"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."
~Kahlil Gibran
It all began with a phone call from American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue. The adoption coordinator said to us, “You are in NC, right? Well, I have found your dog. Good with cats. Sweet nature. The classic Black and Tan. She is the perfect match. You see, I am the yenta of coonhounds."
Our dog’s story began to evolve. Pulled from a kill shelter a day before her doom. Fosters were few. She needed her forever home. An all day drive to Stanley County ensued on September 6, 2009. Meeting the rescuer at a pet store where she cared for the rescue cats…where were they? Where is our girl? Then there she was, our soon-to-be Ella, patiently waiting, sitting in a far corner of the pet store’s cat habitat...surrounded by 50 flying felines. She quietly ducked her head and tail, walked through the room of airborne acrobats and right into our hearts.
In the beginning, she was fearful of doorways, skittish of stairs, mystified by sidewalks…confused by the cacophony of city sounds. You see, Ella was a simple country girl. It was not long before she began to understand the comfort of soft couches, the warmth of cozy walls and the aroma of foods cooked just for her! Her days were joyful, surrounded by people who loved her “the best”.
But, honestly, it was Ella who gave us joy, supported us in sadness and reminded us of the life lessons that really matter.
The long drive, in the beginning, was based on faith…the short drive...in the end... was, too.
Ella’s sweet heart and loving disposition taught us
…tails are to be wagged
…food is to be savored
…pats-on-the-head are to be appreciated
…each day can be a good day
…most everyone can be your friend
…believing in love is simple
…walking everyday, even in the rain, is delightful
…saying ‘I love you’ can be wordless
…and you can look into someone’s eyes and see their heart.
Right now, Our Precious Ella, if you looked into our eyes,
you would see how our hearts are broken.
Leigh Blow