Saving Lives

One of my favorite lines in a movie is at the close of "Pretty Woman". Remember? Richard Gere comes to his senses, takes a taxi back to Julia Robert's apartment, climbs the fire escape, kisses her and asks the question; "So what does the princess do after the prince rescues her?"

Her response is priceless; "She rescues him right back."
And isn't that just the truth?!

A girlfriend sent this to me today and it made me gulp. It could have been expressed by our most beloved rescue fox hound Glorie Halleluiah Honeycutt.
“I rescued a human today.”
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.
I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.
Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.


Author:Janine Allen CPDT