Page 18 - Harnett Life Winter 2018

Pets with Disabilities Rescue

“Because their spirits aren’t broken”

By Jane Parker Myers

gave her water and she drank a small bowl and then stood
up. She started walking and seemed okay, so we felt better.
The feeling that she was okay quickly passed as we
watched her fall into a ditch. She immediately got out of
the ditch only to walk straight into a light pole. It was obvi-
ous she could not see a thing. She continued to just walk in
circles as we are deciding what to do about this poor thing.

Taking her home was not an option as we have 3 dogs of
our own and nowhere to put her. However, my husband
quickly realized there was no getting me away from that
church yard until the matter had been settled. Immediately
I started talking calmly to her and calling her “Sweet Girl.”
She responded in a loving manner but was very frightened.

After some phone calls, a kind city police officer came to
assist. Instantly, he also falls in love with Sweet Girl and
she is tugging away at his heart strings too!! It was a Sun-
day night and Animal Control was not open, so the officer
We all have those moments when something happens that finds an Animal Control Officer that was willing to come
just makes your heart a pile of mush!! It is that moment to her rescue. The officer picks her up so gently and puts
that might take your breath away for a brief second or, it her in the front of his truck. Now Sweet Girl is a healthy
could be a moment that just has a lasting effect. When you 60 pounds at least!!! She didn’t put up a fight but just went
least expect it that memory comes to the front of your mind along with all that was going on around her without seeing
and you just smile or a tear might roll down your cheek. a thing.

One of those such moments happened to me a few months After going home, I just could not sleep as I tossed and
ago. My husband and I were leaving church on a Sunday turned all night. The next day I went to the Animal Shel-
night when we spotted a beautiful dog lying by the road. ter to check on her. When I opened the door to go to the
At first glance we thought maybe a car had hit her. Once kennel room all the dogs stood and started barking. Sweet
we got closer we were just trying to figure out if she was Girl just lay there as if she were defeated and why would
friendly. It was one of those hot summer days when you anyone come to visit her and take her home? After all, she
just could not cool off and she was panting so hard. We couldn’t see a ball to chase it. And her owner may have

Page 18 Harnett Life~ Winter 2018