In rescue, you become accustomed to seeing – and accepting – the circle of life. Sometimes it is hard, and sometimes it is joyous. This weekend was joyous. Attending training class was Sophie (formerly Daisy) – reunited with two of her pups, Finn and Posey.
You may recall this beautiful girl who was surrendered to us with her four newborn puppies last spring.
She looked exhausted and a little lost then. It’s hard enough to raise puppies, but to do so in a new and strange place following a medical emergency must have been overwhelming. Done with her life of mom duties, she changed her name – and her appearance. She looks relaxed, happy, and very much-loved.
Thanks to Sophie, these adorable little fluff balls…
have grown into the rambunctious and happy teenagers – on their way to becoming canine good citizens.
The Memorial Garden gave us another ‘circle of life’ offering…a delightful surprise. About a month ago, I wrote about the Gulf Fritillary butterflies laying eggs in the passion-flower vine. Two weeks ago, the vine was covered with spiny caterpillars.
Emerging from their chrysalis…
the entire garden has come to life with new Fritillary butterflies,
leaving their home base to fly from flower to flower,
sampling each as if to discover “do I like you?”
They quickly settled on the Sage and Lantana –
while the Buckeye said “leave the Rudbeckia to me!”
“Amidst the worldly comings and goings, observe how endings become beginnings.”
– Laozi (Lao Tzu)
Happy new beginning to Sophie,
and drinks are on the house pretty butterflies!
Gardens For Goldens 
Imagining Mama Sophie’s joy to be re-united with Finn and Posey and her inevitable maternal ambivalence about her kids growing up! Gorgeous butterfly photos too
I think she is entitled to peace, quiet and pampering now! Well earned and deserved. 🙂
So beautiful and touching. Homeward Bound is a magical place.
Agreed! 🙂
Glad to see the butterflies are aplenty in the garden with the dogs frolicking around.
When you first set up this blog, I imagine it was to promote forever homes for your wonderful pups and then along came this gorgeous garden. Along the way, you have not only appealed to the animal lovers and the gardening community but you have a very positive way of writing which appeals to all humans trying to have a good day. You have a flair for writing uplifting posts and for that I think we all say a big ‘thank you.’
Thank YOU, Judy for your kind note. The garden always seemed a metaphor for everything that occurs at this wonderful place…built from nothing by volunteers…blooming and passing as the seasons change…just like the wonderful dogs (and humans) who come through it on their journeys.
Thank for you for starting my week with a huge smile! Such a great reunion.
Yah! Happy to return the favor…you do that for me almost daily! 🙂
Your beautiful photographs were the answer to my Monday blues, thank you!!
What a beautiful way to start the week. Thank you!
Thank you! 🙂
What beautiful and lucky dogs! And the photos are incredible! You are true artist – thank you for sharing all of this beauty with us!
Awwww…thank you for such a nice note!
Aw, these stories make my heart smile!
🙂