Miller’s Happy Tail

I had just said goodbye to my 14-year-old Golden Retriever and a few months after that, my 15-year-old Cavalier. Both were certified therapy dogs and were family members in every sense of the word. They were camping dogs, companions for my son throughout his school years, walking buddies for my husband and myself, and all-around great dogs. So it was just very sad when they were both gone. I missed them so much. What to do?

I decided to just look at some rescue dogs on a website. All was going very well until I came to Miller’s story. The website said he had a chemical burn down his entire back and was on the brink of being put down when he was pulled out by a rescue. Despite all that had happened to him, he was a very friendly little fellow. There was a little video clip of a happy, although somewhat bald, six-month-old puppy that was thought to be part Shetland sheepdog and part Papillion. That did it!

I prayed. I told my husband, and he was a little skeptical. “We live in Houston, and you want to drive to Dallas to get a dog?” I prayed again. I knew it was meant to be. I emailed the rescuer back and forth and it was all set up. As soon as we met Miller, we were both hooked. He had the sweetest temperament, and it really didn’t matter to me if all the hair grew back or not.

We were blessed with a wonderful dog that is very smart and willing to please. He learned all the obedience commands without hesitation. When he reached his one-year birthday and his six months of living with us, he was eligible to be tested to be a therapy dog. He passed beautifully and became my new therapy dog.

One of our first visits was to Shriners Hospital in Galveston which specializes in treating children who are  burn patients. He has gone on to become a certified READ dog as well. We have visited hospitals, nursing homes, elementary schools, children’s museums, and community centers in underserved neighborhoods to help with reading. How remarkable that a dog that suffered so much can now help to relieve suffering!

PS: Most of his hair DID grow back, and he is quite a handsome guy!