I started writing this pet blog because I wanted to write about my experiences with animals and how much they’ve enriched my life. I was working in all my free time at the Amanda Foundation, helping wherever I was needed. I found my favorite task to be walking the dogs. I really got to spend time bonding with them. This is where I met my first rescue Oscar.
Oscar was a ten year old Staffordshire / Boxer mix with a brindle coat. His owners came to the Amanda Foundation where he had been adopted as a puppy. They wanted to turn him in because he was “too old” and adopt another puppy. Our supervisor at the time explained that this is not how it works! She took Oscar back, and asked them to leave the premises.
It was a cold night in December and we were getting ready to close when I met Oscar for the first time. Needless to say he was extremely upset and shivering. I was just doing some laundry so I wrapped him up in some warm towels from the dryer and sat with him in his cage. I could not fathom why anyone would give away this beautiful creature.
Oscar adjusted to his current situation over the upcoming months. I looked forward to seeing him and taking him for long walks. I was constantly telling people about him and trying to find him a home. I was finally moving from an apartment and moving into a house with my husband. We had decided that we would start adopting rescues as soon as we had the space to take some in. I had him come down to walk the dogs with me and get to know some of the dogs. He chose Oscar 
)))
We had the pleasure of a fantastic two and a half years with our boy Oscar. He brought so much happiness and warmth to our lives.
We explored the new neighborhood together and went on many adventures-one of my favorites was with him in Central Park in NYC. We tried to squeeze all the love that he didn’t get in those ten years into our time together.
Oscar passed away a couple of months ago. I miss his big smile and all the little things he did. I know that we were so blessed to have had him in our lives even for a short time.
“’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”
-Alfred Lord Tennyson
Animals are one of life’s great treasures.
Here are some photos we took of times spent with Oscar . We put the pictures to one of my first songs I wrote, “True Believer,” which I think really describes Oscar’s spirit.
Please have a Wonderful, Healthy, and Happy New Year !
Love,
Malea
About The Author:
Malea McGuinness helps to raise money for Animal Charities & foundations through her live performances in communities she performs in. Malea has garnered lots of attention for her inspirational new album, ‘CLOSE AS AIR’. Her single “Spinning”, is currently building at AAA Radio and receiving rotation from Music Choice. In July 2010, Malea took the stage of the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse for her fourth outing to Milwaukee’s annual Summerfest Music Festival, opening up for alternative rockers, The Counting Crows. She generously donated all her merchandise profits earned to two local organizations, The Milwaukee Art Museum and the Wisconsin Humane Society.
“Close As Air” is the latest single from Malea’s release of the same title. It’s hitting radio as we speak. Be sure to call in and request it . You can also buy it from iTunes here.
For more information, please visit Malea’s official myspace page: www.myspace.com/maleamcg and maleamusic.com/ (plus you can listen to more of Malea’s music!)
PS: Have you seen Malea McGuinness “Spinning” official video yet?
A mysterious lens dropped into Malea’s guitar case while busking at Venice Beach leads to a spinning kaleidoscope effect.
~~~
