Saturday, December 31, 2005
Dear Heloise: My husband and I took early retirement so we would have time to devote to our hobby of growing hybrid tea roses. We moved to a subdivision on the outskirts of town and spent many hours tending to approximately 250 rosebushes. One day, when looking toward the road, my husband commented: "There goes Bill and his dog on their daily walk." I, too, looked out at the familiar scene of the dog occasionally looking back to see if Bill was still behind him. I made the comment, "If ever I'm left by myself, I would like to have a dog like that."
The following Monday night, my husband died unexpectedly. As family and friends were leaving Sunday evening, Bill's dog was lying on my deck. I tried to shoo him away with my broom, but he would not leave. He would sit up with his front paws reaching out to me. I phoned the owners, and it was agreed that Bill would pick him up the following day when he went for his walk. I asked for the dog's name and was told "Shadow."
Shadow continued his daily walks with Bill but would always return to my deck. There was no leash law in our area, nor was he kept in a pen -- he was free to roam as he pleased. Bill said he had heard that dogs could detect sadness, and he would not force Shadow to leave if I wanted him to stay. Shadow, a chow/keeshond mix, has been my guardian for more than six years. The only explanation I can offer is that my husband and God sent him to me for comfort and to keep me from being so lonely. Carolyn H., Decatur, Ala.
Dear Readers: Everyone in my office was so touched by the above story that we decided to post the picture of Shadow on my Web site, Heloise.com. Shadow is very photogenic and reminds us of Sheba, a keeshond who adopted us many years ago and is in doggie Valhalla now. She would smile for us!
Go to my Web site and click on Pet of the Week -- you'll find Shadow's picture there! Also, if you have a great or unusual pet photo that you'd like to share, send it to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000. Heloise
Dear Heloise: After pumpkin season last year, I bought a bunch of them at a discounted price from my grocer. I took out all the seeds and dried them in the oven for about an hour at 250 degrees. Now, every two or three days, I put out some pumpkin seeds for all the wild birds that stay around during the winter. They really seem to like this extra treat in between regular feedings of birdseed. Anna M., via e-mail
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate