I didn't read to the Incontinental Suite last week, because I was frantically prepping for a Change of Career Party for Mark.  He has decided to say goodbye to Best Friends, and pursue his love of photography.  Hopefully before too long everyone will see how great his photography is in 'The Book'!

I was, however, at the Sanctuary on Tuesday - for a heartbreaking reason.  Miranda's placement was at Angels Overlook, and I wanted to be able to say goodbye to this gorgeous beauty.  Miranda won a lot of hearts at Best Friends - she was amazing with people, not quite so amazing with other dogs - she tended to get into scraps with them, but then didn't win at the end!  She did beautifully on sleepovers, and was always one we highlighted on the tours, because we all wanted so much for her to get a home.

Of course, we want ALL the animals here to get homes, but to be honest, some of them have stories that really inspire us to nudge, suggest, shall I say - push? a little harder.  Miranda had been adopted from Best Friends, and lived with a family for over seven years.  She had a really bad habit of eating the childrens toys, and as a result, had two separate surgeries to remove pieces of toys from her insides.  The family didn't feel they could afford any more surgeries, so they returned Miranda to us.  That is the part of the story that I know, and I'm hoping there is more to it than that, because I can think of some other solutions, rather than the one they picked.  I try very hard to not be judgemental, and sometimes I fail miserably.

What made it really hard, was to watch Miranda when we'd come in with a tour, and there were kids on the tour.  Her eyes would light up and you could see the hope in her face.  Sigh.

She contracted a staph infection, that proved resistent to antibiotics, and her organs started to shut down.  Dr. Tara - bless her heart - spent the last two nights with Miranda, so she knew she was loved and valued to the end.

Again, I hope there is more to the story than what I know, because I cringe at the lessons the children from her former family are learning.

Goodbye beautiful Miranda - thank you for letting us know and love you!