Sometimes, when we least expect it, God brings something or someone into our life that we desperately need. The best part is, we aren’t even aware of the void in our soul until it is filled by this gift.
In September of 2008, I had just entered photography school and was preparing to move closer the following semester. I had lost the two dogs that had grown up with me and now I faced living completely alone.
Sara was a farm dog that “supervised” a 200 acre farm. Unfortunately, she would be spontaneously attacked by the other female dog on the farm. Urban sprawl has bled over into the rural area I love to call home. The farmer sold out and moved to Virginia. Upon their arrival, the stress of the move triggered the other dog to attack Sara yet again. This time the farmer and his wife thought little Sara was done for. She survived. They brought her back to NC and left her to live on the farm until the new owners broke ground on what would soon become a gated housing development.
My Dad used to deer hunt on this same property. Sara faithfully would walk him to the edge of the woods, sit, and wait on him after dark. My Dad, being the big tough guy he is, soon fell for her and told me about her. I didn’t think I was ready to open my heart to a four legged fur-ball, not yet. Working my way through school as a vet tech, I reasoned going to check on her was the right thing to do. I looked into her eyes and immediately got in the car. I mumbled, “She is going home with me. She needs me.” I look back on that moment and think about how ignorant I really was. I did not know it then, but it was me that truly needed her.
She became my constant in the roller-coaster ride of photography school. It was her sweet eyes that would watch me flit around the kitchen, as I told her why I was stressed out. It was Sara that would quietly lay in the studio at school while I worked on a project. It was her I would run for when I pulled in the driveway coming home from my first summer in Montana. She has reemphasized the picture of unconditional love. She is constantly by my side and sleeps on the floor by my side of the bed. There have been days this winter when I have no smile to give, no hug, no pat on head, no words of love. I just look in her eyes and it is only her that sees my soul at times. She is ever faithful and loyal without demanding anything in return. She has given me the look of understanding even though I didn’t understand myself. This border collie is and has my heart. And I am so grateful for the day that “she needed me.” Only then did I see what was missing in me when she came into my life and made me better.ps- Don't let the bows fool you. She and I are country girls but, sometimes we like "gettin purtied up and accessorizing." Thanks for stopping in.
yes, they have and are our hearts.
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