Sent From Above, Flown From Mauritius

To everyone who helped me get these two dogs to Switzerland — though I'm still fairly sure one of them is a sheep - thank you. From the bottom of my heart.

Before them there was Hazel, my famous Hazel, and there was Caramel, and there were the cats. Every one of them came off the streets of Mauritius. Then Hazel and Caramel died, both far sooner than I was ready for, and I was heartbroken. What I remember most is the silence. The house had never been so quiet, and I had never been so alone in it. I could hardly bear it.

But somewhere up in the heavens there must be a doggy distribution center, and someone up there noticed me and sent me two angels. With your help.

These days I wake up to two pairs of eyes watching me from the edge of the bed, waiting very politely for me to notice them. Then the day begins with licks.

The one who doesn't look like a sheep climbs up. That's Honey. She settles in beside me and licks my ears until they are cleaner than they have ever been in my life. And then, of course, there is no staying in bed. Honestly, I never thought I would leap out of bed again at this stage of my life. But believe me, I do.

I get dressed with two dogs bouncing around my legs, because first comes the walk and then comes brekkies. Everything is exciting and beautiful again.

That is what they did for me. They saved me, and I mean that absolutely. Thank you for the work you do, and thank you for making it possible for me to have them.

I am overjoyed to share my home with them.

There Are Three of Us Now - Birgitta, Honey, and the one who might be a sheep