A Canine Thanksgiving
As the holiday season approaches, even in these difficult times with which many of us struggle, I always look for that beacon of hope on the horizon. And often when I am feeling down, magically an email will appear in my mail box which brightens my mood, and reminds me that there are some incredibly loving people in the world who really care about the welfare of needy animals and go out of their way to open their heart and homes to help.
Yesterday, I received such an email which made me think of the Thanksgiving holiday ahead. Many of us are making preparations to share our bounty with friends and family. And yet, many homeless or neglected animals languish without a loving hand. And as I read the email from Jessy, an online friend, my thoughts turned to Thanksgiving. Her moving words inspired me to share her wonderful little story she sent about a little dog named Poky.
Jessie's email began “A world of loneliness, touched only by the sounds of a TV in the background. This little guy was alone for up to 13 hours of a day, maybe more" Poky, a blind mixed breed dog, who is about 7 years old was kept in a cage most of the time. He was alone for 13 hours or more each day. He never knew the kind loving hand of his owner, with the exception of the time it took to feed him, who had no time to play with him.
Left alone with only a TV or radio to keep him company, and an assortment of stuffed animals with which to play, this little guy lived in a world of darkness. His owner invited Jessy to visit Poky anytime, and left her door open so she could spend time with him. But Poky had to find most of his love from a stuffed bunny that kept him company in his cage.
Several days ago, Jessy kept hearing Poky crying constantly. She learned that his owner had moved out of her home and had left Poky behind. Jessy, unable to turn away ran into the house, giving him some food, which he quickly devoured as if it was his last meal. She quickly talked with her roommate about what they could do to take care of him. Her roommate said, "Go and get him! We will somehow make it work... as we have two other dogs and a cat... we will make it work out."

Heartened by her roommate's offer, she tried to contact his owner to no avail. Jessy didn't know if the owner cared about Poky, but with the thermometer dropping rapidly, there was no way that Jessy and her roommate was going to let this little guy freeze to death. She once again entered the house, this time with another friend as a witness. She called out to Poky who was no longer caged, and he came to her, tail wagging, covering her face with sweet doggie kisses. I am sure that Poky knew that soon he would be in the care of loving humans, and out of his dark and lonely surroundings. I suspect that animals have that special ability to sense human kindness.
And while Poky remains blind, he can sense the light that is shining on him now. He no longer wants to play with stuffed animals. He enjoys cuddling under the covers with Jessy, and his new canine and feline friends who welcomed him with open paws.
But the best news of all is that Jessy was finally able to contact Poky's owner who was thrilled that Jessy and her roommate had adopted him, since she was going to take him to a shelter, as she had no time for him. Permission for the adoption was given, and Poky now has a new forever loving home.
People like Jessy and her roommate exemplify the spirit of Thanksgiving, which is one of sharing and opening one's heart. Thanksgiving Day will indeed be a happy one for all of the pets and people that are fortunate to be graced by Jessy's love.
Let’s join in the Thanksgiving spirit by leaving a comment for Jessy, her roommate and her other furry companions who take delight in their new “brother”.
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Comments (9)
Vicki November 28, 2008 11:33 AM
I wish there were more people like Jesse and her roommate, and less of Poky's previous owner. Most people would not have given him a second thought. Jesse, may you and your roommate have many happy years with Poky, and I hope you have many blessings.
Jessy November 28, 2008 11:34 AM
My friend thank u for your words and for putting in your Blog..
I just wish that there was more people out in this world that would take a moment and help any animal.
thank u again...
Joanne November 28, 2008 11:45 AM
Beautiful, just beautiful.
Heather November 28, 2008 12:08 PM
WTG Jessy!
It's too bad there aren't more people like you and your room mate out there to help unwanted animals find better living conditions. May Jesus Be Always By Your Side.
Anne November 28, 2008 12:15 PM
Hi Jessy.Your friend in NY here. This story is just so touching. It truly is about thinking of others especially during the Holidays.Poky is such a lucky pup. He does know that light of love now because of your caring and unselfish heart. God bless you. Love , Anne
Kathy November 28, 2008 12:26 PM
In this time of economic uncertainty, this random acts of kindness demonstrates how caring we humans can be. God bless these wonderful people.
Kathy
Ruth November 28, 2008 7:01 PM
Now that is a story with a very happy ending. I love reading stories like that. I was heartbroken though, knowing for all those yrs. that poor dog was alone so much. Maybe now, he can finally find true happiness. WTG Jessy.
Nancy November 28, 2008 7:28 PM
What a wonderful story! This little dog is one lucky little fella to have been adopted by such loving people! So sad that he is blind, but then to be kept in a cage and alone for so long must have been a horrible life for him! I am so happy that he has a truly loving home now! May God Bless these wonderful people for taking him in and loving him as he'd never been loved before!!!
Amy November 29, 2008 10:14 AM
"Bravo" to Jessy and her roommate! Poky is one really lucky dog. As for the owner she should be kept in a cage for 13 hours a day with no contact.
What is so special about critters for the most part hold no grudges against humans. They love you no matter what.
Again "Bravo" to Jessy and her roommate for caring so much.
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