Juno Rescued Beagle

As we prepared to bid goodbye to 2012 and hello to a new year full of promise and adventure a message came to us marked urgent. Less of a message and more of an invitation. Because sometimes the best medicine for a broken heart is the love of something soft and fluffy, the presence of Raven and me was requested to help our neighbors heal their broken hearts. These hearts were not just ordinary hearts but the hearts of some really special children facing the difficult and maybe even scary thought of going back to school this week.

As I sat in the car during the long ride I simultaneously dozed and got my ears scritched by Mommy.  We arrived midday in a freezing and blustery parking lot. As I got out of the car I smelled the other dogs right away. But my nose smelled something else too, sadness, overwhelming profound sorrow. As my bandanna was secured around my neck I went to work. In this world there are lots of working dogs and each offers such a valuable part of themselves to their humans, none more important than another as we each serve our own purpose.

As we were buzzed in through the locked doors a small rush of children were suddenly surrounding me. “Oh, she’s so cute.” “Oh pet her ears, they are soooo soft.” “Boy or girl?” ” What’s her name?” “How old is she?” “Why did you name her Juno?” “What do these numbers in her ear mean?” The same questions over and over. Mommy happily answered each one as I sat quietly allowing all of the children to fight their way to see me, pet me, hug me and allow me to heal their tiny wounded hearts. When I woke up this morning I had no idea what an important day it was for me. And as I was petted and scratched and yes even some tail and ear pulling I found out one thing I will never forget. One heart was back for the very first time today. As we shared a special moment and they hugged me tight I felt something almost desperate. I did the only thing I know how to do, submit and be loved. As they left the room an adult pulled Mommy aside. “They have lost someone dear to them and are back today for the first time. You have no idea how therapeutic that moment was they just shared with your dog.” Such a young fragile heart to be broken into so many pieces. Mommy sat on the floor for a  few minutes alone with me, face buried in my soft scruff, digesting what she just heard. Today we learned that not all of our adventures are easy.

We left later in the day as the sun began to set over the mountains with promises to return. The gratitude from all was overwhelming. I wanted to say no no no it is us who are grateful. Thankful that by virtue of our presence we made today just a bit more bearable. We will be back until their hearts are healed and they can get through their days without us. For some we know that there will always be a piece of your heart unable to heal and for those we will just sit and let you love us.

As I sleep soundly I dream of all the children, their squeals of delight over all the dogs. I also dream of a day when we can all be safe and accounted for no matter where we go. And as my dreams fade into the background and I awake slowly I still see the face of a child, the one child I was sent to today, special delivery.

Luv n Wags, 

Juno

Angels Among Us  2012