There is one more Dog Owner in the world but one less who might consider me a Friend....

My mother, aunt,uncle & I turned off onto the county highway to find an abandoned dog along the rural roadside. I insisted that my mother stop the car. I jumped across the ditch to take a closer look. There, in the thick woods she had ran but she had stopped to look back curious of my intentions. I called for her and she skittishly approached me, only to get just a couple feet from me to run again before stopping to look back. She was VERY Scared and frightened. I continued to call her and it became a routine of having her approach with her back end tucked up under neath her only to have her run away again. She had tucked her back end back under her in such a way that she wasn't using her back legs, but only to crawl. I wondered for a moment if she had been hit by a car, then realized when she ran off again that it was a fear mechanism.

I went back to the car to see what food I could find...a burger bun and a peanut butter bar. I went back to woods line and began to call. She approached and I tossed the food close to me. She came and ate the food. She was very curious to my attention I was giving to her. Finally she allowed me to pet her, still her back end tucked far underneath. With more coaxing the finally surrendered and lay on her back wanting me to rub her belly.

The sun was to set soon. I knew in my heart that I could not leave this sweet dog to the wildlife and elements...and passing vehicles that might could hit her. I had met my quota on pets so I could not even begin to consider bringing her to my home. I had no takers in the car. I began to search my heart. My friend Boss came to mind. She had recently lost a dog that she had for a long time. I was torn as to call her. I know from personal experience that it takes time to recover from such a loss. That being said, I knew I couldn't leave the dog...and perhaps it was time for Boss. Maybe it was a "sign from God". I called Boss and spoke to her about "my dilemma"...she felt it wasn't the right time. I had to respect that. It was duck outside, and with the woods looming overhead, even darker. I began to pray. I told God that this would be the last phone call I make. I had other people in the car who were on a time schedule, and if it wasn't meant to be then, that would be His will.

Long story and phone conversation short, my friends Diva and Bass Master reluctantly agreed to take in the stray. Having 2 small children and 2 other dogs, I was understanding of their concern. But I could plainly see the dog before me. She was so wanting and deserving of love....she had just been dealt a bad deck of cards in life. I was prepared to change her luck. I walked back over to the dog, who had retreated some 20 feet into the dark woods. She was scratching at the ground and the leaves on it into a pile. She laid down on them when she had it to her liking.

I called for her and she just looked at me. Again, I called and this time she came. I tried to pick her up, and she became nervous and wiggled. I feared she bite bite out of her own fear. I loured her back to the vehicle and opened the hatch. This time, using all of my strength I picked her up and put her in. She was visibly fearful. I got back into the car and sat in the back, stroking her back and talking to her.

We arrived some 2 hours later at Diva's doorstep. It was immediate acceptance by the dog of her two new owners. It was as if she knew. Diva's dogs also were accepting. I am proud to say that Diva and Bass Master are proud new dog owners to the newly named "Princess Dottie" (by their daughter MC, who has fallen in love).

Isn't the dog precious? She's a blue heeler mix. Heelers are very family oriented dogs and also very devoted to their owners. I have a family member that has one and their dog feels it is it's duty to constantly monitor and herd their children. It will not allow the children to get anywhere near the lake on their property. The dog uses it's body as a barrier between the child and the water. It's a sight to see. It's a wonderful family pet. I feel in my heart that this dog will be the same kind of pet to my friends. I love happy endings.