1,736 more days

PAWS Atlanta hunk Robert Redford (Bubba to his family) left us peacefully earlier this month, surrounded by his fosters Jeff and Staci and some of his PAWS Atlanta friends. He was ready and had made it clear it was time.

But, what a story this boy lived.

For nearly 5 years, Robert Redford was our "miracle" dog.

He'd come into DeKalb County Animal Services with his heart and lungs severely compromised by a long, untreated heartworm infection.

We took him into our program knowing his prognosis was grim and there was not much medicine could do for this guy who'd been let down by his people.

But, we had to try. So, we did.

Robert Redford was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He was so swollen with fluid and was struggling, spending his days napping in our cat cottage kitchen. But, even as sick as he was, he had swagger and charm.

We put out the call for a "hospice" foster, and Jeff and Staci stepped up. They understood his health was fragile, but they wanted to take him home and spoil him a little, for whatever time he might have left.

We were thinking they'd have weeks, maybe months. Instead, they had nearly 5 years. Instead they had, according to Jeff's count, 1,736 days.

We marvel at it now. We thought we were giving Robert Redford a gentle goodbye. Instead, he let us know he had a family now, and he wasn't going anywhere, at least not anytime soon.

Jeff and Staci gave Robert Redford the best years of his life, the kind of life he had deserved all along. They loved him, and he loved them back.

We've been sharing Robert Redford stories all month. There are many, because this guy is a legend around here.

We're deeply sad. But we're also deeply grateful.

We're thankful for the kind of people, love, and care that can give a gravely ill dog 1,736 more days.

Bubba, you were the coolest. We're gonna miss you.