Andrea Rosebrock 
Here’s a heartwarming story I came across and thought would be special to share. It’s a tale we wish for all shelter dogs 365 days of the year. Not just at Christmas. Merry Christmas, and may all your wishes come true.
“Did you hear that?” the old dog shouted. They all ran to the front of their kennel doors to see if someone was coming to “pick them.” “Sorry,” he said to the other dogs as his ears fell down from their perked position. “I could have sworn I heard voices saying, ‘Isn’t he cute? Can’t we take him home with us?’”
“You must have been dreaming again old man,” said the dog in the cage next to him. “Anyway, what’s the big deal about getting picked ? We’ve all been through that routine and look where it got us.” The word “home” meant little to these shelter dogs.
“Just once, I’d like to feel the warmth of a hand stroking my head,” said the old dog. “I’d like to be the one who kisses the tears off a sad face. I’d like to curl up next to a fire instead of this cold concrete. It hurts my bones.” He curled up and sighed as the others said, “The only place you’re going to find that is in your dreams old man.”
Hank’s wife had only been gone a year but the pain was as fresh as if time had stood still. He was an old man now, alone and longed for the comfort that he knew no other person would ever be able to give to him again. What would his life become without her by his side? Hank’s cupboards were close to bare now and, although he didn’t want to go out, he knew he should at least pick up the basics.
He drove slowly down the side streets for freeway driving had become too challenging. Suddenly, the car started chugging and sputtering until finally the engine quit altogether. One of the basic needs he forgot was fuel for the car! So he coasted over next to the curb, spotting a building within walking distance. Hopefully, they’d let him use their phone.
He walked into an office area and rang the bell for service but no one came. He spotted another door going outside, failing to notice the sign posted “Employees Only”. As Hank walked out, he was overwhelmed by yaps, barks and insane jumping from dogs all sizes and shapes.
He then realized he had unintentionally gone to the dog shelter. Slowly he walked down the concrete aisle looking for an attendant.
Three kennels down on the right, the old dog calmly sat there. Why 
should the old dog get excited? No one would want him. But, he sensed a need and couldn’t resist offering a kind look and a gentle wag of the tail. As Hank neared the old dog’s cage, he laced his fingers through the chain link to steady his gait and the first feeling of comfort he’d remembered in over a year came from a wet nose and lick across his arthritic fingers.
Just then a voice of authority sounded, and Hank jumped. “I’m sorry sir, you aren’t supposed to be in this area!” she said. Luckily Hank didn’t know he had walked into the “final area” where unclaimed dogs were scheduled to be put down. There went the nudge and lick thing again. Hank looked down to the most pleading eyes he’d ever seen.
Ignoring the attendants order to leave, Hank asked if could he see the dog closer? Her demeanor changed completely and her sternness melted away. She had forced herself to be this way so she could do the part of her job she despised. She brought the old dog out and instantly the two souls – once so lost – found reason to hope.
Hank’s cupboards were now filled, a warm fire crackled and the old dog smiled inside as he remembered “only in your dreams.” Closing his eyes he felt Hank’s hand stroking his head whispering “sleep in heavenly peace”.
AW DEANNA, YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO PUT A ‘TISSUE WARNING’ ON STORIES LIKE THIS.
What a wonderful story! Thank you, Deanna, and a Merry Christmas to all.
What I wouldn’t give to make this come true for all of our fur kids….typing through my tears. Merry Christmas to to you Deanna and everyone on the FTLTD Blog.
Such a wonderful story D, and as Lisa writes, what I would not give to make this come true for all. Your blog and great work help all of us to keep up the fight and work toward that goal, even when we are tired and sad and worn out and just feel there is no hope. But there is always hope, and that is what you help to point out and to renew our spirits and get us back in the trenches. Many thanks and much thought and love to you for all you do and all you care. You and your work are in Christmas prayers and New Year’s wishes for a blessed 2010.
What a lovely message Peggy. You must have a heart of gold
Thanks Lisa, but as I am sure you have read, I also have a speak up and speak out mouth, so I guess the heart is to make up for those “less desirable characteristics”
Merry Christmas and blessings for all you do as well as all others do.
I AM OVERWHELMED WITH EMOTION ON THIS ONE.
beautiful…….brightest blessings 2 all.
This is a simply lovely story. Here’s hoping all animals have a warm and loving home in 2010!
Lovin’ PurrZ and HeadBonKZ To Everyone! ((?))
That was beautiful D ~ Thank You for the snile and warmer heart this Christmas. Merry Christmas one and all and may God guide the kind souls to the little ones in the kennels.
That is a wonderful story to read on Christmas morning as I sit here with sadness thinking about all the dogs in the world who are sad and lonely and even hungry or cold or being abused right at this very minute. God bless all of these poor souls and I hope 2010 will bring happiness to them all…
This is a great story and it is also in your book. I love it. If only people were allowed to walk through some of these places they would find the right dog. You just know when you see them. Thanks for sharing.
Oh yes, tissue warnings should be mandatory.
I so often think of all the seniors that so deserve a loving home to live out the rest of their lives. It is so hard for them, because they were the loyal dogs to their former family members; and now, they sit in cells.
My hopes and wishes for 2010 is that there are no kill shelters left in the world.
Tissue warnings………please D. May I have your permission to share this with a long lost friend I found again after 40 years, this Christmas? She is now into Rescue/Adoptions in Arizona. She would LOVE this story!
Sorry..I guess I should be asking Andrea’s permission, as sheis the one who sent it to D…