Born Again

The rescue dogs and I have come through a long and hard winter. Sadie is currently sitting by the front door barking at the parade of walkers who are embracing this blustery day of sun. I am always taken aback by the humanity that warm weather brings out. In winter, you are sure you are the only person who lives on the street. It is Spring. It is Easter. And we are all so, so hopeful that winter has finally come to an end.

We celebrated today by going to the dog park. Apparently it was the choice of many dog families throughout this Iowa town. Our dog park is not too far from town but far enough so that you can believe you are in the country. Today, the wind was strong enough to blow Vegas the Golden Retriever's ears straight back. As she roamed about at a distance, she smiled at us, laughing at her own dog jokes in her head. Vegas has always followed the beat to a different drummer. I have always admired this about her.

Our black lab, Sadie, as you know, is a rescue. There often seems to be a question mark in her face, "Are you going to leave me?" although we see it less often, the longer she's with us. And never at the dog park.

At the dog park, Sadie finds joy. Shy Sadie is suddenly brave and friendly. She gallops. It's not a run or a jog - it's a gallop like a horse where front and back legs move in unison. She darts in and out of the bare wooded areas. She runs up to us, checks in and then she is off again.

Born Again. Today we celebrate the Love that is born again. And the hope it brings that we will all be found, all be rescued and all be loved.