A Homecoming of Sorts
February 11, 2010
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Dallas has survived a terrible ordeal thanks to the American Fondouk (above). Dallas and Ming await treats (below). |
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The American Fondouk Blog
The grass is always greener…
The grass is greener in Morocco in February by contrast to the browns and grays I left behind in Boston two days ago. I could not believe how verdant the ground was as the plane descended to the Fes airport. The surroundings were a most welcoming sight to this magical place.
Upon arrival at the American Fondouk, it was great to see the staff as if I had not missed a beat from my departure almost a year ago. The faces were warmly familiar and sensing the hum of the hospital was a comforting feeling. To be honest, it was the animals that I was most happy to see. Most of the faces I recognized; the dogs Fi, Ming, Rex, and Lula as well as the cat Ta Ta and the donkey Mushkil. Each animal was going about their business but took time to make their greetings. Sadly missing were the dogs Pia, Clara, and Pita who all passed on since last April. They are buried in the small cemetery in the American Fondouk, an honorable tribute to those who played, dozed, and gave their affection on these very grounds.
New additions, however, were a real joy to see. Diva, a young and curious Rhodesian Ridgeback adopted by Dr. Denys Frappier, and Dallas, a scruffy, elderly Poodle mix found tied to a post in a soccer field; malnourished, and near death. I am happy to report that she is doing very well, has regained most of her healthy body weight, and has taken well to her new home. I think she will stay here a while.
Oddly, as I write this in the comfort of the villa, I miss my Moroccan dog, Dolie, who I brought home with me last year. Ironically she is in Boston and to my dismay she is not sleeping on the bed with me here. I can picture her though, in this very room, almost one year ago, as we were getting to know and trust each other. The bond that was beginning then is now fully formed. I look forward to seeing her next week when I arrive home!
Our work is beginning as the representative cases are treated: a C-section in a ewe, several animals traumatized and in need of laceration repair, horses suffering lameness arriving all the way from Rabat...the list goes on. Fortunately we have five Czech students, eager to assist us in our work. Tomorrow we travel to look at horses with eye problems and will visit a local horse show. It’s good to be back.
11 Feb 2010
