Thank you for bringing this foster dog into my life. Had I not made a decision to participate in rescue, I would never have had the chance to meet him.  If I had sat here comfortably in my home and said, "I already have four dogs and I know that I couldn't take in another - even on a temporary basis," I would never have met this dog.

Yes, it takes time to rescue and foster . . . but who gave me TIME in the first place?  And why or what was the reason I was given TIME?  To fill my own needs? Or was there another reason ever so small and seemingly insignificant, like rescuing this one dog, that could make a difference in another's life? Perhaps to add joy, hope, help and companionship to another who is in need?

With great sadness I sat down on a footstool in my kitchen this morning and watched as this foster dog bounced back into the house and skidded across the floor to sit ever so perfectly in front of me.

He was the picture of health, finally. He was all smiles for me ... and I smiled back at his happy face. Deep in his eyes, the storm clouds of illness and generalized poor health had blown away and the clear light of his perfection radiated out from his beautiful soul. 

He holds no ill will towards man. He forgives us all.

I thought to myself as I impressed this one last long look of him into my heart, what a very fine creature you have created.

Tears slowly pooled and spilled over my cheekbones as the deeper realization of how wonderful this dog is sank into my internal file cabinet of Needful Things to Remember.  Lord, he's a dog - but he's a better human being than I am. 

He has forgiven quickly. Would I do the same?  He passionately enjoys the simple things in life. And I have often overlooked them.  He accepts change and gets on with his life. I fuss and worry about change.  He lives today and loves today. 

And I often dwell in the past or worry about the future.  He loves no matter what. I am not that free.

This very loving dog has gone to his new home today and already I miss him. Thank you for bringing this dog into my life. 

And thank you for the beautiful and tender lesson on how to be a better human.

           --  Author unknown.