Dogs Are A Gift

I am a big fan of dogs. They are the perfect daily therapy for my soul. They make me laugh heartily with their silly behavior and comfort me when I am down, especially lately. In the past when I have seen a dog in trouble, like wandering the streets, I have tried to help but it hasn’t exactly worked out. I either haven’t been able to stop my car safely or I had a baby or other pets in the car. When I could stop, the dogs always ran away from my calls and I couldn’t corral them to safety. I applaud the special group of animal lovers out there who regularly rescue dogs in distress. Social media has become their very effective tool.

Last weekend, I was finally able to do my part. I drove up to our ranch house in Olancha, just south of Lone Pine. It was a beautiful drive in the late afternoon, the sky an amazing blue with patterned white clouds and the sun had turned the landscape a golden hue. I turned up the music and enjoyed the ride. When I got to town, I decided to stop at the post office to pick up the mail. As I was exiting the building and put my car in reverse, I spotted a medium-sized dog outside my passenger side window. He was smiling and looking up at me. I immediately became alarmed because he was unattended and at the crossroads of two busy highways. I got out, calling him over. He trotted up and looked me straight in the eyes, expectantly. I asked him why he was out all by himself with no collar. He gave no answer. I wondered if he would get in the car, at least temporarily, until I could figure out what to do. I moved some stuff and patted the seat. He hesitated but on the third pat he leapt over me and sat comfortably down on the passenger side. Okay, now what? 

I looked over and a car had pulled up. A woman was headed into the post office and I asked her if she recognized the dog I had just found in the parking lot. It’s a small town. She said he looked familiar and volunteered to take a photo and post it to the local Facebook page.  She also explained that she had four dogs and couldn’t take him. I told her it was okay, that I didn’t have my two dogs with me and would take him to my ranch until the owner was found. 

The dog seemed perfectly fine to go for a ride with me and, frankly, I was pleased to have a little company. He was a beautiful, somewhat matted, Golden Retriever mix that looked part Husky too. He licked my hand and face enthusiastically, indicating his approval. 

When we arrived five minutes later, I grabbed some rope for a make-shift leash and gave him some water and food. He drank and ate some but not like he had been out for days.  Thankfully. He was so sweet; he sat with me and gave me lots of kisses. Within about an hour, I got a call. It was a local man who said he thought I had one of his ranch dogs. He described his location adjacent to the post office and said it was strange this dog had wandered off; he had never done that before. His five dogs always stuck close to the property. I was delighted when the man came over right away and the two were reunited. Jake, his dog, was happy too.

I feel privileged that Jake found me that day and trusted me to take care of him. I won’t soon forget our short visit together and am grateful that this rescue worked out.

Susan Bolan

susanbolan710@gmail.com

  Susan BOLAN