“Connie, you’ve been approved to go to Laos. Do you accept?”

My reply? “I do!”

That email came 5 months ago, leaving me excitedly hopping about the back room (my tiny living space in my mom’s house) in anticipation of my next journey as an overseas English teacher.

But that joy turned to anxiety. Looking down at my feet, prancing along with me were my China rescues, Lucy and Beanie, who as yet had no takers for adoption. This bonded pair just were NOT happy separated. All my advertising efforts continued to be in vain. Fliers had gone out, Facebook postings given, announcements emailed to friends and church communities nearby and urgent pleas to anyone willing to listen.

And, as a Christian, of course I prayed.

I prayed for a calm spirit. I prayed for faith and trusting in God’s plan. And I prayed for my two to find a match made in heaven.

A Nibble of Adoption Interest

Days later came a message on Facebook from my local veterinarian, Dr. Ericka Yeley, who had given check-ups and teeth cleaning to both of my canines.

“I have a client who recently lost her dog and is looking for another furry companion,” Dr. Ericka wrote. “She understands you have a bonded pair. She’d like to meet them. Her name is PJ and her number is XXX.”

Needless to say, I called her right away to arrange a visit. She was home! In a matter of minutes, I loaded up the dogs and off we went. She lived just 5 minutes outside of town, in Livingston, an unincorporated rural community in our county. In fact, I’d driven by her Rt. 40 home on numerous occasions as I drove to Terre Haute for my lap swims. It was a lovely 1-story brown-sided home, with a huge yard and a side deck overflowing with beautiful potted flowers. I often thought, “I wonder who lives in such a nice home? Obviously someone who takes pride in making the house look pretty and cared for.”

Wouldn’t you know it: that was PJ’s home, where I was about to go to.

The Initial Meet-and-Greet

On our first visit, it was fairly obvious Lucy and Beanie were right at home. Neither one hesitated in dashing out of the car’s back seat and racing up to PJ’s deck to enter the house. Beanie was first, paying no attention to the sand-papered strips on the steps. Lucy wasn’t happy with the feeling of such a new sensation on her feet so she leapt up from the ground to the top floorboard planks. That was quite an impressive height for such a small dog to manage but she had no trouble at all.

PJ’s greeting was one which welcomed us in such a way that I knew here was a definite dog-lover.

As the two explored the kitchen area, PJ and I sat to talk a bit.

PJ’s Story

I learned she was originally from Michigan, working for TRW when she was moved to Marshall’s TRW plant. Her husband was working for the State of Michigan as their “wrench guy”. He designed specialized wrenches to use for specific equipment. Eventually, her husband moved to Marshall as well.

Her son married a local girl and is just up the road from her. But she lost her husband in February, 2020. And just recently, the last of the 5 dogs she and her husband had raised together died. This is what sent her on a search to find a companion, some loving little doggie to come home to from her Walmart position as a check-out clerk.

PJ had searched eagerly for a smaller dog, looking at rescue websites and mentioning to friends her needs and wants in a canine. Nothing seemed to pan out. She even considered buying a dog. Those dealings didn’t happen as some rather suspicious contacts gave her the run-around about purchasing and sending the animal to her.

When Dr. Ericka came through her check-out line at the Walmart, PJ mentioned she was still looking for a dog. That’s where the phone number exchange happened and Ericka’s connection with me.

Voila! The forever home journey began.

“The Girls” Find a Home

PJ and I took our time introducing “the girls” (as PJ called them) to a hoped-for new home.

We had short visits of a few hours, extending into full days and finally overnights. PJ carefully prepared them for the use of an electronic collar. This allowed them to fully enjoy out times, playing and sniffing about her large yard, without the fear of them taking off. It also gave both time to get used to a new routine, a new person, different surroundings and separation from me.

When we launched into a full week’s stay, it was time for the final hand-over.

Here we are below, Mother 1 (myself, holding Beanie) and Mother 2 (PJ with Lucy).

Grateful, Happy and Blessed

As my departure date (November 8) comes closer and closer, I am so very grateful to Dr. Ericka for the connection, and to PJ for her  loving acceptance of my canine pair.  Their quirks, interesting mannerisms and strange appearance (Lucy’s underbite is quite a noticeable feature) are not something many would find endearing but PJ does.  

Her last report to me was taking a nap on the couch with Lucy sprawled out full length next to her and Beanie curled up on the pillow at her head.

What more could I ask for my rescues than that:  A match made in heaven.

Until next time, here’s wishing you Peace for your day.