First Harvey and then Irma...
It has been busy emotional couple of weeks. For many of you truly emotional roller coaster. I can slowly begin to piece what has been happening and truly feel thankful for so many doing so much. There are individuals, rescues, and good samaritans doing so much for so many. Thank you.
Sadly, what I don't understand is 'WHY' life sometimes is taken too soon. Many of you have been following my foster pups and their journey's to their recovery and their new lives. You all have been a part of so many fresh starts. I am truly honored to have such follow up and the feedback I receive makes my heart dance. So many of you learn more about dogs via videos or my progress in posts. The little I know I love to share and help educate, so we avoid more pups being turned into shelters or rescues.
So, I sit here for days tears running down my face and I wonder 'why' sometimes things happen so suddenly and what to say. Till this day I do not understand why some things happen... Why some people have to go and meet with their loved ones over the rainbow bridge... But why so soon?
Many of you remember my foster girl Mystic her name now is Shaka. I met her daddy on my business Facebook page (Pavlina Sanborn Photography) asking about Mystic now Shaka. He was so determined to make the long distance work, I started talking to him right away. He had beautiful black GSD Gesha for 15 years and he was ready to welcome a new family member. His heart was broken and he needed more love to piece his heart together. Over the phone we have became friends and after Hector adopted, we became family....
We made arrangements for Hector to meet Shaka all the way from out of state. He came to Florida for a weekend and as many instructions as I gave him. None were necessary. Those two were instantly connected and in love. Those two acted as they were long lost friends meeting after time being apart. It truly brought tears to my eyes. Seems Shaka picked her master and she was so crazy about him. If the Heartworm treatment wasn't pending he would take her home immediately. My mind was blown and my heart was happy as Shaka was very special girl and she could be picky about people. Not much to describe, I believe photos speak for themselves. You could say those two looked like a double trouble if I say myself.
After they first met it was decided. All we had to do is to finish her Heartworm Treatment and get her up to her daddy. A day after a New Year we made a trip to meet and finalize the adoption. That left Shaka in my care for about 5 months but much longer in the Daytona Beach German Shepherd Rescue.
I have absolutely loved my monthly updates, photos and videos of training. Hector was able to build upon my foundation and took off from there. He was able to expand and eventually bring Shaka into a dog park and into crowds. With lots of work and practice of desired behavior Shaka was allowing strangers to say Hi or pet her. She sure wasn't willing in the beginning. We met a year ago and I saw the progress with my own eyes. Shaka was so happy to see me, but immediately assumed a position right next to her daddy. The best reward for a foster home is to see that the pup is moving on fully satisfied, living fulfilling life. Shaka showed me just that and more. I was extremely happy and could not stop talking about how amazing this match has been. Hector has truly transformed Shaka into a new pup.
We talked, stayed in touch, literally talked few days ago... the night of hurricane Irma hitting the Florida coast, leaving many without power or a home. I received a news that Hector has passed. I was in shock, I cried... I cried for a long while trying to piece together, how someone of my age, has been taken so soon. Hector was honest and really funny guy. He could have been sometimes hard to swallow but I appreciated his honesty, wisdom, and his kind friendship. He was so amazing with animals and people too. He use to worked with horses that needed to be rehabilitated, so helping me tame Shaka was no challenge for him. We talked, we yelled, and we laughed often. Today, I feel not often enough. He was truly unique individual loved by many especially his Wolf Princess Shaka (how he called her). Hector was kind, spirited, and so impressionable. I will forever miss our talks. We met two years ago, but we talked like long time friends, just like a family. Hector has been everything to so many. Reading posts on his private Facebook, you fully understand his full impact on so many people. Some knew him for a long time and some met him just once. Everyone had so much to say, which leaves me puzzled.... WHY?
Hector you were exceptional and you are leaving behind Shaka and your wonderful son Nathan. He has been under your guidance becoming the man you envisioned. I truly hope to meet Nathan and Shaka again. They will concur the world together by each other's side always remembering you, spreading the world of great mentor. We met few years ago, but I feel as I knew you on another level. Know that you will be missed by so many and that I am picturing you walking with your girl Gesha again. I hope you have a safe trip...
Until we meet again, all of us together, rest easy and in piece...
My heart is with your family, friends, your son, and sweet girl Shaka. I am forever grateful I have met you and that you crossed my very complicated path. You have been positive energy and heeling light in my life. My thoughts are with anyone that needs extra love and understanding.
RIP Hector <3
Keep shining the heeling light from above!
xo,
Pavlina
