There is a junkyard in downtown Kingston, Jamaica, where we try and help the animals. One day, someone brought in a tiny puppy, so small that the cat started beating her up.

No one seemed to be feeding her or paying attention to her, so we asked if we could find her a home. The answer was no — the man wanted her to grow old with him! But all she got, now and then, was some burned rice or slop of dubious-looking greenish porridge.

We started sneaking food to her, which we brought for the cat, because she was so hungry. Again, we asked if we could find her a home. The man looked annoyed.

The puppy wasn’t trained to do what she had to do in a certain spot, and the man was getting angry that she was ‘messing up the place.’ No point in trying to explain or discuss. We learned that long ago.

Next thing, the puppy, who by now I was calling Patsy, was squeezing through a grill gate to where the big dogs were. They let her eat from their dishes, but she still wasn’t getting any care, or training, or attention, or love.

junkyard dog Patsy

Image Credit: Cindi Scholefield

We waited.

junkyard dog Patsy

Image Credit: Cindi Scholefield

And one day, the man said, “I cyan badda (I can’t be bothered),” and to, “tek har (take her).”

I had already had someone in mind to take her. Poor Patsy looked dreadfully dirty, and her little paws were infected from having to walk in that mess all the time.

So, we took her and hoped for the best.

Patsy was an instant hit, as her new mama was able to see through the misery and filth to the beautiful doggie she would grow to be.

She was a little nervous at first and clung to our legs, but soon started playing with Gaby, who was to be her new big sister.

junkyard dog Patsy

Image Credit: Cindi Scholefield

In the beginning, she spent a lot of time resting.

junkyard dog Patsy

Image Credit: Cindi Scholefield

And relaxing…

junkyard dog Patsy

Image Credit: Cindi Scholefield

But she settled very quickly, and won everyone’s hearts, even traveling by car to visit Grandma.

junkyard dog Patsy

Image Credit: Cindi Scholefield

And getting to know her two new siblings (although she did have a way of stealing other people’s beds…)

junkyard dog Patsy

Image Credit: Cindi Scholefield

She loves her toys …

junkyard dog Patsy

Image Credit: Cindi Scholefield

But doesn’t mind sharing.

junkyard dog Patsy

Image Credit: Cindi Scholefield

But, most of all, she loves her Mama.

junkyard dog Patsy

Image Credit: Cindi Scholefield

And her Auntie, when she visits.

junkyard dog Patsy

Image Credit: Cindi Scholefield

They watch television together.

junkyard dog Patsy

Image Credit: Cindi Scholefield

And the house is full of happiness.

The only thing missing is what the International Spay/Neuter Network removed, so she won’t have puppies.

Not that she would have time for that anyway – she’s too busy enjoying life.

junkyard dog Patsy

Image Credit: Cindi Scholefield

You’ve come a long way, Patsy, a long way.

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