Our pack had dwindled by 1 in November and it was the beginning of March. The ASPCA was a mile or so down the street from my office and I had not felt the urge to look in quite a few months. This Thursday lunchtime proved differently.

As usual I went in looking for large dogs. I almost left but decided to look in the puppy room. Off to the side was a large room with this one huge dog - a great dane mix. I walked her and sat in the garden area where she practically crawled completely into my lap. She was ancient and had been sick. She had been a stray brought in with multiple issues. After about 20 minutes, I took her back in. I went home that night saying nothing to my husband. Friday I went again on lunch only to find her sick in with the vet. Over the weekend I discussed her with my husband. Monday, I went back. She was still in with the vet. I left word with the desk to call me when she was available. Tuesday they called. I went in on lunch again. Wednesday, St. Patrick’s Day, my husband, 65+ years, met me there. The shelter had a “special” on seniors taking seniors for free. My husband noticed her hips were bad and how emaciated she was. Neither one of us could stand her being left there. We adopted her right then and took her home naming her Melly.

Our cat watched her for less than 2 weeks before he decided Melly was ok. We had dear Melly for a mere 9 months before she had to leave us to cross the Rainbow Bridge. Time well spent!