07/28/2017
R.I.P. Gotti
Some of you might remember the strange case of "Doc & Spanky", the inseparable father-son pair of Argentinian Dogos who ended up dumped and time stamped at ACCT in Philly. The problem: how do you find a home for a combined 180 lbs of dog without splitting them up?
Things seemed hopeless, downright impossible, but then I remembered something my good friends Nicole & Reiner at Sacred Souls Sanctuary Inc once told me. They said if I ever come across an "impossible" rescue, I should just pack up the truck and bring them a new bundle of joy. (Many bundles later, I'm sure they would come to regret that offer.) But in this case, things couldn't have turned out more perfect.
The two became "Capone & Gotti" immune from prosecution, permanent guests of the Sanctuary. And I'm sure they were absolute ANGELS, right guys? Aside from the demolished furniture and a few ransacked kitchen appliances.
Today Gotti, the father, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. The vet said it was a Hemangiosarcoma cancer tumor on his heart that ruptured (meanging it was very quick and he didn't suffer). It still hasn't sunk in, and I doubt it ever will. I choose to remember the important part: that the boys didn't die in a cold room at animal control. Instead, they made it to the only place on Earth where they could get the happy, free lives they deserved, with all the friends and horses and ducks they could ever want as family. And when Gotti died, he was in the arms of the people who loved him the most. Thanks, Nicole, Reiner, Capone and GOTTI, for inspiring us all.
"Good night sweet prince: And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!"
(If you'd like to assist with Sacred Souls' vet bill for Gotti and other emergency cases, please contact Dr. Meleason at kittanningvet.com 724-543-2814)