Linda has a special place in her heart for the animals in need. A proud volunteer for Small Paws® Rescue, the largest breed rescue in the country for Bichons and Bichon mixes, Linda fostered a beautiful boy while living in Illinois more than 12 years ago. The gig involved living with and learning about the little white fluffball for a couple of weeks, writing about him for the rescue’s website, and talking to potential adopters about him. “He was my second foster, and I adopted him before I talked to anyone,” Linda shares. She was smitten.

 

The 18-month-old fellow came with the name Nugget, but Linda and a friend decided he looked more like Petey. Petey lived a long and charmed life, passing away peacefully in his momma’s arms at the age of 13. “He was a perfect companion,” Linda notes. “He was adorable, happy, and the most delightful dog.”

 

Petey loved attention, neighborhood walks, and traveling—his favorite thing in life, Linda comments. He would travel by plane but preferred road trips, and he vacationed across the country and at his family’s lake house in Michigan. “He adored paddleboat rides, running laps outdoors, and sitting on the dock in my arms,” says Linda, who reveals that Petey was quite spoiled, claiming furniture and beds for himself, snacking on treats, and embracing everyone who would pet him. The cuddly guy sometimes even spoiled himself. Once, while family and friends were cleaning up after a meal, he got right on the dining room table to indulge in leftovers. Petey’s best friend was Parker, Linda’s daughter’s dog, and Petey was a good friend to Linda’s young grandkids.

 

Sadly, Linda learned that Petey had canine kidney disease after bloodwork at a routine vet appointment. “We went for a wellness visit and left with the diagnosis,” Linda explains. “He did not have any symptoms.” Linda poured herself into caring for Petey throughout his illness, treating the symptoms of the chronic disease, researching how to best help him, and cooking a special diet to soothe his sick tummy. Toxins were building, however, and Petey’s journey ended after nine months with the fatal condition. Linda calls the experience the hardest thing she’s ever done. 

 

Linda plans to start volunteering for the local Small Paws® Rescue as she heals from her devastating loss. Currently, she is enjoying time with her husband, Rob, at that lake house in Michigan that Petey loved so much. She and Rob have been entertaining a rotation of their kids, grandkids, and friends, and when Linda returns to her Yankee Trace home, that special place in her heart will lead her to the next rescue mission.