When I lost all hope, hope came to the rescue.
After our Cocker Spaniel, Skittles, died in July 2004, we decided not to get another dog. We decided, until I saw Lady on TV 4 month’s later.
I have watched Pet’s on Parade for years, a local AZ Humane Society adoption program. I continued to watch after Skittles was gone just because I love animals and love AZHS. One particular Saturday in November 2004, they showed this cute, little, scared, Cocker Spaniel and her name was Lady. I told John she was our new dog. So we headed to the Humane Society that afternoon at the time for the Pets on Parade adoptions. There were 5 families that showed up for Lady, so they have a drawing and we were the runners up. They told us even if you were not the winner, to be patient, we could still end up with the pet we came for. There are many reasons why the winner may not end up with the pet and they are very strict about who adopts their animals.
I visited Lady at her kennel. She was shaking and shy. But so adorable! A young girl and her mother were the winners. We waited around like they told us to. Then, I saw the young girl walking Lady and she looked so happy to have a new puppy. (Lady was 1 year old).
We left. I cried.
I really thought she was ours but outward circumstances were saying otherwise. I was happy for the young girl and for Lady to find a new home, but inside I was sad.
Even when it seems like something may not work out, hold on to hope.
About an hour or so after we got home the phone rang. John answered and I heard him say, “My wife would like to talk to you” and gave me the phone. It was the AZHS asking if I was still interested in Lady. Of course I said yes! So the next morning we went to get her. For some reason, not disclosed, the family did not adopt Lady.
She was already potty trained and knew basic commands. She will not let me out of her sight and we love to play hide-n-seek. She’s so playful and funny and smart and obedient. We took her to training classes and she did great.
I wanted to change her name but after not being able to come up with the perfect name, John said he liked Lady, so we did not change it.
Seems like yesterday, but she is 14 years old now. She is slowing down. She had cancer in 2013, and an episode of Vestibular disease In November 2017 and again this week. She loves taking walks and keeps her eye out for bunnies. We still play hide-n-seek and she is always near me. Sometimes I trip over her because she follows me around the house. She makes me laugh loud and smile big.
Have you lost hope for something? Big or small, it doesn’t matter. If you’ve read some of my previous posts, you know I have been there, without all hope. And I’m only alive today because Jesus somehow gave me hope. He rescued me and step-by-step, day-by-day, He brought hope back to me.
Will you allow Jesus to restore hope to you today? He loves us so much and wants us to find our hope in Him. He is our only Hope and He wants to rescue you and I.
There are many Bible verses on Hope that have helped me when I feel hopeless. If you would like a copy please email me Barbara@BarbaraAnnRepan.com, or from the Contact page towards the top. I would love to send it to you.
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Looking forward to hearing from you!
Love your story about Lady. And the encouragement to keep hope and not give up.
Thank you Lisa.
Oh Barbara ~ I love the story of Lady! I only wish I would of met her sooner!
So glad she is feeling better and life is good!
God bless you, John & Lady this CHRISTmas Season!
Live & miss y’all,
Carol Ann