During my recent visit to Phoenix to see Phil and Ellen, I received an added bonus. Three days with Homer, Roxanne and Leo, three rescue dogs that are an important part of their lives. Phil and Ellen are lovers of all animals, as evidenced by the the organizations they are members of, and the work they do for them. Ellen left early on the morning of my departure to work at the raptor center, where she helps care for injured birds. Over the years they have acquired the three current dogs, all through some sort of rescue.
Roxanne is a female Rotweiller who thinks she should be a lap dog. She is so friendly you can't but help but love her right away. They acquired her many years ago from a family with four young children and a father that travelled alot. The family simply couldn't give the dog the attention and exercise she needed, so Phil and Ellen adopted her. She is 11 years old now, and has slowed down considerably, but she is wonderful to have around.
Homer is the most expensive dog they owned. I say that because of his heart condition and all the specialists and treatments he has received. Their son found him at a park. The owner was going to release the dog there because he had just found out that the dog had a heart condition and he couldn't pay to take care of him. Phil and Ellen stepped in, and he has been with them for about 7 years. He has a serious heart condition which required them to go to a specialist in Texas, but in the end the doctors were afraid to perfom the surgery. He is on medication for his condition, and has lived years beyond what was expected. He's a clown. When we came home from a long walk Homer would be hot and would walk into the pool and submerge himself on the top step to cool off. When the TV was on and there were animals or birds on screen, Homer would jump like a show dog trying to get the animals. He would intently watch TV waiting to see animals.
The saddest story is Leo. He was chained to a post in someone's yard 24/7 for several years. Phil and Ellen's son was visiting the neighbor, and could not stand to see the neglect, so asked if he could have the dog, since apparently they weren't very interested in him. He brought him home from Florida, and he's been part of the family for many years. He had a prong chain around his neck and an electric shock collar to keep him quiet, but he has recovered from sores on his neck and is the most loveable dog you can imagine. I think he is making up for all the years he was neglected. I just adored him. one brown eye, one blue eye, and the look of a hound, make Leo, a Katahoola Leopardhound, someone to love.
Each day during my visit we would take either the 2 males (younger) or all 3 and walk or hike in the neighborhood. It was wonderful. It made me remember all the dogs I've rescued over the years, and how much they added to my life. I can see how these 3 dogs have enhanced Phil and Ellen's life, and being with them made me look forward to the day I will rescue another dog.
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