[Lenny]

Enjoy,


Lenny

A Great Dog Story

Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't
and you may even decide you need one!

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real
character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they
would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would
help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget
and something would come up missing.
Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the
treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always
stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys
stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her
she was going to die of this disease....in fact , she was just sure it was
fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The
night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A
thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old
dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will
be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave
him. The thought made her sadder than thinking
of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated
and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening
walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home,
Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom.
Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky
stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she
called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She
couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave
way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally
blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the
sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved
mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking
further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is
still cancer-free. Lu cky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in
his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from
God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are
not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards
They are the ones that care for us.

If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live
simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God
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[hurtingintn]

thanks for posting this Lenny..i received this story in my email last week and almost posted it myself but decided not to..i love the story..thanks again

[nothemama8]

wonderful story, it's amazing what intellegence these pets have
as most of you know since we got Tara (our sheltie ) she has been my pride, she has now lost 40 lbs. and can now roll over onto her back making Papa rub her tummy and take her for longer walks , helping him stay in shape too
Angie

[seeker1950]

That brought tears to my eyes, Lenny! Pets are so much more perceptive and caring than we realize. Thank you for sharing this! I'll try to remember this when I'm struggling with the ever-growing mischievous pup, Golden/GSD mix I recently adopted from the local shelter.
Love
Patty

[onlymedid]

I love that story. It's funny because I was just at my dad's house and his dog is named Lucky. When my mom was really sick with cancer (a few months before her passing) Lucky would sit at the edge of the bed while she slept, or right next to her while she sat in her chair watching TV. Now, keep in mind, he is my dad's dog....mom didn't really care for him a huge amount. He didn't like leaving mom and after mom passed he still slept in her room on the floor for a long time. He watched over my mom while she was ill, now he sits at my dad's feet, stuck like glue to him. Lucky is part golden retriever and makes it clear that dogs are man's best friend.

Awww.... that story is just too sweet.
It's not just dogs though that are there for you like that
Whenever I'm down is usually when the cats come to be with me
Unlike other people, can't don't pry you if you don't want to talk
They don't try to offer advice when you are tired of hearing it
They are simply there, open for love,
or, are just as content if you want
to enjoy each others company in silence.
It is in this way that cats, or any other pet close to you
is probably one of the best listeners and healers you could ask for.