Slksfca is well known in the community diaries for his wit, bonhomie, and kindness to all. And for a time, all too brief as fate would have it, he was known as the companion of a sweet little senior dog named Dixie.
Dixie was utterly charming. She certainly had what I like to call “star quality” — and I am not exaggerating when I say that her portraits lit up the internet. For such a tiny little thing, the girl sure was “widescreen” as a friend of mine used to put it. She had a bonafide public! Dixie may have been a lady of a certain age but, boy, she could melt hearts at any distance with just a look — no kidding.
But there was a lot more to the simpatico relationship that Dixie had with Silky. She was not only a darling companion. She was one of the best things that had happened for Silkie’s health — and this was by design.
It is no secret that Silkie is medically disabled. And you know how it is...when one is in delicate health, it is so easy to go inward, to have one’s world contract somewhat. Ill health and pain can easily color the world an ugly shade of blue. On top of other issues, Silkie had recently had a hip replacement. He knew that he would benefit from walking more and made the strategic decision to get a dog. He looked very, very carefully before adopting — and when he met Dixie, it was a match made in heaven. Yes, Silkie got the exercise he was looking for — but I don’t think he anticipated how sweetly Dixie would fill the hours at home and connect him with new friends. Together, the pair of them met so many uplifting people! Whether strolling on the avenue, meeting friends in parks or cafes, or snuggling at home, dog was the absolute best tonic for Silkie, bodily and emotionally.
Unfortunately, Dixie was not in good health, herself. Things began to go terribly wrong. I won’t go through the whole litany but she required a lot of veterinary care. In the end, her poor enlarged heart necessitated euthanasia. That was the saddest, emptiest day. We all mourned her loss with Silkie. The PWB Peeps were devastated...still are.
As I wrote above, Silkie is disabled — he lives on a very slender, fixed income. Dixie’s final vet bills topped $5000 — pet owners know how this can go. But here’s the thing...Silkie really needs another dog in his life at some point. He needs this for his own well-being. As his friends, if we can relieve him of the burden of this vet bill debt, the way will be smoothed for that to happen. We can do this for this gentle man. He can have a four-legged companion again for the good of his body and his loving heart.
We are $1900 from that goal.
Can you help?
You can send PayPal funds to
slksfca AT gmail DOT com
or Kos Mail slksfca for a snail mail address if you prefer to send a check
Thank you for anything you can do, including sharing this diary with your networks. Namaste.