Monday, April 21, 2008

Bringing Cheer to Wiry Couple Stuck in Philly

A month ago, Mom heard via the wire fox terrier Yahoo email list, that a couple from a small town called Center in Texas were literally "trapped" in Philadelphia. Larry and Lisa had come all the way from Texas to visit their son at Fort Dix army base in nearby New Jersey - actually to meet their new grandson. During what was supposed to be a 5-day visit, Larry got very ill and had to be transferred to Jefferson Hospital in Philly. There he underwent serious back/neck surgery. That was weeks ago - Larry is now slowly recovering at a first class rehab hospital also in Philadelphia. (As mom reminds Lisa, if you had to get stuck anywhere - Philly is a first class city for medical care!)

Larry and Lisa breed wires and are members of the Lone Star Fox Terrier Club - their kennel is called Aerostar and they have had a few champion wires like their little gal Wyrelee Miss Money Penny. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for them to be stuck in Philly, so far away from home, their family and all their animals (wires, cats, horses, goats, chickens etc). When Mom heard their plight she was very moved and made contact and visited them 10 days ago. Mom thinks about them a lot and is full of admiration for Lisa having to cope with living in a big city for the first time, for being on hand to support her husband 24/7, having to stay in hotels alone etc etc. So whatever little thing Mom can do for them, she so wants to do!

So last week, she faxed all my vet records to the hospital, and today Mom, Dad and me, went to visit Larry and Lisa in the hospital. I felt it my wiry duty and honor to bring some cheer to them. I hope I did - as you know, I'm a bit of an aloof fellow...but I did my best and I think, accomplished my mission. The photo on the top left is of Mom, Me, Lisa and Larry. Notice that Lisa is holding the Fox Terrier Network newsletter - Mom gave it to her cos that edition was full of funny foxie photos she know they would enjoy!

I'm thinking I might become a therapy dog because I see how rewarding it can be...I just have to learn to be a bit more friendly I guess. Yesterday I did a good deed too visiting Dad's 95 year old Grandad in his Old Age Home. So I am becoming quite a pro.

It looks like Larry will need treatment for another month or so. Please join me in wishing Larry a complete and fast recovery so that he and Lisa can finally return home to Center, Texas and resume their happy, healthy lives.

AGC