When a White German Shepherd called Sailor came to me in February of 2012, I knew that he was a very special spirit. His background was unspeakable. In October of 2011, Sailor was found on a woman’s front porch in San Diego, close to death. He apparently had been out and on his own for months. The animal shelter picked him up and, deciding that he was too close to death to help, called Maria Dales, Director of GSROC, and asked if she could possibly help. GSROC picked Sailor up and transferred him to Dr. Donald Earl at Lido Animal Hospital. Dr. Earl gently told Maria that it would be a very long road back to health.
Five months later, GSROC entrusted this precious white German Shepherd to me. His beautiful white hair had grown back, his body weight neared normal, and his back legs were growing stronger. He could hear loud noises, and approximately seventy-five percent of his vision had returned. After all he had been through, Sailor was full of quiet happiness – he had a “brother dog” named Chuckie and several “brother/sister kitties.” He accepted his expanded family beautifully. Sailor was a precious and absolute blessing to me. I was so thankful that Maria Dales, Director of GSROC, had said “Yes!”
Sailor did not live up to his name – he did not like water! When sprinklers came on during his walk, he skirted the wet area like it was
poison. He did not like the rain and carefully stepped over each puddle!
He loved his bed, which was always spread out in the living room, and did not care to go out on the patio, even on a warm sunny day. The only exception was when I ran the “dreaded vacuum." Even then I had to take his bed to the patio for the few minutes he was there.
Sailor also kept his “selected toys” on his bed. He picked out a green horse, a red dog, and a monkey from Chuckie’s toy pile. These were, coincidently (?) toys that I received in a raffle basket that I won at a GSROC function. He also treasured an apple that he got on his first visit to Dr. David Gordon and Susan Davis, pet nutritionist, after being released from Dr. Earle.
Sailor liked his walks outside with his brother Chuckie. Often, my wonderful neighbor and friend, Laurie, went with us. When we returned to my front door, before going in, Sailor would turn all the way around, go over to Laurie, and kiss her. He performed this ritual each and every evening. He made her day.
Sailor had numerous “jobs.” My black Persian kitty, Mokie, thought that Sailor was a “mom.” Mokie would find Sailor and hold his face up to be washed. He would not retreat until Sailor washed his face thoroughly, including his ears. Sailor also had to “orient” a new kitty, Baby Billy, who arrived, desperately needing a home. Sailor decided that Billy’s daily routine should include a bath! Billy learned quickly to relent and let Sailor get that bath checked off his list for the day! Sailor’s largest job, however, was bonding with Annie. Annie is a partly feral cat who has her own room and is still working on trust. Annie left her room to be out with Sailor in the early morning when the other kitties and Chuckie were sleeping. It didn’t take Annie long to trust this “gentle giant” who had come into her house. Sailor and Annie spent many quiet, peaceful early morning hours together. Annie now sits alone quietly in the morning where she always sat with him.
Sailor was an older soul … he had a calcified disk in his back and arthritis. We used a supportive harness to help. However, our walks got shorter as his back legs grew weaker. In spite of Dr. Gordon’s and Susan Davis’ best efforts, Sailor finally could not stand. Dr. Annie Forslund came to the house on January 14 and let Sailor leave this world where he was most happy – in the living room on his bed. Dr. Forslund was wonderful – gentle, quiet, and loving. Sailor never had an anxious moment.
Sailor’s toys are resting on his bed, as they were, untouched, hoping that his beautiful, spirit may visit. I am grateful for every moment I had with him. His beautiful soul has been, and will always be, a shining light in my life. I will continue to quietly return that love to him every day.
Dr Annie, I want to thank you so much for taking care of Sailor yesterday. I have not met such a gentle, loving, and caring person. You create such a quiet atmosphere -- no anxiety. I so appreciate the time you took with him. I could not have asked for more. I am passing your name along and the genuinely wonderful job you did wherever I can. You made an extremely difficult time much, much easier. Bless you always...
Marcia Leong
Mission Viejo