Read

Watch

A Lesson in Loving Bravely From My Rescue Dog

Published:
January 8, 2024
February 20, 2021
Try not to cry when reading this rescue dog story about Emmy and her owner Molly.|Try not to cry when reading this rescue dog story about Emmy and her owner Molly.|Try not to cry when reading this rescue dog story about Emmy and her owner Molly.|Try not to cry when reading this rescue dog story about Emmy and her owner Molly.

This summer, I decided it was time to get a dog. My plan was to find a senior dog, potty-trained and low-maintenance. But then, scrolling through a site that's like Tinder for pets, I saw Emmy. Her eyes were sad and tender, and I knew she had to be my dog.

As a puppy, Emmy was tied up outside through winter rain and summer heat on a lead so tight she could not lie down. She slept standing up, her collar growing so tight it embedded an inch into her skin, eventually giving birth to her pups in that condition. Thankfully, a Good Samaritan called in a tip about a chained, underweight mama dog and she was rescued.

At first, her legs were so weak she couldn’t walk and her embedded collar had to be surgically removed, leaving her with a deep scar. A wonderful shelter took care of her, noting that she was a good mama to her pups and was not aggressive in the least — just a scared, gentle soul. Eventually, all her puppies were adopted and it was her turn to find out what a good doggie life could be.

When I met Emmy, she was defeated — terrified of the world. As soon as I carried her inside my house, she ran to a corner and would not leave it for a week. She flinched at every movement, every approach, every sound, and putting on a leash or taking her outside caused her to freeze and shake uncontrollably. That first week, I wondered what I had signed up for, if I did the right thing taking her home, if she would ever be happy.

We kept trying, though. I spoke softly to her, crouched to her level, deliberately showed her my hands, rubbed under her chin, and finally left chicken and bacon as peace offerings. When I gave her a new bone and chew toys, she looked askance — like, "Um, what is this thing doing in my space?" She had never had toys before. But her curiosity won out a few days later when she discovered the peanut butter filling inside!

I worked to slowly expose her to outside sounds, the leash, strangers, the patio. Finally, one day, she carefully placed one paw on my lap as if to say, "Here, I'm trying. I want to be close to you." Later, I made popcorn, and after sniffing the air intently, she stood up, walked over to me, and cocked her head staring: "Can I have some?" It was a turning point. She felt brave enough to risk getting close, and admit that she wanted something from me. The snuggles and love she was experiencing were foreign but nice.

Three months later, and Emmy has gone from no trust and cowering in a corner to asking for ear scratches and sleeping on my bed. She wakes up at 3 a.m. and wags her tail excitedly like, "It's morning! Time to play! Time to get up!" While I'm less than thrilled that it's 3 a.m., I'm so grateful that she's enjoying life.

Emmy is the gentlest dog I've ever known. She takes treats very carefully, licks my hand, and boops noses to say “hello.” When I was sick, she stayed in bed with me the whole time, resting her head on my arm. She still is afraid at times. Yet in spite of everything, Emmy wants to love and be loved. She is teaching me how to be brave by taking the risk to trust another.

Loving Emmy has reminded me of goodness and resilience — if a little black lab can heal, then surely I can grow and heal and become the person God longs for me to be. If she can trust me, surely I can trust the God who made me.

As I write this, Emmy is curled up next to me on the couch, head on a pillow, paws holding her bone. She lets me pet her silky soft ears. I tell her she's a good girl. And she gives a small wag.

Creators:
Molly C. Sheahan
Published:
January 8, 2024
February 20, 2021
On a related note...
It's More Important than Ever to Engage in Politics

It's More Important than Ever to Engage in Politics

Andrew Mentock

She Sparks Change within Young Women

She Sparks Change within Young Women

Grotto

"Garden Party"

"Garden Party"

Marjorie Maddox

Why We Should All Be Practicing 'Detachment'

Why We Should All Be Practicing 'Detachment'

Julia Hogan-Werner

Why We Should Foster Intergenerational Friendships

Why We Should Foster Intergenerational Friendships

Robert Christian

Having Trouble Sleeping? Use These Stretches to Power Down

Having Trouble Sleeping? Use These Stretches to Power Down

Hanna Van Elk

The Bergamot Sings 'O Holy Night' | #SeekChristmas

The Bergamot Sings 'O Holy Night' | #SeekChristmas

Grotto

Tattoo Artists Cover Up Racist Tattoos

Tattoo Artists Cover Up Racist Tattoos

Grotto

Why We Should Celebrate World Day of Peace With Pope Francis

Why We Should Celebrate World Day of Peace With Pope Francis

Caesar Montevecchio

What My Faith Taught Me About the Power of Fashion

What My Faith Taught Me About the Power of Fashion

Lillian Fallon

How Microlending Has Changed Women's Lives in India

How Microlending Has Changed Women's Lives in India

Molly Gettinger

4 Ways to Overcome Homesickness

4 Ways to Overcome Homesickness

Victoria Rabuse

Voices of Synod 2018 | Briana Regina Santiago

Voices of Synod 2018 | Briana Regina Santiago

Grotto

My Pandemic Journal is Changing the Way I See the World

My Pandemic Journal is Changing the Way I See the World

Patrick Schmadeke

Give Back During this Crisis Using Your Time and Talent

Give Back During this Crisis Using Your Time and Talent

Marye Colleen Larme

Podcast S1 | Ep. 6: Air Guitars and a Useless Monk

Podcast S1 | Ep. 6: Air Guitars and a Useless Monk

Grotto

Stunning Street Art in Paradise, California

Stunning Street Art in Paradise, California

Grotto

This School Gives Inner-City Students Corporate Training

This School Gives Inner-City Students Corporate Training

Grotto

Helping Kids Connect with Nature

Helping Kids Connect with Nature

Grotto

How I’m Rethinking the Ease of Disposable Items

How I’m Rethinking the Ease of Disposable Items

Clare Rahner

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.