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In a previous December I encouraged you, dear reader, to buy American for Christmas. Another year I was more specific, hoping you would keep your purchasing power within Caroline County. This year, I seek to discourage you from a purchase all together.
Has it been about two years since that 15 pounds of white fur came to live here? I suppose she is around eight years old at this point, at least. She didn’t exactly show up with a birth certificate, just a fancy name. “Honor Candy”. Sounds like the name of a horse running in the third race at Harrington, or some well-groomed show poodle. By no means did the person who named her treat her like a princess. It took well over a year for her feet to fade from yellow-brown to white. Use your imagination to figure out how they got that way. House training was a drawn-out process; I’m not trying to shock you, but it’s true: it took months to keep her from eating her own feces.
Chewing was a chore, as many of her teeth had fallen out on their own and others were just dangling. Our vet pulled most of what was left, which gives her an unusual smirk on her face. I learned that a dog used only to create puppies (especially one not well fed) will lose their teeth as her babies get so much of her calcium supply.
Who did this to her? I’d guess it was a man, since she still cowers when I get nearby. Then again, she doesn’t do much better when a woman gets close. She has begun to loosen up a bit, even becoming playful at times, but I wonder if life will ever be normal for the dog we renamed Faith.
I think often of her offspring. I suppose they brought in thousands of dollars and went to happy homes all around the area. I wonder if those doggy-parents ever think of “Honor Candy.” What did they think her life was like?
It’s December, and that means some of you are thinking of bringing a puppy home. Our little Cavachon is done cranking them out, but somewhere out there other dear-hearted dogs are trapped. They are treated like dirt. Why would you want to be part of that? I’m all for bringing a pet into a loving home; visit your nearest animal shelter. Adopt. Do it, for Faith, will you?
