My Four-Legged Friends
The following are reprints of my last few holiday letters mailed to my clients. I want to share them with you in hopes that they will inspire you to open your heart too - although I know that for many of you it is already open - and rescue one of our furry friends. You see, I have discovered within myself not only a real estate professional but also a woman who just loves animals, especially dogs. These recent experiences have been, and continue to be, very very personally rewarding to me.
Greetings to you and yours,
Many of you know that I sell real estate and have for a very long time. I enjoy it and have loved most every transaction and client I've had the privilege to work with and serve. That being said, this last couple of years have been a doozie. Yes, the economy has hurt the real estate business, but I was selling real estate when interest rates hit 21%, so we have and will weather the storm. We had a rain event on June 7th of 2008 in Terre Haute that impacted our family in a big way and yet we got thru that. But, losing my buddy Lucky was the one storm that really hurt.
Since the day that little stray entered my life, she captured it like a newborn baby does. All of our children had left the house and we are what you call empty nesters. I didn't know that I loved animals, and just fell in love with this little stray that followed me everywhere. We went together like peanut butter and jelly. I mean, we were as close as a two peas in a pod. I had accepted that she was a gift, and that it would not last forever, I had been mentally preparing. When the time came, I would be with her, holding her, cradling her, kissing her to the very end. It did not happen that way. She died alone on Mothers Day 2008 and it crushed me. I had not prepared for her passing in that way. I still weep at the thought. Bert, my soul mate, weeped with me, supported me, and carried forth.
Clients of ours, Teri and Dean Dickison and their miniature poodle Lily were over. Lily was wearing a shirt saying “Mommy To Be”. I pondered but did not commit; I wasn't ready. They called when she delivered and we went to see the litter of three, two boys and a girl. When they turned 6 weeks old Bert said “Lets go, we’re going to get the girl”. It was Dec 21, and I wasn't sure my heart could handle another but he said we’re going. I went, and am I ever glad!
You see, Lucky was back, in a slightly different shape and size, but she came back to me. That little poodle is so much like Lucky that it’s like Lucky whispers in her ears “Mommy loves to hug and kiss, so just accept it. Mommy likes to take you with her everywhere, so enjoy it. Mommy likes to sleep with you, so cuddle”. Lucky has a new name and its Zee Baby. You see, when I was trying to name her, and she was hiding, I would call out “Where is Zee Baby?” and it just stuck. Stupid name or not, she is my baby, she is The Zee.
Now, she is not alone in the household. Over the last year a kitten showed up. Thank goodness, because Zee needed someone just her size to enjoy and they have a walloping good time chasing each other. So, in total we have 4 full time cats, all strays (fixed by the way): Lewis, Keeper who got that name because Bert said we would not be keeping her, hee hee, Tom Brown, the only boy, and Skampie, Zee's playmate.
I have a heart that's being mended by a furry fixture. We have an office that we’re very proud of, filled with truly top notch Realtors, a capable support staff, and last but not least, my assistants Christy Rose and Michele Jackson. They try and make me look as good as I can look.
I wish each and everyone of you a happy holiday season and hope you have a very happy New Year. God Bless,
Patty and Zee Baby
Well guess what, we have moved to the country. Let me explain. Years ago I went to a summer picnic at a lake home. I felt such a contentment and peacefulness settle in my bones sitting on their dock that I put in my mind that I wanted such a place eventually.
Over the next several years we would come across a lake home, but it never felt quite like the right thing. That was until I drove down a winding driveway and up sprung a home, a lake, and a setting that said “Patty , this might be it”. I went thru the home thinking could this be it? I wasn’t certain but it felt right.
I have a partner, best friend, soul mate who I happened to be married to named Bert. Now Bert has another name too, Conservative Bert. With him, I knew that I had to be cool, calm and calculating if this little place in the woods was to have a chance. I mentioned to him that there was a home that had just come on the market that I wanted him to see. “Oh really” he inquired, but I was careful to not show too much enthusiasm. You see, Bert is careful about not letting me get into any hair-brained ideas. I truly believe he looks at me as Lucy Ricardo, and he’s got to be Ricky. That’s OK because he is usually right. But, Lucy has had a few right ideas too, and this just might be one of them. I wanted it to have a chance. He walked in hemmed and hawed and said: “Well, if you want it, lets buy it” and we did. Hee Hee, he loves it, we both do!
In moving, I came across a journal from the early 80’s in which I had written what I would like to find in my future. A home in the woods with a pond in the back and woods in the front. It should have a screened in porch, open family room/kitchen with a stone fireplace that I could put a pot of beans over. The lake would have a gentle slope down to it and a dock for fishing. I read what I had written years earlier and sat in amazement. That’s exactly what we bought.
Lucky, my precious companion, had her cataracts removed and now sees her sister Lewis the cat. They have reached a comfortable accord. Lewis is the boss and Lucky gladly gets out of her way.
I miss my baby sister Mary so much. Her “my space” will stay in my heart space forever.
This Christmas Season I hope your mind easily leaps to fond memories that make you happy. Not the sad ones. I also hope that you take the time to jot down just a few of your future wishes. You just never know what’s going to get answered.
Merry Christmas and have a Happy Jotting New Year,
Patty, Lucky, Lewis and Ricky too
P.S. Losing weight aught not be one of them. That’s just too tough.
Oh, What a year...
(December 2006)
Oh, what a year. I lost my precious little sister to breast cancer. She had never been married and had no children beside her, but she had her mother, her 
two cats, and me. For two months, we nursed her, fed her, bathed and changed her, watched Judge Judy with her, laughed, cried, hugged, kissed, manicured, styled her hair, cleaned, and prayed for her. In the end, she died peacefully in our arms with a shudder and she was gone. We bathed her one final time and we dressed her in a beautiful pink suit and kissed her goodbye. Her wish was to donate her body to science to learn what they could from her disease. Her ashes will then be returned to us and sprinkled in the ocean in Juno Beach and the Wabash River, a favorite spot she fished with her daddy. I sorted through all
of her pictures, possessions, clothes, furniture, and food, and disposed of it. She left this earth in a pink suit and that is it. Bottom line, you can’t take it with you, enjoy each moment you're alive and healthy and let those you love know it and that you appreciate them.
You who know me know how I feel about animals. My dog Lucky is my baby. She’s 13 now and is going blind with cataracts. She will have those removed next year. You see, it will be costly, but she’s my Lucky, she’s my companion, she’s my cuddle bug, she’s my baby and I love her. Oh, I love my Bert too, but differently. I can’t carry him to bed and he doesn’t crow with happiness when he sees me. You see, Lucky’s my baby girl and Bert is my life.
Least I forget I love cats now too. Out in the woods at an empty house a half-mile down the drive was a meowing starving cat. She seemed friendly and receptive to our advances, so Lucky now has a sister. Lewis is her name. She hisses and arches her back at Lucky but it doesn’t seem to phase her, you see, Lucky has trouble seeing Lewis. She will though, and Lewis’ antics will start to work. They’ll work it out, Lewis and Lucky, I’ll see to it.
My life is changing. My real estate practice continues to flourish. I have such an excellent staff with Christy and Delilah. They keep my life more smooth, my clients more content and my sanity in check. My beloved office associates and Realtors support each other whenever the need occurs, whatever would I do without them!
You see, even though I cried my eyes out as I wrote this about my loss, I’m still a grateful girl. I appreciate what’s left in my life. For those of you who are suffering right now, try to count your blessings, they are there. If you are having trouble seeing them, call me, maybe I can help you recognize your inner strength and blessings too. If your life is a bowl of cherries, please savor each delectable bite.
Thank you friends, clients, and strangers for hiring me now, in the past, and in the future. Thank you for driving courteously, smiling at others, helping the weaker when you can and just trying to make a good difference.
Homes for the Magnificent 7
(December 2005)
Many of you may remember from last year, we rescued a pregnant dog named Silverfoot. I am pleased to report that all 7 of her puppies were adopted into loving homes. I’ve been told they are very affectionate, run like the wind, love to herd, and they are just super dogs. Many thanks to the 5 families for opening your hearts and homes to these puppies. Delilah and Jim Harmless, Jeff and Niki Manci, Dr. and Mrs. Theertham, Sharon Turpin, and Larry and Jan Hudson became the guardians of the magnificent 7. Thank you sincerely, you ’re just wonderful.
Lucky also still graces me with her presence. Lucky is a gift that keeps on giving. How does Lucky give? Well, for one, Lucky cuddles. At night we lay on the bed side by side until I fall asleep. She then trots out of the way. I think she is afraid I’ll roll over on her. It’s as if she says, “OK Mom needs this, I’ll put her to sleep,” and then she moseys to the end of the bed. Lucky will sing me a song on cue too. A few of you have heard her sweet voice. For those of you doubting Thomases, stop by the office anytime and she will sing for you as well!
Lucky is one of the best things in my life, and I tell her daily that I love her. I tell her she’s my baby and she gives me a furry kiss. I know I’m lucky to have found her, but I’m lucky for many things and I know it: my great husband Bert and family, a marvelous job, a super office, and a tremendous team of Delilah, Kathy and Christy who, by the way, will help me sell those houses you’re going to list with me this year!
Don’t forget about your local Humane Society! Ours in Terre Haute does some remarkable work placing dogs, cats and all kinds of furry, feathered and fuzzy friends. Learn more about how to adopt your own pet, or donate to their programs at www.thhs.org.
Silverfoot +7
(December 2004)
I have to first say THANK YOU to many of you for letting me be your Realtor. I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am to work with you, and for you.
Our son, Jared, joined the firm this year. That's not quite true. He has been selling real estate with me since he was born. We took real estate classes together. The day before he was born, on Mothers Day 1979, we listed and sold a home. Literally real estate should be in his blood. I'm pleased he decided (finally, I might add) to become a Realtor too.
Now, as for our latest animal story, an abandoned dog showed up on Jared’s doorstep on a cold fall day. Very neglected, skinny and of course homeless –but not for long! She joined Jared's other dog, Junior, in the household. We had a veterinarian examine her and found her needing treatment for heartworm. She could not be spayed and heart-wormed at the same time. As she lay panting, shivering and in need of comfort, Junior would lie by her side. You see he had grown to love her, and she became his girlfriend. Thankfully, she recovered.
We then noticed skinny little Silverfoot thickening up quite nicely, and maybe a little too nicely. Her belly started getting bulges and other bodily changes, too. You guessed it ! On December 11, 2004, Silverfoot delivered 7 - yes 7 - perfectly healthy adorable puppies! Now, please do not think Junior is the father. He was neutered before being adopted from the shelter. Silverfoot arrived in this condition!
We need to find 7 families who would want to adopt a precious puppy. I'm grateful each day for Lucky, my faithful companion of many years, and you will be too. Animals are just one of the many gifts from God to us. Please look at their faces and know they need a family to love on, cuddle with, and wag their tail for. They need a “you” in their life. How do you see them? Call us for your own private showing (or to check if puppies are still available) at 812-232-6015. We want them in warm, safe and loving environments like our clients would provide.
The Story of Red
(December 2003)
I hope you pause for just a moment and take the time to "count" all the wonderful things you have in your life as well as remember those you have had.
I have to tell you another animal saga that happened to us. Many of you remember, I learned late in life that I am an animal lover. As you can see by my Lucky, she gives more than she receives which, as you can imagine, is a lot.
Well, in the summer of 2003, I was showing a home out in the country. Out under the blazing sun was a starving, thirsty hound dog. I had Lucky’s biscuits in the car and gave him one. He trotted off quickly like I was going to change my mind or take the biscuit away from him. On closer inspection I could see splotchy skin, huge white ticks and protruding bones. It made me just ache for him. I immediately went to the pet store and bought one of those containers that holds both food and water- 5 gallons each. I intended to at least fatten him up until I could come up with another plan. Well, three days later Bert and I went out to check on him and he was there, but the container was gone. Not a good sign for my plan.
I told you that he was skinny, ticky, dirty and mangy-looking... really too scary for me to pick up. But not for my handy, dandy maintenance man, Gene. Gene took Red to Dr. Shew and they deticked, de-wormed, fed, bathed and gave him a physical, as well as his shots. Of course Red’s physical revealed the dreaded heartworms, so he had that going against him as well. Dr. Shew treated Red and that scrawny, scrappy hound dog took his treatment like a champ!
Now Red came home to live with Lucky Williams and we were a happy family, or so I thought. Our granddaughters came to visit and Red took a serious liking to Sara and Sara to him. He would not leave her side. When it was time for her to go back to Oklahoma, she couldn’t leave Red and Red couldn’t/wouldn’t leave her. So Red, now named Buddy, lives in Oklahoma with Sara and her family many miles away... happy, healthy and being a good boy.
A Tribute to Count
(December 2002)
As you can see my "doggie" family grew again. Lucky, my faithful companion of several years, unexpectedly got a brother. His name was Count.
Now Count was a big, beautiful and somewhat old Bassett Hound. He came to live with us when our son Jared moved to N.Y. Jared adopted Count in California from a rescue shelter named "Beagles and Buddies". He said, "Mom this dog would not leave me alone. I would look at other dogs but he kept coming up to me inside and out he just would not leave my side. It was like he was saying 'adopt me, take me I count too'; you know Mom, I had to take him home".
Well, I was 48 years old and learned late in life that I loved dogs. Especially cuddly, sweet smelling, little dogs. But you know what--big dogs are wonderful too!
Count had a great big heart that welcomed everyone, and oh, that deep soulful bark. It makes me happy just to think about it. Count was and early riser. He loved to have his family up with him 4:30 AM rain or shine. You 'd think he wanted to go potty or something important was up, but no, he just wanted fellowship. Lucky didn't mind, me neither. Maybe the neighbor's cat would be out and hopefully in our yard so Count could just chase it back home. Count loved his food, boy oh boy, did he love his food, yours too. I could go on.
But Count didn't wake up as usual on a Saturday. Come to find out our big boy was sick and try as we might, even after surgery, he wasn't well. Count left us at 8:45 am on 11/27/02.
So as you can imagine, my heart hurts. I loved him and he loved us. I mourn him and yet know that that's the plan for all of us. Though our time together wasn't long it was wonderful. I'm sad, but so grateful to have had him, hugged him, scrubbed him, rubbed him, snuggled him. He made a difference in my life. What more could anyone want in this life but to have made a difference and to be remembered. Count Williams, you see, counted very much.
Lucky's Story
(December 2001)
I hope you notice that my photo has been greatly enhanced with Lucky, my beloved dog. You know, I had no idea I was such a dog lover, until I met Lucky, in 1998, that is: I was 44 years old with 3 adult children, a very happy marriage, a successful career and still no clue about my love for pets.
She was a 3rd Street stray. For six weeks or so we would just catch glimpses of her sunning in front of our office or close by Wendy's or Denny's. We tried to catch her but she was too wary and fast for us. Sometimes she would disappear for a few days and I would fret about her.
Well, one November afternoon a trapper by avocation brought her to our office. The clerk at Tri-Service (now Phillips Express Mart) had referred the trapper to us. "Wouldn't someone here take her?" she asked. That someone was me. Now, three years later, we are almost inseparable. We have named her Lucky because I feel so lucky to have her.
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