The fir tree has no choice about starting its life in the crack of a rock.... What [nourishment] it finds is often meager, and above the ground appears a twisted trunk, grown in irregular spurts, marred by dead and broken branches, and bent far to one side by the battering winds. Yet at the top ... some twigs hold their green needles year after year, giving proof that - misshapen, imperfect, scarred - the tree lives. --Harriet Arrow I’m not sure what Rasia endured during her lifetime or how she ended up in the condition she was in when we got her. What I do know is that she loved everyone and everything. For the past three weeks, up until last night, Rasia was a “young dog”. She wandered around the yard, sniffing the grass and feeling the sun. When it snowed, she ran around the path chasing Max – in and out of the house they went, never tiring. She followed us all around the house – up and down the stairs – and enthusiastically put her front paws on the kitchen counter to see if there might be a morsel or two she could snatch. She loved to eat – sometimes four, even five times a day plus cookies. Rasia amazed me and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t shocked by her rapid demise. I thought she would fatten up and we would be able to make her healthy. I made plans for her in the upcoming week – a walk in the park, a bath. I envisioned showing her off at the PRNE picnic. But I guess Rasia had other plans and needed to move on. She died peacefully last night, March 3. I’m grateful for the time I was able to spend with her. She showed me how determined the spirit can be and I hope wherever she sets her roots down next, she will live a long and glorious life. Amanda Lion

 

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Rasia came into rescue in February. Here is her original story as written by her foster mother, Amanda.

Just about two years ago, I brought a 2.75 pound, severely neglected toy poodle into my house. I had never seen anything as upsetting in my life. That is, until now.

Rasia was brought into the shelter, emaciated, severely matted with urine burns, ulcerated mammary tumors, oozing discharge from her ears and several rotting wounds on her neck. For the next 10 days, she waited in the shelter for someone to “claim” her. She was treated for her wounds, cleaned up and given lots of food, water and attention. No one showed up. PRNE was contacted and we made arrangements to get her. Originally, we thought it was going to be a hospice situation but within the first hour here I knew that Rasia was not going out without a fight. She has the most intense spirit and will to live. She eats with gusto several times a day. She sleeps soundly when she’s not following me around. She’s attentive to the other dogs in the house, playful and loves to romp in the yard. She’s gentle and kind to anyone who comes to visit. She’s even housebroken! Rasia joins in with the pack when I come home, wagging her tail and offering a rough bark and nudge as I enter the room. I know that she was cared for at one time.

How did she get into this condition? We’ll never know. Will we help her? Absolutely! Rasia is a true rescue and I have no doubt that her story will be one of hope, faith and strength.

We will continue to update as Rasia progresses along the road to health. If you can help us to help her, please consider making an Angel donation for Rasia.

Oh, and that 2.75 pound toy I was talking about? You may remember that was Tiny Tim and he’s now a thriving, 5 pound, very determined and loud bundle of strength who wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for Poodle Rescue of New England!

 

Please Be An Angel

 

Thank you to Rasia's Angels:

The Palmer Poodles
Lisa, who loves poodles
Connie Musso