A Four-legged Angel Story

By Linda Spurlin

A local woman had passed away, and her dog and cat were in need of a new home. Since an elderly friend of mine was considering getting a dog, I agreed to take the little fat dachshund, hoping they would take to each other. Not wanting to appear pushy, I merely asked Wilma if she would baby-sit the dog during the days for me until I could find him a home. By the next day, she had decided the dog could spend the night….just for tonight! The next day he was also allowed to spend the night….just for tonight! By the fifth night of this, she cheerfully announced that ‘JJ’ was staying with her forever! I swear that dog smiled. It was a match made in heaven.

During this same time, a mutual friend was looking for a dog to replace her elderly dog that had passed away. She searched and searched, but just couldn’t find one that felt right. Bev would visit Wilma, pet ‘JJ’, and tell her how lucky she was to have found such a wonderful dog. ‘JJ’ welcomed her visits with happy noises and much tail wagging.

Then, in less then a year, the unthinkable happened. Wilma became ill and was taken by helicopter to Spokane. I called Bev and asked if ‘JJ’ could stay with her while Wilma was in the hospital. Two days later, Wilma passed away. ‘JJ’ had lost two mistresses in less then one year. What would happen to him now?

Bev knew the answer! She said she knew now that ‘JJ’ had been sent to bring comfort to two elderly ladies in their last months. And the reason that she had not been able to find the right dog was because ‘someone’ had known that ‘JJ’ would soon complete his latest mission on earth and would be in need of another home. She assured me ‘JJ’ was now in his ‘forever’ home and that she had found the right dog at the right time.

‘JJ’ attended Wilma’s service. With the minister’s blessing, he sat in the church between Bev and I. He walked down the aisle with his new mistress to the casket of his late mistress to say a final goodbye. Did he know? Was ‘JJ’ an angel disguised as a fat little brown dog, sent by the Almighty to bring comfort to three women whose hearts and arms were empty? Or was it just a coincidence that he brought joy to so many people.

If there were angels among us, would we even recognize them? Hungry, weary, footsore, and hairy, some don’t appear worthy of our time or love. In this crazy, busy world, sometimes we forget those who cannot speak for themselves. But all of them are God’s creatures, in need of your protection.

To adopt, or sponsor (feed/spay/neuter) a local four-legged angel, call Becky’s Best Buddies at (509) 935-6635. The Colville Pet Refuge at (509) 732-4126, or Stevens County Cat Care at (509) 935-MEOW.