Sunday, December 11, 2011

A note from my mom...

Hello everyone!

Junior gave me permission to do a guest blog.  I couldn’t believe he was willing to share the spotlight, but I guess it is the giving season!

I’ve been trying to figure out how to say this since the day we got the call that changed not just Junior’s life, but our lives.  Especially mine.  Because thank you just doesn’t seem like enough. 

Before the Boxer Rescue Foundation saved Junior’s life, Junior and I were both struggling, but in different ways.  His struggles were physical, obviously, but mine were different. I was, for all intents and purposes, unemployed, relying on my parents to pay my rent and expenses, and all I had to show for it was a new master’s degree.

But then, out of nowhere, came this dog.  My boyfriend’s dog.  Junior.  I’d always known Junior, because when Brent and I first started dating, he and Junior both lived with his sister and brother-in-law (Junior’s Aunt Jamie and Uncle Bill). But in the last few months, Brent moved out, to a place where he couldn’t have Junior, and Junior stayed at his aunt and uncle’s house, where Brent and I both frequently visited.

So when we got the wonderful news that Junior was going to get his surgery, thanks to the people on the Boxer Mailing List and the Boxer Rescue Foundation, Junior and I became closer than we’d ever been.

Junior came to live with me for his rehab, partly because he needed to be away from his cousins, Rocky and Rudy, in order to properly rehab, and partly I just had this feeling.  At the time, I thought it was because it would be what was best for him.  And it was. But what I didn’t know then is that it would also be what was best for me.

Junior needed me.  For everything.  To feed him, to walk him, to love him.  It took me awhile to get used to the drool.  And the gas.  But it didn’t take long.  Because I needed him, too. I needed someone to take care of—other than myself.  A reason to believe things would turn around.  And they did. 

Junior has taught me so many things over the past 5 months.  Things I’m not sure I would have ever learned.  He has quieted my mind, softened my heart and shown me that life isn’t as complicated as I once thought it was.  That it’s not just all about me.  That things are so much simpler than they seem.

I can’t imagine coming home and not seeing his wiggly butt.  Not waking up to his jowls shaking and his collar jingling.  I can’t imagine not loving him. 

So thank you.  Thank you for saving Junior’s life—and changing mine.  We are forever grateful, and someday, hope to be able to do the same for another boxer family.    

Sincerely,
Junior’s Mom

P.S.  Junior is doing great.  He is coming up on his 8th week of rehab, and his left leg is getting stronger and stronger every day.  Here are some pics that I just have to share!!! 

Cuddling with Mama!

Looking at Mama!
Junior's jowls 

Junior posing by the Christmas tree!
Junior in "The Boneyard"

GOSH I just love him.  
Yes, I know. I've saved the best for last! 

4 comments:

  1. What a great blog! It brought me to tears. We are so happy that everything has worked out so well for you and Jr. We still miss him around here, but know how much he is loved with you and BJ:)

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  2. Wow, I agree with the Hudsons. This blog made me tear up too! We are so happy for Jr and so happy that he has you, Justine. You have been a wonderful caregiver and mommy to him. Can't wait to see you for Christmas!

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  3. What an awsome story. I also teared up while reading it. I have watched this story from Day 1 when the plea to help him came to BML and BRF. What a wonderful group of people they are.
    Hope to hear more from you and/or Junior in the future.

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  4. OK, I have tears rolling down my face! I'm so glad Junior was able to have the surgery he needed and that the 2 of you bounced back together! I too have followed Junior's story from the day his plight was brought to the attention of the BML & BRF.

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