Jingle Bello
 

     Today I officially adopted a sweet Golden boy, whom my husband and I fostered through the Golden Retriever Rescue of B.C. With heavy hearts we recently had to say farewell to our 13-year-old Golden, Hunter, and just a few months earlier to our 14-year-old Keeshond/Collie mix, Keesha. Losing one animal was painful enough, but two beloved dogs within a span of eight months was extremely hard. Through my tears, still I could not keep myself from perusing various avenues to see if there was some needy animal. I too, was a needy being; I needed a dog to nurture and I knew that that was what would help me heal. I missed my dogs dearly and wanted to give another furry face much love and attention; I also knew the comforting power of an animal’s presence. One cannot ever replace another – they are all individual special creatures, but I had a lot of love to share and knew that some doggy out there was waiting for me.
     I inquired with the Golden Rescue and as fate would have it, there was indeed a Golden awaiting assessment, in need of some healing, love and most importantly, a home. It seemed to be a “fit” and so the Golden Rescue Liaison invited us to meet this young dog, extremely thin, recovering from attack bites, perhaps by coyotes, hot spots and skin wounds. She had told me that his eyes would melt my heart and that he was so handsome. Hence we named him “Bello”, which means “handsome” in Italian. My husband and I met those wonderful rescue people and were introduced to Bello, whose soulful eyes and handsome face communicated to me that this would be a mutual healing odyssey.
     We took Bello into our home and fell head over heels in puppy love — bald spots, boo-boos, boniness and all! With the expert advice by the Rescue Liaison and the animal clinic, we were helped greatly in the transition of a rescued, stressed animal. Little by little, Bello learned to relax, perhaps knowing that he would not be abandoned, that he had food, water, toys, treats and a forever home with two people who adored him. As he has settled in, gained weight and healed, so have I begun to heal. I’m sleeping better, smiling easier, and sobbing less. I have found such joy in a small span of time after such sorrow. I can now honor the memory of my other two previous dogs with happy thoughts and melancholy tears, rather than mourn them with a sad, heavy heart.
     Bello, on his journey of healing, is helping to remind me that any time had with a loved one be it man or animal, is something to be celebrated! I am looking forward to the future – with my dear husband, and my early Christmas gift all wrapped up in Gold with a coy look and silly, swooshing tail. This Holiday Season, I’ll surely be singing “Jingle Bello” with fond memories as new ones are forged. 



Entry written by Lori Cacciatore of Vancouver, British Columbia

 


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