Lucille 'Luci' Ball 's 2nd Birthday
May 24, 2011
Lucille 'Luci' Ball had a birthday yesterday ! We can officially say that she is two now, rather than, almost two, one and half years, will be two in May, on and on !
I had been researching the Internet and talking to a dear friend who first mentioned that I should have a therapy dog ! WHAT ! I've never owned a dog in my life, EVER ! In fact, I tolerated the various breeds over the years that belonged to our sons. I was taught from early on that dogs were to live outdoors and do their work with/for man and boy.
My brother had coon hunting dogs, whatever that breed was. He obeyed the house rules and kept them outdoors in big chicken wire fenced runs. My brother was 'in love with his dogs' and cooked special foods, in our kitchen for them. It consisted of bacon grease, cornmeal, and other 'thingy's that I wondered about. The worst part was the odor it produced while it was cooking on the gas stove...horrific in my mind and I would try to stay outdoors until he finished. He called it, 'Cornmeal Mush' and his dogs loved it and loved him more for it !
The first dog was given to the boys by their grandmother, my mother ! He was a tiny terrier dog ! Thrilled and excited with this little creature, the boys took care of him while at home...but when at school and ballgames... it was mom, designated caretaker for 'Peppy.' Challenged to the core was I with this pup ! He liked to run out the door and down the street with dutiful mom on his trail until he was caught...wow...could that little creature run ! This was not the only challenge, just one of many. After a few months of his non-changing behaviours, we found a new home and promised the boys they could choose their next dog ! That happened. Another breed, a poodle that could climb chain link fences, then a border collie that was adorable but we didn't have enough room in our yard for a large run. We found her an appropriate home. Another border collie, named Grizzly, that our boys adored ! We had moved to the country and Griz had plenty of cows to chase and ran loose, no fences then. The farmers around didn't like dogs on the loose and his short life came to an abrupt halt ! He went missing...never found by the boys. It was pity city for them, their grief was profound.
There were a few more dogs after Griz met his demise, but by then, our youngest son showed more interest in his own dog and wanted a Spitz ! This was his Chrismas present that year. By then, we had had fences and a dog run built for him. Still...outside was his home !
Some thirty years later when dogs and boys were gone, did the idea of a pet therapy dog for my work became apparent. It was through seeing people in nursing facilities with therapy dogs and how it changed their persona's...from sadness to happiness in a split second !
My husband bought Luci for me two years ago on my birthday in July 2009. I knew by now that I wanted a Corgi for their remarkable history of therapy dogs. ! When we drove out to the country to pick her up, she was in a large outdoor pen with four siblings. She was the first to go and was chosen by her breeder as the 'one he would choose!' He was an expert breeder and had shown this breed in the past. He showed us how to examine a corgi for the qualities they must have ! She was tiny, about 2 1/2 pounds, soft furry coat, and loved to snuggle and we became snugglers that night ! I knew that God had 'choosen Luci,' to do His work, and I, the facilitator. I felt such peace, a sense of spiritual awakening that Luci was a gift from God. I knew she would be a friend to many as a therapy dog. God made these wonderful little creatures for many reasons and I believe His reason for this newly chosen pup was predistined !
Most of you have read much about her through her blogs, 'Adventures with Luci' and SheriLuci@wordpress.com !
My life has changed dramatically since becoming her caregiver. She is indeed an indoor/outdoor pup, and at her command ! She has learned commands and is a joy to go visit patients in nursing homes. We started when she was only eight months. It was revealed to me and to my friend who was now a hospice patient in the nursing home that Luci was born to be a pet therapy dog ! We visited our friend every week for nearly a year. She knows when someone is in the dying process and knows how to comfort them...in her own ways...a spiritual connection between human and dog is a well know fact. I know it's true because I've witnessed this phenomena many times.
"A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel"
Proverbs 12:10
Author - Sheri DeLoach
