Jessie, the story of a rescue dog, her family & unconditonal love

What happens when you rescue? I mean other than the fact that you've saved an animal's life. I think you've saved your life, too. You enhance your days and your nights and the quality of your existence. You bring home a never-ending supply of unconditional love. A love that will be there for you when you feel good and when you feel bad. When your wallet is full and when it is empty.

Several years ago my friend, Cindy and her hubby Jim, in a matter of only weeks lost all three of their geriatric dogs (all 13+ years). Cindy and Jim weren't sure when they were going to add another life to their home but as time went on, Cindy decided to make a visit to our local shelter. It was there that she was greeted by Jessie, the shelter greeter. An older dog. A chubby dog. A mixed breed dog. A dog that everyone walked by or passed over for months but that didn't stop her tail from wagging non-stop nor dim her welcoming smile; that is why Jesse became the shelter dog. The staff fell in love with her and hoped that with the extra exposure Jesse would find her fur-ever home. They wanted someone to look into her eyes and see what they saw - a valuable gem.

But, she was older and large and not a frisky pup. Three strikes that are difficult to overcome when you are a dog or cat living in a shelter full of puppies and kittens. But on that day - on the day Cindy walked through the shelter door - Jessie met her angel. She met her new momma who would open up a world totally unknown to her thus far. Jessie would go camping and boating and on picnics. She would wear a life jacket when she was on the water or swimming. She would be a member of her new family. She would be treasured and important.

Cindy will often say to me that she just doesn't understand why someone didn't look for Jessie when she was lost because she is the perfect dog! It's been a while now since Jessie walked through the door of her new fur-ever home. Her muzzle is more gray and she needs supplements to help her with hip pain, but boy, is she loved. Her value to Cindy and Jim is immeasurable. No amount of money could tease them to give her up. They need her just as much as she needs them.

A day will come when Jessie will have to leave this earth and I know the pain all too well that my friends will endure. It will be relentless and deep and will rip their heart open to bleed unconsoled sorrow.

But, after a while, they will dry their eyes and they will smile when they think of Jessie. They will remember all the fun camping, hiking, walking and boating. And, one thing you can bet money on - they will go back to our shelter and they will look for another dog. They will seek out a dog that has been overlooked numerous times but who is filled with unconditional love and a new family will be formed and new bonds will take place and a new story will be written.

I have rescue animals (some are purebred). I don't know what words to use to convince the unbeliever that by going to the shelter for your next pet you will NOT be seeing left-overs and rejects. Shelters all over the world are filled with hearts ready to give you all they have if you will only give them a little of what you have - a roof, a bowl, a rug to rest their weary head.