Patsy shivered in the
new home, despite the heat and the friendliness of the other occupants and the
happy sounds, despite the good food waiting for her, despite…everything.
She had never, in her
whole life, been in a place where she was welcomed and where nothing was
expected of her.
Someone approached
her and Patsy reflexively ducked her head and curled up, waiting for the first
strike and subsequent kick, over and over again.
Instead Patsy found a
kind hand and quiet reassurances that she was home, that this was now her home:
love, friendship, food, and a warm bed were hers if she wanted them.
If she wanted them?
Patsy licked the
offered hand and gazed into the gentle eyes, with her tail wagging for the
first time in a long time.
This is a post from 15 years ago, when I started to feel a sense of confidence as a writer.
Kindness (whatever the species) never goes astray. Look after your hand.
ReplyDeleteI am realizing that my bones and such are getting old, and do not heal quickly or well.
DeleteHow can people do things like that? Poor Patsy.
ReplyDeleteI don't know. Watching commercials for ASPCA makes me angry and feel like crying.
DeleteKindness is one of the best things we can give to ourselves, to others and to animals too. I'm glad Patsy has a good home now.
ReplyDeleteI always told my students that they would never regret being kind, but they will regret being mean.
DeleteKindness and love are languages that everyone and every creature can understand. Beautiful, Susan!
ReplyDeleteKindness is essential in how to treat people and creatures.
DeleteI kinda wonder if that wasn't Misty's story, before us.
ReplyDeleteYou never know. Was she a pup when you got her?
DeleteSome people can be so cruel. It's good to remember that when someone (or some creature) doesn't react to you how you expect them to.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
DeleteLove it! You can feel the sense of emotions in each of your lines.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see your name! Glad that this post spoke to you.
DeleteI want every story for every pet to end this way, love and a good home.
ReplyDeleteIf only. It is heartbreaking to see the conditions where some pets/animals live in and try to survive.
DeleteEnjoyed the visit. I have missed a few days, but think of you often. Life is good, we always enjy your stories and wrtiting.
ReplyDeleteLove from North CArolina over on the first coast...
Will keep writing, absolutely! Take care of yourselves!
DeleteBeautiful, Susan, my eyes
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that you are well. Faith? Your dog? I know that Samson died.
DeleteSorry, something went wrong with the above comment. I wanted to say your story made me tear up as it touched my heart.
ReplyDeleteI figured that out. I'll take as many comments as you can give me.
DeleteHow can anyone abuse a dog (or any other animal, for that matter?) And yet that dog wants to trust, even after all the bad things. It takes a special person to take in abused animals. I hope adjustment is possible. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeletePatsy found a comfortable and loving home. When Nel buys a pet, she always gets them at the shelter. They become part of her family very soon.
ReplyDeleteWishing you good September days coming up.
~Sheri