Those of you who follow me regularly may wonder what took so long between essays. Well, do you recall the line from John Lennon’s song, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans?”
Life. That’s what happened.
A little over two weeks ago, a beautiful white German Shepherd mix turned up at Happy Meadows. He arrived with no collar and no chip. He was abandoned. I can't publicly write what Sybren would like to do to the person who dumped this sweet dog, but let's just leave that between Sybren and the Lord.
He was friendly but wearing a flea blanket. My husband, being a good Samaritan, treated him with medicine, and the love affair was on… The dog did not want to leave and began hanging out here. We began looking at him more closely. From his teeth development, he is about a year old. One of our guests named him Eli. Walking on a leash, he behaves like a pro; he is affectionate and grateful for any attention. He also has a bright blue spot in his pretty eye.
We already have two dogs: one old fella named Marley, and a young’un named Frieden. His name is German meaning “peace." Frieden wears the coat of a Newfoundland and stands head-to-head with me, if I would let him.
We weren’t sure if we could add a third dog to our household. While we were in a holding pattern, fate made the decision for us.
Almost two weeks ago, the white dog Eli tried to enter our gate with Sybren. Frieden did not live up to his name. He refused Eli permission to come in. Eli didn’t listen and a knock-down-drag-out fight resulted with my husband getting a bite on the wrist that required three days in-hospital medical attention.
That is life.
The only reason I tell you this story is that Eli is still here but can’t stay. We have him secured outside our fence, so a car won’t kill him, but this is a temporary situation. Frieden and Eli are now mortal enemies. Stephanie Lubianski, a great dog-trainer, tells me it will take six months to a year before we could ever expect Eli and Frieden to get along.
Eli will make a fine pet for somebody.
Please write me at Kathryn@TexasHeritage.net if you are interested in adopting him. Those of you who know the dog world know that the shelters are full. This is such a sad situation for all concerned.
I do not believe in coincidences. The Lord teaches us He created everything for a time and purpose. May this story touch your heart. Please share this and let’s pray that our human connections can find a loving home for man’s best friend.
