We receive about 6 to 8 calls a week, seeking information about our dogs and asking numerous general questions about border collies. Most of the time, they are from our pup owners, but some just saw us on the web and will call. If you have ever talked to me, you know I love to talk about border collies, and I don't mind. Sometimes, it's about things they do or won't do, and I will help as best as I can. I will sometimes research it or talk to a good friend of mine who is a Vet where I once worked after I retired. I make it clear I am not the expert, and I will never give advice on a problem that should be handled by a Vet, but I have, as you might say, some personal experience.
Last week, I received a call from a man looking for a border collie. He explained he had lost his dog a few weeks earlier, and he was pining for his pet. He asks general questions about ours and when we would have a litter available. I could tell he was pretty disappointed that we were not going to have any until spring. He was leaving for a family vacation in a few hours and was driving south on the interstate. He wanted to stop and see our dogs because we were close to his destination. He was searching, hurting, and was on a mission.
When they arrived, he explained that he had to put his beloved pet down two weeks ago because of a medical problem, while the dog had "a perfectly good mind." I could hear the pain in his words as he spoke, and knew the heartache he was having. He loved "our" dogs but said, "I'm sorry, I just can't wait," as he was leaving. I knew his heart was breaking, and I wished there was something I could have done. But there might be….Just that very morning, I received an email…
"Or if you know somebody who might be willing to help." This flashed into my mind. I will always help rescue or help find a border collie and a good home, even if it's not one of mine. I mentioned it in passing to the visitor, but several "what ifs" and things needed to be worked out, and it was left open.
It did work out…" Jeter" came to our farm and was re-homed to this man, whose world fell apart just two weeks ago. Jeter will be living with a family on 7 acres and a pond. His new owner is also an experienced dog trainer who loves border collies.
After I had talked to the original owner, he wanted a few days to be with "Jeter" before he brought him over. They spent time together and did just "guy" things. When they arrived, he had brought all of his toys, blanket, and even his Frisbees, so he would be happy and have all the comforts at his new home. We played a little while he was here, but " Jeter " seemed to sense something. When the time came to say goodbyes, everyone was emotional, even I, because I had been "here." While the car was pulling away, Jeter didn't understand and wanted to go. I took him to the porch and sat with him, stroking his face and trying to comfort him, which I did. My mind flooded with visions of my "Shepp" on this same porch doing the same thing just before he left for his "new" home. I can still feel his fur and see his beautiful eyes, right before he gave me a big kiss, my "Shepp" left for good.
Jeter went to his new home today. His new owner is a wonderful man who loves dogs. When he arrived, he worked with Jeter to get his trust, which he did. It will take some time for both of them, as their lives have been turned upside down in the last few weeks, but I'm confident they'll get back on track very soon. Although the owner wanted to pay for any expenses that had occurred, for me, just knowing that everyone was happy was enough payment. I explained, "I do it because I love them."
I don't know what you believe, but for whatever reason, this was meant to be! I not only believe God works in big ways, but in little ways, too; we just don't always see it, but I did see it happen here today. What are the chances that this would come together? A man lost his beloved pet, which had to be put down. He is heartbroken, and a small part of him dies. He calls someone he has never met or talked with, and just picked me from the Internet. Another man, because of circumstances beyond his control, must give up his beloved best friend, and part of him is dying, too. He calls someone he has never met or talked with, and just picked me from the Internet, all on the same day.
It makes you think this was meant to be. I'm just glad I could be a small part of it. Destiny or Divine? Life is Good, and God is Good…. Good luck, Jeter and Brent. Ken
