Today a crosswind blew…completely out of left field. Doug had just dropped off the twins at school and was headed home when he spied an emaciated hound puppy, perhaps 6 months old, wandering just outside the school grounds lawn… sniffing, sniffing. He called out to the dog who instantly came a runnin’ and leaped into the car as though he’d been expecting this ride. “And what took you so long??? he seemed to ask.
The thing is this…this is unusual behavior for Doug. Not that he doesn’t love animals or worry about strays, but he usually assumes these so-called “lost” dogs live in the neighborhood or he reminds us that we’re running late for something or other and that we simply don’t have time to pick up and deliver a stray. Normally, it is either the twins or I begging him to stop to try and coax a lost dog into our car and surely, over the years, we have delivered quite a few to the local shelters to have them be happily reunited with their owners or adopted by loving families.
But today, I must say, I am proud of my husband who all on his own accord, brought home a lost and hungry dog. It was not the twins and I calling out to “Papa” to STOP!, but another voice that called out to Doug this morning… And so, a 5th dog joined our household, at least for the day and night. After all, the Stafford Animal Shelter is closed on Mondays.
“Shack” followed Doug all over the house and howled like only a hound dog could, whenever Doug left the room and his view. Interesting. I could barely get a stitch of work done with all the HOWLING goin’ on…
Whether or not we are able to keep “Shack”, depends on whether or not he has owners that are missing him. In the meantime, he certainly has a home with us and especially with Doug, whose instant attachment to this creature honestly surprises me and truly touches my heart…
Just when you think you’re life is set and you know who you’re married to and where your kids are and how your day and afternoon and night are going to go, a crosswind blows and scatters everything as you know it completely out of place and magically into place all at the very same time.
“Shack’s” appearance in our lives is also timely in that once again, I am honored to have been asked to donate a live auction item…a Child, Family and Pet Portrait Session to include a 20×30 fine art canvas print to the Stafford Animal Shelter’s fabulous annual fundraiser, the Fur Ball!!! The invites’ cover…“and now for something completely different” seems to have, in some strange way, foretold today’s events…not only with its choice of words, but also due to the fact that there are FIVE dogs dancing on the cover!…(well, ok…I admit…two of them look like cats).
So let the crosswinds blow and be sure to save the date!…this Friday, May 15th for a whirlwind tour around the world with wine, beer and food from exotic regions. Visit Italy, Spain, France, Australia, South America, American Wine Country and more…all without leaving Montana. The fun begins at 6 pm at Chico Hot Springs Convention Center. Bid on great items including work by featured artist Parks Reece, a week in Mexico, original art by Jeff Bridges, ethnic meals, a Yellowstone Safari, quilts, furniture, massages, handmade pet-themed ceramics and much much more!
As owners of three rescue dogs from not only the Stafford Animal Shelter in Livingston, but the Heart of the Valley Shelter in Bozeman as well, and with our 9 year old twins being volunteers at Stafford, we as a family are proud and honored to lend our support on behalf of the animals in any way we are able.
The Fur Ball has been one of Livingston’s hot ticket item for YEARS!…and you won’t want to miss this one…Call 406/222-1313 to buy raffle or Fur Ball tickets or visit www.staffordanimalshelter.org to buy your Fur Ball ‘passport’ today!
Oh…and yes, of course, we’ll keep you posted about our temporary addition, “Shack”.
***We are happy to report that “Shack” was returned to his rightful owner on Tuesday, May 12th.***
by Susann
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