“It Came Without Ribbons”
The Story of Bitsy
Many of you don’t know the story of Bitsy so I’d thought I’d share it with you this Christmas.
To be blessed with an old dog is like no other blessing. To be blessed with an old dog named Bitsy is a miracle in itself. She came to us by accident 5 or 6 years ago when my husband found her in the park, lost without a collar and so sick that we thought she might be dying. He brought her home and with the help of our Vet, we nursed her back to health. The days went by as we looked for her owner, she slept on our couch and watched us every minute. We carried her outside to use the bathroom and gradually she started to eat again. She shook and trembled most of the time.
We did everything we could to find her owner. We put up signs, called the shelters and vets in the area in case anyone was looking for her. With each pet of my hand on her head I knew I was falling in love with this dog and when no one called I made my husband take down the signs. I knew we would have to give her back if we found her owners but secretly I hoped they wouldn’t call.
And then one day it happened…my husband came home with this sign:
It was her! I knew I had to call the number. I called and said “I think we have your dog. She’s been very, very sick so we took her to the vet. She’s feeling better and I know you must miss her.” The lady who answered told me it was her son’s dog and that she’d have him call me.
It was so hard waiting for the son to call and I knew he’d want her back because she was so sweet. I told myself it was silly to fall in love with a dog this fast and that she belonged to someone else. But I couldn’t help wondering why it had taken so long to put up the lost dog sign.
When the son called I said to him “I’ve fallen in love with your dog and if there’s any chance you don’t want her I’d love to keep her”. That’s when the miracle happened. It turned out the son was in school and hardly home anymore. He had to keep her chained in the back yard when he was gone and apparently she’d escaped from her collar and dug her way out. He hadn’t been home for while and that’s why it took so long for the signs to go up.
The son came over, brought her “papers” and collar and said we could have her. Bitsy became our dog! According to her “papers” she’s a Toy Fox Terrier named Bitsy, born on October 7th. To me she will always be Bitsy Button Sutton. I tell her that I wish I could have seen her in her youth…she whispers the same thing back to me tee hee!
She’s a part of our family now and she just turned 16. She’s given us the best years of her life no doubt about that, and because she’s so special she’ll get a few of her favorite cookies on Christmas day…Mother’s Taffy Cookies!
She spent so much time outside with her first owners she has mast cell tumors (a kind of skin cancer) that we’ve had to have removed. Surgery after surgery she comes home and acts as if nothing happened. She bounces back, recovers and surgery after surgery our vet tells us it’s a miracle she’s alive. She has scars on her head, side and legs, she’s deaf now and the black on her face has turned gray. She’s down to a few precious teeth. But she runs, plays with toys and prances across the yard. She follows me every where and she’s such a joy!
In September we found another tumor that had to be removed and this time they didn’t get it all. Because it’s such a slow growing tumor we’ll watch it carefully and say a few prayers.
As I package up the gifts this year I can’t help but remember that Bitsy is the best present I’ve ever received any time of year. If you own an old dog or cat you know how it feels. She’s taught me what strength really is and having her in my life has made me a better person. Who knew a dog could do so much? She reminds me of the best things about Christmas. She’s the gift without ribbons!
Dr. Seuss’ Grinch Christmas Quote
“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?”
Give your pet a Christmas hug.
Anne
94 Comments
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Linda
Such a heartwarming story! Thanks so much for sharing. I’m laughing about the cookies you got for Bitsy — you are exactly right — when you’re that old you can eat ANYTHING that you want!!!! :-)
Sandy G
Have a blessed New Year Anne and family, and that includes Chelsea and Bitsy! They are family after all.
Thanks so much for sharing Bitsy’s story. I wish you and Chelsea and Bitsy could meet Gertie, she’s my 7 1/2 year old Golden who lost a leg at one years of age. She is so well known in the neighborhood, that when I meet someone for the first time they say “oh, your Gertie’s Mom”. Gotta love those dogs! And thank you, as I am writing this I am printing off Henrietta Whiskers, in honor of Tyler.
Meghan Grace
Bitsy is adorable! I have a rescued toy fox terrier named CoCo! She ended up in our neighbor’s driveway and when I went outsideto go to my car one day, she ran into my arms and never left! This was after our animal loving neighbor chased her all over the neighborhood for two days trying to catch her. We put up signs and put ads in the paper all to no avail. We finally had her checked out by our vet and found that she had heartworms so we think that maybe she was dumped. It was a hard treatment to put her through but she came through it with flying colors. We fell in love with her hard! So, two and 1/2 years later, she is a darling, happy little girl that is getting more grey hair by the day! The vet thinks that she is old because she has a kidney condition that is usually only found in old dogs. No matter, we will love her as long as we can. Hugs to Bitsy!
MJ Smith
Love your story about Bitsy. I think Bitsy was very lucky to find you! I can tell she will live out her senior years content and happy.
Charo
I always have had dogs in my house, but my husband don´t want more pet in our house. Now I have a Schnauzer, but this dog has a history. Mam ill and the doctor didn´t know what was she had. So they tell as the maybe she need a pet, because the thought that she was depression. My brother brought a Schnauzer , and mam was very happy. She always got in her bed and pet it. She always laugh because when we scolded KOBY hiding in mom´s slipper. Two month later mon died of lung Cancer. Befor she died she said me to stay with it. After mom died we have to decided what we are going to do with this puppy. My hasband just say, The dog stay in home. Koby helped me because into a very strong depression when mom died. Now a feel great, Mom did not return, but she left a good company, that do my life different.
Big Hugs
Kim
ahhhhhh
I’ve never had a little dog……maybe one day.
My DH says no…..he is allergic.
thanks for sharing this heart warming story.
Happy New Year and Happy sewing
Tricia L
I love the story of Bitsy! So heartwarming! She is truly where she is meant to be. I will say a prayer for her health. She is such a sweet little lady and I love hearing updates about her (and Miss Chelsea too!).
Beth Patrick
thank you for sharing your story with Bitsy – it touched me deeply because both of my guys came to me thru rescues and I wouldn’t do it any other way.
I hope you have many years with Bitsy to come.
Happy Holidays!
Beth in Dallas
Martine
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Trelly
wordless, a big hug for you, Bitsy, Chelsea, all your rich and lucky family. Merry Christmas!!!
regina chronister
Merry Christmas Anne I loved the love story I have loved deeply and lost some of the greatest dogs on earth. I have 3 doxies now, I love when you tell us or show pictures of all your sweet babies.
Sherry
Bitsy’s story is so sweet. Thank you for sharing. Happy Holidays to you & your family.
Kathy R
What a sweet story with a happy ending. Bitsy is right where she should be, and she knows it. My Beagle/Jack Russell is 9 years old and turing white and losing her vision and I love her more every single day. Thank you for the wonderful Christmas story.
Brigitte
Dear warmhearted Anne,
how can you make that you type some keys on your keyboard and when I look at my screen I feel the depth of your soul and the love you have to give? You speak from your heart and the story of Bitsy touched me and is my small Christmas miracle. Be blessed!
Hugs, Brigitte
Jean
Oh, Anne, what a wonderful story of unconditional love. I wish I could come over and give Bitsy a big hug and kiss – I feel like I know her. On behalf of myelf and also my sister who is a dog rescuer and works with her local animal rescue agency rescuing and fostering dogs, I send a big thank you for not just turning away when Bitsy entered your life and needed you so!
Bless you and Bless Bitsy!!!!
Monica
That ia the sweetest story ever! Thank you so much for sharing. We rescued a dog, Curry, and she truly gave us many wonderful years. She is now chasing her sister, Chili, the golden, and Pepper, the cat. Your story reminded me why I love dogs and cats unconditionally. They are wonderful creatures.
Pam
This is the most heart warming story; Bitsy is luckiest dog in the whole wide world; to have owners like you people who have cared for her and loved her is just so wonderful; your quote says it all; I hope you don’t mind but I posted it on my facebook page; it has so much meaning; if Christmas could be like that everyone would be so much happier…you are a hero!! and so is Bitsy….
Carmen
Oh, I love the story of how you came to have Bitsy. We do love our furry friends! Merry Christmas to you and all those you love!
Jamie
OK so I’m in the blobby-eyed camp! Thank you so much for your story Anne. Pets can certainly be an extension of ourselves. That Bitsy-girl may not be a quilter and designer but she is her own kind of wonderful! Any talk of old pets has my heart. I lost my Amos at 17 last year but I am fortunate to still have my Skippy, who is almost 16. Both dogs were strays but I would argue I was the one “rescued.”
Bronwyn
That is the best story I have heard in ages. I must admit I got a little teary. I have a cheeky Jack Russell who is eleven. He is my third child. They just know you so well don’t they?
Zooperson
Bless little Bitsy’s heart and yours too. The best gifts do come without ribbons.
Jackie R. in NC
My eyes are moist, my fingers type “ahhhhh”….love your words & Bitsy :)
Karen Gonzalez
When I read your story it reminded me of our resident.
Miss Priss is our autumn long haired calico kitty. When we bought the house she was in the back yard. It took months to befriend her, then it did not take long before she moved into the house. She was 7 when we bought the house, now she is 17, two teeth remaining, like you many trips to the vet because she too went without. But she is the happiest gal, that plays with her toys in short spirts, and has quite the life.
I would prefer to rescue a pet in need any day.
Lynn Koeppen
What an awesome story! You are the lucky one! That Bitsy is a real sweetheart!
Gwen Windham
This made me smile… and get a lump in my throat…. I have been blessed to love 4 older dogs in my lifetime… I’ll always miss you, Bugle, Pierre, Benji and Missy.. My Mandy is 10 years old, and Kolby is 7… I hope they live a long, long life..
Your post reminded me of a story I read once…
I was called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. I was his veterinarian. His owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up and said, “I know why.”
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life—like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The six-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t need to stay as long.”
kathy in nc
bless you & Bitsy. I have a Bichon 16, lost his vison this year & hearing almost gone :0( same with skin.
Lost out Beagle 3 yrs ago prostaate cancer 13. terrier 2 yrs ago a 15 . It is so hard.. every hr & every penny
like your children mabe more than your kids :0). you said it so well. bless you
Linda
When I had my old Cocker, I thought the same thing–I was so blessed ot have an old dog—–so blessed– it was an honor to take care of her–the bond was both ways– I held on her until she went her own way–the love grows deeper with each year that passes…
What a beautiful story you wrote–no–Christmas doesn’t come in a box—–love never will……
Karen in Breezy Point
I have tears in my eyes–what a sweet story! Thanks for sharing the tale of Bitsy.
Karen in Breezy Point
mimi'sdarlins
Anne, I’ve hardly had time to check my favorite blog :) or even my email lately, but I’m so glad I checked today! I love your story about Bitsy, gave me goosebumps and had me in tears. It’s amazing to have an older pet, whether you’ve had her 6 years or in my case w/ my darling little Max, 22 years! She was such a wonderful, tender little cat, and it is really something how the older they get, the more they understand you and are ‘there’ for you. Despite the ‘myth’ that cats are arrogant, they do want to please you, too.
Thanks for sharing your very sweet story with us!
Merry Christmas,
Hugs,
diane :)
Renee
I loved reading the story of Bitsy and you. I think dogs that are rescued know it and they are thankful the rest of their lives. We lost our rescue after only having him three years. He was the best dog and I miss him every day. Thank you for bringing back some wonderful memories. Have a very Merry Christmas!
janan
Bitsy story so touched my heart. She is a beautiful dog.
I too have an older dog, Enos, who is 13 yoa. He is a rat terrier,
and his black face has also now turned gray. I love him dearly!
connie kapralos
Dear Ann,
when I started to read your story of Bitsy I though you were writing my story of my dog Lucky…found her in my car while empting the car of groceries…she too had been a stray for 2 weeks in the neighborhood..I.placed ad in newspaper and my friend found a Lost dog ad down the street…I was so afraid to give her up phew…just looked like her but not her….finally found someoneho knew who she belonged to but they said she was abused and my home was a better place for her the owners really never wanted her anyway… that happened the year my “baby” went off to college….I really needed a pet to fill the void in my heart
Lucky has had a tumor removed fortunally only only one..she has been with us 11 years now and certainly a best friend like BITSY….THANKS FOR SHARING OUR STORY
Merry Christmas to you and your pets!
Joanne Moore
Thanks for sharing the story of Bitsy Button Sutton! What a lucky pup to be in your home. Mothers Taffy cookies are the best!! Growing up our family dog was named Taffy! pets are truely a gift without ribbons! My daughter got in last night with her cat Maynard. I am awaiting a circus this morning when Maynard encounters Cindy Bear the pppy and visaversa. Our 15 year old cat Stewart William had that look on his face as if to say “oh no not you again”. he even threw up this morning as if to tell me, Look, Elliot cat is gone as of last week..good..now pipsqueak comes back and I have this puppy on my back every day..He is like Mr. Wilson from Dennis the Menace..Martha, my nerve medicine! What would we do without them? Merry Christmas to the Sutton pets from the Moore pets!
Beth R
Merry Christmas, Anne,
I always check your blog because I love your patterns and because you feature your pets. Oh my goodness, this brought tears to my eyes! I’m so happy for Bitsy and for you and your husband and the miracle that brought her to you. I even read it out loud to my college age son and he had to come see her adorable pictures and agreed she is “really cute”. My daughter just rescued a teeny kitten so her adventure begins. She will be bringing him home from college to meet our three adult rescue cats. Pets are the best – can’t imagine life without them! Thanks so much for sharing Bitsy’s story and I hope she continues to bring you much joy!
Christie Dougal
Dear Anne,
I do know how you feel, I miss my Rosebud but Shellie and her loving trust of me knows no bounds.
She & I send you and Bitsy many warm Christmas hugs!!
Christie & Shellie
Mary T. Salmon
I don’t like to cry this early in the morning. Alas, I know exactly how you feel…Thank God for our animals for they are emotionally more human than a lot of the world.
Thanks Anne for sharing your story.
Love,
Mary
jayne
This story made me hug my little one! We have two Bichons and one is a rescue pup. He reminds us always that they have feelings and they have a past…We have no idea what happened to “Palmer” (his given name from the rescue) before he came to live with us but we have so enjoyed watching him change over the past two years. His love of people, his love of hugging and cuddling and his peace with his new home is evident each day…we do know that he feels the love!
Merry Christmas to all our little firends – they are the true joy of the season!
Thanks for sharing…
Anna
Oh Anne…you make me cry so early in the morning! Bitsy and I share a birthday…maybe as I get old everyone will think I am sweet also!
Carrie P.
I do understand. I miss my 2 girls and have been thinking about getting a new buddy to keep me company.
Bitsy knows she is loved.
Debbie
Nothing sweeter than on old dog. They give and they give. You were lucky to find each other. Give Bitsy a hug!
Nancy
What a wonderful story! Rescuing a dog in need is a ton of work. Somehow, we do what is needed and find we get more back from the experience than we could ever imagine. We fostered a dog who was very ill. At first I was mad that I was sent a dog who wet his bedding and was so ill. Over time, he won our hearts with his love and joy. We spent weeks teaching him to keep his bedding clean, running after him when he climbed the fence, and treating him with various medicines. He loved us and his new life. I could get him to do anything just by sweet-talking. Sadly, he had kidney failure. We spent $1200 at the vet, but finally had to let him go. We were all grief stricken. The love and gratitude given back by these grateful little guys enriches our lives. Bitsy is one lucky pouch to have wandered into your life!
Julie Zaloudek
Bitsy’s story touched me. My pets have all found me, and I am grateful that I am the one they found. When Daisy came to us I was afraid to let her sit and look out the front door in fear that her previous owner might walk by and try to claim her.She’s a charming declawed kitty that I’ve always believed ran away from the old home in search of her true people–us!
Hildy
Anne, thank you for your beautiful Bitsy story! Animals do have a special way to find a way in our hearts. There was almost every day in my life a cat around me and I’m truely thankful for that. I can’t imagine my life without a pet and I’m glad about that. They’re making better people of us;-)
Merry christmas to you and your family (including the furry ones)
Hildy