Sunday, September 7, 2008

Sunday Scribblings - "miracle" - 9/7/08

This week’s Sunday Scribblings prompt is “miracle.” It didn’t immediately elicit any ideas other than the very obvious. I have witnessed many miracles in my life, both large and small, but in time I can rationalize and trivialize even the most miraculous and impossible happenings. Though I believe in supernatural events, I compartmentalize them in my mind, and don’t dwell on them.

I recently had a small miracle affect my life in huge way. In an effort to simplify my life, I had unintentionally eliminated any purpose for living. I had no reason to get up in the morning, so I often didn’t. I could sleep 18 hours a day and eat the other 6 hours. When I went for my annual physical at the VA, I discussed this with my doctor. I said that maybe I needed to see a mental health provider. He said that unless I had post traumatic stress syndrome, that the mental health clinic would not see me. Soldiers returning from Iraq have overwhelmed them. He prescribed some anti-depressants and sent me on my way.

In the meantime, a friend of mine had encouraged me to get a dog. I am a dog lover, but did not think I could handle the responsibility of caring for one, when I could hardly care for myself. Anyway, I am a big dog guy and live in a condo. The rules of my condo limit me to a dog of 25 pounds. I am not fond of little, yippy, ankle biters like Chihuahuas and such and cannot imagine walking down the road with a shitsu on a leash. That is almost as bad as having a cat. Guys with cats scare me. But women with lots of cats terrify me even more. I know there are cat lovers reading this that’s asses have just clenched a bit, but I have valid reasons for my opinion of cats. The first is that I am horribly allergic to cats. If I walk in a house containing a cat I will know within a minute. The second and more profound reason is that I once had a cat spray my gym bag. If you have ever had a cat baptize an article of clothing, you know what I am talking about. There are no detergent commercials that claim to remove that odor.

So I decided to visit the local Humane Society, which is one of the most heartbreaking places on earth. There were lots of great dogs, but they were all large dogs, certainly over 25 pounds. I guess it is just like with orphaned children, the larger ones are hard to place. If I had room, I would adopt the lot of them. The dogs, not the children. I came home and looked on Craig’s list. Again, I could find no suitable dogs. So I posted a short ad promising a good home to a small dog. I received several responses, but the one that caught my eye was one from Steph for a five-year-old beagle, named Skooter. Though small, a beagle is definitely a man’s dog. We corresponded via email a few times (Steph and I, not Skooter) and made an appointment for me to come and meet Skooter. I took him for a test ride and a walk and we bonded immediately. I took him home that night and he has been by my side ever since.



He has the most amazing internal clock. Regardless of what time we retire for the night, each morning at 7 AM, I hear the patter of his toenails on my hardwood floor and see his tail coming around the bed. Then his adorable face and sad eyes appear on the side of my bed.. He is ready to eat and go for a walk. In that order. I now have a reason to get up in the morning. This might not qualify as a miracle in the precise definition of the word, but meeting Skooter was a miracle for me.

I have a long way to go to get back to mental well-being, but having a loving companion is a good start. It is hard to be depressed with Skooter sharing my life.

He also enjoys sharing my new 800 count Egyptian cotton sheets while I am on the computer.

17 comments:

Redheels said...

Miracles comes in different ways and in strange packages I have found. I think you two make a great team!

Scooter knows quality....800 count Egyptian cotton sheets and you.

Nice post.

GreenishLady said...

He may be a "man's dog", but those eyes would melt any lady's heart! I'm so glad this miracle has come into your life. ... SO very glad.

Anonymous said...

what a great post! So glad he makes you feel better. Wish we were closer. Love Ya Carly

paisley said...

like i said... what is not to love about a man that loves his dog.. i am so happy you and scooter found each other... what a perfect fit for both of you...

my dogs have saved my life more than once,, just knowing i have to be here for them,, somehow gives my life purpose when i can find none...

i am glad you held off till you got to this post for the ss prompt... it fit like a glove.....

Linda Jacobs said...

He's a beautiful beagle! You were lucky to find each other. Great pictures of your waterway, BTW!

TD said...

Never doubt that he's a miracle. Having 2 puppies myself has convinced me to be a morning person for the first time in my life. Thanks for the post.

Forgetfulone said...

He's a definite miracle. And a beautiful dog!

Tumblewords: said...

Aw, you fellas are so lucky! He is adorable. Nice post!

Granny Smith said...

I'm so happy for you! Skooter is a darling who would get anyone out of bed in the morning. I wish you and Skooter many miles of healthful walks together.

Lucy said...

Rick, this was so honest and touching.
I am so glad Scooter has brightened your life. Those big beautiful eyes look like they're looking right through to your soul and understanding all your feelings.

Anonymous said...

I’m glad I tuned in to your site for this one. You’re singing my song. My dog came into my life 13 years ago when he was 4 months old. He’s taught me more about unconditional love and how to treat living beings than any human ever could. And he’s still going strong. He’s one of those girlie dogs, perfect for this girlie girl ;-)

Anonymous said...

Pets are supposed to be great therapy. Your case proves it. And what silky ears. I have a truly tactile reaction to the photo. I know exactly what it would be like to touch them.

myrtle beached whale said...

Rinkly:

I wouldn't call my ears silky, but thanks.

Roger Yale said...

Skooter sounds like a great companion and friend. It doesn't hurt that he's so durn cute.

Re: Grand Strand Bloggers - I have noticed the lack of activity there. Perhaps a nudge is in order.

Take care, man!

Mia Celeste said...

Good choice. I love beagles. My first dog was a beagle.

Admin said...

As one of those women with cats that you are so afraid of, my butt is clenched indeed...:-)

I don't know how anybody lives without an animal of some kind. I would simply die without one. But I must warn you, when you lose him, your agony will be hard to live with. My little girl cat Calico Lee died at 16 years old in 2004. I truly would have preferred to die first. It was a long time before I could function again, and even now I cry at the very thought of her. But as they say, it's better to have loved and lost, etc, etc.

Unknown said...

Having just read your writing about the miracle of Scooter, I am crying as I type this comment. I can deeply empathize with what a difference he made in your life after choosing you as his human. Jake chose me and it made all the difference in my choosing to live and become a better human. You and Scooter continue to inspire me in so many ways. You and Scooter are a package deal....you are an incredible man Rick Wainright and I am so honored to have you and Scooter as family. Looking forward to seeing you both soon!