Project Description
I first met Violet in 2014 when she came to our former spay and neuter clinic. I had been working with HOPE since 2012. I worked at the clinic and served as a dog foster. Violet was about 2 years old at the time.
Shortly after, she became a HOPE dog. I was her foster.
Violet stayed with us for 2 weeks before a family came along to adopt her. She went to a home with 3 young boys and plenty of couch room!
She lived with her adoptive family for about 15 months. Then family health circumstances became such that they were no longer able to give her the time and attention needed. Violet was surrendered back to us. Unfortunately, before that day arrived, she was injured, and her leg was broken. I volunteered to foster her while she healed.
It was a long 8-week process in the middle of a snowbound winter. I remember my husband or I having to wrap her leg in plastic and climb through deep snow whenever she had to go out. Of course, it was worth it when she healed completely.
At the time we had two 12 yr. old dogs who were bonded litter mates. During the time Violet was with us one of them passed away. The remaining dog was despondent and lonely. We decided to adopt Violet to provide some companionship for Max and to fill the void in the family.
For the next 6 years Violet was family. As we continued to foster dogs back to health, dog sit former fosters, and add to our fur family, Violet adapted to it all. She loved the companionship of the other dogs.
Violet loved many things but her favorite activities were rolling in the grass, hiking, and napping wherever she could find a place.
Did I mention she could destroy a new toy in less than 60 seconds?
Shortly after Violet’s 8th birthday we began to see signs of behavior changes. She had always barked at the window and people coming to the door. But it seemed to get more intense. Violet became non-compliant when she was asked to do routine things such as go outside at bedtime. She started stealing food off plates and the counter. The day came when she bit my daughter and a few weeks later, me.
We knew something was not right and consulted our vet. She suspected it may be an idiopathic reason which could not be determined. Even if it could we could never be 100% sure of her not biting someone else. We made the agonizing decision to put her to sleep.
I felt like I had failed her in some way, despite knowing we made the best decision we could. Then I looked back at the 6 wonderful years we had her and provided her with a good life. Of course, she enriched our lives as well. Much love and companionship grew between her and my family and I try to hold those memories close.
We miss her but know she is safe and happy on the other side of the rainbow bridge
Violet, our journey together was worth it all.
Kathy McPherson