A Valentine's Day Wish from Valerie

Smiles to you from Darling Val

Dear Readers:

Five years ago today, I found a new home. I had a real home once before, but I can hardly remember it now. I do recall, however, that I became lost and some people found me and locked me in a cage in a big room with other dogs in cages. I was scared and wanted to go home.

Then a nice lady came and took me away to a doctor, where I was poked and prodded. Then I was bathed and brushed and my hair was trimmed. I caught an image of myself in the mirror and I thought I looked pretty. I thought they might take me home now.

But the nice lady took me to yet another place. While I was comfortable and safe, I still had to stay inside a cage. She fed me, and played with me occasionally when I was allowed outside, but I was quite lonely. And scared.

One day soon after, she and another lady placed me in a vehicle and we went on a long car trip -- maybe for an hour or two.

When I was finally removed from the car, I was led along a sidewalk. I sniffed but nothing smelled familiar.

We entered through an unfamiliar door. Two strange people were standing there and I could tell by their voices they were friendly. But I was scared. So many changes over the past few days had upset me and I just didn't know what to do. 

The four people sat down, and since there was space on the sofa between where the two new people were sitting, I hopped up. They didn't seem to mind, and both started touching me and speaking in soothing voices.

I think I fell asleep for a long time, because when I awoke the two ladies who had brought me were gone. Throughout the day the new people sat beside me and hugged me.

They took me outside but never ventured far away. I liked that. They fed me but mostly they let me sleep.

I slept on that sofa for the better part of three days. I think I needed the time to heal myself of the mental trauma I had endured.

When I recovered from my healing rest, I woke up and knew I'd finally found my way home. My forever home.

Life is good. And I hope your Valentine's Day is as good as mine was five years ago.

P.S. My brother Kris became very jealous (that's his nature) when he learned I am wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day. He's a "me-too" kind of guy so I asked Mom to include a photo of him so he won't be harass me the rest of the day:

He can be so silly at times. Like this morning when he rolled around in the snow!

*******

When she was rescued from the pound by the Golden Retriever Rescue group, she was given a name. Introduced to us as Valerie, and we didn't see fit to rename her, as she had experienced quite enough changes over the past weeks. And besides, it seemed such an appropriate name, since she came to be a member of our family on Valentine's Day.

A Poem

Author Unknown

When God had made the earth and sky, the flowers and the trees.

He then made all the animals and all the birds and bees.

And then His work was finished, and not one was quite the same

He said I'll walk this earth of mine and give each one a name.

And so he traveled land and sea, and everywhere He went

a little creature following him, until its strength was spent.

When all were named upon the Earth, and in the sky and sea,

A little creature said, Dear Lord, there's not one left for me.

The Father smiled and softly said, I've left you to the end,

I've turned my own name back to front

and called you "Dog" my friend.


Happy Valentine's Day from Valerie