One day, a few short weeks ago, we
were visiting our favorite shelter just to
thank the staff for their daily efforts on the
behalf of  abandoned animals.  A man
came into the lobby trailing a dog who  
obviously was having some difficulty
keeping up. The dog sank to the floor
alongside of us and sighed deeply.

If there ever was a creature who seemed
to have lost all hope, this was one.
We listened as the man made the
surrender arrangements, and heard the
words, "too old", "no time" and "too
busy".  We asked the dog's name and
age and the man replied
"Kody, he's twelve".

Even when advised by the kind young
lady at the counter that there was little
hope that the senior would be adopted,
the man handed over the surrender fee,
shook his head and quickly left.
I love naps
We noticed that he avoided eye-contact
with either us or the dog and never even
reached down to pat the old dog's head
when he departed.  That all-too familiar
lump appeared in our throat when the old
dog turned his head to watch the man
leave and tried to get to his feet and follow.

For a few moments there was silence
while the old dog struggled and we all
glanced at each other in recognition of a
scenario played out thousands of times
daily in shelters across this country.
I love the snow!
And then we did what any good Rescue
does. We retrieved our canine body sling
and helped the dignified old dog to his
feet and signed the papers to take him
with us.

Because every living creature deserves
the dignity of  passing peacefully
amongst friends, we decided that Kody
would walk on some grass, see a sunset
and smell some flowers and trees before
he made his journey to Rainbow Bridge.
Guess who has become an honorary
Husky since, folks?

And guess who walks proudly and
steadily alongside a Sibe companion
on his daily walks?

Who says that you can't put new
bounce in an old dog's step?
Thank you APF for trusting
us to care for him and
thank you Kody
for teaching us humility.
Walks are my favorite
Tundra Spirits






Siberian Husky
Rescue
Follow The Lead
Dog
Home
The Story of Kody Continued:

A Silver Harness Well Earned
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