 

July 1, 2011

"We also have three really scared little dogs that will need patience and a quiet home, Mamma is an older Pekingese, a M Papillon mix that is terrified can't tell age yet and and older schnauzer that is too scared to check his age."

I was immediately drawn to the Papillon,  a breed I'd been researching for a couple of years. A spaniel lover ever since reading Gladys Taber's Stillmeadow series in high school, I'd already said goodbye to one wonderful Cockapoo, Shani. Although I still had a 12 year old "SchnauTick" (BlueTick Hound/Schnauzer) named Rimba, and an 10 year old "CockleShel" (Cocker/Sheltie), Dulcie, I was looking ahead to find a small lap dog for my next dog.

Rimba, Dulcie, and sweet Shani.

Both Rimba and Dulcie had come from JHSAARC. Rimba was a puppy destined for euthanasia, so I brought her sweet face home. She's been a good dog, but she's a terrier. Aloof. Tenacious, and not always in a good way. I love her silly face and her big smile, but she never stole into my heart like Shani and Dulcie did. Those spaniel eyes and playful ways are impossible for me to resist! 

In my research, I found that Papillons are considered a toy spaniel. They used to be referred to as the "squirrel spaniel" because their lush, plumed tails resembled squirrels' tails. Their huge feathery ears perch on their heads like fuzzy butterflies. It was a natural for the French to call these wee dogs "Papillon"--the French word for "butterfly." With their beautiful coats, so silken to the touch the French called it "angel skin", they are gorgeous little creatures. Surprisingly, even with their fluffy coats and delicate looks, they are easy to groom and keep clean.

But I wasn't after beauty alone. I wanted my dog to be smart and adaptable, too. Papillons are loyal, playful, and smart. Border Collie smart. Sturdy little dogs,  most of the health problems they were prone to seemed manageable (if they occurred), which was a plus. Besides, who can resist a beauty whose luminous eyes look as if they've been outlined in kohl?  I was sold: a Papillon would be the perfect dog for me and my lifestyle.

I phoned the shelter, which is about 40 miles from my hometown. I was told that the Papillon was an intact male, age uncertain, and that he came from another shelter with a group of dogs. All of the ones they'd listed in the ad above needed immediate fostering, because shelter staff were worried they would die if they had to spend more time in the shelter. I made arrangements to come pick up the Papillon the next morning. 

Teaching 4-H kids how to do  canine massage.

The shelter staff were thrilled that I could take one of the dogs, as I am a massage therapist fascinated by canine massage & acupressure. Dulcie, who had turned out to be a gentle and empathic dog, received massage frequently since she was 12 weeks old. She had been fostered out when her shelter dwelling mother gave birth prematurely. Dulcie's foster parents did a fabulous job, and since Dulcie had only been back at the shelter only a few days when we found each other, she didn't suffer much trauma from her short stay.

Dulcie plays a huge role in Allie's rehab, so let me give you a quick overview of our life together before Allie's arrival. I adopted Dulcie when she was 12 weeks old; I call her my "menopause dog" because I was not looking for another dog when she came into my life. But I am very glad I took the chance with her! She has been my devoted companion and trusted sidekick since she walked in our back door. I love her like crazy. 

In obedience class, everyone knew Dulcie was there because she never stopped wagging her tail. She was the loudest dog ever in a down stay! With her sweet disposition and calm manner, she earned her CGC and was soon visiting at nursing homes. Then we became registered with the Delta Society as a Pet Partners team. (http://deltasociety.org/) 

In a year, Dulcie and I had also become a R.E.A.D. Team (http://www.therapyanimals.org/R.E.A.D.html for more info) and were volunteering at a local school once a week. She and I can still quote "Too Many Dogs" in our sleep. : )  (I estimated in our 4 years with the kids, we read it over 2,000 times.)

Dulcie and I read with kids at the library, too.

Dulcie has been retired from therapy work now for 5 years and enjoys chasing flies, barking at cats, and hamming it up for the camera. Not to mention teaching Allie all the ins and outs of being a happier dog, a task that we soon found would take patience, love, and a generous dose of laughter.