Homer
In February 2010, mere days after losing the family's canine patriarch - Boots the big black Lab - we faced the challenge of deep and debilitating depression on the part of his companion, Lady Jane, a petite yellow Lab mix.
There was only one solution and, despite the fact that grief was consuming all of us - Lady, the five kitties and us humans - our first stop on that rainy Sunday morning was the Haven-to-Home website. While our preference was a small dog, easily handled during one of my fibromyalgia or MS episodes, we kept coming back to a short-coated collie who had been running feral for at least six months on the periphery of a farm near Turbotville.
Collie, we said. Large, we concurred. A feral history, we mused. Let's call Linda H., we decided, and see if we can arrange a meeting between Homer, as he had been named, and Lady Jane.
Homer had edged his way into the hay piles of the farm's dairy barn during the coldest nights of winter and the caring farm family ended up setting out a blanket in the garage for the collie. However, since their other three dogs did not particularly appreciate Homer, the family was very close to taking him to the SPCA when devoted trainer Mark C. stepped in and, impressed with the dog's inherent potential, requested their approval in trying to find Homer a permanent family through Haven-to-Home. Fortunately, they agreed.
We met Homer on Monday evening at the farm. Although he was nervous, he and Lady connected immediately. Mark was impressed that Homer leaned gently into my legs (even though I was holding my walking cane) in a curved stance that apparently indicates trust. After assuring Homer we would take very good care of him, we signed the required adoption paperwork and prepared for his homecoming several days later (following his neutering surgery).
Within five minutes of arrival at his new home, the two dogs seemed joined at the hip - loping around the dog run like two ponies on a single harness; cuddling in a tangle of intertwined limbs; sharing grooming duties as if they have lived together for one hundred years. Their mutual adoration and respect has continued to escalate to the point that we are often reduced to joyful tears just watching them play, enjoy a snack and sleep within inches of one another. And there was an unexpected bonus; almost immediately, aspects of Lady's personality that had been displaced by her self-motivated service in a caregiver and guide dog capacity to Boots for several years (as his eyesight and mobility decreased) began to blossom once more. She has been rejuvenated and, consequently, given a second chance as well.
Sonny-Boy (his new personality-appropriate name) also loves his five kitties and they vie for the coveted warm spot of his tummy during nap times. And, as for the fibromyalgia and MS episodes? Well, who could have imagined this dog's sensitivity as he tries to find ways of corralling his owner to a comfortable place, sometimes just before a major bout of pain or paralysis swoops in. Paging Dr. Sonny!
It is obvious that Sonny was abused in his early days; he is terrified of many noises, by fast movements and by things with the potential to be used for hurt. We work diligently with him and, thankfully, he is gaining more confidence every day.
It is also obvious that this handsome and gentle dog was given a second chance through his good fortune to "connect" with Haven-to-Home. Mark looked beyond the rough spots, recognized the strong and hopeful heart pounding within and did everything right on behalf of this intelligent dog. In one of those strange twists of fate, we just happened to be in a vulnerable place (missing Boots) at a life-altering juncture (realizing that sometimes the only cure for grief is a huge commitment to another being).
Truly, the best thing we have learned from Sonny-Boy is that love given is love reciprocated. It sometimes takes a little while for a dog who has been mistreated to learn how to trust unconditionally once again, however, it can and it does happen. This, alone, should encourage everyone to follow their heart, support Haven-to-Home in every possible way and never hesitate to adopt the dog who touches your soul even if he or she seems to be too big, too small or a different breed than you had in mind.
We will always miss Boots, but the void has been filled by an incredible dog who is a loving partner to Lady Jane, as well as to every other member of our family - kitties included!
April & Barry James
