"People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
I just got an email that had this quote in it and it struck up an idea on a blog. I don’t write much about Reesie. Reesie was the dog I found on Petfinder.com, and knew instantly that she was mine and that I was hers. I adopted two dogs that day, but Reesie and I connected a little differently. I knew she needed me, and I desperately wanted her. The ride home from Camden, SC (about an hour drive) was a long one. I had put them both in a crate, and Reesie ended up getting car sick about half way there, in the middle of nowhere. I had to pull the car over in an abandoned parking lot, and get her out, and clean it up enough to get us home. Reesie lept from my arms, and started to run away. She got about 250 yards away from me, and I was calling after her. I was begging her to at least give me a chance. I was being as gentle and as calm as I could, and coaxed her back, using the name the shelter had given to her (“Butterbean” aka “Butters” and/or “Beans”). She stopped dead in her fast walk, as if to say… “Wait a minute”, and she turned around, and looked at me, and came running back. She chose me! She could have run into the woods and been afraid of me. She didn’t have to stop and turn around. She didn’t have a leash on her. Instead, she came back and allowed me to love her.
The first week I had her home, she slept the majority of the time. I changed her name the same day I adopted her. I had brought the dogs over to my parents house, and Mom and I were sitting in the back yard on the swing. We were going through names, and I said “Well, she has the coloring of a Reeses Peanutbutter cup.” The minute I said Reeses.. her large gorgeous ears perked up, and she came to me. She liked the name Reesie. And there she was named.
Reesie was a peculiar looking dog. She had wired fur, a long snout, a curly q tail, skinny mini legs, and ears larger than her head. Her eyes were dark and beautiful. The wired hair was a shiny black and with a good bath and conditioner, it was beautiful too. The long snout loved to wake me up in the morning, by sticking that snout in my ear and letting out a “Snffh”, I woke up instantly. The minute I would open my eyes, her adorable curly q tail would go around in circles, and she would gently tap my head with her skinny mini legs with the dainty little paw attached to them. Reesie was beautiful! She had so much to offer the world. She loved with every bit that her little body would allow her to. She was so devoted to me, and I to her. She taught me to think of another living being other than myself. (She and Bella both did!) She taught me that great things do come in small packages. She also taught me that no matter how small, confidence will prevail.
Reesie was and is an angel. No matter how tragic her death, that little dog loved with her whole being. I am in no way saying that any of my pets were better than the other… I have always loved my animals very much. I’ve had a different bond with each of them. However, I had a very unique and special bond with Reesie.
So now, Reesie is somewhere over the rainbow bridge and with her brothers before her. She had more important things to accomplish up there, and I know that I will forever be grateful that she allowed me to be her “mom”.
RIP Reesie!!
Adopted 02/19/2005- 04/28/2006
This is the first time I saw her! She knew she was going "Home"!
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure
ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them
gently.
Be always grateful for each new day.
No comments:
Post a Comment