My assistant had every intention of posting this on Tuesday, but you know what they say about good intentions ...didn't happen! Many of my old friends know my story, but my new friends may not. Here's how it all began ...
Originally posted 9/11/10
Now, I know this is a very sad and tragic day with many painful memories of innocent lives lost …but one happy thing happened, nine years ago today, Mama decided to adopt me.
Nine years ago I was abandoned like trash, probably used for breeding, but who knows. If you want to read the sad details, you can read them here. But I want to keep things happy today.
I was rescued by Red Door Animal Shelter a small no-kill facility on the far north side of Chicago. As always, the shelter was super crowded so Mama agreed to foster me for a few days. She brought me home on September 10th and I hid for the first twelve hours.
We all know what happened the following morning … Mama was watching the live coverage when she looked up and saw my sad face peaking out from behind the couch. She knew in that moment that we belonged together – it took me longer to see the light. I was traumatized and in sad shape, but she never gave up on me.
Here's what a little love can do
BEFORE - The world is a mean, scary place!
AFTER - I am as happy as a clam. Ain't life grand!
When I first arrived at the shelter, the vet estimated that I was 3 or 4, which would make me about 13 today! We will never know my actual birthday, but Mama chose September 11th as a reminder that even in the darkest hour, there is always hope.
Red Door is a small, but mighty shelter with a heart of a gold. I am only one of thousands of cats, dogs, and rabbits that this amazing shelter has rescued, rehabilitated, and re-homed over the last 10 years!
Cheers to happy endings!
91 comments
Pip, you look such a happy and thriving wee chappie these days, who could have believed it was once all so different. We're a bit late with the Gotcha Day greetings, but all the best for your twelfth year with your wonderful, loving family.
Toodle pip!
Bertie (and Gail) .
I've always been so happy that you found your perfect home, Pip! The world really is your oyster. I'm so happy to call you my friend!
Bunny
What a beautiful story to great today with. WEa re so glad you have your forever home and that you are loved so much.
We love the 9/11 happy stories that we have read from Blogville. It makes us see hope.
Love
Bert and My Vickie
What a happy looking guy. Pip, life is grand after I was rescued from a puppy mill and on the blocks to visit the Rainbow Bridge, been with my peeps and my bubby Bites for four years, doggiedom is wonderful .
Your Fruends
Susie & Bites
Pees; Don't let that Puddles get you into any trouble.
Happy belated Gotcha Day Pip! I am so sorry that your life started off with bad experiences but I am so happy that you were able to find such a loving and caring family to show you life can be grand! We love ya Mr. Pip!
I am so very much glad that you were rescued and that you have the PERFECT life that EVERY dog deserves and DREAMS of.
We love a happy ending! Happy belated Gotcha Day, Pip!
Sam
What a wonderful happily ever after! I love rescue stories. :)
Indeed you were meant to find each other
I'm so happy you ended up with your family right where you are! You have brightened many days with your photos and thoughts in your blog. You sure did have long hairs back then Pip.
It was just meant to be Mt. Pip. You ended up right where you belonged all along. Hugs pal!
I love reading about your 9/11 gotcha day story! It was just meant to be!
Happy ending it is. Just swing by to tell you that we love you and your " after" picture!
Cheers!
I remember reading this post about your story. I'm so glad you and your mama were able to find one another and that you have a wonderful and loving furever home.
CHEERS TO PIP!! For he's a jolly good fellow!
edgar & his mum
I love happy endings. Today I will eat a cheesburger or two in your honor Mr. PIP. So glad you are where you are and happy.
Blessings,
Goose
Pip you won't believe this but my best mate Pippinpumpkin is a rescue and was named Pip after Great Expectations too. She is a gazillion years old now so she sleeps alot and doesn't blog. The pumpkin bit is because my peeps puts her next to the pumpkins to take a photograph record on how big they are growing. So two Pips with a happy ending. Wow! Loved your story and no more hiding behind the couch for you pal.
Have a fabulous Friday.
Best wishes Molly
As we told you in our comment the other day, we are just so happy that you found your forever home that tragic day - it sure makes it a much happier one for us.
Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning
I love love love that story!
Nora
We luv happy endings!
You sure are one lucky dog!
Cindy
Pip, I an so glad something so happy happened on such a tragic day
Fank Dogness yor Mama knewed yoo belonged togevva Pip, her was SOOOOOO rite abouts it too. Please gives her a big heap ovs smoochies from us cos wivouts her adoptin yoo wee woods not havs such a wonderful furiend in our lives.
Wee lovs yoo Pip n yor Mama too
Lovs
Uji, Izzy, Ziggy, Missi, Momma Tea, Da Popster & Persephone da Pigeon
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mr. Pip! Happy, Happy belated Gotcha Day! We totally scored, huh?
-Ruby
My dear Mr Pip
Clearly TLC works magic!
You are the most handsome 13 yearoldStatesmanwe know and you wears Bowie better than any2 or4 legger we know
lots of love, hugs to you and your family
Your BFFF
MADI
I knows dis story and it still makes me a sobby mess...snot rag please! Nows we ain't gonna tells nobuddy bout my emotional state.
I am so thnkful dat you is in da perfect home with such carin' peeps dat loves you more than anything.
Thank you to Red Door furs bein' there in your time of need. And as always, I'll be heres fur you now...hehehe.
Puddles
YOu found the perfect home
Nola
So glad you are happy :)
Stop on by for a visit
Kari
http://www.dogisgodinreverse.com
What a happy story! You look positively happy in the "AFTER" pictures. We're so happy for you and your family. :)
Since I'm fairly new to the blogville world, I have never heard that story Pip.
I would have never thought such a happy, peppy, rugged pup like yourself would have been anything but.
I am so thrilled your Moms decided you belonged with her furever. Shes a hero.
(BTW: you don't look a day over seven!) Do you use botox???
Kisses,
Ruby
That is a happy story, and we love happy stories! We are glad that you get to celebrate the day that you were rescued, as that's how we celebrate Macho every year!
Nicole and Macho
We are so happy you and your mom saved each other!
Your friends,
Murphy & Stanley
aw Pip, to hear about your new life just makes my heart glow! I'm so grateful to your mummy and to the red door rescuers. Big hugs from me and licks from my little girl Stevie Nicks, you two are just the right size for a play! xxx
"Cheers to Happy Endings"
You got that right, Pip, me and my Mom know all about it, just like you and your Mom do.
Kisses,
Stella
Oh PIP! You have me crying like a baby. I don't like to read sad stories... my heart is too sensitive but your happy ending is just the best!!!
Many more happy years, my friend!
What a blessing you are to your family and them to you!
Pip! The world is such a better place with you in it! I'm so thankful those sad, pathetic excuses for humans threw you away, because the bigger plan was for you to find a better home! You hit the jackpot my friend, and I'm so happy I found you to take a small part in your life!
-Corbin
Awesome, my friend!
So glad you got an awesome furever home my friend. You live the high life well!!
Kitty+Coco
Pip that is such a beautiful story. You are so lucky to have such a wonderful forever home and your mom is so lucky to have found you!
urban hounds
What a great story. I'm so glad there was a happy ending for you and your mom.
Poppy
What a wonderful story and we LOVE that last picture of you, Mr Pip! You are so handsome!
Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly
Pip,
Your gotcha story is one of da best, we will never get tired of hearin' it. :)
Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae and Max
Oh Pip, I missed your Gotcha Day! Happy Belated Gotcha Day! I've been a bit busy. See, being a puppy is real tough - there's so much to learn, and so many new things to experience and so many blowing leaves to chase. I'm not always perfect, but I'm learning. One of these days I know I'll be as good a pup as you are, Pip! Hope your day was good!
Riley (and Karen)
Oh, Pip, what a story *sniff*. I like happy endings *sniff*.
Wait, I AM a happy ending too! Rescuers ROCK!
I'm glad you found your furever home, Pip. Hope you had a really good day celebrating your family.
Pip, knowing that you have been in such a happy home for the past 11 years makes us smile!
This is such a hap-pee story and you are right where you belong. Life is good that way.
:o)
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of love with us Pippy.
I want to wish you a belated happy gotcha day too,.
love
tweedles
Happy Gotcha Day Pip,
That was a great ending to a sad story. I am so glad that you have a happy home and yes, you look just wonderful. Have a great day!!
wags
jazzi and addi
Wow Pip! Me did not realize yous and mes was so much alike! We is so very lucky!
Kisses my friend
Nellie
Happy endings are the best <3
And I, too have a sad story... but a happy ending!!!
Cheers to you Pip and have a great Gotcha day,
Cotton
Pip you and your Mom are the silver lining on that very dark day. So glad you are my furiend :)
Waggin at ya,
Roo
Hey Pip! We are so very happy for both you and your family that you all met on that fateful day!! We are so happy to be your friends!! LadyBug is a rescue too!! xoxo Chloe and LadyBug
Pip, it was a tragic day but at the same time a most wonderful day cause you found your loving and forever home. We can't believe how different you looked. HOpe your weekend is a grreat one little mate. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory
I missed saying Happy Birthday!! My email said your birthday was 9/24!!! Boooo!!!
Hope your day was fangtastic, cause you are amazing!
Shelle, Milo, Dixie and Newby,
http://simpaticodreams.blogspot.com/
Happy belated gotcha day, Mr. Pip! We enjoyed your beautiful post...
We are so pleased you found each other, Happy gotcha day.
Licks Bobby
Pip you look so dapper in that last photo, dude! Concats again on finding yourself such a pawesome forever home!
You are one class act!
Happy belated Gotcha Day, buddy. We will have to celebrate at my favorite martini bar.
Yours,
What a wonderful story!
Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar
Oh Mr. Pip! Congrats on the best day ever! You and your mom were meant to be... Wow, are you handsome!
Happy happy Gotcha Day.
I know you suffered a lot before coming to live with your family... but sure it was the best thing happening to you!
You are a super important member of your family and you get all the love and attention you deserve!
Have a great weekend!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
I did not know your story, Pip. I'm so glad you found your wonderful home so you could shine. A beautiful reminder about the light in us all.
Now, the whole world loves you, Pip!
Happy Gotcha Day!
Wyatt and Stanzie
Happy Gotcha Day, Pip! And may you has many, many, many more!
Pip we couldn't be happier for you. We love your story, thank you for sharing it with us. Mom says we can each have a special treat because of your grand life.
The silvers and more
What a great ending Pip! You are lucky and so's your mum to have you. Meow from all of us! Au, Target and Guido.
What a wonderful story. But really who could resist your charm Pip!
Oh Pip. You're one lucky hot dog. You got a family to love you and a lot of blogger friends to greet you on your gotcha day.
We are glad that you're life has been good to you.
Huggies and Cheese,
Haopee
Pip, that brought us to tears, but you said to keep things happy, and we will :) I'm glad things worked out so well for you all!
Hugs,
Tom
Pip, today you've captured the very essence of seeing beautiful. It gave me chills. I will remember you and smile every September 11th!
Happy seeing beautiful!
Pip, did you know that today was National Cheeseburger Day! Here is a link to the details. http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2012/09/18/national-cheeseburger-day/?hpt=hp_c2
Sniffs, The HoundDogs
P.S...We know Jazzi has a Taco Day for us maybe you can do a Cheeseburger Day next time. BOL
Pip, we will definitely drink to your happily ever after!! You did indeed land in the lap of love :)
And we are happy to call you friend!
the critters in the cottage xo
Your Mom and you are both lucky to have each other, Happy 13th Birthday Pipster!
slobbes
Oh happy day! We love ya Pip.
Hugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin
Well we are only six days behind. But Happy Gotcha day to you Pip. Hope you had a good day and we know you did because you couldn't have found a better home if you had tried. You are a very lucky boy. Have a good Thurs.
Pip my friend, I'm so sorry to be late to wish you a happy birthday. I am so very grateful to your mummy for giving you the life you deserve.
Rumblemummy is really choked up reading your story, and she wants to thank your mummy too.
All the best Pip, for many more years.
Happy Birthday wonderful friend. I just read on Frankie's blog that you had a birthday. Well, celebrate all month, pal.
hugs, Max, Bugsy, and Knuckles.
We heard it was your birthday Mr. Pip so we popped by to give you our very best wishes :-)
Oh PIP!! What a beautifully written Post and how true that there is always hope for everyone however sad things seem.
(You were quite the little mop top, weren't you? I like your handsome short hair cut best).
Love and licks, Winnie.
Pip, that is a very special story. The eyes are leaking...but in a very good way.
Happy Gotcha Day! We are so happy you and your mom found each other's love.
xo, Katie & Glogirly
((((HUGS)))) from Gracie and me! Mr. Pip, your story is so sad yet so uplifting and has such a happy ending!! Happy Gotcha DAy (late... sorry). We love you Pip!!
Happy Gotcha Day. Sorry we're late but our Mom's brain is a little scattered lately.
Morgan, Sebastian and the Porties
What a wonderful story of hope! Happy gotcha day you beautiful doggie!
Happy Belated Gotcha Day Pip, we would much rather remember it as your gotcha day then that other stuff. Hope you had a wonderful day.
Hi Pip - I am a friend of Jan's Funny Farmers and stopped by to wish you a happy day. Hope it was full of joy for you and your family! T.
Happy Belated Gotcha Day, sweet Pip! We are so glad you gotcha'd such a wonderful, loving home, and wish you many, many happy years with your forever family!
A late but heartfelt HAPPY BIRTHDAY to an amazing little Pip!!
Pip! I'm sorry for being late to the party. I hope you had an awesome birthday with lots of treats and all your favorite things!
Love,
Christy
Oh, Happy Belated Gotcha/Birthday, Pip! So happy your momma found her way to you! You are looking very snazzy decked out in that tux ready to celebrate! For September 11 being a dark day, you brought a beacon of light and love into your momma's life. Best wishes (and woos from the FiveSibes) for a wonderful year and many more! Hope you got to eat some cake!
Wah, what a touching story. I am sure yo received more than just a little love. You look so beautiful, it warms my heart.
Sankissjuice
Happy vewy belated Gotcha Day deew Pip(asta hangs her head in shame )
Evewytime I heew yoow stowy, i teaw up, but what diffewence LOVE can make
It's obvious that you awe whif the family you wewe aways meant to have. Thank dog you found each othew.
Smoochiest of kisses wif a lawge side owdew of Cheesebuwgew and fwies
Love
Asta
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