Mercedes’ story began about eight years ago but we don’t know much of the details before last July. That was when she was picked up as a stray on a random street and given a temporary home in a California shelter. As a stray, she was emaciated, tired, and suffered from a large and painful mass in her mouth. Thanks to the wonderful care of the shelter workers and volunteer organizations, Mercedes was brought back to good health. She was cared for and very much loved … but she was still a shelter dog—not a life for any dog, let alone a senior.

That’s where Northwest Boxer Rescue stepped in. After seven months in the shelter with no interest, Mercedes was pulled and transported up to Washington in hopes of finding her a forever home. As her foster mom it was now my job to take care until that happened—provide her food, shelter, comfort, and most importantly love. I happily obliged. 
There was something special about Mercedes, a connection I felt immediately upon picking her up from the transport. She was an amazing dog. She loved kisses, cuddling under the covers, and walking herself on the leash. She knew many commands, loved treats, and would do anything for a little bit of praise. Most important, she gave just as much love as she received. We had an amazing week together.

But that’s when things turned for the worse.
One morning Mercedes suffered a small seizure. Around noon she suffered another one … then another and another and another. This series ended with a grand mal seizure and a desperate trip to the emergency animal hospital … then a trip to our rescue’s vet. We soon learned that Mercedes suffered from some sort of infection that went septic. Her entire body was shutting down. It became clear that even with aggressive treatment Mercedes would never return to a quality of life worth living. The difficult decision was made to let her go.

I made an immediate decision to make my way up and be with her in her last moments. I knew I needed to comfort her and tell her everything would be okay. But in those last few minutes alone with her, she was the one doing the consoling. She crawled in my lap, gave me kisses, looked me right in the eye. She was telling me it was okay.

And in that moment I felt proud to be a rescue worker. I felt proud to be a part of NWBR. While Mercedes passing was devastating, she was a success for our rescue. Northwest Boxer Rescue strives to give every boxer a loving home until their time comes to cross the Rainbow Bridge. It may have only been a week and I may have only been a foster, but we were able to give that to Mercedes. She spent her last days warm and safe … and loved.