I have always had bad luck with dogs (and people). They don’t come to me when called. They don’t seek refuge under my roof. They don’t care about me at all.
We’ve been rejected time and time again by shelters in Lynnwood, WA and Twin Falls, ID. We don’t know why.
Even my mom remarked last summer, in disbelief, “I can’t believe you have a dog.” Me neither.
In my dreams, I have Bungee, a brown dog, and many other strays nobody else wants.
I’ve been looking at Banjo on PAWS Rescue’s Instagram for a few weeks. He’s a Curr/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. He reminds me of “Old Yeller,” my first love.
Today, Pet Wants in downtown Twin Falls, ID celebrated its one-year anniversary. We buy treats and food from them. We stopped by to see the dogs and puppies up for fostering and adoption, including Banjo.
He was overwhelmed by the people and other dogs. He was, not quite himself. I wouldn’t be either.
He allowed me to say hello and pet him, but his mind was somewhere else, firmly attached to his foster. He did not like my dog, who will get fixed Mon. Maybe that will change, who knows.
Bungee is my priority, now. If it’s Banjo or Bagel or some other stray who wanders across my path, I’ll be ready.
I come alive only when I am desperately needed and everyone else flees. It’s how I operate.
I couldn’t get close enough to Banjo to really enjoy his company, anyway. My husband kept bringing Bungee over, which kept Banjo on edge.
But I caught a glimpse of Banjo looking out at the world from the Pet Wants window, and for a split-second, he was my stray dog, big and brown and brave and true, trembling but standing his ground.