In October 2000, I moved back to the United States, but before that, my family had a beautiful Pomeranian named Teddy. He was more than just a pet—he was a source of joy, and I loved making costumes for him, snapping photos, and even entering him into contests. Teddy came to us through a family friend, with the understanding that if we ever moved, we would return him to them. So, when we relocated from Queensland, Australia, back to the U.S., we honored that promise and brought him back to our childhood friend in Melbourne.
Saying goodbye to Teddy was tough. I missed him deeply and thought of him often. He was my family’s last dog in Australia, but we’re fortunate now to have Nala, who lives in Serbia. My sister and I are currently on a mission to rescue stray dogs in Serbia and find them loving homes in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other dog-loving countries.
Looking back, I sometimes wish we had brought Teddy to the U.S., but we knew it would not be very easy. Ultimately, knowing he was in a loving home made all the difference. Teddy taught me many things, especially during the rainy days in Queensland, when I’d make sure he was comfortable with a sheepskin to keep him warm and protected. He was truly a special dog.
Teddy’s story is one of love and letting go—a lesson that has stayed with me as we continue our work to help other dogs find their forever homes.