TO JULIE-ANNE / LIZZIE

[Guest guest]

Dear -Anne,

This is one of the hardest things I've had to write, but not totally enexpected. I spoke to my Apt. Manager this morning about the Pet deposit for Lizzie. It seems that there has been a change in policy since I spoke to them a few months ago about being able to pay the pet deposit in installments. The Apt. complex is under a new Management Company, and the pet deposit has to be paid in full before You can have a pet. The same people work in the office....so I didn't realize there had been any changes.

I was also reminded that My lease is up for renewal in a couple of months.....and there is going to be an increase in my monthly rent. So there is just no way I will be able to take Lizzie, as I am on a fixed income.(SSD).

And really .....the more I think about it without stars in my eyes.....I realize that I would not be able to give Lizzie as good a life as she now has with you.....I do not have a yard for her to play in.....I would have to take her out on a leash when she needed to go out, and although I have been doing well lately, I know that I would not always be up to it.

This was brought home to me just yesterday when I poked my head outside on my patio, and the heat and humidity hit me and I almost passed out!......Then there is the fact that living with Lupus we never know when `The Wolf ' is going to take a bite out of us unexpectedly.......Just a few months ago, I went to my doctor because of swollen ,and painful feet and a tight feeling in my chest ......and wound up in the Hospital for 3 days while they ran all kinds of tests.....they thought I was having a heart attack! It turns out that I was fine, but the point is that If I had had a dog, it would have been alone for 3 days.

I don't have anyone to help me with a dog, and I would not take Lizzie unless I was absolutely positive that I could give her a good life. I know how much you love her and would worry about her......you saved this puppie's life and rocked her and sang to her when she was so terribly ill........and I know how much of a sacrifice it would be to give her to me.

You are a Dear Lady with a big heart to even offer to let me have her, and the trouble it would be to get her to me all the way across Texas via your pet rescue friends is truly amazing! Yet you would be willing to do it just to make a lonely old lady happy. I am truly touched by your generosity and love for a fellow human being, whom you have not even met.

So, -Anne, give Lizzie a hug and a kiss from me and tell her of an old lady who loves her enough to say, "stay where you are Lizzie, where you are safe and loved and have a good life."

I just have to accept the fact that as long as I live by myself .....I will have to remain dogless.....so next time all, `MY FELLOW LUPIES', you catch me whining about how much I want a dog, remind me of this time.