It was really love at first sight. New to Los Angeles and missing having a dog of my own, I stumbled across Mo’s profile video (above) while perusing where to volunteer to walk dogs. Uncertain if I could responsibly manage a dog with my work schedule, I still headed off to Tiny Loving Canines Rescue in Ventura County, CA to meet this “MoeMoe” who had captured my heart from a photo. With TLC’s support and trust in March of 2011 I took the plunge. I learned that when he was pulled from the shelter in November of 2010 MoMo was so close to death he could not hold his head up. I had no idea this was not uncommon. The overwhelming numbers of shelter pets entering the system, slated for death was horrifying.
MoMo and I quickly bonded over his further rehabilitation and care. It was rewarding to see him make progress. To see him come out of his shell, to build trust, and see his little tail wag at the sight of me was one of the best feelings. His shy and infectious gratitude really impacted me.
His handsome blue eye, upon further evaluation, was diagnosed as a painful ruptured cornea, and despite our best efforts at a corneal graft surgery, it never successfully healed and the best course of action was to remove it. I must admit, at that time, I was super disappointed about it. Once I realized it was a source of pain for him and removing it would improve his quality of life, I never looked back. I discovered, somehow, I loved him more. Here was this little creature, who had lived a neglected life, and was now in my care and teaching me all kinds of things about resilience and grace. My new responsibility to give him the best life possible, a life he deserved, brought new joy to my life. I definitely agree with the “Who rescued who?” motto.
In the early days, MoMo and I traveled a lot together. He was the perfect gentlemen on the road. We seemed to develop an understanding and he became an excellently undetectable traveler. We called it Airplane Mode. I recognized this would have been much more challenging to ask of a younger pup. This is how I became an absolute believer in the value of a more mature pup. They CAN learn new tricks! No puppy energy, no chewing on my things, no teeth (or very few. Later the last of them would be removed) and perfect for apartment living and travel. About a year later we visited TLC to say hello and came home with Captain Choli Churro.
Fast forward nearly 7 years, we continue to share a special bond. MoMo is still teaching me valuable lessons in life with limited “eye”sight, and hearing. In June, after a freak accident where a wind gust blew closed a door on Mo, breaking 3 paw bones, I was beside myself, believing this was the beginning of the end (again… I’m famous for this). And yet, Mo’s resilience against the odds has struck again. Take a look at all of his casts colors he wore.
Each of my dogs has touch my heart and life a unique way, but I will credit MoMo with opening my heart to make that gift truly recievable. As his foster mom, states in his video, “He is one very special dude.”
⭐️Jem
