Vida’s legacy
Catch up on episodes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the story.
Vida had a bravery and determination like no other. Over and over she tried things that scared her. Often, she flinched. But she would compose herself and go for it again.
Her courage led her to overcome many of her fears from her years of abuse. She defied the odds and the cards that were stacked against her. She had been considered unadoptable, but evolved into a gentle version of a social butterfly, with friends all over the world.
To witness her transformation was a privilege like no other. Adopting her was the honor of a lifetime, and supporting her through her challenges is the best, most important thing I’ve ever done. There was no greater joy than seeing her master something new, a proud look on her face – shyly greeting a passerby on our walk, or curiously sniffing an object that previously would have been scary.
Though Vida was never completely normal, she was happy, and we made adaptations to accommodate her fears and make sure she felt safe. We approached her slowly, we avoided sudden movements, we never touched her hips. They all became easy habits in our daily lives. Those who knew her did the same. Something about her made people naturally gentle around her.
Vida came to us when she was eight years old. When she was 14, our other two dogs died in quick succession. Vida made it clear she no longer needed a mentor, and became the only dog in our house. It allowed her to soak up all of our attention and love for what we anticipated would be a short time, given her age. But her birthdays kept coming, and she continued to grow in confidence and happiness. Incredibly, she lived to 19 years old.
Over time, Vida made friends all over the neighborhood. Kind people were drawn to her special essence. There were multiple houses along our walk routes with people who loved her. They would head outside when we walked by to greet her or give her a treat. Strangers asked to photograph her. She was given gifts by people we didn’t even know.
It’s been months since Vida died, and we still regularly get stopped in the neighborhood, sometimes by people we don’t recognize. They ask about Vida’s story, tell us how she made them smile, how they noticed her confidence grow over the years and the way she savored every walk.
Vida taught people about cruelty and kindness and patience, and to never give up.
Part of an ad campaign featuring Vida.
Vida was in a television commercial about puppy mills, and she was featured in anti-cruelty ad campaigns on bus shelters, billboards, even bottles of lotion. The tagline in some of the ads that featured her was “Believe you can make a difference.” Did she ever.
Vida had a mightiness that is indescribable. Not only was she brave, but she seemed determined to make up for lost time, and squeeze everything out of life that she could. We savored every day together.
Our friends graciously shared their lake home with us regularly, knowing how much Vida cherished walks in the woods. Their property has a great big hill with a winding trail to the top, and Vida made a point of hiking to the summit at each visit, even when she was 18 years old. She’d smile, proud of her strength.
When her 19-year-old body simply couldn’t last any longer, Vida passed with the same gentleness and grace that defined her.
Vida’s death led to an outpouring of kindness. Bouquets of sympathy flowers and beautiful cards arrived at our house for weeks, and we were flooded with calls and texts from her long list of friends, all saddened by her passing. I wish she could have seen the flood of support; I hope she knew how loved she was and how much her life mattered.
Friends made a beautiful candle display in honor of Vida.
To this day, it still sometimes seems like a dream. Somehow, of all the people in the world, we were the ones who got to have this special being in our family. Pure luck, an embarrassment of riches.
Consider taking a chance on a dog that comes with challenges. It just might be the best thing you ever do.