THE BEST 7 DAYS OF HIS LIFE

by John Flores

I write today’s blog with a very heavy heart. Our beloved Fairfield passed away this weekend. Without getting into details, his body couldn’t hold up anymore. Maybe it was because he finally could breathe easy and relax after fighting for so long to survive. I could only imagine how exhausted this guy was and the things he endured throughout the course of his life. I’ve been staring at this blank page off and on for the past 2 days deciding what direction I wanted to go with this and I decided that instead of giving all the negative attention to his previous owner, I want to give my praise to a few of the people who gave Fairfield the best 7 days of his life….

Mandy:

This lady clearly doesn’t get enough credit nor do I think she cares, but personally, I don’t get to tell her how much I appreciate and admire what she does on a daily basis. If you really want to know who saved Fairfield, it was Mandy. Fairfield was literally dumped at her office covered in ticks and could barely walk. If it wasn’t for Mandy, Fairfield would never have gotten cleaned up and rescued. If it wasn’t for Mandy, Fairfield would never have made it to my house to be fostered and pampered. She is a director of Priceless Pets and the head of the Priceless Pets Pittie Crew. Mandy, if I’ve never told you before, I’m telling you now. I don’t know half of what you do for Priceless Pets but I know it’s a lot. I can see how
someone can get desensitized in the world of animal rescue but not you. I admire your heart and your willingness to help not only animals but people, as well. In the short amount of time I’ve known you, I don’t know that I’ve NOT seen you try to help someone or an animal in need. Thank you for being an example of what animal rescue is all about.

Paige:

If I’m ever lucky enough to have kids, I can only hope they end up like Paige. This girl spent 2 days with Fairfield while I left town and she captured probably the BEST pictures of Fairfield that ever could have been taken. He was happy and alert. I don’t know about you but I don’t know many 17 year old girls who would spend their weekend taking care of someone else’s dogs than go out and party but yet, Paige is there every time I need her. Paige, you gave Fairfield his first fun weekend, probably ever. If it wasn’t for you, he would never have been put in that wagon and you know as well as I do, that single idea gave Fairfield that flashback moment of being a puppy again that he probably never got to enjoy. After his wagon day, he was a completely different dog. Paige, you’re a blessing to these animals and I need you to know that. If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know that Fairfield would have made it through the weekend.

Ann:

What more can I say about Ann. This is now the 3^rd time I’m writing about her. She’s an angel walking this earth. Ann, I could only imagine how you felt having to go through this. And whether you had Fairfield for 2 days or 2 years, I don’t imagine that it would have made the situation any easier. But thank you so much for taking him in and adopting him. You gave Fairfield what he’s wanted his whole life and that was a loving home. It doesn’t even matter how long it was. I will never forget how he literally jumped into your van. He passed away where all animals should and that was with his family. And after this whole experience, I received this text from Ann:

“Hey guys. I have been thinking a lot about Fairfield. I have decided I want to have one “hospice” dog in my family to care for as a way to celebrate Fairfield’s life. I can keep the “hospice bed” full and as the dogs pass, we can take another. I work from home and have the resources and the help to make a dog’s last days comfortable with lots of love and attention. When you are out at the shelters think about that and maybe you will find that dog for me. Thanks. J”

There were so many more people that helped in this process but I had to single these ladies out because these are 3 of the many people who inspire me. And as sad as it is that Fairfield passed, Priceless Pets did exactly what Fairfield wanted. He was rescued, cleaned up, cared for, spoiled and found a loving home. I think I speak for Priceless Pets that the only way I know to honor him is to save another…and another….and another after that. Death is inevitable. It will happen to each and every one of us. And if there’s 3 things these dogs have taught me is to treat every day like it’s my last, treat my loved ones accordingly and to never give up….no matter what. I would be lying if I said I hadn’t shed a few tears over him but at the end of the day this isn’t about me…never was and never will be. I will ALWAYS have room in my house for a senior dog. And Fairfield, if you are somehow looking down on us, you will know that I have a senior beagle named Wally sleeping in the same place you stayed. He’s spoiled as can be and if he never gets adopted; my home will be his home.

Remember, it’s not about how long you’re with these animals; it’s about the quality of life you can provide for them. So many dogs never even get one good day and I can rest easy tonight knowing we gave Fairfield 7 perfect ones. Rest easy, my boy. You’ve earned it….

John Flores

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