Since moving to Costa Rica, I’ve done what so many other soft hearts have done: rescued dogs. But for me, it didn’t start in Central America. I had this “habit” for years. In the States, I adopted two mutts (while at the same time finding homes for so many others) and lugged them down here in addition to another dog and I cat. Since those have died, it seemed the Universe knew I was ripe to take in a few more. I found Buddha, along with her seven siblings, in sort of a “nest” on a walk one day. Long story short, we found homes for all seven; got most of the females spayed; and took home this one: This really active, high strung, super intelligent one. I think she faked being the shy one in the corner when I would visit the foster home to help pick off flees and bath the wild group of puppies and their mother. When she looked at me with those eyes, I was sunk.

Then a few months later the other one Canella - Cinnamon - hung out in a gutter during the rainy season and wagged her tail as I walked by every day with Coco in the morning. Another long story short, this canine one day decided I wasn’t going to get away (o.k. maybe it had something to do with the turkey baloney I fed her for a few days). Well, she gained enough strength to follow me home with a broken leg. Who could resist a raggedy dog, limping, big brown eyes leading a soulfully wagging tail?

When separation of a family happens, everything must be divided up, including animals. I had to leave the dogs behind. And now with a special needs child, I can’t manage the energy it takes to handle dogs. Just keeping up with the guinea pigs is enough. On the day I left them, I spilled this huge jug of yogurt from my organic food delivery. Buddha and Canela were right there to help me out with the clean up. There are things I miss about the dogs, but I have come to terms with where I am at and let go. I know they are well taken care of, and I even get to see them once and awhile. The best thing they’ve taught me? their complete surrender to this moment. I threw them a biscuit and hoped that I too will be like them: flea free, waggin’ my tail, and totally present. Bark. Bark.