Ohmigosh!

Sometimes, when I think of starting this story, I have no idea where to start. I think I found that family is there to push you where you dont think you can go. I think thats what I learned last night. I learned that sometimes love is more important then clear thinking and one has to be willing to save themselves, but sometimes they need more then you think you can give.

It was a dark and stormy night last night... seriously. It poured hard and fast. Drainage ditches and runoff pipes were heavy with the water they carried. I thought nothing more of it then just a monsoon type rain. Even after I got home, it was still just rain. It didnt become more then just rain until I called the dogs in for dinner. Only one came.

Now Clarence isnt one to sprint in for dinner, but eventually he comes in... except last night. My heart froze in my chest and fear choked at my throat. In my bare feet and house clothes I started running around the backyard calling for him, willing him to show up. And all I got in return were faint cries. The closer I got to the crawlspace doorway at the back of the house, the louder the cries. I was sobbing at this point, unable to see in the darkness to be able to see what exactly was wrong with him. I quickly learned that I have no flash lights at all in my home and my cell phone light was no help. I even turned on the car lights hoping it would help, but no dice...

Finally my digital camera was the only help I had... I kept taking pictures into the underbelly of my home until I found him, stranding on a small hill of dirt. It was the only soil left above water and the poor puppy who is scared of water stood perched there, begging me with the most frantic cries I had ever heard.

This isnt just any dog mind you. This is the parvo surviving, rat poison surviving wonderdog with crooked legs and a saggy face. He is my pride and joy, he is my best friend. He is the dog thats too lazy to actually jump up on someone so he just hops. He is the dog that used to have such trouble standing up because he tripped over his ears so often.

Finally, I knew there was no other choice, but to go in and get him myself. So I strapped on my boots and I started crawling thru the dark water, avoiding cobwebs as best I could. The ground was soft and muddy and oh so creepy. At this point, Clarence and I were both crying to beat the band. Me begging him to calm down and be strong and him begging me to hurry and save him. Then came Bertha, rushing in in her usual casual trot. She passed me right up in my struggle with the deep water and stayed on the high ground until she got to him. And to my amazement, she led him out, giving him the courage to make it to me.

The three of us, huddled there under the house were a bundle of waggy tails, excited licks and teary giggles. And slowly, as a family, we made our way back out into the fading light of day. Later, when the adrenaline faded and they still clung to me to relieve the stress of the situation, I found I clung to them just as much. They pushed me to overcome fears and pain. They made me stronger.

We camped in the spare room together. Them in their dogbeds and me on an airmattress. Its small or else they would have joined me on it. It was the only way any of us could sleep after such must stress and fear. It was an evening to remember forever.