Then one day, I read this poem:
Before humans die, they write their last will and testament, giving their home and all they have to those they leave behind. If, with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I’d ask…
To a poor and lonely stray, I’d give my happy home; my bowl and cozy bed, soft pillow and all my toys; the lap, which I loved so much; the hand that stroked my fur; and the sweet voice that spoke my name.
I’d will to the sad, scared, shelter dog the place I had in my human’s loving heart, of which there seemed no bounds.
So, when I die, please do not say, “I will never have a pet again, for the loss and the pain is more than I can stand.”
Instead, go find an unloved dog, one whose life has held no joy or hope, and give my place to him.
This is the only thing I can give…
The love I left behind.
– Author Unknown
Not long after reading this poem, a post from a friend on Facebook caught my attention. She was moving and was looking for a new home for her furry five year old Chocolate Lab/Chesapeake Retriever dog. I knew the dog and how friendly she was and immediately responded letting my friend know that if she had trouble finding a home for her that my husband and I would consider it. My friend was hoping to find someone that lived in the country because that is what the dog was used to so I just trusted that if it was meant to be, then God would make sure it happened.
It wasn't long after that my friend asked us to take her for a week to make sure it worked out. Like any good dog Mom, she wanted to make sure that my husband and I got along with the dog, make sure that the busy road we live on would be a good fit for the dog, and last but not least, make sure that the dog was good around our granddaughter, Rosslyn. As soon as she came into our home and as I suspected, John and I were in love. Her name is Kona and she is full of life. She adores John and loves to greet him at the door when he comes home from work. Just like Jazz, she eagerly awaits her nightly rub down and patting.
Even more so than Jazz (which I never thought was possible), Kona loves the water. Even if she hears John turn on the faucet outside to water the garden, she comes running through the house to get outside. We have set up a kiddie pool outside for her to play and chase her tennis ball. Several times a week, we take her for a hike that has a river that she can swim in. Just as soon as she hears the waterfalls, she is on a mission to get into the water. John and I just watch her and smile as she plays around. She enjoys picking up a sock or shoe and brings it to you as you get home. She has me back into walking at least an hour a day. Most days, it is more than that and not only do I feel better physically, but mentally as well. Many people tell me how lucky she is to have us, but we are truly the blessed ones.
In case you are wondering, we did adopt Kona. She has been with us for almost two months now and the life she has brought into our home cannot be denied. You know she is more comfortable when she has started to get into things. We made the mistake of leaving a ham steak on the counter after cleaning up after dinner one night. After a few minutes of relaxing with my family, I heard a crunch crunch noise. She had the whole ham steak gone. Thank God, she didn't get sick.
Our granddaughter loves her and really enjoys playing fetch with her. Kona loves to play with a frisbie that Jazz had and has her own special favorite squishy orange ball. We taught Rosslyn to give her commands and Kona is great about listening to her. Rosslyn really enjoys placing a treat down and making her wait to be freed before getting it.
As you can see, she is loved. I know that Jazz would be happy to see us enjoying her. She doesn't make us forget him; in fact, she has helped us to remember all the great memories we have of him. He left a huge gift behind and that was his love. Kona is now basking in that love and our hearts grew a little bigger from the moment she entered our home.
Our Kona - a beautiful girl!
