A good old dog
66
A good old dog
When I think of Sunshine, I always smile. She was a wonderful German Shepard mix that I took in many years ago and she added so much to my life.
I first met Sunshine when Lucy, the dog I had gotten from the dog pound when she was a puppy, and I varied our usual walk together down the street where we lived. As we passed this house with a large yard surrounded by a chain link fence, we saw a dog in the yard. The dog looked like she and Lucy could have come from the same litter. The dog was so happy to see us that she leaped high in the air for joy. I had never seen a dog go so high straight up in a jump before.
I took Lucy over to the fence to meet this dog and they bonded right away. I saw the people who owned house and dog and asked if I could let Lucy enter their yard so the two dogs could play. Lucy didn't have any dog friends at the time and I thought she'd enjoy some companionship. The man and his wife agreed and I let Lucy into the yard. I talked to the couple while the dogs enjoyed their play.
The couple told me they were selling their house and moving aways soon. They weren't taking the dog with them. She would be turned in to the dog pound. I asked if I could have the dog without even thinking about it. They said that I could take her if I wanted. I walked the two blocks back to my house to get another leash.
I went into the back yard and the couple showed me where Sunshine had her sleeping quarters, if such it could be called. There was a tiny back porch with no walls to it and only a small roof. Sunshine had a pad that looked like a carpet scrap to sleep on there on that little porch. I asked if she slept there all year long. The owners said yes, but, once they did let her into the house during a hurricane. The thought of that poor dog sleeping outside with no protection at all from the cold and little protection from the rain hardened my heart against her owners. I said nothing to them and started putting the leash on Sunshine and Lucy to take them home. As I was leaving the yard with the two dogs, the man told me he would give me a 50 lb bag of dog food. I had a source for free meat scraps of high quality so I told him Sunshine would never eat dry dog food again. And, in a parting shot, I told him that she's never spend another night outside either. I knew that offended the two heartless creatures but I had Sunshine now and didn't care whether they liked it or not.
Sunshine had never been given even the most basic of health care, so I took her to the vet for shots and a check up. The vet said that she was in good health for an older dog.
The two girls settled into a nice routine in the house. I got Sunshine some toys and she was so delighted with them that I realized that she'd never had any toys before. I had two couches in the living room and Lucy had already claimed one of them for her bed. Sunshine was reluctant to get up on the couch at first since she had no experience at all of being inside a house. But, after several nights where I picked her up and put her on the couch at bedtime to emphasize that it was alright for her to be there, she took to it with no more apprehension.
I had to walk the dogs separately because it got to be a hassle walking two big dogs. Once, when I had Sunshine on her walk, we went to a nice lake a few blocks from my house. When she saw all that water, she started tugging at the leash. Wanting to see what she'd do, I took the leash off and she bolted for the water, making a nice jump into the lake. I sat down on the bank and let her enjoy a swim. It was easy to see that somewhere in her DNA were the genes of a water dog. She played for about a half-hour and got tired so she paddled back to where I was sitting. Now something that I didn't know was that the bank of the lake didn't slope out gradually like at the beach. It was cut straight up and down. Sunshine couldn't get a purchase on the bank to climb out of the water. She struggled for a minute or so but was tiring rapidly before I realized she was in distress. I reached out and grabbed her collar and tugged her up on the bank. She was breathing heavily and laid still for a while to catch her breath. Then she licked my face. We went on back home.
Sunshne was a "talker." You know, a dog that tries her best to actually communicate with you. Once when Lucy took one of Sunshine's toys, she came straight to me and started complaining. You didn't need to be a dog expert to see that she was upset with Lucy's mischief and wanted me to do something about it. She not only "talked" to me, but a couple of my friends that she particularly liked would also get to hear her conversations. They all talked back to her and you'd think maybe they understood each other. Maybe they did. It was a charming thing to hear her "talk" to me and I enjoyed it.
Once, while walking Sunshine, she saw a cat and lunged for it. The leather leash snapped and she was off. Now, this was a big problem because in the four or five blocks around my house, there were a lot of rich old ladies with cats. These old ladies hated dogs and would regularly call the dog catcher if they saw a loose one. I had to catch up with Sunshine to keep her from being picked up by the pound truck. The cat made a getaway and Sunshine kept running, now just for the freedom of being off the leash. I would follow her to keep her in sight so I could at least be there to try to talk the animal control people from taking her. Sunshine thought it was a grand game. She'd get a couple of blocks away, then would wait for me to get within a block to her and she'd take off again.
She was enjoying this game immensely and had doubled back to go towards the house. I figured that she was heading home. Then, when she was about a block away going away from me, a huge dog came out from the back of a house, heading straight for me and snarling viscously. He was pretty mad. I took root to the ground and froze. Sometimes that keeps a dog from attacking you or, at least, not biting you too badly. Sunshine had turned around to see if I was still following her in our "game" and saw the dog rushing me. She literally spun around in mid-air and charged back towards me. She was barking like a Baskerville Hound and running faster than I'd ever seen her do.
I almost wished she hadn't made the charge. She was by now an old dog with almost no teeth. The other dog about to attack me was twenty pounds heavier and ten years younger than Sunshine. She wouldn't have a chance. But, the dog's nerve failed him when he saw Sunshine charging him like the cavalry and took to his heels back home. When Sunshine got to me, I grabbed her around the neck and hugged her in sincere gratitude. She was willing to fight this other dog to the death for me even though she had to know she couldn't win the fight. There must have been some dust in the air for my eyes started watering.
When I next took Sunshine to the vet, he had bad news. She didn't have long to live--maybe a couple of days. There was nothing to be done and he offered to put her to sleep. I said that she'd die at home surrounded by those who loved her. Sunshine was unable to walk so I carried her home in my arms.
I wrapped her in her blanket and sat down beside her on the floor. When morning came. I picked her up and carried her to the screened-in porch. She liked to sit out there and watch the sun come up. When she opened her eyes, she saw the sun and breathed her last. "Goodbye, Sunshine," I whispered as I held her. I held her for a very long time.
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Awesome (3)
- Beautiful (16)
- Interesting
CommentsLoading...
Sunshine brought me much joy with her loving heart. And she saved me from a bad biting with her indomitable courage. She was a great dog. Thanks for your kind words.
made me tear up. She certainly enriched your life even if it was a short time. She got to have the best of her life at the end..something she probably had never thought she would have. Wonderful as always Pate.
We had many good years together. I only wished I could have gotten her as a puppy. Thank you, dear Pam.
What a great story :) I love my little rescue shepherd-I don't know for sure that my shy boy would do the same thing, but love can make you do some pretty amazing things.
Your shy boy would become a heroic lion to defend you. I have no doubt about this, Bandit's Mom.
Thanks Pate for a beautiful story about your Sunshine - I had a laugh & a tear or 3 - I saw ur post of Friends of Devore Shelter Dogs - hope you can put some words unto story on this great page & what they are trying to so a Devore - give the dogs a voice. Thanks again from Western Australia :)
Pate , You have a heart of gold and Sunshine knew love for at least a short time upon this earth thanks to you. Sunshine sounded like a great dog who deserved so much better until you came along and treated her well with love. I have a feeling someday there will be many tail-wagging friends waiting beneath a beautiful rainbow for you. My eyes were dry and itchy from allergies before reading your touching story - don't need the eyedrops now. Thanks for sharing this inspiring and touching memory.
Tracey, I'll be telling the story of Devore and Western Austrailia as well as all like you who love dogs the world over if the Grim Reaper will stay his hand. God bless you for what you do for our four-footed friends.
Christine, it is wonderful to have friends like you. I hope we get to meet one day day--on this side of the bridge or the other.
What a wonderful story! I keep telling people to go save a dog at the shelter, they may just be saving their own life! I recently saved a little Chihuahua from death at the shelter, she had been there over a month and was starving in a cage with much bigger dogs. She wasn't even 3lbs. I fostered her, and she is now in her forever home, fat and happy. I went to see her, and she still remembers me! She wiggled and squeeked, flooded me with kisses. I know she knows I am the one that saved her from that horrible place! Thank you for saving Sunshine!
Beth, you're an inspiration to me! Thank you for all you do for our furry friends.
Another great hub which was very moving. How can anyone be cruel to an animal I don't know.
Your stories are very heart warming so please carry on writing.
I push all the buttons for this one.
Take care
Eiddwen.
I think that I miss Sunshine the most. She had such a hard life for much of her existence and I was happy to make her last few years as good as I could. She enriched my life.
You're a kind person Eiddwen. Thank you for your gentle words.
I have a hard time reading dog stories, because the dog always dies. I thank you for making that unhappy ending as beautiful as possible.
It's part of the sadness that comes every time you take a dog into your life, Terry. You know that you're likely going to outlive that dog and have to see it die. I've gotten to the age now that I no longer have to worry about outliving my dogs
I am sobbing for the (undeserved) loyalty that our dogs show us, and how short their lives are. :-(
I agree that we don't deserve such a loyal friend, Cookie. I always thought that dogs were proof positive that God loves us.
With tears in my eyes-I've read this wonderful story-written with so much love!!! Take care!!!!!
Thank you so much, Maria. it's true, I did love old Sunshine. She was as good a friend as I ever had. I still miss her.
Kind hearted people like u have become rare...keep up the good work..i recollect one of the similar incident that took place in my life...
God Bless u..
Thank you, Apurva. I appreciate your kind words.
A touching and well written story!!
You're very kind, Dianne. Thank you for reading my little story of a gallant old dog.
Hello Pate...that is a wonderful story. You have a heart of gold for Sunshine and all dogs. You always did on Hey Martha, and as a dog lover myself (I have a new puppy that is just a year old, named Becky) I tip my hat to you for all the love you have for your dogs...Large and Small.
Thank you, Beam, I appreciate your kind words. Every dog I ever had taught me about as much as I taught them. Old Sunshine taught me that no matter how elderly we get, we can always become a hero when the situation requires it.
You were always one of my favorites on Hey Martha and I look forward to reading your comments on the new forum.
I envy you starting an adventure with a new puppy. God bless you and the new little doggie.
Beautiful story. We have a similar one. Our neighbours had a little dog that looked like a miniature shelter. We had a sheltie at home. Her name was Brownie, she was just a puppy. She was left outside all the time. She was fed outside, so she hardly ever ate because the big dogs that roamed the neighborhood would eat it. And she was drop kicked like a football. My sister and I begged if we could have her because she looked like our dog, George. Our parents said yes. She had many health problems and a severe phobia of men (except my dad) because of the abuse. About 26 years later, she finally had to be put to sleep. She enjoyed a spoiled existence. Vacations, ice cream, hot dogs, etc. She accompanied my sister to college and was an "attendant" in her wedding. We think it was pure love on her and my sisters part that made her live so long. The vet couldn't believe how old she lived to be. She had a good life and made our lives better just by being in it. Sunshine seemed to feel the same for you as Brownish did for my sister!!!
Nike, there will be a specia; place in heaven for you. God bless you.
Pate, you mentioned a dog outliving their family when someone older gets a little dog. That is a very responsible decision that we thought about before getting Becky at 8 weeks old, and being a Toy Fox Terrier with a life expectancy of 15 years. Before we decided, we ask our niece in her early 40's would she take her in case we went first. She had found Becky for us, knowing how much we needed her. She went with us to get her, and she cuddled and loved her as much as we did. When Rebecca comes to see us, Becky loves her as much as she does us...all three of us bonded at the same time. We had to know that someone that loved us and Becky would have a happy forever home. Older folks should always think about this, before getting a pet.
That's right, Beam. Too many times when the owner dies, the dog winds up in the pound. We can't stand in front of St. Peter and tell him we didn't give a thought to what happened to our mutts when we died.
My wife and step-son will take care of the dogs I leave, I hope.
Oh Colonel Pate, thank you for sharing your wonderful Sunshine with us. She will obviously always be with you as your beautiful angel, looking after you just as she did here on Earth. Bless you for letting her know so much love.
Thank you, Pam for your kind words.
Pate, another wonderful love story. Sunshine was one of many lucky dogs who got a chance to know you.
Take care of you. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Thanks, VR. You can read all the rest of my stories here at the site.
What a lovely story, Im so pleased that you made Sunshines day, very clearly happy ones and she repaid you with he loyalty!
As a very proud rescue dog owner, I could'nt imagine life without my little man, who has also had a poor start.
As a keen and faithful volunteer for Supporters of Stray and Abandoned Dogs (SOoSAD) @ www.strayaction.com, we often re-home surrendered dogs, that had been left behind by elderly owners however the one thing I can say about it is these dogs have been loved, and well treat and are often much easier too home, than those who have been nistreat and abandoned beacuse at least we can tell new owners a little of there back grounds!
Emma, Sunshine was a great dog who taught me that no matter how old you get, you can still become a hero. God bless you for what you do for our four-footed friends.
Hi Pate
What a sad but beautiful story. Thanks for sharing the link on the Rescue Dogs group on FB. Sunshine was a lucky dog to find you. I guess you must feel lucky to have found her too.
I am the very proud owner of two rescue dogs. Both are my world. I love them dearly. One (shep/lab mix) is terrified of motor bikes & terriers and acts very ferocious when either are near by but he's a sweetie really! I am sure the motorbike riders don't think so!! Love to anyone who decides to share their lives with a needed dog! :)
Thank you, Suzanne, for your kind words. Sunshine was a wonderful dog and I'll be seeing her again soon. God bless you for your kindness to our beloved dogs.
Dear Colonel Pate..... The only thing I don't understand is why wud they try to bring up a dog wen they cant even afford(not money I mean.. d other way round!) to look after it forever. Once you commit to love them, they become ur own.... cant imagine y people do like dat.... hurts a lot to see them one day in a home n other in a Dog shelter. Now wat wud a Dog think??!! If only they were to speak out... :( :(
I have a hard time understanding why people treat dogs so cruelly sometimes, my friend. The poor dog never gets a vote in how he's treated.
What a story. What a great dog Sunshine was. I can hear it in your story, how much you loved her. Unfortunately, dogs like people get old and wear out. Your dog had a good life and a lot of love. Hang onto the memories, she will live forever in them.
www.petsareagift.com
Thank you, Joanne. My life has been enriched by my dogs. All they asked of me was a little food, a little water and shelter from the elements. For that small offering, they gave me so much more. My life was changed forever by their love and loyalty. My dogs made me a better human.
i love this story it brought a tear to my eye . love it !
Thank you, Emma. I loved that old girl and am thankful that I had her in my life.
Your story about Sunshine is an inspiration, if only more people had the kindness in their heart to give dogs in need a home. I rescued my dog from a shelter where he had been previously mistreated and he has made mine and my families life more fulfilled than ever.
Thank you for sharing your story... Paul (from across the pond in rainy england :)
You had requested info regarding A Dog's Life Rescue in Hot Springs, AR. As a rescue person I would definitely NOT recommend this rescue service. The owner has too many dogs, allows them to run without restriction, depends solely on donations to feed her rescues, and does supply flea and tick control. Frankly, she should be closed by the state.
This is a great story. It seems like rescued dogs appreciate their owners 10 fold. Their always there and reading off their owners. I just wish no dog would have to live outside like Sunshine did. It is the hardest thing to see, and I see it everyday in Georgia.
Hi i lost my dog sam after 15yrs and and waiting to get a cable to download pics of her,hope you dont mind i borrowed Sunshines pic
Mick
Such a beautiful story! I've bought and rescued a few dogs in my lifetime. I actually rescued one that would only come in on bitter cold nights to sleep by the door. He loved the outdoors and his doghouse more than being inside at nights. It must have been the fact that we have 4 sons and they were rarely in the house except nights. During the day they were outside busy or romping through the woods for some reason or another. I think they wore him out because wherever they were he was right by their sides!
Alli 12 months ago
I really enjoyed your story of Sunshine. Thanks for rescuing her and giving her so much love.