And all of the dogs were excited, too,
to join in the fun, as they barked
greetings and exchanged sniffs &
tail-wags with each other!
Since most of the dogs in attendance were adopted rescue & shelter dogs,
their attitude was that it was a great day just to be alive!
They weren't about to let a little rain dampen their enthusiasm!
(As always, our dogs remind us of what is truly important,
and how much each of us has to be thankful for.)
Perhaps MOST grateful was Braveheart,
who attended the Dog Jog with his family,
including his little "brother" Dodger.
Sporting his beautiful newly-fashioned personalized
jacket - lovingly made for him by Pam Simpson -
he was recognized by many people who crowded around him,
patting him and chatting with Braveheart's "mom" Lisa.
Many of these folks had heard of Braveheart's plight
while he was fighting for his life at the Vet School last spring,
and they were amazed at how healthy - and beautiful - he looks now!
Several of the Vet School medical staff who had cared for Braveheart
when he was so sick were in attendance at the Dog Jog.
We took this picture of him greeting one of his medical caretakers,
which captures how grateful he is for the loving care
he received during this time. Clearly, he remembers each of
these wonderful people; I'm sure they will remember him, too!
Before the Dog Jog got underway,
Braveheart was introduced to the crowd,
and then he was given the honor of leading
the Dog Joggers off on their two-mile run.
He seemed to know that he was a celebrity that morning.
He carried himself proudly, and behaved like the perfect gentleman that he is!
What a great example of what good medical care,
lots of prayers & love can accomplish!
SHERYL JONES:
I got to pet Braveheart. What a good, beautiful boy.
LIBBY KARIER:
I can't get over how healthy he looks (and is). It's amazing.
JUDY BYRD:
This is wonderful. You know, for SOME reason until just now, I always thought that he was rather a quite SMALL do! Guess he was just so pathetic and not featured with humans in other photos.
BOBBI PROCYK:
He doesn't even look like the same dog. He is gorgeous now. What wonderful people who took care of him and gave him a new life.
MARSHA AARONS:
Such a wonderful ending. He is a magnificent-looking dog. It is so hard to even look at his pictures [from] when [he was] rescued.
SANDE MANCINI:
WHAT A AMAZING DOG! SO MUCH TO LIVE FOR AND HE KNEW IT!
MARILYN McCLASKEY:
After following his story when he was at death's door, it is heartwarming to see the change. If only all outcomes could be as good.
JANE SMITH:
What a beautiful end to a story and the last story I am going to read tonight . . . I will have pleasant dreams now. Braveheart looked so handsome & kind & loving.
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