Our first Vice President, Harriette Sackler, is an incredibly compassionate and kind woman who has been a part of our HWAH Family since the very beginning. She is also an amazing author and has written many stories of our residents over the years and we would love to share them with you…
‘Remembering Little Elkton’ by Harriette Sackler
“It was our intent to joyously report to you about a very special little guy who recently entered our lives. Elkton, a tiny white poodle came to us from the Caroline County Humane Society and had a immediate impact on everyone who met him. The minute he arrived at the Sanctuary, we all knew we were in the presence of a one-in-a-million being.
How can one accurately describe love at first sight? Instant joy? An overwhelming feeling of happiness? Laughter? Or just a feeling deep in your heart that you’ve been given a blessed opportunity to provide love and warmth? We felt all of the above the minute we set our eyes on this little dog. With his adorable puppy cut that made him look like a teeny little schnauzer, his stylish sweater, and big bottomless brown eyes, he dared us not to love him.
We immediately arranged for Elkton to meet our veterinarian so we could tend to any health issues he might have. Elkton was diagnosed with diabetes and since he suffered from ketosis, a life-threatening result of his untreated condition, he remained at the clinic to begin immediate treatment. The following day he was already responding positively to IV fluids and insulin and we gave a sigh of relief. Mama Harriette visited him twice during the day and reported back that both the docs and techs at the clinic had fallen in love with our Elkton and were taking turns holding and cuddling him. We couldn’t wait to have him back at the Sanctuary.
Then the phone call came. While Elkton was being settled in for the night, he turned onto his back, put his little paws in the air, and died. He was given CPR to no avail. Either from a stroke, blood clot, or pulmonary embolism, our little boy was gone. Elkton’s life and death have had a profound effect on us. Disbelief. Endless tears. A deep sense of loss. A heartbreaking regret that we wouldn’t have that special boy with us.
But, one thing we do know. Elkton will never be forgotten. He will always have a place in our hearts. May he romp through the fields of Heaven forever.”