“Honey, I am here.” I speak softly, but there is no movement. “Hey there, sweet girl!” Did she stir? I lower my self to the ground in front of her kennel, “I have come for you, Sweetheart.” Her tail softly thumps only once, and she lifts her head just to see who is speaking. “I have come just for you.”, I say coaxingly, and she pulls herself up. She is looking at me now, as I ask her, “Come let me get a look at you, Baby”. She comes to the kennel fencing, and as I reach through to touch her soft ears, I promise her, “It’s OK. I am here now. I promise you, Sweetheart, I’ll take care of you.” And as she leans into my touch, she begins to glow from within. There is light in her eyes, understanding in her gaze.
I sit on the floor at the front-desk as the Staff prepares her paperwork so I can take her home. I will not call her by the name she was given when her owners turned her in. A new life deserves a new name. Until I know her better, I settle for endearments. Sweetheart, Angel, Baby, Love. She is not 6 years old, I see. There is a slight haze to her eyes that comes with age, and her teeth show her age to be closer to eight, not six. And as she leans into my embrace, I continue to make her promises. “We’ll get you well, Honey, and we’ll find you a family who will cherish you always.” I know how difficult the task is, but she IS just so sweet. How can I do any less for this Gentle dog?
Home, she is carefully, gradually introduced to the gaggle of Rescues already in residence. Thankfully, there is no need to quarantine her, as this shelter is so careful and conscientious with the care and screening of the animals in their care. Not one curl of a lip, not even a mutter---instant acceptance. She lies on her back, batting playfully at the 9 month-old puppy that wants to play. The other females don’t even mind her—a very pleasant surprise.
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