Lucky Penny Indeed
While driving along a secluded country road near her rural farm, a young mom of 3 witnessed a mid-sized dog shoved from the back of a car onto the side of the road. The car drove off leaving the dog abandoned and seemingly alone. By the time the young mom of 3 was able to get to the “drop off” point, the collar-less dog disappeared into the landscape, blending into the late November browns that define our Ohio rural fields.
That callous moment of obvious cruelty and desertion triggered a calling by this young mom named Beth. For the next two weeks, Beth set out on foot, trespassing onto nearby fields, and engaging many long distance neighbors in search for this dog who hijacked her heart. Several times she caught sight of the dog, but the dog retreated. Beth sensed the trauma and fear embodied by this abandoned pup which propelled her determination even more. The nights became colder, and with each passing day, Beth’s resolve grew amidst her growing worry.
Beth’s undertaking soon became the mission of all within her neighboring community. People began leaving food on their back porches. A canine driven neighborhood watch ensued. Every fleeting sight of the lost dog initiated a communal response. As the days became colder, the search became more intense. After two weeks, temperatures dipped to below freezing, Beth’s hope began to wane. Then, she received a call. The dog was found and safely trapped in a nearby neighbor’s screened porch with plenty of food and water. The golden doodle was safe, but her journey towards wellness was just beginning.
The dog was infested with tics, burrs, and remnants of weeks of scavenged survival. She (yes, a female) was riddled with fear and anxiety; letting no one touch her without recoil. Generosity of neighbors supported initial veterinarian and grooming appointments. Restoration of trust became an all-encompassing commitment to unconditional love and embrace.
I share this story of Beth and her personal rescue dog with you because it’s such a great example of how transcending love can take you to unexpected places. Beth has 3 young boys. She and her husband are owners of two small business and live on a farm. She was certainly not looking for another layer of craziness in her life. But as Beth recounts, witnessing the inhumane disposal of this dog catapulted her capacity to love. Her heart opened, making space for an all-hands-on-deck dog rescue operation. There would be no turning back. Today, I’m happy to report this dog has a home and is being embraced by a young family who had room for one more.
The world is saturated with stories of cruelty and discard; abandonment and violence, and unspeakable tragedies that are beyond comprehension. Despair feels overwhelming, and making a difference can feel empty. However, Beth teaches us a lesson. She expands her heart, searches amidst the unknown, and provides light in this very complicated time. Beth’s rescue dog is a four legged example of hope and restoration. We all need good news these days.
The dog’s name is Penny, and Penny now lives in a loving home where she’s learning trust. I imagine her being bombarded with toddler hugs, spilled water bowls and an expansive farm-style big love. You might think this is a lucky Penny, but I think this story is far bigger than luck. Beth’s love for Penny saved her. May we all be reminded that love can make the world a better place, even for a lost dog.