Piper

Patiently waiting

She was scouring for scraps of food on the cold streets of Oakdale. It was a bitter January day. A team member of St. Paul Animal Control approached the shivering pup. She was frightened, cold, and hungry. But she welcomed their soft arms and soon, delicious food. Although she wasn’t sure what was going on, it was much better than all she’d been through.

Will you love me?

Soon she settled into the safety of a foster home - through the Rescue Crew in Plymouth, Minnesota. Geoffrey, a friend and advocate of the group, was struck by the girl’s sweet personality as she was recovering from her distress. He had an idea.

It was January, 2020 and Geoffrey’s mom would soon retire. He encouraged his folks to “just meet” the young girl. Along with Dad Joe, Mom Julie, Grandpa Henry, and Sister Tracey, Piper met her forever family. It was not a difficult sell.

“She was a God send. A joy. A blessing,” Julie smiles as she reminisces how the charming girl graced their lives four years ago.

It was meant to be.

The devil made her do it

Now empty nesters, Julie and Joe completed the paperwork, aced the home visit/test and welcomed Piper into their lives in late January, 2020. Piper had hit the jackpot. Now, she could return to their warm laps after a “good girl” job outside. Her love language is snuggles. Now would be a good time. Later is good, too.

Dad Joe, Grandson Luca, Monica, Granddaughter Lila, Piper, Mom Julie, and Chris

Piper was an integral part of Julie’s retirement on February 29. She met friends and family who laughed and talked as they gathered to celebrate Julie’s work.  Much to her surprise, she was delighted that so many humans wanted to pet and scratch her. Joe didn’t have the heart to tell her they were celebrating Julie’s career. To this day, Piper knows in her heart that all those humans wanted to love and play with her. It’s her story and she’s sticking to it.

Piper protecting

As the family’s routine settled into a new rhythm, Piper realized that her important work was near the sliding glass doors at the back of the house. Here she has a sweeping view of her domain and any imminent danger.

To ensure she is comfortable in her newly designated role, Julie stacked 2 dog beds and a pillow near the window to her world. Piper sniffed. She gently pawed at the beds. Julie threw her orange salamander onto the bed and Piper softly stepped in. Yes, this will work, she thought, admiring her territory.

Then the Covid Pandemic shut down the world. All Piper knew was that her humans were with her all the time. Finally, her life had order and love. She likes that she can depend on a walk every morning at 6:30. She lovingly, patiently gazes at Julie who reaches down, gives her a scratch, and slips on her leash. With the snap of the clasp secure, Piper jumps up, nose toward the door. It’s time to sniff and squirt and investigate. Unlike her previous life, Piper now welcomes walking the streets. “Just look at me,” she thought. “My human mom is with me.” It just gets better because her tummy will be full when they get home. Then the snuggles will continue. Yes, this is good, she thought. What she didn’t know, was how her presence helped ease the mental strain of the pandemic.

Piper is ready for tricks

Everyone was careful interacting during the pandemic yet grandkids wanted to be part of Piper’s life. Lila took on the important job of helping Piper learn tricks. Because she’s sweet and smart, Piper was all in. Lila taught her to shake. And then, the other paw. She will sit, drop down, and stay. She’s a good girl. Sure, that tennis ball is very fun to fetch. And keep. Give it back to you? Not so much.

Lila teaching Piper tricks

After all that play and fun, Piper will proudly sit and stay to receive her reward “toy” - a big nylon bone. She gleefully gnaws and chews. It will take Piper focused concentration to chew through 1/4 of the bone. All that chomping creates an alternate reality: a nylon bone stupor. Bone heaven. Bone good. Then, she’s done. That’s it. She’s had her way with *that* bone. Snuggle, anyone? Julie and Joe just shake their heads at her silly habit.

Tracey, Piper, and Grandpa Henry

When Geoffrey needed a favor from Mom and Dad, he was cautious: would they care for his dog Hank while he was away? Of course! Turns out, it was a day Piper will not forget: when Hank walked into her life. He’s special because he also likes to run. And chase. And wrestle. Finally, she has a true friend - a four paws friend. Although Piper’s paws appear to be a bit smaller than one would expect, they work just fine, thank you. Hank was a gentleman and never mentioned a thing about her small paws. He did notice her long legs, though. Piper blushed when Hank came through the door for an extended stay.

Hi there, Hank!

Piper wagged her tail connected to those long legs and small paws, as Hank sauntered through the house. She sniffed him and he returned the greeting. They began a soft game of play. As soon as Dad Geoffrey left, Julie opened the back door and they galloped after one another. Look out bunnies - stay in the tree, squirrel. Piper grabbed her yellow tennis ball and showed it to Hank. She was very proud.

Piper counts her blessings

As the pandemic wore on, Joe retired in October 2022, and then started consulting for 3M in 2023. He worked part time from home, with Piper by his side. If he’s on the phone, she will saunter back to her perch to spy the commotion of the back yard. She notes that she chased that squirrel yesterday. She keeps an eye on it and promises to catch it when next they meet. Oh, there goes Betty bunny.

Pretty Piper

In addition to her Mom and Dad walks, Piper’s outings may include a fabulous spa day at Posh Pooch, where she is poofed, trimmed, polished, clipped, loved, snuggled, and treated like a queen. Or she will visit her friends at Carver Lake Veterinary Center where Dr. Mey Nevo also gives Piper snuggles - because she knows that’s what Piper craves.

“We love Dr. Mey,’ reports Julie. “She’s so good with Piper.”

Piper takes a pause

After a bit of research and discussion, everyone agrees that Piper is probably a mix of American Stafford Terrier, Chihuahua, and bits and pieces of other breeds. While interesting, it doesn’t matter unless there’s a breed called Snuggler.

Back at home, Piper gives a last wag to Chris, Monica, and Luca (Julie and Joe’s other son and family) as they leave after a fun day of games and play. Piper knows Mom is staying because she isn’t getting her purse. When she does grab it, Piper knows it’d time to curl up in her kennel because Mom will be leaving for awhile. She likes the kennel. She feels safe in it. Sometimes she will sleep in it all night.

Finally, a safe place to live and love

Normally, Mom is already in the big bed when Joe and Piper return from their 9:30pm walk. Once in awhile, Mom will pat the side of the big bed where she sleeps and invite Piper up. Not every night, so it’s special when it happens. Piper notes how blessed she is to have a forever home and humans that love her so much. Back at ya, she thinks. Then she turns only once and curls up next to Mom for a safe and warm night’s sleep in her blessed forever home.

Oakdale may be close, but for Piper, it’s long ago and far away.

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