Sometimes strange things happen to us that we simply have no explanation for. I have loved dogs my entire life. They have filled every day with joy, laughter, companionship and true friendship. I've cried oceans when they had to leave this world without me. They leave behind such wonderful memories, but also a deep sorrow. I've met hero dogs who saved lives, or working dogs that spent their lives helping people see or hear the world around them. They amaze me. I've listenend to many tales about dogs, this is one I really want to share with you.

In a quiet little town, there is a bus station that drops off passengers to wait long hours for the next bus to pick them up. This long wait is usually in the middle of the night. At times the cafe is closed, the room is chilly, even the candy machines won't spit out a snack. On top of being weary, each person carries their own troubles along with them. I was one of the travelers when I met a dog I won't ever forget.

He walked in an open door and stood looking at us. I was immediately impressed with his eyes. Golden. Not yellow, or soft brown, his eyes seemed to have a soft glow behind them. He was shaggy, but had a dignity about him. He walked over to the older folks first. I could see them relax. Next on to the children to play with them like a wild little puppy. He left them sleeping in mama's arms. On to a group who were angry at each other. He pushed his way into the middle, demanding attention. The verbal battle ceased while they petted him, talking about their own dogs at home.

He came to me as well. I didn't want company. My heart was heavy knowing I would soon lose my dear father to cancer. I almost shoved the dog away. He crept closer, to finally lay his heavy old head on my lap. He looked up at me, and of course I had to pet him. I've never felt a dog with such soft fur. He kept his eyes on my face squirming to get closer to me. I bent over to give him a hug, before I could stop, I was crying, all the grief pouring over that shaggy coat. We sat like that for a long time. He'd reach up to lick the tears. His breath was sweet smelling. Those golden eyes seemed to be so understanding. I felt a peace steal over me that I hadn't felt in years. He finally left, just as softly as he arrived.

He had visited each person in that room. We all felt touched by something special, but perhaps we were all just very tired and he was welcome diversion. The bus finally arrived.

Before I got on, I asked a staff member about the dog. He told me that the shaggy old dog had been coming in for years to visit. Only on long wait overs. He said no one knew him, it was a small town, but no one could ever remember him ever being seen with a family.

"It's the strangest thing," he said. "It can be pouring rain out, yet that dog will walk through the door bone dry." He went on, "I've walked out behind him when it was snowing, but be damned if I could find any paw prints. He always goes to people and they swear they feel as if a load has been lifted from them."

I listened, feeling a huge lump form in my throat. Oh, how I wanted that shaggy old dog to come back, just for a moment to thank him. Say or believe what you will, but I believe that dog was an angel, sent to draw away human pain, to spread peace among us, to take our sorrow's out the door when he left. He lifted me into a place where I'll need the inner strength to face what my future holds. I'll carry his memory forever. In my mind, I have attached a pair of wings to his shoulders. Because I believe all angels, even dog angels, have wings.

I'd like to dedicate this to the memory of "Promise" and "Madi", two precious little dogs who I firmly believe are now wearing wings.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 6th, 2007 at 3:52 pm and is filed under Cool Dog Humor, General Dogs' Topics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.