July 4th Rescue

Pleading eyes stared up at me as the storms raged around the complex where I work. Thunder pounded and the rain began to pelt down in great drops. Panting heavily and looking panicked was a mid-sized, tri-colored dog.

I work at an assisted living complex consisting of four houses. Outside of each house on the porch are two wooden rockers. I sat down and gingerly called to the dog and she complied very hesitantly. The facility is located close to a major intersection and I didn’t want her getting killed by oncoming traffic.

As the black clouds swirled overhead, I cautiously checked her ears which were very clean. Indeed, she was someone’s pet. We periodically have our Pet Therapy group come by for a visit, and one was just leaving. I asked to borrow a leash, and she provided one for me. Thankfully, I loaded the dog into my car and we began to drive around. The dog lay down in my back seat oblivious of the dilemma she was in. Since it was the 4th of July holiday, every shelter or vet was closed and I had to come to the realization that she would have to come home with me for the night until I could take her to the shelter the next day. I began an earnest prayer that her master would come looking for her. I also have a female dog who would not welcome her into our house without a fight.

I decided the best course of action would be to contact the police department and report that I had rescued the dog and left my information. I entered my house first and made sure that I had my dogs blocked from this new visitor. When I went out to get her and bring her into my home, she began to check out her surroundings. I gave her food and water and a blanket to lay on by my feet near my recliner. She was one of the quietest dogs I’ve ever been around. She was content and let out a relieved sigh as she lay down on her side.

After about an hour, the phone rang and I received a call from a lady who identified herself and inquired about the dog. She had called the police department, and found out that I had rescued the animal. She told me the dog’s name was Gwyneth. When I called her name, her head perked up! She described her in detail to me and I had no doubt this was her dog. She explained she was a teacher and was getting ready to move in three days about 8 miles away. She was extremely distraught thinking that she would be leaving her dog. She had taken a nap, and her dog was so frightened due to the storm, that she had gotten out of the gate. She didn’t know anything about the dangers of cars or being street savvy. The relief was in the owner’s voice as she was getting directions to my house. She and her mother had been looking for her for several hours. Gwyneth and I stood inside my storm door waiting for her. As they got out of their car, this dog began to jump up and down for joy! With tears in their eyes, they were overjoyed at finding their lost pet and embraced her in a tender hug.

She explained that the dog was a mixture of a Basenji and Dingo. This dog was extremely quiet and being of Basenji descent explained the reason why.

My heart filled with joy at this rescue. God placed me at the right place at the right time to help reunite this two. Their lives were shared during her college days and their bond was very strong. Tonight, mistress and Gwyneth will have hearts full of joy at being reunited on this holiday. Even though the storm and fireworks caused this canine to flee, our Heavenly Master directed her in my direction and orchestrated the reunion by sending her my way. For this, I am very thankful.

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Ginnylynn is a new local book author who is a native of Texas. Her first inspirational book, A Family's Stronghold was written to provide encouragement to others dealing with Alzheimer's disease. Also included are my true stories and poetry about my family and pets. The book can now be purchased through the publisher as a rush delivery at www.publishamerica.com or other online services such as www.amazon.com, and available for ordering at area bookstores.
© 2008 Ginnylynn Rodriguez - All rights reserved. Visit Ginnylynn's blog here: http://ginnylynn.fetchbook.info
E-mail Ginnylnn at nitewriter54 ( at ) yahoo.com

This column is used with permission.