Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Yes - It was all an evil plot

We fell hard for Phatman when we first spotted him as a dirty stray at Oakland Animal Services.

Big, luggy, mixy Phatman. What a mench he was. He charmed us with his warm enthusiasm and melted us all over the floor when he greeted a group of visiting autistic kids like the world's best ever amateur therapy dog. When he started getting depressed at the shelter, Tim and I took him home to let him chill out while we looked for a foster spot.



Luckily, his next stop was with Cindy. We sorta knew that when he went off to live with her "for foster" that he was home for keeps, but we tried really reeeally hard not to make it sound like one of our evil plots when we turned him over.

Okay - Cindy - I have to confess in public in front of doG and everyone, that it was a plot. This treasure of a dog had had a few near-miss adoptions but each time, he told us that he was supposed to be with somebody else. Tim and Linda and I scratched our heads to figure out who that might be and then one day, after Squeeks had been placed and you were ready for a another - voila! - it hit us. Yeesssss. Cindy. Warm, sensitive, big hearted Cindy for the warm, sensitive big-hearted Phatman. But of course. Exxxxcellent.

So Phatman went home to be * cough cough * fostered, and we stood back and smiled big each week in class as they became more and more bonded. He gooed for her and smiled at her and leaned into her in between class drills like a lovesick pup. Perrrrfect...Muahahaha.

Sadly, Cindy's husband Neil suffered a bad injury in a bike accident and wound up in the hospital for an extended stay. She found herself spending many lonely nights alone, worried about her man who'd just had the biggest scare of his life. Phatman, who had always kept vigil outside the bedroom door, decided it was time to come on in and lay down next to mom and comfort her. What a good boy.

Neil made a full recovery and walked out of the hospital with a plan. He announced (paraphrasing here) "I've been given a second lease on life. We need to travel and see the country." And so they are. They gave up their house and jobs and got themselves ready for a big cross country adventure. Cindy was nervous about asking us if we would mind if Phatman came along on their journey. Are you kidding? It's every rescuer's dream to see the dogs move on to live life large and happy.

And so off they go, to brave new adventures. We said good-bye to them on Saturday and don't really know when we'll see them again. We kissed Phatman and told him how proud we were of him, and of course his new mom Cindy got a big round of hugs. It feels so good.

Bon Voyage to this road ramblin' family! We're so happy to know that you'll be seeing the world together.

23 comments:

willeyfromtroy said...

What a fantastic and heartwarming story! Just what I needed to read on this snowy, cold and windy New England day. Happy travels Phatman and family!!

Your Circle of Change said...

I was in tears by the end! What a beautiful story!

Rescued Pittie Family said...

Made me cry too!
What a wonderful story.

Unknown said...

Can you please visit Frederick Maryland? I would love to see Phatman. He is so beautiful!!! - Katie Lacko, Frederick, MD

Two Pitties in the City said...

What a great, and well-written, story! I will be on the lookout for Phatman in case they happen to roll through our city any time soon...

J.M. said...

Will they adopt me?
Willing to share bed with Phatman.

Anonymous said...

Bwhahahahaha! We love it when a well executed plan comes together!

Fabulous job as always!

If they are in Richmond, Va let us know!
Leila & Quizz

Eliza Wee said...

yay! just the kinda evil plan one needs... good job, and yay to phatman!

Dianne said...

Yeah, if they come to DC look me up! There's even a dog friendly hotel right around the corner from me.

Maureen said...

I really need to stop sneaking a read of my favorite pit bull blogs at work. I always end up with big watery eyes at my desk. Good thing no one else is around. Sheez, I'm such a sap for a happy ending. Please keep them coming!

A gigantic congrats to Phatman and his forever family.

vchiumw said...

Sounds like Phatman found his place in the world. I love his story! You guys rock.

Julieta7 said...

Such a wonderful ending--our pit was a stray too, that started out as a foster baby but we knew she was here to stay. This Phatman and his family should be happy together forever and ever. They all deserve each other!

who wouda thunk it?? said...

kisses and hugs if they make it West Palm Beach, Fl!!

HEATHER said...

AWW! What a sweet story!

Linda said...

I just love it when evil plots have happy endings... :o)

Unknown said...

Cindy, what a beautiful story about you and Phat Man. The picture of the two of you shows so much love! I hope all four of you have a wonderful time out on the road. Be safe.

Pip said...

If only all evil plots were so snuggly!

And speaking of snuggly... look who I found while browsing the ihasahotdog site (lol dogs, for those who aren't familiar). It's a certain snuggly badrapper...

http://cheezburger.com/View.aspx?aid=3051835904

Donna said...

hmm. speaking of evil plots, that photo's been swiped from our files.

sigh. my pet peeve is peeving at me.

Diane said...

Sweet story! We enjoyed being in class with Cindy and Phatman. Wishing you happy and safe travels!

MaggieJane said...

Hopefully Phatman will write his own travel blog?

leigha said...

happy trails to the lovely family. take care of your people phatman.

Pip said...

Oh! I'm sorry, Donna. Didn't even think of that when I saw it. (I didn't put it up, just found it.) The site would probably take it down if you emailed them.

Susan Cava Ruimy said...

Ooooh...may Phatman send his good mojo to the "plot" I have for one of my frieds who will be taking a dog for foster that I just happened to make sure was exactly what they were looking for. Mojo needed Phatman and enjoy your awesome life!!!!