This beautiful beast was gifted to me because I showed kindness to a creature I didn’t have to.

She was the neighbor’s dog. I named her Penelope.

I befriended her knowing I would eventually have to have her euthanized.

I cooked two meals a day for her for three months. The law said she had to be on my property when she was caught. Then she would be considered a nuisance and disposable.

She was neither of those things to me.

She was a kind spirit that the world had mishandled.

The tumor in her mouth was the size of a softball. You could smell death as she walked up for lunch.

It was one of the most heartbreaking experiences of my life.

I cried every day, but I faced the ugly truth.

My tears turned into her peace.

She is now buried behind my shed.

She didn’t get to live in peace, but my heart let her rest in peace.

Several months later…

Hank came into my life.

Same breed.
Same emaciated weight.
Years of love to give.

He is now getting old. He limps, and I know eventually I will have to say goodbye.

To be blessed with the unconditional love of this handsome beast has been an honor.

I will cherish him.

And when his time comes, I will carry his love with me. ♡