Linda's Last Chance- Her official name

by Linda Mulligan
(Edgewater, Florida)

Thirteen years ago, after much pleading I convinced my husband that a Standard Poodle was unlike a French Poodle....the small inbred breeds. Not that there is anything wrong with them....but they are different. Our son had asthma, so we had a Lhasa Apso for his dog. She was sweet...we loved her.....but she was a "dog". Standards are not "dogs"...they are "fur-children, best friends, family". We drove across the State to find the perfect all black female....and we named her "Linda's Last Chance" Soon after getting to know "Chance" my husband wanted a male...so the breeder sold us "Chase", a large puppy who was 1/2 brother to Chance, and a year younger. I got both babies at 8 weeks.
I groom my own dogs...self taught, because I can and its very expensive with two dogs to groom...and we would enjoy the time together. I bought a big plastic picnic table and would lay a nice rug on it. I also had a huge umbrella over it so they would be shaded. Living in Florida has some perks. I would detail them the way a Mom details her child for the Easter Parade every time I groomed them. And they loved it. Not because of how they looked, but because of the love they felt being pampered...and then fussed over.
We have a motor home...and these two dogs have traveled more of the country than alot of people. From Maine to Alaska to Florida and everywhere in between. They always caused a stir where ever we went, and people would come running with their cameras to take pictures of the two beautiful poodles. Yes, I was proud of my children. But more proud of how well they were behaved. Chance we called the "Love Sponge". In 13 years there was only one person Chance backed away from, and I dont know why, but I am sure she had a good reason. Chase...hes a chow hound, and a toy player. Hes 12...but only about 2 in his mind. Hes still a puppy. When they decided to eat dinner...they would just silently get up together and go eat out of the same bowl. But Chance was really something special. She could talk to me...and I could feel what she was saying. I never felt alone....I had Chance.
Last month I had to attend a conference in Las Vegas...and I was preoccuppied with getting home to the "kids"...I just felt something ....and I called Delta and paid extra to get on a plane home earlier. Long story short...it was too late. The kennel was giving her a bath, and she just started to sit down...then she collapsed. They took her to my vet...who said she had a massive heart attack. No pain...she just went. The emptiness I feel is overwhelming. The hurt that I was not there for my "fur-child" when she died haunts me. But I would not trade any of this pain for the 13 years of laughs, solace, pride, company and just PURE love she gave not only me, but anyone she came in contact with. I love you Chance....and I believe we will be together again...in a better place, and we will never be seperated again.
Chances Mom