Posted March 6, 1998

write this memorial with a heavy heart.

Fergie came to us an old lady with the spirit of an angel. Unfortunately, no one could appreciate that the way we could. I am sorry to say not even one person seriously inquired into adopting her, which never made a great deal of sense to any of us, since we've found homes for old dogs in the past. We've also found homes for blind dogs and maimed dogs and abused dogs and on and on. Why no one wanted sweet Fergie will forever be a mystery. I guess I should stop feeling surprised; after all, Fergie's "family" abandoned her in the first place.

We do have the consolation of knowing that Fergie was much loved in her foster home, although we wish she could have had a real home of her own at the end of her sweet little life. I will let Fergie's foster mother tell her story, for she knew Fergie better than anyone, and she loved her very much. It was a very dark day when it was determined that Fergie was no longer enjoying life. In fact, she was suffering. Perhaps it is a blessing that she had not been adopted. Losing her has been very hard on the people who loved her. Very hard, indeed.

Fergie was a sweet and gentle ten-year-old parti-colored female Cocker Spaniel. She remained sweet and gentle to the end, in spite of her physical problems. You see, Fergie had gone blind; she was hard of hearing, and in her last six months of life, she was not feeling well because she had cancer.

Fergie was only with her foster home a year and a half, but during that time, she enjoyed the company of all the other dogs (many of whom came and went to permanent homes, while she looked on and hoped for her turn). She indulged in lots of doggie treats, and she liked to go for walks on warm days. Fergie would relax, cat-like, on the outdoor deck, and take in all the sun rays she could get. At night, she would curl up on her favorite large round bed, right in front of the television.

One of my favorite things to do with her was to brush her coat. It was so soft. I'm not sure who enjoyed the brushing more -- Fergie or me. You could just melt into her fur. 

Fergie is badly missed by all of us, but I have to believe she is now in a much better place.