Baloo, the wonder dog

Two years ago, dog 985 found himself on death row.

He was picked up roaming the streets of Cabramatta with no collar, no microchip, no ID at all. He was taken to the pound and waited for his owners to claim him. He waited and waited. Then he waited for someone to adopt him. Again, he waited and waited.

On his final day, the pound placed him on the ‘last chance’ list and that’s when I came across his photo on the shelter’s website. I knew as soon as I saw his photo, of a dog that looked like a bear, with a mane of a lion and with very wise and loving eyes, that I had to visit him. And that was that. 985 became Baloo (as well as Baba, Boo Bear and any other variation you could think of).

Baloo came around during a very difficult time in my life and I credit him (as well as my loving family and friends and yoga practice) for getting me through what was, for lack of a better word, a complete and utter shit storm that tore my world apart.

So today on his 4th-5th birthday or 2nd Gotcha Day, I wanted to say thank you to my wonder dog for greeting me every morning with a smile, for cuddling me when I’m sad and for being my guardian angel.

Growing up, my family always had dogs, all of which were rescues. They were our babies and adored and spoiled rotten (the way they should be treated.) Baloo got his second chance just in time (as well as my family pets, Rusty and Maxie), but it’s heartbreaking to think of all the amazing animals that don’t get to find their forever home.

Remember Me Thursday is a global awareness campaign that shines a light on the 3.4 million shelter pets, annually, who never got a chance at a happy life with a forever family.

On September 24, don’t forget to light a candle for the pets who didn’t make it. There are so many amazing animals that end up in shelters – smart, beautiful and well behaved dogs and cats, that would make wonderful additions to anyone’s family. Let’s not forget them and also remember, adopt don’t shop.

“A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water logged stick will do just fine. A dog doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he’ll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?”
― John Grogan, Marley & Me