Sappy stories’ updates. (smiles allowed)

Silent, they say more.

These two could be stars from one of those early black and white films.

Before the talkies when melodrama ruled.

When messages were given with body language and emotionally charged eyes.

These two probably shun those asking their secret.

“It’s just the life I have been given to live.”

They have mutely struggled through adversity to find warmth and secure a future – with a little help from their friends.

1920 Mary Pickford as Pollyanna, (US public domain. expired copyright)/commons.wikimedia.org)

Just a couple of Pollyanna updates about Buck and Tiny Tim.

Buck’s story hit pause earlier in the year (March).

He’s the 4 year old half golden retriever half blue heeler belonging to Tina who has metastatic brain cancer.

As Tina weakened, Buck tried to become an alpha dog: became very overprotective.

Too over protective. Bad judgement. Misjudged. Bit an elderly woman who got too close.

Now doomed. He was chipped as a dangerous dog. No shelter or rescue group could take him.

Tina pleaded for help finding him a forever home.

“Yet another sappy dog story”. Here’s the first post about Buck and Tina.

Buck is ready to go. (Image: Tina Borjatken / Houston Chronicle)

Pleased to report Buck has settled into his new home with Brett. 

Brett had recently lost his 16-year-old blue heeler, his best friend. (His mom wrote Tina. Moms do that sort of thing)

But it was a perfect match: Brett loves the outdoors. Tina handed her dog off and sadly left them alone to bond.

Recently, Brett emailed Tina.

Here’s what the pair have been up to: mountain biking in NM, camping, fishing, kayaking in Palo Duro canyon. He sent a picture above.

Buck looks good.

He’s adapted and going forward in life – as Tina asked.

And there’s more good news. Tina’s got new hope, too.

Tina chose to undergo the treatment of last resort for brain cancer: whole brain radiation. It’s brutal.

August’s MRI showed only 2 tumors remained and they were smaller. (There were originally 14 lesions and 4 tumors)

Test found no circulating tumor cells in her bloodstream.

There’s a chance.

She’s trying to grab that and go forward, too.

Sometimes good things do happen.

Jesse Willcox Smith (1863-1935) illustration of “Christmas Carol” (www.Gutenberg,org)

And what would Christmas be about an update on Tiny Tim?

This one is just as lovable as the one in the story.

And he has trouble walking, too.

He’s about 8 years old.

Crippled by the fact that he weighed 35 pounds instead of the 12 he should.

Picked up around Christmas, 2011, the grey cat was rescued from the pound (shiver) by volunteers and the vets of Southside Place Animal Hospital.

Here’s more about Tiny Tim.

“Super-sized mystery. Volunteers looking for owner of lost 35 pound cat” (Jan. 1012, KHOU TV). He’s somebody’s pet. He’s lost! He’s huge! (But look at those eyes…)

“Houston’s fat cat thriving with good diet, exercise, hugs and kisses” (May, 2012. Houston Chronicle) Down to 32.2 pounds. Comfortable at the clinic where he has lots of visitors. (and he visits the YMCA for Healthy Kids Day) Photos.

Tiny Tim was lost! (Image by Tim Herbert who helped save him / KHOU TV)

Well, a year later, Tiny Tim is down to 27.6 pounds. 

Actually kept to his New Year’s resolution to lose weight…sort of.

He hit a plateau at 30 pounds.

The clinic increased his exercise. Carried him to the front multiple times a day. Making him walk for his food.

But the weight loss just stopped.

Until they found he’d been raiding the pantry at night…sneaking dog food out of a bag for snacks. Very neatly done. No crumbs.

Once that was discovered, the program was back on solid paws. (Video of Tiny walking from KHOU, May, 2012)

He has a charming personality

Those at the clinic adore him and are keeping him.

It’s a great match as he has special needs. (and they are on to his tricks)

You can visit him if you are in the Houston area or check out his Facebook page.

Check out the gray tabby’s current glamour shots here; “Fat cat persists through plateau, ends year slimmer” (Dec. 27)

It’s going to be hard to find more encouraging stories that these.

These two had all the cards stacked against them.

One might say they looked the devil in the eye and lived to tell about it.

No jawing to others about how bad things are.

Working through pain and grief.

Trying even when there’s no understanding.

Recognizing friends.

Adapting.

Moving forward with life.

Not bad ideas to consider for the new year.

Nothing wrong with a little Pollyanna now and then.

Bless us, everyone.

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.

Just have to read more? ..OK about all those fat dogs….

“Of course, it’s revenge” They don’t have thumbs and can’t drive, so how?

Time to look back and reflect. (Mary Pickford, 1920. US public domain. expired copyright. From Cheney Collection at Library of Congress/commons.wikimedia.org)

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