Run pain-free, Cody….

A lot of police departments look at rescued GSDs and Belgian shepherds (especially Malinois) without realizing that many were abused or neglected to the point that their ability to work seriously is not what it could have been. But shepherd breeds, especially rescues, make great companion animals, for they seem to know that they have been granted a miracle. Two of the Belgian varieties’ rescue websites have mottoes on that theme. The Tervuren site has the legend “Love Recycled” and the Sheepdog/Groenendael site has “Rescue Love Rehome Forever”.

I’ve been around herding dogs most of my life. I grew up with collies, and my mother in her later years had Shelties. I’ve recently latched onto Belgians and have been simply gobsmacked by their devotion and brilliance. Herding breeds — especially the ones that straddle herding and working breeds, like GSDs and Belgians — are simply amazing animals, capable of deep, ferocious devotion to their people and fellow companion animals. I am not surprised Cody dove into the pool to “rescue” your family, and his behavior towards the other canine members of the pack is typical as well of herding dog protectiveness.

I think you might appreciate this poem, even if it makes you weep a bit. There is a kind of comfort in it. I did not write it, but I’ve seen it circulate in so many places and forms, that I think it must be considered creative commons. It’s called “The Rainbow Bridge”:

“Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….”

– Author unknown

God Summoned A Beast (A Fable)
Author unknown

God summoned the beast from the field and He said
“Behold, man is created in my image. Therefore adore him.
You shall protect him in the wilderness,
shepherd his flocks, watch over his children,
accompany him wherever he may go…
even into civilization.
You shall be his companion, his ally, his slave.”

“To do these things,” God said, “I endow you with the
instincts uncommon to other beasts:
Faithfulness, Devotion and Understanding
surpassing those of man himself.
Lest it impair your courage,
you shall never foresee your death.
Lest it impair your loyalty,
you shall be blind to the faults of man.
Lest it impair your understanding,
you are denied the power of words.
Speak to your master only with your mind
and through your honest eyes.”

“Walk by his side; sleep in his doorway;
ward off his enemies; carry his burden;
share his afflictions; love and comfort him.
And in return for this,
Man will fulfill your needs and wants…
which shall be only food, shelter and affection.”

“So be silent and be a friend to man.
Guide him through the perils along the way
to this land I have promised him.
This shall be your destiny and your immortality.”

So spoke the Lord.
And the dog heard, and was content.