Spoonful of Shug...

So I have for you now, the story of Sugar, or 'Shug' as we like to call her. 

It was memorial day weekend and I was working in the yard.  Both the front and back fence gates were open so that I could move from the front yard to the back with ease.  All of the sudden, and much to my surprise, a mid-sized, brown dog darted into my back yard with excitement like that of a miner who just struck gold.  I greeted her cautiously and gave her a quick little rub down to let her now that I was not a threat, and it was clear at that point that neither was she.  I continued with my yard work as she made herself at home sniffing around the yard at the scents left by my other dogs which were inside at the time.

       Now, I had seen this dog on a few occasions prior.  She and another dog of equal size, color, and breed, had found themselves numerous times gallivanting in my front yard.  I was certain they belonged to the people that lived three houses down from me.  I found it odd that she was alone this time and thought that perhaps she had gotten out of the fence.  I walked down to the house with her behind me like a four-legged shadow.  Upon arrival, I noticed that a significant amount of mail was piled near the front door step.  The curtains were no longer in place and it became clear that the once occupied house was now empty.  A aluminum pan , like that in which you would cook a Thanksgiving turkey was placed under a tree in the front yard and it seemed someone had filled it with water.  
        Come to find out from another neighbor that the residents of that home had moved and left their dogs behind.  I fear that the other dog, who I believed to be Shug's brother had been stolen.  He too, was a chocolate Lab and he had not yet been neutered.
       Upon receiving this news I decided that Shug, named for her sweetness and excitable nature, would stay with me until I could find a home for her.  She was a wonderful dog and I very much enjoyed having her as part of the family.  

       Six months had passed and I had not been able to find a home for her.  One Sunday afternoon I had a few friends over to the house, one of which had never been there before.  His connection with Shug was immediate.  A few weeks after their initial meeting Shug had a forever home.  I was sad to see her go as I cannot describe with words how gentle and loving she was, but I am excited that she can now bring joy to someone else's life as she did to mine, even if it was only for a short while.  Also, with the exit of Shug to her new home, I was left susceptible to new arrivals.  As of Monday, I am now home to a new little guy who's 'tail' will be shared in an upcoming entry.  Stay tuned...