Saturday, July 9, 2011

Personal Pet Story.......................editor BJ


My dog Stormy, who I miss greatly, was a very special dog. Stormy was a rescue from a very bad situation. She had been kept tied up under a building for several years in an area that flooded. The owner often forgot about her, so she seldom got fed. When I got her, she was already 10 years old and weighed only 46 pounds, which is very low for a Golden Retriever/Collie mix. Her coat had not been combed in ages, and was completely felted into a hard shell.

It took several days to slowly trim off that hardened shell of fur, but Stormy was a very patient girl. We fed her all she would eat, and slowly she recovered and started gaining weight. We had her treated for heartworms. She absolutely loved to be with me, and when I went to work, she would sit at the window and cry until I came home. Because it was driving my husband crazy, I started taking her with me to the gallery where I worked. She was content to lay behind the counter, and most people didn't even realize that she was there.

The last day of the season, the gallery was one of only two shops open in the complex, so it was a very slow day. A young man came in to the gallery, and was looking around in a way that seemed too fast to be browsing. He told me that he was looking for a gift for his mom. I made several suggestions, all of which he declined. Since it seemed that I wasn't going to be able to help him, I returned behind the counter. He came up to the counter and planted his hands down firmly, leaning across toward me. I was sure he intended to rob the store!

All of a sudden, Stormy leapt up and put her paws on the counter, nose to nose with the guy, and growled like I had never heard her growl ever! The guy's eyes got real big, and he squeaked "Nice dog" and bolted out the door, through the parking lot and across the highway. I was shaking as I went to lock the door to the gallery and call the police. Stormy never left my side the rest of the day, and we never saw that guy again. We closed up for the day after the police left. I am convinced that if it wasn't for her, the shop would have been robbed. The police officer agreed with me.

Stormy lived to the surprising age of 19 before crossing over the Rainbow Bridge. I tell people that the Good Lord gave her a whole second lifetime to make up for the first part that was so awful.

This story was submitted by Lisa Penosky of OBXPuparazzi on Artfire and OBXPuparazzi on Etsy.
Lisa is a retired nurse, and loves to sew. She enjoys creating dog bandanas and dog themed goodies for their people. She does craft shows and other dog related events.


BJ is columnist & editor for Personal Pet Storey and the new "Did You Know?" column for our blog. BJ loves animals and has a handmade jewelry & jewelry supply studio EXPRESSIONS on Artfire

7 comments:

Creative Critters said...

What a wonderful story! You saved Stormy's life, and she returned the favor.
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Debra at Sleepy Cat Designs said...

The loyalty from our animal friends can be so amazing and so heartwarming. Thanks for sharing this fantastic story about your Stormy.

Expressions by BJ said...

Lisa, this story touched me in so many ways, I just had to let everyone share this great love that an animal can give, as with all of our pets in various ways.
Yes, I believe God gave her another life of comfort.
Thank you for submitting it.

El at Tantalizing Stitches said...

Wow! This is an amazing story in so many ways. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story of your time with Stormy. Its amazing that with all he went through and for his size that he lived so long. You saved his life just as he saved your life.

JenJen said...

What a wonderful story! Stormy sounds extremely special, and you're a special person for giving her a new "leash" on life!

19. Wow! :)

Unknown said...

What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing.

Pam said...

What a sweet and touching story about Stormy. I loved the part where he was right there to protect you at the gallery, and how he always stayed by your side. Thank you for sharing.