Walking into Wonderful

Today I was determined that I would get out and walk. I need to do this to strengthen my knee and to work my body. Also, the puppies need to get used to walking on a leash and so today, after purchasing two harnesses for them, I put on my baseball hat and snapped the leashes on the dogs and off we went. Just the three of us.

The pups were eager to walk up the driveway, but as I reached the top I looked over at the small house where my 83 year old neighbor lives. She is a widow, with a great love of dogs, and until recently she was caring for her Newfoundland, named Gus, (I call him the Goofy Newfie!) and a mixed mutt, named Bella. She was recently in the hospital and her grandchildren have taken the dogs and have been caring for them.

The dogs are still gone as she is bedridden and unable to care for them. As I got close to her house I turned and went and knocked on her door. I heard a small, feeble “come in”. And we did.

I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled she was with the two puppies. She patted them, and kissed them and Mr. Lovable, Arnie was the sweetest of all. For me, the best part was seeing her strained face turn bright with pleasure at having a visit with some furry friends.

I plan to go back again each day. They will grow to love her and she really needs this special kind of puppy therapy.

I saw this on the web, it says it all.

Author Unknown.

A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health and sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, when the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he can be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of a pauper as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert… he remains.