What a difference a dog can make!

[mensplace]

This was a week of turning points. After weeks and weeks of primarily sitting here inside due to the extreme heat, drought, and pain I was all too aware that I was rapidly slipping both physically and emotionally. When thoughts of the ultimate way out began to crop up, I KNEW I had to do something. At the heart of it all was the ever present loneliness that began after my 24/7 companion (Annie, my Cairn Terrier) died suddenly from a stroke.
Having grieved for a few months, I began looking through the animal shelter sites within a 75 mile radius. That's a LOT of shelters! Initially, I was looking at mid sized dogs, so my wife and I finally made the drive to one. She had repeatedly told me that there was no way I could walk, much less care for a larger dog, but I was persistent as I had made my list of a few to view. Immediately upon arriving at the shelter, as I was hobbling my way inside, I watched as one of the volunteers was walking a dog. The one he was walking was really walking him as it was pulling on the leash and trying to run ahead. Just from watching, I could just imagine the pain in my back, hips, and legs and knew that even a mid-sized dog would be too big to be indoors We proceeded inside and walked slowly around. Easily 95% were pit bulls or dome pit bull mix. Unfortunately, I knew that every shelter was about the same.

We next walked into the puppy room. There were saw many a variety of puppies as well as many of the popular yippy dogs with long hair. NOT for me. I didn't want shedding and going through all that raising a puppy entails, so we me on to an area with "Temporary" small crates. There she was! You know that instant bond that sometimes happens. That was GOD's miracle for me. Inside one pen was a gorgeous Jack Russell Terrier, up on her back legs and our eyes just locked onto one another. According to the description, she was already house trained and also trained in most basic obedience commands, plus already spayed. I had the attendant take her out and then I was covered with all of the affection and licking her little body could bestow. When I set her on the floor she was a joy to walk on her leash and, sure enough, responded to each and every common obedience command. The catch....we were number two on the list to get her.

The rules were simple, as number two, we had to be there the next morning when she was due for release after seven days. If the first on the list arrived she was theirs.
You can believe that despite another 60 mile drive, we were there at 9:30 a.m.. After watching as a few others received their dogs, I was overjoyed when they called my name. On the way home, she looked at everything we passed and then settled down to sleep the rest of the way. When we arrived home, she walked proudly into the house and, after a small treat, went straight to the little dog bed that had been Annie's. When she woke up we went out wit her on a long leash and she behaved perfectly. That evening, when bedtime came, she jumped right up on the bed where she slept right next to my head and shoulders just as though she had been there all along. That was where Annie slept.

Since then she has done wonders for me, giving me a reason to get outside, sit in the sun, and walk slowly around the periphery of the property. Last week I was fussing at GOD and I believe totally that he heard and knew exactly what I needed. Today, back to the garden!

[halleone]

You have touched my heart, as your little dog has touched yours. What is her name?

[mensplace]

Originally Posted by halleone

You have touched my heart, as your little dog has touched yours. What is her name?

Her name is Jackie. Somehow, it just seemed to fit.

[shelleybean]

Awesome! I love your story and I am so glad you found each other!

I used to have a Jack Russel. He was FULL of energy! He could run around the perimeter of my living room just jumping on pieces of furniture. He could do it without ever touching the floor! He also ate a cactus once.

I have a German Shepherd now. Talk about dog hair! She's a sweetheart though and so devoted.

I hope you will all be together for a long time to come. Congratulations on your new addition!

[Dutch]

You brought a happy tear to my eyes.
Dutch

[mensplace]

Originally Posted by Dutch

You brought a happy tear to my eyes.
Dutch

And ended mine! Sometimes even little things can bring purpose ...and we can all use an occasional lick or two and the joy of unquestionable love. What better reason to get outside, celebrate the sunshine, and welcome each new day....and LIFE do we need. Even just walking and exercising has GOT to be a god thing! As I am typing this, she is lying right next to me in my chair and all she asks is to be here with me. LOVE is by far the best cure when depression threatens. Now I have to get outside of my own situation and think of her...which gets me out, moving again, and using muscles that were losing the ability to move. Life CAN be good.

[kayrobbins]

I am so glad you found the right dog match. Nothing can compare to having a wonderful dog. You know Annie would want you to have another dog to be good to as you were with her.

[Worth1]

So glad things are looking up for you.

I was going to get rid of Boo Boo's dog bed I made but my cat Smokey has taken it over.

When I got home in my mail was a strange envelope.
I opened it and it was a sympathy card from all of the people that loved and knew Boo Boo.
One young lady in her 20's told me she had been taking care of him since she was 15.
We used to board him there when my wife left town for cancer treatment.
Each person had so something nice to say about Boo Boo.

Of all of the pets I have had to have put down I have never had a personalized card from them with so many names on it.

Enjoy your new friend.

Worth

[Barbee]

What a terrific story!

[RobinB]

I love terriers! They are so intelligent. I'm happy for you and very glad you found each other.

[ChristinaJo]

Mensplace,

I do believe God is taking care of you. I too, have been in that "dark place". I am so glad you found Jackie. My Elsie (Blue Healer mix) has been my best friend and confidant since I got her. She gives me unconditional love all the time.

[debbym]

I think having a dog that relies on you will make you feel better. There is another life that is dependent on you so there are things that you have to do. Lots of times I would love to just be a couch potato, but then the dogs decide they have to go out, so out we go. I have a Jack Russell Beagle mix that we got from a humane society. Her name is Jackie too. She does the same insane sprint around the house barely touching the ground. I call her crazy girl and that sets her off more. I'm glad you found her, for her sake as well as yours.

[MissS]

What a touching story! This was a match that was meant to be. The answer to most of our issues is one that most of us do not like to mention, 'Love'. Love is the answer to almost all of our problems. It brings us outside of ourselves. It makes us do for others.

Congrats on your new arrival.

[clkeiper]

I am so happy for you and am so glad she found you too. I teared up reading this. I can't imagine how bad you feel, but I hope you are feeling better each day now. Hugs!

[salix]

Patti, your post brought a tear to my eye - well stated. Mensplace, I am so happy for you.