‘POPS’ by Harriette Sackler
“I would have loved to see Sher’s face the evening Pops arrived at the Sanctuary. She had received a call about an elderly stray dog that had been picked up by a Good Samaritan in an adjoining country and taken to a vet’s office. Since there was available space at House with a Heart, she agreed to provide the dog with a home. Since I had already left the Sanctuary for the day, it wasn’t until later in the week that I’d meet our new resident..
The very first thing I noticed about Pops was his size. He was very large. Most likely a pit bull/mastiff mix, he was imposing and, at first, I must admit, a little scary. His skin was as tough as leather and filled with scars.. His ears had been cropped close to his head and we feared that he had been used as a fighter.What was striking was Pops’ extreme gentleness. At the risk of anthropomorphizing, which is something animal rescuers do a lot, he had a wise face, his eyes reflecting a difficult life and his contentment with a home where he could rest his weary body. Pops would have nothing to do with kennels. At first, Sher tried to house the old boy in one of the spacious kennels located on the lower level of the house. Pops would have none of that and made it known right away that he had no intention of spending any amount of time in a confined area. So, with considerable trepidation, Sher relocated him to the family room, where he reigned, like a king.. The smaller residents often joined him on his huge mattress-sized doggie bed, innately knowing that this gentle giant was no threat to them.
Pops loved to eat. As breakfast or dinner time drew near, his internal clock sounded the alarm and Pops emitted the most pitiful moans. Anyone visiting the Sanctuary for the first time would have thought the poor guy was never fed! Pops enjoyed spending time in the yard behind the house. Unfortunately, arthritis slowed his movements and restricted exercise. Over time, he suffered several strokes which affected one side of his face and made it even more difficult for him to ambulate. Sher would patiently help him go outside and maintain some mobility until the day when he could no longer move from his bed. Our beloved Pops left us with his Mama Sher cuddled next to him on his bed. He crossed over peacefully, as though he was grateful for the loving end time he had been given but was now ready to move on.”