Breeze Forever
 

     It was raining hard and Ms. Renae arrived at the animal shelter to evaluate a Golden for Golden Retriever Rescue. As Renae passed by cages and cages of dogs who wanted someone to love, she came to the cage that held a dog who was destined to change her life. It was love at first sight. The dog was dirty and wild and didn't know what to do at the end of a leash, but the look in his eyes (and the kisses) told her that he loved her, too.
     It was heartbreaking for Renae to find out that this young dog, who was originally found tied to a tree, was in the shelter. He was in this kill shelter. How in he world could this dog end up here she wondered. In Renae's heart, she knew that this dog would soon come live with her.
     During Renae's evaluation of this poor Golden Retriever, she introduced this shelter dog to her dog, Stormy. As their tails wagged and as they exchanged kisses, Renae felt even more assured that this little boy would share her life. It was a sad and disappointing day when Renae found out that he was adopted by another family. In a way, she was glad that he would go to a loving home, but there was still an uneasiness in her heart.
     That night, Renae had a dream. In her dream, she heard that beautiful little Golden crying out, "Help me! Help me!" In the quite of Renae's heart, she could not ignore the call. She called the shelter to find out what she could do about this lost little soul, only to find out that the dog was returned to the shelter because he had a heart murmur. The shelter was ready to put this little boy down. Renae raced to the shelter as fast as she could, arriving with no time to spare. Renae adopted Breeze, her "sweet and loving Breeze."
     Renae's two Goldens got along well together. Young Breeze learned a lot from the older and wiser Stormy. There came a time when Stormy had to pass the fetching stick to his younger apprentice, Breeze, because it was time for Stormy to leave them and go to heaven. Breeze understood; and all his hard times prior to living with Renae, through his times at the shelter, even through his unloved life as a puppy, he still had love growing in his heart. Renae found that love and she learned her lesson from Breeze.
     Breeze had a dramatic effect on Renae's life. Not just with the experience he gave her, but in the lesson of life. He taught Renae a lesson about strength and hope that she will never forget. "As I struggle day by day, it is good to have Breeze by my side." Breeze assures Renae and is living proof that it will all work out.

Footnote: 
This is a true story about a family friend, Renae, and her dog, Goldenways SeaBreeze, CGC, TDI. I interviewed Renae. Then I wrote the story based on what she told me in the interview. Breeze is in the same obedience training class that I am in. I am an AKC Junior Handler. Sometimes I handle Breeze in obedience matches. Breeze visits my house regularly, too. I wish Breeze could be my dog.