Blankita

Blankita was found in a small town, near Puerto Vallarta. Abandoned and alone. She was a resilient and beautiful white pitbull mix, though her age had taken a toll on her. Her once vibrant spirit was now overshadowed by the pain of bad teeth and cloudy eyes.

Blankita’s story with us, began when she was given to me by a woman named Yvonne Kalman. Unfortunately, Yvonne turned out to be someone who took advantage of my trust. She promised so much but delivered so little. Despite the disappointment, I felt an obligation to accept Blankita into my life, hoping that Yvonne would eventually fulfill our arrangement of sending young dogs to better homes in Seattle, never to materialize.  

Blankita’s mouth was in desperate need of attention. The condition of her teeth was the worst I had ever seen, causing her immense pain. It was clear that immediate dental work was necessary, and sadly, most of her teeth had to be extracted to provide her relief. It was a challenging and emotional process, but I knew it was essential to improve Blankita’s quality of life.

Life with Blankita was not always easy. She had a strong personality and would often pick fights with dogs her size. It required patience and understanding to manage her behavior and keep her safe. However, despite her rough exterior, Blankita had a sweet and loving side. When alone, she would seek comfort on soft beds, relishing in the joy of belly rubs and affection. She enjoyed playing with some of the youngest dogs. 

Time flew by, and Blankita continued to be a part of our life. Her resilient spirit carried her through the years, and she surpassed expectations by reaching an incredible age of almost 20 years old. She was the oldest of the pack of dogs with whom she shared our home. Her presence held a special place in our hearts.

Her journey was not without challenges, especially as she gradually lost her sight and hearing. She adapted to her changing abilities, relying on the touch of my hand and the familiar scents around her to navigate the world.

Now, in her twilight years, Blankita embodies the beauty of aging gracefully. Though she may be almost blind and deaf, her presence is a reminder of the enduring power of love. Together, we navigate life’s ups and downs, cherishing every moment we share. I provide her with the comfort she needs, making sure she has a cozy bed to rest on and showering her with affection.

Blankita, the wise oldest matriarch of our canine family, is a testament to strength, resilience, and the unwavering bond between a human and their furry friends. She has taught me the importance of compassion, even in the face of disappointment. Through her, I have discovered the true meaning of dedication and the profound impact we can have on each other’s lives.

Deep within my heart, I still carry a lingering resentment towards Yvonne. Her actions of taking advantage of me and not realizing that a sanctuary is for the rest of the life of the dogs has left a bitter taste. It is a reminder of the responsibility we have as caretakers and the importance of honoring commitments made to these beautiful creatures. Those involved in pawning Blankita on me, never inquired about her since that day. Never asking if I needed help with vet care for her nor offered food. She had been forgotten. 

As Blankita’s journey continues, I am grateful for the opportunity to be by her side nonetheless. She may be an old dog with a challenging past, but she is also a symbol of love, forgiveness, and the incredible capacity of animals to bring joy into our lives. Together, we embrace each day, treasuring the time we have and celebrating the unconditional love that has woven our hearts together.

In our home, we always joke that Blankita will outlive us all in the end. Her resilience and tenacity have defied expectations, and it seems as though she has an eternal spark within her. We laugh and wonder if she will keep us on our toes for years to come, reminding us of the enduring spirit of our beloved dogs.

Her story is not over yet. I know there will be a time when we will need to help her pass. I think this small old dog will endure insufferable pain. But we shall wait for her to let us know when it’s time to say goodbye and help her rest. 

For now, we will keep hoping she is not suffering, since dogs hide their pain.

They don’t want us to suffer along with them. Only time will tell when her time is over. 

I know one thing for sure, and that is that Dogs want to live no matter how much pain they are in. Every dog we have helped pass, knew they were going to die and almost felt sorry to leave us behind. Not knowing if there is anything on the other side. Only that they will not be with us anymore. 

Blankita, keep it up old girl. Nothing that happened to you was ever your fault.