De De

To my friends at the Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue, I have been wanting to write for a very long time, and I apologize it has taken me so long. On August 6th, 2005, I adopted my beautiful beagle mix, and forever my life will be changed. Her name was Dede, however, I changed it to Sandy because my sister-in-law is also Dede and I didn't want anyone to be confused. Sandy is the world to me. She is such a wonderful dog and I never would have imagined that I could love her so much. One thing that I couldn't share the day of the adoption event is that my dad had passed away three months earlier. I had cared for him in my home for two years and after he passed, my house was very lonely. Of course, Sandy cannot replace my dad, but she has filled a void in my heart that I never knew was there. We had our share of struggles in the beginning. Heartworms, separation anxiety, obedience training and her extreme timidness. We've both come a long way over the past 10 months. She is still very timid around most people but I'm hoping that will continue to get better. I fenced in my yard and she loves to play outside. She chases lizards (and sometimes catches them, yuck!) and she dreams of getting a bunny or squirrel some day. I don't really see that happening but I haven't told her. We've been kicking around the idea of a little companion for her. Hopefully we will get to another adoption event soon. I'm just not sure with her personality if she is better as an only dog or if a companion would make her a little more confident. And whether she would do best with another female, a male, an older dog, a puppy or just what. I also wondered if it might be best for me to foster a dog first to see how they get along. If you have any thoughts based on prior experience, I welcome your feedback. The real reason that I wanted to write is that I know that people in volunteer positions such as yours are underappreciate and overworked. I want you to know that I am eternally grateful for the work you are doing and that you didn't give up on little Dede. She has made me a better person. (I know that sounds a little extreme, but it is true.) So thank you, Cindy, Jack and the lady who houses the beagles, (I'm sorry that I cannot remember your name right now,) and all of the other volunteers. I have tried attaching a picture (which doesn't do her justice) but I'm not sure if it will work. I just wanted you to know that this little gal, who you rescued from Georgia with a sad history and little hope in the world, is now spoiled rotten, has more toys than most kids, sleeps on a big comfy bed every night, has her own fenced in yard and eats the best dog food on the market. AND BOTH OF US ARE VERY HAPPY!!!!!! Sincerely, Amy Martin and Sandy