Only Because Of The Fruitycake Promise

This is Girl Person.

Many of us make promises throughout our lives. One of the biggest promises I ever made was when I got married: “In sickness and in health, till death do us part.”

Promises like that are made seriously. Papers are signed, futures are planned, and we rarely imagine how those promises might be tested. But life has a way of throwing curveballs. We cannot always see the challenges ahead or how deeply they will ask us to dig for strength. Sometimes keeping a promise becomes one of the hardest things we ever do.

I often think about that marriage promise and how closely it relates to bringing a dog—or any pet—into our lives.

When we adopted Brickle and Digby, I promised they would never be abandoned again. I promised them the best life I could give. Through years of volunteering, heartbreak, and challenges, I never questioned those promises. “Till death do us part” was simply the commitment.

So why, now, in the middle of challenges I have never faced before, am I so scared and weary? 

Because going back to Italy is the hardest thing I have ever had to do physically. It’s ok for me to admit I’m struggling to keep it together.  Because I’ve had to work thru my fears despite the love I have for my Fruity.  But I have worked thru them for Fruity.  

I want to be the same person who left, but I’m not. The last few years on the mountain, my illness, and the complications that followed have worn me down. I’ve tried to be strong, but I see the realities of recovery and my new limitations. I see my parents needing more help. I see ways I’ve neglected myself.

But even with all of that, I made a promise—to Boy Person and to Fruitycake.

Most of all, I believe I have to keep my promise to Fruitycake.

People have choices and control over their lives. Dogs do not. They depend on us completely. That is the truth, and it is why the promise we make to them matters so much.

Boy Person and I have always believed the same thing: we do what is right for our dogs. Always. First. Part of loving each other is trusting that we will honor that commitment.

As a woman, I know how often we hold everything together until we simply can’t anymore. I’m close to that point. I know that when I return, life won’t suddenly become easy. I’m scared.

But I also know this: keeping my promise to Fruitycake does not mean abandoning myself. It means going back, facing reality, and figuring out what changes we need to make so all of us can move forward together.

I made that promise to Fruity. I made it to God through prayer. And if I had to walk barefoot all the way back to keep it, I would.

Because he’s been waiting for me for almost five weeks.

I need to go back—not because everything will magically be okay, but because it’s the only way to find the answers. It’s the only way to discover what comes next for all of us.

And that includes you.

This family is made up of people who want to change the world for animals. We found each other for a reason, and together we can do better.

There may be times in life when keeping a promise to our dogs or pets feels impossible because of tragedy, illness, or circumstances beyond our control. But if our mindset is, “No matter what, I will do what is best for my dog and for my family,” then we are moving in the right direction.

Keeping our promises doesn’t mean never struggling. It means continuing to show up with love, honesty, and responsibility. When we do that, our pets not only receive the care they deserve, but often give us something back in return: comfort, purpose, strength, and sometimes even the answers we were searching for. Sometimes by putting them first, they save our lives. 

Many of us say we would feed our dogs before ourselves or give up all we had for them…and sometimes, we may have to do that.  I will do that. 

Just nine more days until I’m back with my boys.

I’m scared.

But I’m ready to face the music … or the barking.

Girl Person

Thanks to anyone who has donated this last week when contributions were extremely low.  We aren’t sure how we can keep going, but it’s times like this that miracles can happen. Without you, we can’t make it weekly to keep our social media outreach for animal rescue possible.  We aim for a better future for this rescue community and project and we are working hard to do that.  Needs this week are as follows to keep going. 

Necessities for the 2TD family including supplies, groceries and medication for Girl Person at www.tinyurl.com/2tdnecessities

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Zelle rachael@2travelingdogs.com

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