What could be more uplifting than an adorable puppy, especially when welcomed during the first week of the lovely month of April? I will add, however, April in Northeast Florida is the equivalent of mid-July in most northern states and can bring sweltering temps in the 90s.

I often write about how I believe that when the time is right, so is the dog and that dogs and other pets are “assigned” to us and should congratulate themselves for the clever way they find ways to “sneak” into our lives. 

I hadn’t planned on a new pup. I truly didn’t need to raise another one after spending the last year and a half raising our Big Boy, Jackson.

But as so often it happens, we don’t always know what we truly need at any given moment.

Last Saturday morning, I’d met with a local group of animal advocates of our local animal shelter.  I serve as a board member and these are exciting times in Putnam County. This is a rural region in need of many improvements when it comes to animal welfare and I find myself transplanted in this area, almost by fate, at a period when a myriad of positive and hopeful changes are taking place. It feels as if this is part of my ongoing personal “renewal”. Change will come slowly, but surely.

During that meeting, the plans for the soon-to-be-launched much-needed Mobile Spay and Neuter trailer were discussed as well as the recent St. Pat’s Fundraiser and many other issues and new developments occuring almost daily.

Later that Saturday afternoon, after spending time working on the canal front property, another process that has been helpful in my renewal, I was on my way back home and made a quick stop at the local Winn Dixie to pick up dinner and then catch the start of the UCONN Lady Huskies vs. Oklahoma.

But I found myself facing a detour when I spotted a puppy being held by a woman and although I was in a rush to get my items and bolt, I stopped to talk to this person and inquire about the tiny pup in her arms. Fast forward, I ended up taking ownership of that puppy promising to find it the best home, even if it wasn’t mine. With some quick texts to my animal welfare support group, I was assured help getting the pup some immediate health care and the promise of back up to find her a good home if she didn’t work out with our established pack. In essence, I put myself in a fostering position. I am no hero, I know people who do much more on a daily basis in the true spirit of rescue. They are the true heroes.

I won’t go in to detail about the circumstances on the how’s and why’s of this story, but I will share soon. I think I’m still processing. In that pup’s face I saw a need, and perhaps she was just fulfilling her “assignment” waiting for me to enter her orbit. In her situation, the issues surrounding our complex relationship with our pets encapsulated.

Fast forward one week later and Winn-ie, as she has been named, is thriving. She has gained weight and is confident and alert and at 8 weeks old (according to her former owner) she is remarkably adaptible and smart beyond her age. She now occupies the puppy crate I purchased for Quint three years ago and Jackson is her mentor and guardian.

We never truly know how our lives can change in an instant on so many levels. I have learned to take things day by day, do the best with what I have at the moment, try to make authentic decisions and let the universe lead me on an everwinding path.

Happy April renewal. May it shower you with the promise of warmer days ahead.