
Posted by Janine Allen at Monday, November 17th, 2008.
I am so flattered at how many people have emailed me for permission to cross post this little essay I wrote. Feel free to share this with everyone you know. People can find the dog of their dreams at a shelter; let’s hope they make shelter adoption their first option.
Hugs to all of you and your beloved dogs!
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.
I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.
I would promise to keep her safe.
I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE? You can, as long as you include the following, complete statement and a link back to the original article:
http://rescuemedog.org/dog-blog/i-rescued-a-human-today-by-janine-allen/
Written by Janine Allen CPDT, Rescue Me Dog's professional dog trainer. Janine's passion is working with people and their dogs. She provides demonstrations for those who have adopted shelter dogs, lends email support to adopted dog owners that need information beyond our Training Support Pages, and aids shelter staff and volunteers in understanding dog behavior to increase their adoptability. Copyright 2009 Rescue Me Dog; www.rescuemedog.org
July 1st, 2009 at 5:50 pm
This is the first time I have seen this. Have seen a lot of other stuff, but this is the best I have ever seen. Request permission to use on our website, and possibly in other promotional events. Will give you all the credit, and a link to any refuge you would like.
Again, this is a real gem. An angle on rescue that I always knew, but never thought to put in words. You did a great job, and think that it would help our group to be able to use it in publicity things. Just did not want to do this without permission. Thanks so much–Claudia
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:04 am
A very beautiful and heart warming story. I love reading it.