Today we welcomed a new companion into our family. Meet
Brandi, A Labrador Retriever who is almost three. Her family surrendered her to
a shelter because they were moving to Japan. As I write to you this twilight
eve of a full moon night, I am sharing the easy chair with my new found friend.
She wants to be right by my side and is lying across my lap, which makes
typing challenging but definitely more enjoyable.

Our quest for a dog began a few months ago and it has been
quite a journey. Woody and I could never have imagined how difficult it would
be for us to adopt a rescue dog.  We
filled out applications, were interviewed, had people come and inspect our
home, and visited the local animal shelter weekly. Several times we were elated
at the prospect of adopting a sweetie only to discover that another family was
the lucky recipient. Crestfallen, we would trudge home saying," ah well, guess
it wasn’t meant to be, maybe next time". My friends have leant an ear to our
ongoing saga; it has been quite  an adventure!

Now we are all getting acquainted and discovering love in one
another. Brandi is intuitive and wants my undivided attention. Even if I am
sitting petting her if my mind wanders to the keys of the computer she is
on to me. “Don’t give your affection halfheartedly; give me your full presence.”
I can see she has much to teach me. Brandi (aka Bambi…sorry, just can’t bring
myself to call her that) is camera shy and mellow yellow. She loves to play
fetch and she has caught me unawares to slobber me.

When we go through life’s disappointments whether big or small; we
are unable to see through to the other side to recognize the blessing that is
in All.

“My goal in life is to be as good a person as my dog thinks
I am.” ~Anonymous

~liz Sorensen Wessel

Photos by Woody and Liz