Jersey Boy

We visited the dog rescue organization looking for a companion for our Lucy. She, a bored Rott/Beagle mix, had far too much time to dig and reorganize our yard. We thought a playmate would distract her or wear her out (we were wrong on both counts). We first fell in love with a small terrier named Elvis because he was 5 lbs. of attitude in a 2 lb. bag. We immediately began the adoption process for Elvis but were asked to meet just one more dog named Jersey before we closed the deal.

They explained that Jersey had been found on the streets of LA, badly abused and mistreated and they attempted to bring him into the room. Jersey wanted nothing to do with us. He pinned himself against the door, desperate to escape. We tried for more than 30 minutes to win him over but made no progress. I was ready to give up, but my son wisely noted that, between the two pups, Jersey needed us more. My heart sufficiently filled; we drove home with both Elvis and Jersey. It took us a week to coax Jersey into the house, it took a year for him to stop barking at my sons and husband at mealtime and it took the adoption of a small corgi puppy to bring out his inner puppy.

Over the next 13 years, Jersey never fully overcame his fears. He operated in a continuous state of anxiety. He never played with toys, he hated strangers, he avoided the pool and just couldn't be alone. That being said, he always got the best report card from the groomer and was never aggressive with people or other dogs. He loved his safe home full of orthopedic dog beds and I loved watching him contentedly trot through the house. Even on the last day, when his body finally failed him, he didn't complain.

He was a gem of a dog. He was a living, breathing illustration of the power and grace of forgiveness. He carried the scars of his abuse but still managed to find a way to allow us to love him. He came to trust us, and we became his herd. He could have been difficult, or he could have run away but he overcame his fears and simply did his best. I will miss his snoring, his wise eyes and his crazy ear fur. I will miss his sweet way of showing us love. I will pray for his courage to walk through life with an open and forgiving heart. Rest well, Jersey Boy. Thanks for all the nuzzles.