LADY SPEAKS ABOUT MARLEY'S ADOPTION DAY

I had just moved into a large apartment in a huge complex in a city of about one million -small by Chinese standards. I smiled at everyone but no one would talk to me. I heard every noise in that big apartment. I wanted a dog. So, I cried out to God. Okay, I whined. "I don't have any friends here, no one will talk to me, it's lonely. I want a dog. A black and tan dobie. Oh wait. I'm on the fourth floor. How about a black and tan dachshund?" I didn't tell anyone else. Less that two weeks later, I had a call from friends who had gone to buy furniture in the capital city. They told me a little dog was homeless and needed a home. He was almost three years old. I asked what breed it was. " A dachshund," came the reply. "What color is it?" I quickly asked. "He's black and tan." That's my dog! Thank you God! 
On May 20, 2004, I rode the bus to the capital city and  met my little guy. I put my hand in from of him and said, "You must be Marley." He wagged his tail, licked my hand and that was that. 
From the first time I walked Marley in our neighborhood, people began to speak to HIM! I would answer back in Chinese, and new relationships were forged. They called him "Mah LEE." He was featured in a commercial for the complex! He knew every noodle shop and restaurant where they saved bones or meat for him. He went everywhere with me. He rode buses with ease. He went into teahouses with me every Wednesday night for English Corner. He loved going to the foot massage parlors because he got lots of scratching. He is a constant reminder that God heard my cry, and cared enough to give me this little companion. God has provided loving families who want to take care of him when I travel. God has provided a friend who has paid for his ticket when we flew to India, and then later to Delhi.  
Marley has made such an incredible difference in my life. Today, I am still in the US and missing him so much. His Adoption/Birthday Bash will have to be delayed until I get back. The vet said he was born in May, so we just celebrate both days together. He is twelve years old this year! He still helps me break the ice with neighbors who don't know what to make of me. He greets me enthusiastically whether I have been gone for a few hours, a few days, or a few months. He is an excellent host when we have guests. He shares his treats and old toys with street dogs. He never poops in the house or chews up anything. He sticks by me when I'm sick, and licks my tears when I cry. He is my furkid and I love him dearly. It has been hard to be away, but the trip is just too far and too hard on him. Hopefully I will be back in India this week. I am waiting for my ticket. 
I LOVE YOU MARLEY! HAPPY ADOPTION DAY! I'M COMING HOME SOON AND WE'LL PARTY! I'M BRINGING PREZZIES! 

 From our first Christmas together in China, 2004

 At the teahouse

 Summer English Camp. Marley helped teach

  One of our neighbors in China. 

 From Last year's party

 From 2010