Marta
City & State
Falls Church, VA
Name of organization that the pet came from or where they are currently available
Homeward Trails Animal Rescue
My Shelter In Place story
Our sweet, senior girl Marta wasn't always happy during this quarantine period. Before quarantine, she used to spend her days napping on our bed where the sun filtered in through the window. With two young boys who are usually in school during the day, Marta was used to a quiet house from 9 am to 4 pm. She would get up at lunchtime and beg for a bite a cheese, a treat I was always happy to give her as I worked from home. She would then go back to bed and get up again in the afternoon when it was time to walk to the bus stop. Marta LOVED the bus stop. She sauntered up like a celebrity, politely greeting the neighborhood kids and tolerating their hugs. Her tail wagged with extra force when she saw the two kids that belonged to her and were part of her pack.
Marta's world was changed in March once COVID took hold of our country and distance learning began. Her quiet days became filled with noise and disturbances of sleep. I would sometimes forget to give her the daily bite of cheese she had come to expect and look forward to. Marta liked her space and often seemed lost when everyone was home, not knowing where to go to relax. Eventually my husband started working from home and created an office in our basement guest room. The cooler temps and quiet hum of the air conditioner was Marta's solace. She took up residence on the bed there, keeping him company as he worked. She was a frequent guest on Zoom calls and her snoring became office comedy.
Our family unexpectedly said goodbye to Marta in early August. She became sick very quickly and was gone less than 24-hours after showing signs of illness. Losing Marta has been devastating. Our house that had often felt to be bursting at the seams with two adults, two kids, and another dog suddenly felt so empty. Adopting Marta as a rambunctious young dog was one of the best decisions my husband and I have ever made. We will adopt another dog when the time feels right. Because ultimately, the love and joy that we all receive from a pet during their life far outweighs the pain that we go through when they pass.
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