Some days I can’t get over how senseless this whole thing has been. How a creature so loved could disappear in an instant, and how so many months could pass, getting so close at moments, and at other times feeling so far away. Rainy days are the worst, in some ways more heartbreaking than the snowy ones because at least Mari loved the snow. It was awful to think about her out in the cold, but I could imagine her on a midnight romp through a field cutting crazy paths and loops like some sort of tentacular crop circles. Right now she should be sitting on her window seat, looking out her window and sighing at how it’s too slimy to play outside. And she’d breathe such epic, world-weary sighs, we’d crack up, and then she’d thump her tail twice in case laughter meant an indoor romp or maybe even a treat.
We adopted Mari in the spring, so we’ve been missing her more than usual lately, and it’s been tough to summon the energy to post. Of course we’ve missed her all this time but life tries so hard to fill in holes. The first month was the absolute worst when we were spending 16-18 hours a day walking and postering and calling people and trying to find support. Every moment went to thinking about her and missing her. But we couldn’t keep that up — we had to work, take care of ourselves somehow, start living again — and I remember the first morning I “overslept” because I was out of the habit of waking at the same time each morning to feed Mari. I felt like an awful person because I’d somehow forgotten or let life creep into the Mari-shaped hole, but it happens — every day she isn’t here.
It’s spring, and the hole feels big again. This is when we’re supposed to start taking Mari out for longer walks, enjoying the extended daylight and the hiking weather and grumbling about the rain together. And I keep thinking about ticks. Mari really attracts them. The first year we had her, despite all of our checks and using Frontline and everything, she got something that was basically a precursor to Lyme disease. She went through a round of meds and was fine, but it was scary that she could get something like that despite our vigilance.
There was one time we found a tick we couldn’t take off — it was really in there and we didn’t want to hurt her, so we called her vet who said to bring her in and he’d do the removal between patients. Her vet’s amazing, but of course she hated going there — such a strange place with weird smells and she’d have to get her blood drawn — and she always knew as soon as we parked that we were going to That Place. She’d sit right in the street and refuse to cross, so Andrew would scoop her up and carry her — very ignominious. Then she’d begin quivering. By the time we’d get in, she’d be trembling and shedding and making herself very small.
So on the day of the giant tick, she was shaking with terror, but there was also a cat in a carrier. Mari thinks every cat is her nemesis, so even though she was terrified, she wanted to show the cat who was in charge, so she was shaking and writhing to get down either to go after the cat or to make a run for it, and the tick popped off and landed on the floor. Her vet came out, picked up the tick with a pair of tweezers and said, “It’s full” before disposing of it. We left without her ever having to enter the exam room.
As soon as we left, she could walk again and was full of big grins and wags and ready for a treat because she’d been such a brave and tough thing. Andrew, of course, was covered in fur, the only evidence of our briefly scared sol.
Troublemaker
I have a hole, too, and I don’t even know Marisol. This must be so incredibly hard for you two; I hope the knowledge that there are 1000s of people out here who are thinking positive thoughts of Marisol being returned give you a sense of optimism and hope. She will be found. She will be home. It will be soon. I check this website everyday, hoping for news. I pray for her to be with you again. I believe in positive thinking; the Universe knows how badly we all want this little dog to be home safe and sound. It will happen. She is smart and has found someplace to keep warm and dry on days like these.
Kate~ You have expressed exactly how I feel, too.
Yes, Spring is here and I am expecting an Easter miracle that will bring Marisol home soon. Please stay strong and know there are many people praying for all of you.
EXPECT A MIRACLE – God bless Marisol and bring her home
Marisol is always on my mind and I just know she’s found a place to keep dry til this dismal weather passes…warm temps are here for several days…she’ll come out…keep the faith!!!
I have never met any of you but feel like I know you, Andrew and Marisol. Mari will come back to you just hang in there. You have to stop feeling like an awful person you and Andrew have done nothing wrong things just happen sometimes, I have a rescue dog this could have happened to me or anyone else on here that has a dog. It is hard but try to stay positive, I am sure that the woman who owns Daisey feels exactly the same way. We are all wishing Mari home.
Warmer temperatures, lots of sunshine and prayers heading your way!!
Come out Miss Marisol. My thoughts are always with the three of you.
On this warm and lovely Easter I’ve gone to church and said my prayers, many of them for Marisol and Daisy and for the families who love and miss them so much. I, too, believe in the power of positive energy and prayer, and keep envisioning the joy that will be released into the world when Mari and Daisy are finally home. Anindita and Andrew, you’re two of the strongest and most resilient people ever, though I imagine that sometimes it doesn’t feel that way to you at all. But I for one am in awe of everything you’ve done and continue to do to bring Marisol home. It’s no wonder you ended up adopting Mari–you chose a dog as strong and resilient as yourselves, and these qualities have served her well. I hope knowing how much other people care makes it a little easier to get through the most difficult days. I’m hoping that in this season of miracles, the hearts and spirits of everyone who’s followed your and Mari’s story and/or done what they can to help find her will be resurrected from sadness and worry to a place of great joy. She will be found–I know it. But, like the song says, the waiting is the hardest part…
I think of you two and wish you a Happy Easter!!!
I follow your updates and always wish good things for you and Marisol. I believe in my heart that you all will be reunited soon. I am so moved and think of how hard it must be for the two of you at times. I live in Canada..nowhere near where you live in the States. Otherwise I would be so happy to participate in postering or getting the word out. But I think of you two and Marisol and folow your updates.
You are in my thoughts.
I am so sorry for how tough this has been, and still is.
You are obviously doing the best that you can, given how hard this must be.
I know I could not do it.
You express your feelings and hopes with eloquence and grace, and yes, with humor, too.
It’s “funny” how you comfort us, when we would wish to do so for you.
I echo those words…”stay strong.”
I’m so sorry you guys & Marisol have had this happen to you.
It’s funny, I was just thinking about Marisol and ticks since I’ve started finding them on my 2 dogs. I don’t use frontline so my seasonal hobby is going over my dogs at night. One thing to know is that lyme disease is different in dogs than in humans – it’s not as dangerous. Even if she tests positive for it when you get her back, you can give her extra vitamin C and maybe a course of antibiotics and she’ll recover. I know that’s not the main issue here but just to put your mind at ease about that one.
I also have another idea – maybe silly – but here goes. I know that postering is an issue in & near the fells. I have those little key tags on my keyring for the grocery store & my gym and they’re easy to carry around and remember where they are. What if we printed up little marisol tags and could have an information/distribution day in or around the fells for hikers to have with them so they could call when they see her. It’s less intrusive than postering and everyone hiking or biking would be carrying a set of keys.
I echo everyone else’s sentiments that I just feel she’s out there and. like Gypsy and the other Jane’s dog, she will be found and return home safe and sound.
But, still, I’m so sorry for you guys in the meantime going through all this.
Take care, Jane
Hello –
I volunteer at Buddy Dog Humane Society in Sudbury. A dog that we adopted out a few days ago has slipped her collar and gotten away from her new owner in Jamaica Plain. She is also a sato, and like Marisol, has been very good at keeping away from those trying to find her. She has been sighted as late as this morning. Would you consider posting her photo and info, in the hope that Marisol’s army would keep an eye out for her too?
Here is the posting from Craigslist:
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/laf/2343458025.html
Thank you, and I hope that both of our satos are soon back in their homes!
Cindy
Still thinking of you and Marisol. *hugs*
As tough as it has been at times to read your posts, it has been and continues to be an example of the best response to a heartbreaking situation. I continue to share your vision of a positive end.
Leslie