I Couldn't Do It

April 15, 2026

Dear Friend,

During a week of great international apprehension brought on by the erratic behavior of a mentally disturbed world leader, I decided it would be a good time so send you happy puppy news!

Right before my second dog, Keefie, died in early February, I had signed up with a small dog foster organization. By mid March, I welcomed home my first practice pup for 48 hours (see my March 14, 2026 post) and the next week, I picked up this dear little one, Lady. I introduced her in my last post, but here’s an update.

The first week she was with me, she could not keep food in. She had no interest in dry or wet dog food, so I shifted to boiled chicken and rice, which she ate. Now that my carpets have been cleaned, she’s keeping food in, thankfully.

Then she a dental treatment and had to have NINE teef extracted! Poor thing dropped two pounds in her first two weeks with me. But she’s stabilized now.

Lady has become more vocal since her March 12 arrival. When she’s waiting for me to cut up her chicken, she makes these hilarious gutteral noises and gremliny squeaks. Those noises are happening more and more as time passes, and I’ve yet to determine exactly what she hopes to elicit from me, except perhaps laughter. Well, and food. Like in this one, which happened after she ate and went for a walk.

Lady doesn’t know commands like sit or stay, and she will walk right across my path when on her leash. Definitely a trip hazard. I have to keep a close watch and tight leash on her until she learns to heel. But she loves her walks in my cute little neighborhood. And she’s such a good girl.

She’s a very special little dog, with intelligent eyes and the sweetest personality. I love her spotted ears and the shape of her dark eyes. This cuddly, soft little bunny just wants to be next to us.

Lady’s person was elderly, with dementia. Sadly, she went into hospice, and Lady was taken by a family member to the humane society. After a stay there, she came to our rescue organization. These separation experiences can be very traumatic for pets, which explains her intestinal distress.

She will make a wonderful pet for someone. Won’t she?

Lady’s Future

In the early days of my years living in Nashville, I babysat for the darling children who lived next door. One day, as I was bidding farewell to the three little girls, one of them looked at me and said exuberantly, “I wish you keepted me!”

I about died with cuteness overload. What a dear thing to express to someone!

Well, I’m sure it’s no surprise to you, but…

I couldn’t give Lady away! On April 2I, officially adopted Lady.

I KEEPTED HER!

When a foster volunteer can’t give up a dog, they call it a foster fail. But to me, keeping Lady is nothing but a success! I will foster other dogs in the future, but this sweet one is meant to be with me.

From the very start, my mom also took to her. Lady brings us life, laughter, comfort, personality and such great companionship. We are so happy she came to us.

Morning Bird Therapy

We’re finally getting real spring weather here in greater Detroit. Yesterday’s temperature was so warm in the morning—the birds were so happily chirping away.

Lady and I sat and listened for a while with the help of my Merlin bird app (Cornell Labs of Ornithology.) Thirteen different species popped up on my app, identified by their songs and calls. Maybe you can identify the Canada geese, if not the sharp squeak of house and goldfinches.

Click to see all 12 birds. The 13th one was the house sparrow, but her photograph did not fit in my screenshot. She was there though!

If you haven’t yet downloaded the app on your phone, it’s free. Especially if you like to sit outside, it will bring you so much delight. It’s thrilling to have a new or rare bird pop up on your screen, like the Savannah sparrow yesterday. More wonders to marvel at.

In what seems like an insane time in our country’s history, marveling at natural wonders is critical to maintaining sanity and staying hopeful. These birds, this pup, that glorious morning sky and temperate air, they all ground me and lift me.

May you find relief in nature’s medicinal intrusions today and in the days ahead.

With love and wonder,

Linda

and Lady