Statistically speaking, the odds were pretty good one of my dogs would be returned, although I hadn’t considered that prior to receiving this totally unexpected text from Ozzy’s new mama:
“Is there any way you want to take Ozzy back? I feel like I have really tied myself down. He needs a lot of attention and he and Baby really don’t play much now. Don’t get me wrong. I love him. If you can’t take him I will try and keep him. I feel really bad, but I also want to go on some trips and that is impossible. Please let me know what you think.”
There were too many words to sort out, lots of questions, and a tropical storm about to hit Houston. I knew the first thing would be to pick up Ozzy up immediately.
We met in the parking lot of a fast food place at the halfway point to save time driving in the rain. There I found a droopy looking Ozzy and sad Laura. He was unkempt and lethargic. She was worried I’d be angry with her. I asked several times if it was something that Ozzy had done? She told me he was “a perfect angel” the entire month and a half.
With permission, I can tell you that Laura was suffering with severe depression, anxiety, and agoraphobia. She would stay home all day, every day with both dogs and not leave the house. I had no idea. She recently sought medical treatment for these issues and I wish her the best. Something told me she had related to my story quite a bit..and wanted to help me by adopting Ozzy. And for that I am grateful.
Ozzy’s posture and mood over the next few days reminded me of the days that followed after losing his sight. He seemed pissed off and confused is the best way for me to tell you. Then suddenly he wasn’t. He soon was navigating my place, even the stairs, like a pro in no time. Started playing with toys and the other dogs like he had never left.
So, I had to rescue my own dog. Bizarre. This wasn’t a homeless dog in a shelter, this was MY dog of 7 years! Did I feel guilty? No. Was I angry? No. Did I call her names? No. I realized that Ozzy had a quick mission in Laura’s life and then it was time for him to go. He helped her “see” that she needed to seek guidance and get some help. And he taught me some things too:
1. Expect others to be Human. Then you won’t be disappointed.
2. Stress is what we make it. Make it temporary.
3. See with your heart. Your eyesight can be deceiving.
4. No matter what, be resilient. We fall down, but we get up.
5. Dogs are pure love and catalysts for change in our lives.
Ozzy is ready for his next mission now. (That’s his puppy photo above btw.) Here is his adoption page: petfinder.com/petdetail/32065972
XO,
RA