Day 255: Jackson County Animal Shelter

If you know me at all, you know that we once had a dog named Grover. Grover had been “dropped off” at the Jackson County Animal Shelter and he waited months to be adopted. We were fortunate that the folks at the shelter had a soft spot in their hearts for Grover and let him stay there a long time waiting for a family.

The funny thing is that I always thought that I would adopt a black lab puppy. They were so cute and playful when I saw them at the recycling center where they were being displayed by Tim Church. And it was Tim who told me that I should not adopt a puppy… for my life was too busy. A puppy needs training and consistency and at that time of my life, I could not have given those things to a puppy. Instead, I was able to give a warm, safe home to Grover and while he never learned a trick, he was the most grateful dog on the planet.

At this time, Emile and I are babysitting a dog that my daughter brought from Denmark. He is needy beyond belief and demands more patience than I can muster at times. But deep down, Emile and I are both softies at heart. We know that this dog’s master died earlier this year and that he is doing his best to figure things out. He puts up a good front, but I think that all he wants to know that he is not going to be left alone. Maybe it’s what we all are hoping for.

Today I brought a Chocolate Pecan Pie to the staff at the Jackson County Animal Shelter to honor them for the work that they do day after day. I am so grateful that they cared for Grover until we took him in… and I also want to thank them for doing their best with all the animals that come to them.