Shiloh

We haven’t had a dog for about a year and a half. Our sweet Pyrenees, Duke, disappeared – we think someone shot him. Then Emily died and Iggy, the dog I rescued off the highway disappeared about the same time. For the first time in my life, I was dog-less. We could have gone out and bought one but when you live in the country you get used to taking in strays and I honestly figured it was only a matter of time until one showed up. But the months dragged on and the raccoons moved in. And the coyotes, like the one I saw on our BACK PATIO a couple of weeks ago. Not only did I want a dog for the companion factor but out in the country it’s really a necessity.

So I put out the word to lots of people that I wanted a Great Pyrenees. I’d always thought Golden Retrievers were the best breed – and they *are* wonderful – but after having Duke I changed my allegiance. A more laid-back, non-agressive breed does not exist and no one can deny that they are gorgeous.

But the main issue for me was the non-aggressive trait. You see, several years ago I had a very traumatic experience with a dog and for the first time in my life I became afraid of them. I now have a bit of understanding of what post-traumatic stress syndrome is like. On one of our trips to New Orleans, a couple of dogs growled at each other on the street near where I was walking and I nearly climbed out of my skin as I quickly moved to the other side of the crowd. I know it’s not entirely rational but even teeny, tiny dogs give me the jitters. Or maybe that *does* make sense as small dogs tend to be yippy, yappy things and often snap at people.

“Meet Bullet! He is a 2 year old, Great Pyrenees that was found Tuesday night with a .45 caliber bullet in his front leg. We are currently trying to raise money for the surgery to plate his humerus (front leg) that was shattered by the bullet. Donations are being taken at Arlington Animal Clinic until 5:30pm today, and again during normal business hours next week. PetSense is also accepting donations for Bullet, and they are hosting a carwash to help with the cause on Sunday, from 1-4pm. Please help in any way possible. Bullet greatly appreciates your help! He will be at the Car Wash some on Sunday so come and meet him!”

So the donations poured in and “Bullet”, which is what they were calling him, got his surgery. He has pins and a metal rod, plus an external fixator, but they believe he will make a full recovery and regain use of the leg.

You see, instead of leaving him at the clinic over the weekend, which is what I had assumed she would do, Stephanie took him to her own house. And that’s where he remained until we picked him up Monday night when we returned from our trip to Kansas City…which I’ll tell you about later.

So now we have the dog I’d been hoping and praying for. He’s got a lot of healing to do and he’s kind of high maintenance at the moment. We never had a big dog in the house other than in the laundry room but Shiloh is already my shadow and really wants to be with me a lot.

Beauregard is the surname of a well known Civil War soldier who was killed in the battle of Shiloh. His ghost, it is said, wanders the streets of New Orleans at night whispering “Shiloh”.