I always avoid visiting animal shelters and rescues because my heart breaks and I can not hold back the tears when I look into the eyes and hearts of the animals who have found their way there. I want to bring them all home, love them and let them know they are worthy and beautiful and loved. But of course I can't bring them all home and that is what hurts.
So a little over a year ago it was suggested that I take my SoL Sister's girls to visit Eyes of Hope Shelter, our local dog rescue. The girls were lit up and I thought it best to be strong and arrange a visit. It was early December when we visited. The couple who were volunteering that evening gave us a lovely tour and talked to us about the shelter and the animals there. We took a walk down the rows of kennels filled with dogs. There must have been 20 - 30 dogs at the time. I did my best to put on my blinders and look at the floor as we walked by; not into those eyes. So much barking! It was loud. Most of the dogs seemed to be barking and jumping at the kennel doors. Except one. I tried not to look, but a little white boxer dog looked at me. She didn't bark or jump but somehow grabbed by heart and looked me in the eyes, hers were red rimmed and asking. She sat quietly, looked at me and lifted her paw.
It was only a quick walk through the kennels to the other end where we went into another room to talk and visit with one sweet dog who loved playing with the girls and was adopted by one of our families immediately afterward. :) At the end of our visit we walked back through the kennels and out to the lobby. I noticed all the dogs, but that little white boxer touched my heart.
We went home and I tried to let it go. But she was in my mind all day and in my dreams at night. I inquired about her and was told that she came in as a stray and had a leg that had been broken and didn't heal properly so is bent. We talked about her as a family and thought that well, three dogs is probably plenty. I waited and watched her thinking that some nice family would adopt her and she would have a good life. It wouldn't settle my heart.
Weeks went by and I couldn't take it anymore. I felt like she was waiting for me/us. Jon, Sammi and I went to meet her. When she came out, she went directly to Jon (who needed the most convincing) gently put her paws up on him and kindly looked him in the eyes. Then she went to Sammi and wrapped her paws around her neck in a true hug, then to me where she hugged me and covered me in kisses. We took a walk and then she slept in our laps while we filled out the application.
The lady at the shelter that day said many people had come to meet her, seemed to love her and never came back. She thought it was her leg that led them away. We visited again during the application process and were told that another person had applied for her two days before us but decided against it when she saw a picture of her leg.
All we know is that she came to the shelter as a stray, has a leg that isn't just perfectly straight, has had many puppies but was only about 18 months old. She is a very kind, gentle and loving girl who was incredibly happy to jump in the truck and make her way home to us. She is has become the most wonderful, loving member of our family.
Some things are truly meant to be... thanks for coming, Lucy.
So a little over a year ago it was suggested that I take my SoL Sister's girls to visit Eyes of Hope Shelter, our local dog rescue. The girls were lit up and I thought it best to be strong and arrange a visit. It was early December when we visited. The couple who were volunteering that evening gave us a lovely tour and talked to us about the shelter and the animals there. We took a walk down the rows of kennels filled with dogs. There must have been 20 - 30 dogs at the time. I did my best to put on my blinders and look at the floor as we walked by; not into those eyes. So much barking! It was loud. Most of the dogs seemed to be barking and jumping at the kennel doors. Except one. I tried not to look, but a little white boxer dog looked at me. She didn't bark or jump but somehow grabbed by heart and looked me in the eyes, hers were red rimmed and asking. She sat quietly, looked at me and lifted her paw.
It was only a quick walk through the kennels to the other end where we went into another room to talk and visit with one sweet dog who loved playing with the girls and was adopted by one of our families immediately afterward. :) At the end of our visit we walked back through the kennels and out to the lobby. I noticed all the dogs, but that little white boxer touched my heart.
We went home and I tried to let it go. But she was in my mind all day and in my dreams at night. I inquired about her and was told that she came in as a stray and had a leg that had been broken and didn't heal properly so is bent. We talked about her as a family and thought that well, three dogs is probably plenty. I waited and watched her thinking that some nice family would adopt her and she would have a good life. It wouldn't settle my heart.
Weeks went by and I couldn't take it anymore. I felt like she was waiting for me/us. Jon, Sammi and I went to meet her. When she came out, she went directly to Jon (who needed the most convincing) gently put her paws up on him and kindly looked him in the eyes. Then she went to Sammi and wrapped her paws around her neck in a true hug, then to me where she hugged me and covered me in kisses. We took a walk and then she slept in our laps while we filled out the application.
The lady at the shelter that day said many people had come to meet her, seemed to love her and never came back. She thought it was her leg that led them away. We visited again during the application process and were told that another person had applied for her two days before us but decided against it when she saw a picture of her leg.
All we know is that she came to the shelter as a stray, has a leg that isn't just perfectly straight, has had many puppies but was only about 18 months old. She is a very kind, gentle and loving girl who was incredibly happy to jump in the truck and make her way home to us. She is has become the most wonderful, loving member of our family.
Some things are truly meant to be... thanks for coming, Lucy.
RSS Feed