Pets

It was 104 degrees outside; my car’s air conditioner worked hard to try to keep the heat at bay.

I was driving home when I noticed something in the middle of the hot paved road; I was still too far away to tell what it was, but saw traffic coming and going, passing by whatever it was.

As I neared, I saw what looked like a small dog, still sitting motionless in the middle of the road.

I drove closer still and saw a small dog sat facing my direction, ignoring the other vehicles passing on either side of it.

About two car lengths away from it, the dog jumped up, and began wagging its tail.

I slowed down, not knowing what the dog was doing, or going to do. It began to get really excited and I suddenly ‘hear’, “There you are!” with joy in its thoughts.

I thought, “Whoa! What?!”

I slowed down as I passed the dog – the dog ran after me.

I was barely driving at a crawl and I panicked – I couldn’t see where the dog went.

I pulled over and opened my truck door – and there, looking up at me, was the small dog; its joy undeniable.

I slowly shook my head and thought, “Here we go again.”

The dog tried to get into my truck; the truck was too high for the small dog.

I turned the engine off, grabbed a water bottle, got out, squatted down and began giving the dog water.

My husband pulled up behind me, giving me the look I know so well – I think it’s called “exasperation”. When he got out of his truck, I pointed to the dog and said, “He started it!” and smiled.

My husband said he would go back up the street to the little store and get some dog food.

I put the dog in my truck and headed home.

When I got home, I put a big bowl of water on the patio and the dog drank with gusto.

“He” turned out to be a “she”, and was very thin and very thirsty.

I called her Little Lady.

Food was offered, water bowl refilled.

I went inside for about thirty-minutes, came back out, loaded up Little Lady and headed back to where I found her.

I rang door bells and knocked on doors inquiring about Little Lady. No one knew her or had seen her before.

I took Little Lady on a walk up and down two streets. She stayed, leash-less, with me; did not chase the rabbit that crossed our path and watched with curiosity as a family of quail walked in front of us – but she never gave chase.

Throughout our walk, I kept asking her if there were any familiar sounds or smells.

“No.”

I finally asked Little Lady to “Show me your home!” and she took off running. She ran to my truck and sat down beside my truck tire. I brought her home for the night.

I explained to her that she was such a good girl, but I couldn’t keep her with me (I am allergic to “feathered and furred”), but I would find a way to help her.

The next morning was spend searching “lost dogs”; calling animal control and other agencies, to see if she was reported as missing. Nothing.

I talked to a friend who recommended a no-kill shelter in El Paso; I called them.

I explained what had happened; they said bring her in and they would evaluate her health and temperament and then make a decision on whether or not they could take her.

Another friend joined me on the trip as we drove Little Lady to the Animal Rescue League of El Paso (ARLEP).

The vet there examined Little Lady and took a blood sample. She then told me that no one was looking for this dog; she had been out on her own for quite a while.

No heartworms, but malnourished; about three years old; gentle temperament…they would take her.

I was happy – and very sad. If I could have dogs, she would’ve stayed with me.

Animals show up in my life – those who need help. I do what I can, but unfortunately I cannot keep them with me.

These poor gentle souls are on Earth for us – humans – all of us. They are here to aid us; be companions and to teach us unconditional love.

When we take them into our homes and lives, it is a life long commitment to them.

They are not disposable and they do have feelings.

Please do not throw away a pet because they don’t do what you want, or you don’t have the time or money to care for them….there are alternatives!

And if you can no longer keep your pet – don’t toss them out or dump them somewhere else. Place an ad in the paper or at your vet’s; ask your friends to spread the word that you are trying to find a good home for your pet; or, as a last resort, please take them to your local no-kill shelter.

Places like ARLEP are run by donations only – please help support them. Donations are a blessing to them and their wonderful work.

Please donate to ARLEP