Thursday I took all three pugs for a nail trim and to Petsmart for food. On our way home I noticed a sign for a estate sale. Thought about stopping but it was starting to get hot and I wanted to get the pugs home. Then I decided to run in real quick just to peek. They pugs were sleeping. I could leave the car running with the ac on. As soon as I walked in I noticed a beautiful iron fireplace screen and a little pug statue. The sweet lady working asked me if I had pugs. Yes, I have 3 I told her. She then told me her sister (who lived in the home and had passed away, her things were being sold) also had 3. Charlie, Rosie, and Lady. She said those dogs were so spoiled that they never ate "dog food". Her sister cooked for them. When she died they would sit at the end of the drive and wait for her.
OK, I was tearing up listening. She often watched the dogs when her sister traveled. I could tell she missed her sister and the dogs. The sister even left $10,000 for the care of the dogs when she died. WHAT?? The oldest daughter was the caregiver. But she decided that was not enough money and had both dogs put to sleep(and kept the money) she said.
She was whispering because the daughter was upstairs. Charlie was old, blind and in bad health. Rosie was still young. This sweet lady was not happy about this at all.
WAIT.... what about Lady? Seems lady was a "free spirit" and would never stay in the yard. She ran off. She was gone a week before anyone knew and it. It was January and freezing outside. They figured she would never survive the weather and gave up looking for her. The sister's memory and health got worse after that. My heart sank. This was about the time we found Pearl on our deck.
I didn't know what to say and was feeling terrible for this lady and the younger daughter who was also there. Finally I said I have Lady. The older lady said "oh you have a lady too"? No, I think I have YOUR LADY. And told them my story. And how we tried to find the owner.She is in the car I said. All of us were thinking the same thing. Could it be? They both came out and anyone who knows Pearl knows she is not overly friendly. But her tail started wagging and she didn't bark. (she barks at everyone except me)There was no doubt she knew them. I could feel my lip quiver, my voice was cracking and I was about to cry. THE UGLY CRY!
I asked the daughter "are you wanting her back"? She said, there is no way to" prove" she is lady and I think it's fair to say after all this time she is yours. I wanted to hug her. I looked at the sister and she said, honey I'm a old women and can barely take care of myself. She patted my hand and I lost it. Yep, I cried right there in front of complete strangers at an estate sale. And I was STILL crying when Jeff came home.
Then the sister said wait here I have something for you. She comes out with a box of "pug stuff". (more statues, coffee mug, etc.) She said I think these should go home with you too. She said we can tell you love "Lady" and my sister will rest in peace knowing at least one of her babies is being loved and taken care of.
What are the chances??? If it is Lady it sure explains her "running". Guess no one will ever know for sure. But from now on we call this one.... LADY PEARL.
