Sandra Larson’s Blog

The Buddy Story

My mind was a million miles away, considering the changes coming to me when I saw a white streak run in front of my car. I slammed on my brakes just in time to not hit a small white dog. I thought to myself who in the world would let their dog out in this busy traffic? Quickly I parked the car and started on foot to follow the dog. I got close enough to see he was skinny, matted, and looked neglected. He had either been lost a long time or his people did not care for him. Either way, he was a dog in trouble and needed help. Using my softest, most gentle voice, I called to this frightened, lonely little being, “Buddy, it’s alright, I’m here to help you”.

Amazingly, after following him for a couple blocks, he allowed me to walk up to him. A woman in the neighborhood loaned me a leash and without resistance, Buddy, as I’d come to call him allowed me to put him in my car. Wanting to do the right thing, but with a feeling of sadness, I brought him to my friends at the local animal shelter. Within an hour of leaving him there, I received a phone call. The shelter told me Buddy seemed really afraid of the other big dogs. They asked if I would mind letting him stay with me until his people came for him. My heart jumped inside my chest realizing I could have him in my home!

My work allowed me to have a flexible schedule, so I found plenty of time to care for him. I bathed him, and gently worked to brush and clip the mats out of his fur. I brought him to the vet and began an active campaign to find his people. I created flyers and posted them around town. We walked door-to-door in the neighborhood where I’d found him and another area where I guessed he might be from. Yet, no one claimed him. Didn’t anyone even miss this cuddly guy?

Everyday I fell more in love with this little one. After a month of looking for his people, my friends at the shelter told me I could be Buddy’s permanent caretaker and best friend. It was very happy day.

Looking back, I realize Buddy came to him at just the right time. I found him on the streets in April, was divorced in May and in September of that very year our beloved father passed away. It was a difficult year, but somehow by caring for Buddy I was caring for myself.

Since then, Buddy has become my constant companion and is always near me. He helps with my Soul Coaching and Animal Communication work. He sits on my lap when I’m on a call or my client’s lap during sessions. I love him from head to toe including his cute under-bite, and the funny way he sticks out his tongue. He’s my boy and I’m blessed to have his in my life. When I think about the love and the closeness we share I wonder, who rescued who?