Paw Print

Blogs can often be a discussion of one unless they include some element of controversy however, I’ve been fortunate that I have had several people give me feedback via email instead of using the comment field on the blog.  Unfortunately, when they are sent via email everyone does not get to share the message; I received the message and beautiful touching essay below,  Dog Lessons, that must

be shared!  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, thank you for sharing Patricia. 

Dear Claudia,
  I just wanted you to know how much I enjoy reading your blog. Thank you for introducing me to Christian The Lion and Brutus, K-9 Congressional Medal of Honor Winner. I’ve shared your blog with many of my students and friends and family. I teach creative writing at our local community college (HCC) and my students loved your stories. I recently wrote a story about a dog my son rescued. I submitted it to Angels On Earth (a Guidepost Publication). I’m sending along the essay - from one dog lover to another.
Thank you for the stories!

Dog Lessons

His name was Renegade and he had spent his life chained to a country tree. The large, male Rottweiler lived in a rough wooden dog house, had a couple of mismatched dirty bowls, and a dirt circle within which to exist. The rest of the yard and the house could have been a cliché Hollywood movie set; rusting cars, an old refrigerator, peeling paint and a crooked front porch. Sitting in my car the day of the rescue I couldn’t imagine why the dog couldn’t go into that house.

The dog and his story had come to the attention of my son Robert earlier that week. Robert told his younger brother Brian and they both told me. Brian was determined to give this dog a better home.  I thought the idea was a bad one. Six months earlier Brian had moved into a new apartment, had purchased new furniture and worked long hours. I was pretty sure this dog and imported Italian furniture weren’t going to be a good mix.

The dog’s bark was deep and bassy and meant to intimidate. He had a way of narrowing his eyes to show he meant to protect himself and his life. Personally I thought he was convincing. Apparently Brian saw something else. I looked back at the owner, an old guy standing on that falling down porch puffing on a cigarette and wondered why.

The scene unfolded. Brian had spent the last couple of minutes talking to the dog and then finally petting him. He was ready to take Renegade home and I watched in amazement as he took the logging chain off and then opened his car door. After a moments hesitation the dog climbed into the back seat, my son into the drivers seat and this mother’s heart climbed into her throat. It had never occurred to me that Brian would be turning his back on him so soon.

The plan was to immediately take the dog to a local vet who knew the circumstances of the visit. Shortly after following Brian and his dog into the exam room it became evident that Renegade was going to need more than a bath. Turns out he had allergies to everything from flies, grass, pollen, and chicken to all synthetic materials. He also had Lymes disease. His neck was chafed from the chain. Four hundred dollars and a couple of shots later the visit was over.

That Friday afternoon Renegade became Luxor. He was Brian’s first dog as an adult, my first grand-dog and the author of how to embrace second chances. There were a few difficulties in the beginning for this dog who had never been inside of a house; he didn’t understand carpet, cupboard doors, or steps. He was also sure he wasn’t going to get into that bathtub.

Later that night a freshly bathed, sweet smelling Luxor cried to go home. Too his old home.  But both young man and dog persevered until the morning Luxor finally heard his new name. Puzzled for just a moment this beautiful hazel-eyed dog seem to consider what was being offered and because Luxor was not only beautiful but also smarter than a whole lot of people he decided to accept the offer and trust his new master. Luxor was home. The struggles continued but so did the teachings.

Luxor quickly fell in love, first with Brian and then with life. Brian explained and Luxor listened. Together they went for morning and evening walks. Luxor found an old tennis ball and carried it home. Afternoons were for sitting on the deck, paws crossed and thinking. That year he had his picture taken with Santa.

Slowly he helped all of us look at life through his eyes. Old tennis balls were treasures if that’s what you believed.  And going to see a man in a red velvet suit meant first riding in a car. A car ride could turn an ordinary day into a fabulous one. And according to Luxor a visitor was deliriously exciting. The trash can however, held a special place in Luxor’s heart. He checked it daily for finds which he’d then stow in his crate. Perfectly good boxes and wax paper. You could just see the confusion in his face at the things we humans throw away.

Their world was perfect.

Then one day another dog, another male Rottweiler needed a home. Rocky had been abused and had many fears. And fear made Rocky aggressive at times. Brian was Rocky’s only hope. I was sure this adoption wasn’t going to work. Again Brian saw something I didn’t, couldn’t see. Luxor looked to his master for guidance as if asking, is he staying? The son, the master nodded yes and together Brian and Luxor rescued Rocky. The boys became best friends spending their days waiting for their favorite person to reappear. They went for walks and what a sight they were, two large good-looking Rottweilers side by side.

Luxor taught Rocky about his new life and they both went on the BARF diet. Meal time became an exciting event. They were sure their Master was the world’s greatest hunter. Together they went for car rides and Rocky calmed down. Luxor hurt his toe and Rocky, the student became Rocky the nurse. Carefully and thoroughly Rocky tended the wound until Luxor became weary and began hiding his foot.

Then one day when they were home alone Luxor said goodbye and Rocky became an only child. Together they mourned the irreplaceable Luxor. Was it a heart attack? His end remains a mystery but his message continues, treasures are in the eye of the beholder, be careful what you throw away, visitors are always welcomed and car rides can turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary one!