Foster dog Abe family's angel

About 2 1/2 years ago, an angel entered our lives. At the time, we did not realize it, but looking back, he was a blessing from God.

At the time I was going through a hard time in my life and about that time we received a call from the folks at Grateful Golden Rescue of the Low Country. They had an older golden who needed a foster parent. Our son, Morgan, is a GGRLC graduate, so, of course, we said "Sure, how can we help?"

Besides being older, Abe was also missing his back right leg because of a cancerous growth that had required removal of his leg. He was big and goofy and lovable and had a huge appetite, and he loved being petted constantly. And even though he was missing a leg, he was strong as a bull and had no problem getting around. Of course, we fell in love with him immediately.

Him being older and also having cancer, we knew there would be little chance of anyone adopting him, and we told GGRLC that we would be his "permanent foster parents."

Each night, when we all headed upstairs for bed, he would wait for me at the bottom step, and I would help him get to the top of the stairs by supporting his backside. Once we reached the top, he would look back over his shoulder and give me this look that said, "Thanks, Buddy, for helping me out."

Abe was exactly what I needed in my life at the time, something that I could focus all my energy on. He was only with us for 1 1/2 years before succumbing to that growth, but he got me through a hard time. Even now, I want to look over my shoulder at him and say, "Thanks, Buddy, for helping me out."

Angels come in all shapes and sizes. God sent us one with huge paws, an even bigger heart and only three legs.

Jeff and Kelly Irby

Mount Pleasant

Moxie

With Halloween just around the corner, everyone keeps asking what Moxie and I will be dressed up as. In the two years I've had her, it's always been the same thing: she goes as Batman and I go as Robin. And no, I don't have that backward. She is my superhero, and I am her sidekick. For the past two years, Moxie has been my best friend and constant companion. She is my service dog.

She travels everywhere with me and even goes to all of my classes. We are both seniors at the College of Charleston and both have student IDs. Don't be fooled by her size (a mere 20 pounds). In her mind, not only is she much larger than she actually is, but she truly believes that there is nothing she can't do and no situation that she can't save me from.

Kate Clarkson

Charleston

Compiled by Brenda Rindge. Got a pet? Tell us about it. We want to tell your stories and run your pictures of Rover, Boots and even Ziggy on our Pets page. If it's furry, feathered or slithery, and you love it, tell us why in 250 words or less. If it's a hero, tell us. If it's a "character," share the antics. Send pictures (in .jpg format via e-mail) or a hard copy by snail mail that you don't need returned). We'll publish the most interesting, the cutest and the weirdest, but no poetry and no letters from your dog or cat! Submit by e-mail to pets@postandcourier.com or mail to Pets, The Post and Courier, 134 Columbus St., Charleston SC 29403-4800. Include your name, address and a daytime phone number.