Thank You Fearless Followers!

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Welcome Home Woody

There are lots of dog and cat fans out there in the blog world, for instance peacoxcreations or The Canine Kids. After viewing Pencil Paws Blog Pages and discussing our love of dogs, I realized I had a great dog story I wanted to share. And no, this may start off like a sad story to THE OFFENDED BLOGGER but it really isn't. It has a great happy ending.

On August 19, at the exact moment my son hit a triple, I got a call that my father had died. Devastated I gathered my things, said nothing and walked away from the park leaving my husband and children behind. I got in my car and drove to get my brother before heading to my father's home. Needless to say we spent the day with my father's lifeless body before making funeral arrangements and phone calls.

As I awoke on the following day, my son called out to me from his room and mentioned that a small black dog was hiding under a tree across the street. There was a terrible storm outside; the rain came down strong and the typical summer lightening and thunder resonated throughout the house. The weather improved as the day progressed and we prepared for my father's viewing. To my surprise the little black dog had moved into my backyard and lay frozen without moving under a tree. I called to him, brought out water and food, yet he was terrified of me. When I moved away, he came drank water and ate his food quickly from the bowl. I observed that he had no collar, and he was thin, dirty and his hair was tangled. Who knows how long he had been wondering the streets.

The following day, the day of my father's funeral, the dog was still waiting under the tree. In fact for the next 7 days he remained in my backyard, no gate or fence and every morning I would leave to take the children to school and myself to work, and he would watch us leave as he stood on the front steps. The children worried that he would leave and begged me to tie him up. I would not. I had made a pact with this little fellow the day I buried my father. I told him if he stayed for a week in my yard with no barriers, he could live in my home forever. My heart knew how battered and bruised his life had been up until that moment. I knew he was a good and loving dog and though I could never erase what terrible things had been done to him, I knew he would find refuge and comfort in this new home with people who wanted him.

And so, it was. On the 7th day, I opened the patio door, and he walked in. Not only did he get a warm bath in his own tub, but he was fed and cared for like a king. Even got his own doggy insurance a few days later. I always say he lives better than a lot of people on this planet. He never sleeps outside in the rain or cold, always enjoys air conditioning, eats pizza every now and then, goes to the vet regularly and has a family that kisses him in the morning, afternoon and night. We even plan our vacations around him. You know "must allow dogs."

Why you may ask is this 40 pound lab chow mix so loved in my home? Ask my children and they will tell you that grandpa sent him. My father knew how much the kids wanted a dog. I, however, cringed at the idea because I knew how much work it would mean for me. Falling in love with Woody was just so easy. Although I couldn't even touch him for days, with patience he learned to trust me. He is by my side at all times, and he is most definitely an integral part of this family.

33 comments:

  1. your post make me cry, what a wonderful story and what a gift :) Sometimes some things are meant to be.

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  2. I needed that. Had a bad dream last night that my fiance died and my kids do want a dog badly. Maybe it's a sign we should get one when we leave our apartment.

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  3. I agree. What is meant to be will be. This beautiful dog fits perfectly in our lives. In everyway, he is...God sent.

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  5. What a sweet and touching post. He is beautiful, too.

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  6. Woody's story brought tears to my eyes..He was, indeed, meant to be with you! Wonderful post and beautiful dog!

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  7. What a wonderful story. You told it so well too.
    P.S.
    I like your new layout on your site.

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  8. I still cried, but that was a very happy ending!! Thanks for thinking of me. :)

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  9. I do love this story! And in every sense, your children are correct. Grandpa, through God, sent this four footed "person" into your life!

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  10. There are so many dogs out there who've been abused but still are capable of love. My Princess was one of those. Took her years to get over her fear of the elderly though she felt safe with young folks right from the start. Now she is my mother-in-law's companion on her daily walks. (Mom lives in our basement)

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  11. Certainly from the heart. A great and moving post.

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  12. HEY MRS THANKS FOR SHARING THE STORY. WELL SAMETHING HAPPEND TO ME BUT THIS WAS DIFFERNT. I USE TO LIVE IN HIALEAH BEFORE I MOVED TO OPA-LOCKA I USE TO LIVE IN A APARTMENT WITH MY THREE SISTERS AND MY MUM AND DAD. WE USE TO LIVE ON THE FOURTH FLOOR. ONE DAY THERE WAS ONE SICK PARROT WHO WAS INJURED AND MY DAD WHO LOVES BIRD DECIDED TO CARE FOR IT, AND WE DIDNT KEEP LOCKED UP IN A CAGE SO WE WOULD JUST GIVE IT FOOD AND IT JUST STAYED @ THE HOUSE AND IT BECAME PART OF THE FAMILY DURING THE HURRICANE SEASON WE WOULD BRING THE PARROT IN THE HOUSE BUT IT WOULD JUST SIT ON THE WOODEN CHAIR AND WELL IT BECAME PART OF THE FAMILY AND WELL WHEN WE MOVED TO THE MOORS MY FATHER FREED IT TOOK HIM TO THE FORREST AND FREED HIM MY FATHER AND I WERE IN LOVE WITH THE BIRD. IT WAS EMOTIONAL SOOOOOOOOO THATS HOW IT GOES.HOPE U LIKED THE STORY

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  13. Awwwww!! That's sad,yet miraclous story. It lets one realize that even though we have lost a loved one in a way they are still cherish through god's other creations ( you & your family ) were meant to have woody in your lives. :)

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  14. Love your writing. Keep up the great work. I will be checking in often to read more.

    Lauren Mackler & Associates provides life and career coaching, consulting, and development programs in Boston that help individual's master change, turn aspirations into reality, and achieve the next level of success.

    http://www.laurenmackler.com/

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  15. If we all sized up, in life, to half the human being our dog thought we were, we would all have accomplished something.

    Fine story. Well told.

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  16. I lost my cocker 3 months ago after 17 years. Reading your post brought big tears to my eyes. The cocker appeared in my life the day my grandmother died, I didn't want a dog, I didn't need a dog (I thought) But he was my companion from the moment he came to us. Thank you for sharing. Nex time, let us know we need kleenex!
    Your posts are always great to read!

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  17. Wonderful story and nice to meet you as well. Have a great day, I will be back! Val

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  18. So glad you all enjoyed the post. Thanks so much for your comments.

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  19. When I was a child, I never had a dog. However, now, I have two dogs, and they are adorable. I love them because they are inconditional friends. I like you story.

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  20. Namaste', this is a brilliant post, thank you SO much for writing it!!!!!!!!!! I have NO DOUBT in my mind , that grandpa sent this beautiful creature. I have silent tears, for you took a blessing and gave it meaning and recognition for what it *is*. A gift, and those we love and lose physically, can still give us gifts.

    Metta!

    sky
    http://awolfadventure.bogspot.com

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  21. Great story fearless! Thanks for sharing it.

    Fay

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  22. Thank you Sky and Fay for your kind words and glad you ladies liked it. :)

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  23. It may had happen a long time ago , but I'm sorry for your loss.
    It is true, your father send Woody to your life; no wonder Woody talks.
    Geisa Gonzalez

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  24. This is SUCH a poignant story and beautifully written. It not only reflects the soul of the little black dog, but it reflects the compassion, warmth and openness of your own soul. It shows to me how you walk through life with an open heart. Honestly? My eyes teared up reading this. I am so glad I have found you. Robin

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  25. What a beautiful story. I still have a lump in my throat. Thank-you. I'll be back. L

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  26. I love dogs, and we have a very loving german shepherd back home in my parents house, and I can totally understand how wonderful it is for you guys to have Woody in your life, I'm sure he is equally lucky to have you guys. My love to woody and your family...

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  27. Thank you very much psshakkottai. We do feel very fortunately,

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  28. Oh I see that you are Dog Lover too..Enjoy and play this week end with woody

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  29. Yes Franx

    There are many of us in this world. :)

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  30. I loved this story! Beautiful and makes my heart feel wonderful. I do alot of animal rescue and this is a better than happy ending.thank you!

    Heidi

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  31. Thank you Heidi and glad you enjoyed the read.

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  32. You can imagine how:"WELCOME HOME WOODY".makes me cry.I remember my beautiful dog,and His name was Miky.I left him since the first day I left Haiti to come to United States.I
    lost my lovely dog.I would never see
    him again because he left the house,and never com back so your story reminds me of my dog.

    From:Evodie

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