Sunday, May 14
Readers are impatient to know what happens to Homeless Dog. In order not to draw out the suspense, this post is very long. It really is two posts in one. — Sue
~ ~ ~
Again this morning, Homeless Dog is waiting for his friend, Reggie, to appear.
The air is chilly, but the little, white dog doesn’t seem bothered by it.
He and Reggie greet each other. Homeless Dog comes up to me for a hello before returning to his pal.
After a while, I call Reggie from play time. I have blogging to do!
By the time I finish blogging, Reggie is pestering to go outside again.
I can’t blame him for that. He always has a great time with Homeless Dog!
~ ~ ~
Another one of our neighbors at the RV park stops his puttering by his home and walks over to me.
“I’ve been watching you and the dogs. My chair is by that window.”
He points to a picture window at the end of his park model.
“I can’t believe what you’ve done with that dog. None of us has been able to get close to him. We tried and tried. For a couple weeks now.”
“It’s not me. It’s Reggie. He can make a friend out of anyone.”
Later Anita joins Reggie, Homeless Dog, and me on the lawn.
Reggie and the dog pause their play and trot up to Anita. Reggie scampers around her legs in happy greeting.
“Well, hello, Reggie!” She scratches him behind the ear.
The other dog sees this and moves in.
He jumps up, putting his front paws on her legs.
“Oh! You want some loving, too! Aren’t you a doll!” Anita strokes his back. His tail wags and his body wiggles as he soaks up the attention.
“I can’t believe he’s letting me do this!” she exclaims. “It’s like he’s a different dog!”
The dogs run off to resume their play. Anita credits me with the dog’s transformation.
“It wasn’t me, Anita. It was Reggie. He’s a love ambassador.”
That evening, after another play session, I call Reggie.
It’s time to go in for the night. I open the door and step inside. To my surprise, it isn’t Reggie who follows me in.
It’s Homeless Dog!
At that moment, I know what I have to do.
As clearly as though someone spoke the words in my ear, I know this is wrong, wrong, wrong.
Without hesitation I pick up the little, white dog and carry him outside. Quickly, Reggie jumps inside with me and I close the door.
One more night, little guy. One last night sleeping outside . . . .
Monday, May 15
Rogerson Service Center, Rogerson, Idaho (RV Park in rear)
Another day, another encounter . . .
Reggie is in front of me on his tether as we walk around the park. The little, white dog trots alongside Reggie. A voice calls out.
“Looks like he’s your dog!”
It’s Anita in her car.
“No, looks like he’s YOUR dog!” I call back.
She gets out of her car, hurries over, and repeats, “Yep, he’s your dog.”
Just then Homeless Dog sees her and runs to her!
Automatically Anita kneels and clutches his face in her hands. Holding him tenderly and firmly, their eyes lock together. Anita strokes his cheeks with her thumbs. The little, white dog is transfixed. All the while, Anita talks softly to him.
“Anita. He loves you. He belongs with you.”
“You think so?” She continues stroking. “You really think so? What about you? Don’t you want him?”
“I want him to be where he’s meant to be. You two belong together. You have a fenced yard. You work within walking distance of your house. You can visit him throughout the day.”
“But he loves Reggie,” she counters weakly.
“True, but he would have to share me with Reggie. That dog deserves to be an only dog. At least for a while. He would love having that with you.”
Anita releases Homeless Dog.
We watch as he happily runs off to play with Reggie.
“It’s amazing how much he’s changed,” she says, astonished. “I can’t believe how he ran right up to me and let me love him like that.”
“Well, first Reggie got him to trust him. Then he saw Reggie trusting me, so he began to trust me. Reggie and I trust you, so now the dog trusts you, too. We’re a pack!”
Anita laughs with delight.
“And you’re the alpha,” she adds.
Tuesday, May 16
I drop in at the store. Anita is behind the counter. As she has done several times since Reg and I came to Rogerson, she takes the first opportunity to come outside so we can talk. It’s also obvious she wants to see the little, white dog.
This day there is a breakthrough.
“If I keep him,” she begins wistfully. “I’ll call him Rocky.”
Ah, there it is. There it is. Homeless Dog is homeless no more . . . .
“Rocky is good. That’s similar to what I’ve been calling him in my mind — Roger.”
Later, decision time arrives.
“Anita, it’s going to be very cold tonight. They’re saying snow. We can’t leave him outside.”
“I know.”
Anita proposes that we let Rocky/Roger choose his new home.
“You and Reggie go home and I’ll walk toward my house. If he follows me, I’ll keep him.”
“Okay, sounds good.”
We walk apart and Rocky/Roger follows Anita!
But then he stops, looks back at Reggie and me, and runs toward us!
“Shoo! Shoo! Go on!”
Rocky/Roger turns and sprints to Anita. They walk further, together now. Rocky/Roger looks back, hesitates, and runs to catch up with Reggie and me.
Again I shoo him away.
As he races to Anita, I call to her, “Reg and I are going inside!”
Anita laughs wholeheartedly, knowing what this means for her and the little, white dog.
“Okay!”
~ ~ ~
In the next post . . .
Anita reports on their first night together!
rvsue
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GREAT story and happy surprise ending! Congrats to Rocky and Anita on their new partnership.
Woohoo, finally homeless dog has a well deserved loving home. What a wonderful story. Reggie is the love doctor.
The suspense has been overwhelming…What a wonderful ending…IF it is the ending?
Although I hoped Roger would end up with you and Reggie, whatever happens, it’ll be a happy ending!!! I love happy endings!
I was just getting up to head to bed when your post came in so I’m glad I caught it tonight…been sitting on the edge of my seat waiting. I’m so happy Rocky/Roger found his forever home. What a wonderful thing you and Reggie have done to help him overcome his trusting issues and find someone to love him.
I had a feeling Roger wasn’t going to be Reggie’s brother! And I’m #5???
What a great story by a great story teller!
Good job allowing the inevitable to happen! So perfect for everyone. That Reggie, he’s a special guy!
I’m sad I wanted Roger to be with Reggie. Hope Anita gives him a home but wish he was going with Reggie.
HOORAY!! What a great story!! So glad he will be a happy healthy dog now. Please suggest that he be neutered and shots etc. And possibly chipped?
Thanks.
Great suggestion, Don. Anita and I have talked about this and she is going to have it done. 🙂
The reason I suggested the vet visit is a friend found a fine Chihuahua wandering in the alley and took it in. Found out too late it had parvo and the little fella passed away. Luckily her other dog had its shots and didn’t catch it but the friend can’t bring any other dogs home because parvo germ stays with in the yard for quite a while.
It would be nice to have an idea of Rocky’s age. Hopefully the veterinarian can closely estimate that by examining him and his teeth (?).
Hi, weather,
He’s young, judging from his vitality and perfectly white teeth.
Good, thanks, it makes a significant difference in ways that make me even happier about all this.
Hi Sue and Reggie. What a wonderful ending. They found each other with your help and the wonder dog. I have missed some posts so have to go back and catch up. I do not have good internet here and it is hit or miss. I am renovating my rv while I am here. Paint and curtains so far. Now maybe tear out the sofa and rug. Do not like rugs!!! I don’t know if I will get it all done, but going to try. I am going to try to catch up now.
Beautiful story, but I had hoped that Roger would end up with you and Reggie. He’s such a cutie!
Hi Sue, I haven’t smiled in quite awhile, but your story gave me hope and something to smile about. Thank You! 💙 I love Reggie’s therapy work with little Rocky. It was perhaps the little guy’s turning point. 🐶
Rocky has a home!!!!
Great story, sounds like Rocky and Anita need each other. Hope it works out for them.
Also hoping you and Reggie have a great summer.
Yep, had a feeling it was going to take a turn in an unexpected direction, although I was rooting for a new crew member, too 🙂 Kudos to Reggie for teaching him to trust again. Sounds like a love story in the making between Rocky and Anita!!
What a lovely story and I genuinely hope Rocky and Anita have many wonderful years together all thanks to lil’ Reggie. It seems to me that as the undisputed “ambassador of love” Reggie will never be lonely as a one dog crew with RV Sue. In your travels you will continually meet (and remeet) delightful canine playmates to keep him socially entertained while he will have the special security of being your number one and only. Have a great night!
Reggie has already met other dogs since the time of this post’s story. 🙂
I knew you’d do what’s best for Rocky. Share the love. Hugs to Reggie.
I had hoped he would be Roger and yours but you know what’s best. Well you broke the ice in his education that he can trust people. Reggie will miss him. Good evening Missy and fellow Blogorinos.
An afterthought, we need to start calling RV Sue “dog whisperer”.
AZ Jim, how is your recovery coming? Hope you are feeling stronger every day. I’m guessing you are still keeping Dr’s appointments until he releases you. It must be getting a tad warm out your way about now, is that good for you? Hello to Miss Detta. Sending prayers for you both. Take Care.
JazzLover
Yes, I am getting stronger daily. Saw the Cardiologist yesterday and went over my medications. It is warm (low 100s) but luckily Mr. Carrier invented AC. Thanks for the warm wishes.
Oh Sue, what a wonderful story.
“We’re a pack!” -aw-w, the threads connecting all of you, and each to each other were there , waiting to come to life and be felt at just the right time. Sometimes, like now , I’m in awe of how Providence knows what we, and all, creatures need.
Whether those connections last for a little or long while, they can matter so much …Being where and who another one gets help from , sharing and satisfying dreams that may have been secret, even from ourselves…
That Anita had already thought of what she’d name Rocky really does tell where her thoughts and heart had already gone to, before you saw her on Tuesday. This delightful story seems likely to have at least one more interesting, and perhaps surprising, chapter.
What a Sweet Love Story. Brought tears to my eyes. God bless you All…
You are such a great story teller!
No words… just no words. <3
Looks like Roger, Rocky is gona have a great home, Sue,, you had us going there, but he’ll miss Reggie and later he might get A bro or sis to play with,,,,, well a axle is coming in the morning and the shop crew is gonna check it out and install it, it’s from a 77 Ford F 100 and soon to be on the road if a lady I met don’t talk me into staying a while, she’s has red hair and green eyes and a great smile, only one thing, she’s younger than me,,,,, well I gotta get to reading my Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth book and get my mind off of now what was I thinking,,,,, ,,,,,, have a pleasant week and give Reggieman a huge hug from us, okay,,,,, Rusty n Piper
Sometimes angels have red hair and green eyes……
Rusty, nothing wrong with a younger woman. When I was younger I liked older, wiser (we hoped) men. Now that I’m older and hopefully wiser myself, younger men are looking better. We never know what is in store for us.
Bet there are more 77 F 100 Fords out your way that still have good parts then back here where road salt has rusted the under bellies. Good luck with the install and the red haired lady with green eyes and a great smile.
JazzLover
We got the truck fixed early and got h2o, dumped and now we’re camp in the San Juan NF on fr257A , guess the lady, 42, eyes of green, red hair and great smile was late getting up, she saw me round 230pm yesterday and we left at 1000am, oh well, sorry I’m a early riser,, maybe we’ll see each other again,,, wow it feels great to go 65 mph again and the Differential runs smooth too,,,, have a great safe Memorial Weekend all,,,,, Rusty n Piper
Homeless dog is homeless no more! That’s great!
Thanks to lil ambassador Reg man!
Oh no…could there be more to the story…waiting for Anita’s report on their first night! This may or may not be a done deal!
The story was great!
All manner of good feelings in this post. You and Reggie, Roger/Rocky and Anita acknowledging their bond and finally a comment from Rusty that also speaks to the human connection. I’m rooting for everyone to find happiness and their ever after.
The perfect ending–what a wonderful story. I half-expected Roger to join your crew but it makes much more sense that he would join Anita’s crew.
Oh my Sue and the Reggienator are now match makers… how wonderful!!
It is all so wonderful when homeless pooches find their forever homes and I say thank you for all you have done for Rocky/Roger and putting the 2 of them together.
Hugs.. and from south eastern Utah… it was so dang hot today… I need to move on but it’s a holiday weekend and I’d rather stay put… on the river but still hot…
enjoy the holiday and Idaho…
Carlene and Corky
Aw, what a nice thing you and Reggie have done, Sue!! Lovely!! So glad it is working out!!
Well dang.
Oh wow! Not what I expected! But pretty cool. Can’t edit to read the next installment.
Well darn! I am happy and sad at the same time! Happy that Rocky and Anita have bonded but also sad that Roger won’t be travelling with you and Reggie! I wish the best for Rocky and Anita! She obviously already loved him. Thanks for telling us of this heart warming story! You are the best!
You mentioned that Homeless Dog seemed to want to be the boss. Based on that I think it’s great he found Anita. Reggie deserves to be top dog to any new crew member. When Reggie’s new crew member shows up you will know it’s right.
Awe!! I love happy story’s!!💜😃
As nice as it will be for Anita to have Rocky, I think you may be making a mistake. As much as dogs need loving owners, they also need other dogs. Clearly Rocky and Reggie are best pals. I think Rocky will be very sad when you and Reggie leave. He needs a playmate and Reggie must be really enjoying the play too. My vote would be for you and Reggie to welcome him into your pack. Of course, I’ll find out more in your next post.
Hi, Jo,
At the present time there are four dogs, three small ones and a very playful medium-sized one, at the RV park. Every one of us knows what it is like to be separated from a friend. We adjust and additional friends come into our lives.
I know without a doubt that this is not a mistake.
Bittersweet 😍
Happy Rocky has a loving owner now, you must have seen the love between them. He will visit with dogs staying at the park. Wouldn’t it be great if she became a blogorina and updated us?
I welcomed Anita to comment here. I hope she does keep in touch. 🙂
Aw. Made me very sad he’s not going to be with Reggie and you. I’ve just had some losses lately so that might be what’s behind the sadness. Maybe you had a slight internal hesitation. Probably it will all work out with Anita. I just hope when you and Reg hit the road that Roger/Rocky doesn’t go homeless again.
Sue wouldn’t have done what she did if she doubted Anita.
🙂
Due to space limitations, I haven’t given readers much about Anita. She is a remarkably warm and compassionate person with spiritual depth and maturity.
I wish I could convey the happiness that the dog has found with Anita. You wouldn’t be sad for him, Valgal.
ValGal, westWA, Sue is an astute judge of people and situations. There is no doubt in my mind that Rocky/Roger has found a forever home with Anita. It is easy to let our losses cloud our thinking at times. I’m sorry for your sadness and hope it leaves you soon.
JazzLover
I really hope the homeless dog will be happy. The fenced yard is a good thing for a roaming dog. You did good work here.
Great story Sue!!
It took a lot for Homeless Dog to learn to trust with Reggie’s help. What’s going to happen when Reggie is gone? Will Homeless Dog dash out of Anita’s home to find Reggie gone and no sight of him? Will Homeless Dog commence to look for Reggie ignoring and oblivious of Anita’s calls/attention and run around sniffing the ground to find Reggie? Dogs do that some times if they are attached. My brother had such a dog. The dog was fine, friendly, playful while at our house but the minute my brother disappeared, the dog would start looking sniffing the ground to see which way my brother went. Some times the dog would run around in circles where my brother stepped into his car to go to the store, etc. On the other hand, Homeless Dog might be fine without Reggie around. I hope Anita keeps you apprise of Homeless Dog’s behavior after you and Reggie leave. My dog Chowder is one who will look at me first before he decides to go for a ride with my daughter or son…sometimes I have to tell Chowder to go on and it’s okay before he joins the other dogs. Each of our dogs have such different personalities and like kids you know what they are like and treat them accordingly. I wish Homeless Dog the best and hope he is happy with Anita. Even though I only read and saw photos of Homeless Dog, my heart ached for him to find a good home.
Hi, Rita,
I’m pretty sure the next posts will allay your concern. 🙂
You had us fooled, but such a great story with a great ending (if it really is). I hope Rocky and Anita are happy together.
Well, like others I thought you had a new crew member, but I think this is a happy ending as well. Anita will have a friend and Rocky can be dominant. All good!
Oh, somehow I feel like Rocky/Roger belongs with you and Reggie.
I just feel sad….. Like it was a great fit…..
Guess you don’t feel it. 😘
I understand why you would feel that way, Linda. Remember . . . You see through the “keyhole” of this blog, whereas I’m standing in the room. 🙂
As it was said in the movie MAMMA MIA “We done good!” Sue, Reggie with Anita and Rocky – Ya’ll Done Good! Happy Ending…AAH!
Deena and Miss Mollie
I see a lot of comments that are concerned about “alpha” dogs and think Reggie has to be the boss. The truth is most dogs are somewhere in between alpha and submissive and Reggie appears to be one of those types, friendly but not overly submissive or overly bossy either. He has a well balanced personality that blends easily with other dog personalities be they similar, somewhat more alpha or somewhat more submissive.
He is a happy, social, go along and get along with most dogs kind of guy. Of course he is also still pretty young which means he is full of energy and wants to play a lot of the time.
This is just like with people where the average person is neither an introvert or and extrovert. Most of us are just in the middle rather than at the extremes socially. Sometimes we feel social, other times we don’t.
I get tired of people trying to fit every person and every animal into a tight box with a label at the ends of the extremes instead of just letting them be a balanced blend that does not belong in a box.
Where’s that Like button?
I knew it would be a happy ending! Congratulations to Anita and Rocky! 🙂
Sending you and Reggie love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! Have a great day, Sue! xxxooo. 🙂
Wonderful story! Hope we hear more from Anita and Rocky in the days to come. Love a happy dog story!
Hi, Anna,
Anita knows about this blog (I asked her permission to blog her story) and she said she will keep in touch with us. 🙂
I’m happy for them both. He will miss Reggie of course. But he will be loved and home.
Agreeing with AZ Jim, Sue is a dog whisperer but I do believe Reggie, being an ambassador of love, is a wonderful therapy dog for dogs and will continue to spread his love and trusting nature!
For anyone doubting the outcome, if you have followed Sue for a long time, you know she has much experience with dogs and is caring enough to make sure the outcome is the best for Rocky (or any other dog she may encounter). Rocky having this positive experience now has the potential to make lots of new friends at the campground and Anita has a new loving companion. Reggie now has a lifelong friend to visit when they pass this way again and Sue will find her new crew member when/if it is meant to be.
🙂
You nailed it!
Drat!!! I too thought Roger/Rocky would be your new crew member 🙁 BUT you are a very wise lady and I do trust your judgement. Happy to see Mr. Ambassador making friends and changing peoples lives.
Awwwwe, love this 💜💜💜💜💜
Such a sweet story!!!!! I knew that if you didn’t take him that you would be sure he had a happy home with someone. Looks like Anita, with a name already picked out, was hoping for the same.
Have a great day….anxious to hear about Anita and Rocky’s first night.
Love you!!!!
Love you, too, Pauline!
This is almost a screenplay, and I mean that in a good way. Your writing made it easy to visualize the little dog following you into the BLT and suddenly the expression on your face changing as you realize where he belongs. It seems dogs, no matter what their history with people, are always willing to give us a second chance, if we try hard enough.
So Wonderful!
Got to LOVE a happy ending, no matter who ends up with him, Roger/Rocky has a home!!
Hi Sue
What a great post and such a sweet story. Thank you for sharing in such a way only you could do. Love how Reggie has turned out to be such a awesome friend!
Goose bumps and wet eyes – perfect!
great story and a great ending.
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Ahhh, you and Reggie were meant to be there to help Rocky find his new home.
So glad he and Anita linked up.
A wonderful, happy story! Thanks for taking the time to see that Rocky got a good home!
good dog, Reggie!
So happy for all of you – wonderful!!
That is the kind of good news the world needs.
I want to move to that RV park and be neighbors with Anita and Rocky! I’m happy Rocky will be out of the elements and have a loving Mom! God bless you all!
You are such a great story teller. A happy ending for Rocky!
Great story, thank you for the excitement, drama and happy ending to the tale. 😉
Sue, You are a special person!
Don
Awesome!
Is it possible to hate the ending to a story and love the ending to a story at the same time? I feel much like I do when I read a wonderful novel and the author has done such a good job developing the characters that I feel like I really know them, and then the ending comes (even if it is a happy ending) and I have to say good-bye to the characters. It’s always such a lonely feeling – until the next good book comes along.
I had a gut feeling you might find a home for HD, which is why I said the happy ending would be you keeping him or you finding him a home. You have great instincts Sue, so I have to trust you on this one.