August

She was a hot mess, an orphan who had suffered at the hands of those who were supposed to care for her. Mental, physical and sexual abuse had become a regular part of her life. Her new family brought her out of that world and gave her a home. She became their youngest daughter. Even in the comfort and safety of her new home, the past tormented her. Daily. Her family began to seek a professional to comfort and calm their little hot mess.

I have the joy of being that young girls father. My wife and youngest son met her during our time working in Haiti. She captured my wife’s heart while I was hesitatingly cautious. My caution melted away when this little angel sat on my lap and whispered quietly into my ear. I still have no idea what she said but a good friend told me, “That was God whispering into your ear.” After climbing over a mountain of red tape our family grew. Her name is Attie.

It took several years of helping Attie deal with her trauma filled young life before she could even speak of all that she had been through. Her new parents and new big brother decided that the professional help that they so desperately sought may not walk on two legs. Perhaps, just perhap, it would be another orphan who would bring calm and comfort to the family. After all, who would know how to relate to an orphan like another orphan could. Even if one of those orphans was a shaggy little puppy with a floppy ear. Another adoption was just around the corner!

He was an orphan. His family had given up on him, saying they could no longer care for him. Against his wishes, they dropped him off in a stranger’s yard late at night. Anxiety became his daily companion. Fear came alongside anxiety as he tried to adjust to his new home. His life became a daily struggle to survive among the larger, more aggressive abandoned dogs. To this day if he is given a special treat, his first move is to hide it. Most days he forgets where the treat is hidden but, rest assured, no other dog will find it either. His story is unique but his life’s purpose would soon become very clear.

We searched high and low for a dog who would fit into our family. He had to have an outgoing personality and be just as goofy and silly acting as the rest of the family. The most important trait that we sought out was compassion. The right dog had to know when another family member was upset and offer comfort. He had to wear his love for his family out in the open, almost showing off with it. Acceptance of our care and love for him was in the mix as well.

His name is August. He was named after the main character in the film, “August Rush”. If you have never seen the movie, do yourself a favor and take the time to watch it. I won’t spoil the movie for you but, there is a search for an unseen, unknown birth family.

Our search took us to a small breed rescue, Peanut‘s Place, where August had been placed. We were introduced to Lance (his shelter name) and another small dog. Our time together with both dogs included a short walk up the street and we were able to see little personality traits revealed. To our great delight, August smiled the whole time that he was with us. It was as if he knew that he had found his family and he was intent on claiming them. He put on the charm that melted our hearts! While the other orphan puppy was cute, he was meant to join another family. August’s charming personality had been too irresistible.

It did not take long for the little goofball to blend in with his new family. If someone was upset, August was at their side. If Attie needed a calming presence in her day, brushing her puppy brother’s hair worked better than any medicine. He was so tuned in to feelings and emotions that my wife took the time for therapy dog training for August. Two years of classes played right into his personality and he became a Certified Therapy Dog. It was now time to expand his field of influence.

My wife began to visit a local children’s behavioral health center once a week. August is a small dog, a Yorkie/Schnauzer mix so his presence is non-threatening to the children. We learned that he loved being able to make people laugh, especially children. My wife told the children his story of abandonment, fear and anxiety. Most of these precious children could indentify with August immediately. Their new friend had suffered in much the same way as they were.

There is no other way that we could have found a dog like August by any other means. Attie was adopted, August was adopted. Our family needed his antics and goofiness in our lives and he still makes us laugh. August brought his past and his unconditional love into our lives. He had suffered emotionally just as our family had. My wife had never had a dog while growing up, August never had a mother to love him like she does.

The question about our little cold nosed therapist that stays in my heart is one that I will never be able to answer. Quite often I will ask myself or ask August, “Who rescued who in this relationship?”