Saffy's History

Saffy's story, as far as we know it, started at the Wood Green Animal Shelter in Godmanchester, Near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, Great Britain. Somehow, her original guardians had lost her at two years of age and she had been labelled a stray.

I do not know how long her stay was with the kennel but soon a young lady came through and their eyes met and she knew that Saffy was the one. She quickly grew to love Saffy and endeared her in all aspects of her life. In time, as single people do, we met and had hopes for the future. She and Saffy decided to come to the US in June, 2001 and give it a try.

It was a warm summer day at San Francisco airport and they were scheduled to arrive that afternoon. I was anxious to see my two girls and had scuttled up from work. I stood outside the customs arrivals door patiently waiting and it was not long before I heard the sound of something that sounded like what I imagined to be a Tasmanian devil! It was Saffy being rolled through the doors and she was absolutely not a 'happy camper' being confined to a crate.

We got her out of the airport and to the parking lot as soon as possible and quickly got her out of that dastardly box. She briskly quieted down and we let her spread her legs a bit, gave her some fresh water, and hopped her into the truck. She was still disoriented and nervous and decided to chortle and whine the whole way home. Yet she was also excited, gave us tons of kisses, and was extremely happy to be back in loving hands. I am sure she never wants to see the inside of an airport again and I can not blame her.

It was not long before Saffy and I became regulars around the neighborhood. Every day she anxiously waited for the turn of the mailbox key signalling her that I was home after work for her evening walk and often times grabbed the leash and brought it over to me as I lay collapsed on the couch. And even though I was often exhausted, I was always delighted to see her and get a big wet peck on the cheek.

Today, Saffy has become an integral part of my life. We do everything together and I can not imagine a time without her. She has fundamentally changed me, my outlook, and my life!