How Rescue Dogs Make Us Kinder

Hiding in the bubble wrap in my office on Day Three

I was out walking on our farm this week, trying to get away from some things that were troubling me.  On the way back in, I spotted one of our barn cats curled up in an over-mulched flower bed.  He didn’t look quite right, and I headed over to investigate.  When I bent down to check him out, I realized this wasn’t my cat at all, but an old dog.  He was the same color as the straw, and I had almost missed him.

His eyes were clouded over, and when I spoke to him, I got no response.  When I touched him, he jumped.  I could tell he was wary, so I backed off.  I went in to get my husband to show him what I had “grown” in the flower bed.  By the time we returned, the dog was going into shock.  Temps were dropping, too, and I knew he wouldn’t survive the night if left outside.

That’s how he came to take up residence in our guest bathroom.  Three days later, he’s showing signs of improvement, and trying hard to learn to trust me.

I posted his photo on Facebook and Craigslist hoping I might find his owner or someone interested in adopting him.  I received lots of kind comments from friends about what a great thing I was doing.  While I appreciated the comments, it hit me immediately that it wasn’t about me being kind.  It was about this little, scared, emaciated dog making me kinder.

Scared to death the first night

When I had set out on my walk to clear my head and found the dog, I thought I had brought on new trouble.  And yes, cleaning up after a scared, non-socialized dog that isn’t fully housebroken is no picnic.  But it has made me focus on something besides my own issues.  In so doing, I’ve noticed that my whole disposition has become kinder, more thoughtful, and more compassionate.

If that’s the case, maybe I need to find a dog in the flower bed every day!

 I remember having this same kind of awakening when I brought in each of our other two rescue dogs.  In slowing down to reassure them, in being aware of timely feedings and routines, in just taking time instead of time taking me, I discovered a softer, more caring side of myself. All dogs are great teachers, but dogs that are rescued seem to have special powers!

I’d love to hear your thoughts about what I’ve written, or about your own experience with rescue dogs.  Please feel free to comment.  And thanks for reading!

Marianne M. Smith
Writer At The Ranch
Making You Look Brilliant One Word At A Time

http://writerattheranch.com
wordsmith@writerattheranch.com