The loss of our beloved dog Gracie left a big hole in my heart and extreme emptiness in our home. Losing her sent me into a state of moderate depression. My productivity dropped and I just wanted to stay in bed. That’s really not like me, but I honored it as best I could, forcing myself up each day, doing my energizers and getting my workouts done in spite of what felt so heavy inside. The energy of the house was so low that I realized something needed to seriously change.
Our carpets and floors were calling for attention and now that we were without a dog, it was the perfect time to replace our 21-year-old floor coverings. Soon we were under contract for the entire first floor to get an upgrade. Almost immediately a huge sense of dread fell over me. This would mean cleaning my office and moving all of our stuff temporarily to the basement. I pulled myself together to clean and clear. Our contractors came the following Monday and created 5 days of complete chaos that drove me near my breaking point. When it was done, I cleaned and carefully put back only those items I loved, used and needed. The new energy of these durable and beautiful floors felt wonderful. Most surfaces were now a very durable vinyl plank and that looks exactly like wood. Perfect for a new dog.
Back at my desk in a clean office, I felt energized again. Opening my email, I saw a notice from PetFinder.com letting me know that there was a border collie available for adoption in the Cleveland area. A rush of electricity ran through me as I gazed at the sweet face on the screen. Could this be the one?
Prior to this, we had gone so far as to put down a deposit to hold a “yet to be born” Australian Shepherd puppy in western Ohio. Up to that moment, rescuing an older dog seemed too risky. The possibility that she might have behavior problems as a result of trauma or abuse crossed my mind, yet there was no harm in checking her out. I quickly completed the online application and waited excitedly for the response. Later that day got a call from Barb at Canine Lifeline. Our application was approved and we were invited to schedule a meet and greet the next day. The understanding was that if we liked her, she would come home with us for a 2-week trial. It was all happening so fast.
Checking with my husband, we agreed to take the next step. On Wednesday at 2:15 PM we pulled in to a canine training facility in Macedonia. Just as I shut off the engine, a beautiful shiny-coated black border collie cross the parking lot with a handler. My heart fluttered. The white crest on her chest and the white tips on her paws were the exact markings of our first dog Ashley, who left us at age 18 in 2003. Could this be the miracle I wished for?
Once inside the building, we were introduced to this sweet girl and given time inside a little pen to interact with her. She was shy and quiet, yet friendly. There were many large barking dogs and people in the room distracting her attention, yet she was steady. She accepted the treats I brought and followed my command to sit. I was impressed by how healthy her eyes and coat looked. According to Barb, she had been rescued from a shelter in rural Kentucky back in October where typically 75% or more of the strays are euthanized. Canine Lifeline stepped in to bring her to Ohio for adoption. She had been spayed, micro-chipped, vaccinated and tested for heartworm. We were the first to apply to see her. The decision to bring her home was effortless. The timing was perfect with the long Thanksgiving weekend ahead. Because of her serene personality, we chose to name her Serena.
Once at home, Serena easily settled in. accepted her crate, ate and napped. Later that evening when our son Dan arrived from Chicago, she greeted him sweetly and immediately started playing like she had known him forever. He likes to call her Rascal and she doesn’t seem to mind.
Serena has only barked one time in the past five days and that was to alert me of man on the sidewalk out front while we were doing yard work. It’s a blessing that Serena has ignored the holiday decorations and Christmas tree too. After the first night in her crate, she decided to sleep in bed with us and because she has good bed manners and weighs only 32 pounds, we are all good with this arrangement.
It is as if Serena has always been with us and I wonder if the spirit of Ashley has simply returned to the home she always loved. Our sweet Serena is home for good.
New dog-friendly floors, a clean office and Serena at my feet have improved my productivity and my sense of peace. Christmas has come early and this little therapy dog in training will love helping every client feel at home here too.
In celebration of this adoption, I welcome former clients to schedule EFT or Soul Detective sessions at a special $50 rate during the month of December. All session fees will be donated to Canine Lifeline to help them bring more wonderful dogs to loving forever homes.
