The Unexpected Traveler

When you hear the word traveler, you think of an individual on a trek. An individual on a mission. An individual moving to reach a desired destination. Have you ever thought that there might be a different type of traveler?

As an individual fighting cancer, I rescued a dog that was going to be killed. This beautiful animal was abused, neglected, and very very shy. The worst part of it all was he was only six weeks old.

I have an older dog that is my emotional support animal to assist me in my deepest depressed states regarding my cancer. He has been a savior. However, he no longer comforts me. Instead... he takes care of his little buddy.

Watching these two dogs grow and play and become the best friends possible, reminds me of a time when a best friend searched for his pal.

Pets are amazing animals. Especially dogs. They are loyal, trusting, and fantastic listeners. But have you ever wondered what goes through a dog's mind when you, their "friend" leaves? An example would be a College bound student leaving behind his best pal.

This particular dog was a shelter rescue. He was one year old at the time he was rescued. The boy who rescued the dog took to him like no other. he was the friend that he never really had. So what happens when two close dependent individuals separate? Studies have been done to focus on the mental stress of humans departing from loved ones, but what about our fur pals.

This is a story told to me by a former friend from my Collegiate days.

A male student, recently graduated high school, decided to go to a college about three hours away by car. While in High School his best friend was his rescued dog. A beautiful Rottie Hound Mix, named Sam. These two guys were inseparable. They played ball, tennis, chased girls in the park. Everything two buddies would do.

Then the frightful day came. Sam had to say goodbye. Mike, is buddy, was heading off to college. Leaving behind his trusted wingman and friend. The departure was emotional. You would never think a dog could cry... but people believe they do. Their tails get lower, their ears droop forward, and their eyes grow large and glossy.

Mike boarded the bus to head to college. He waved goodbye to his parents and friends to begin his adult journey. Little did he know, Sam was at the station too. When the bus pulled out, Sam chased it. Dogs are notorious chasers of cars. However, instead of just chasing, Sam followed. The long three hour bus ride brought Mike to his new home for the next four years. He moved into his room, unpacked his gear, and started to experience collegiate life.

A few days later, while Mike was in the quad playing frisbee with some new friends, he noticed a brown and black dog. This dog was sitting near a tree in the quad watching everyone enjoying themselves. Mike paid little attention to the dog, until the frisbee landed next to him. The dog, being a great sportsman that he was, grabbed the circular disc and brought it to another student near by. At that time, Mike realized the dog was Sam.

It took Sam three days to get to Mike's college. I know this sounds like a movie picture, but the event, nevertheless, happened. Mike's wingman was back. Sam and Mike became instantly famous. Liked and adored by all on the campus. Mike was happy to tell the story of his rescued traveler. However, problems soon arouse.

Mike's campus did not allow for pets. So, Mike decided to move off campus. He found a place that allowed and adored dogs just as much as he did. So, for the next four years the two were together.

Sam would meet Mike every day in the quad by the tree he knew so well. Some days holding a frisbee. Sam became so common on the campus that the athletic department turned him into the collegiate mascot. They even gave him a team jersey, watched him retrieve baseballs, footballs, softballs, and even tennis balls all afternoon and all over campus.

Upon graduation day, Mike received his well-deserved degree. He did not see Sam. After Mike left the stage, the Athletic Director of the college approached the podium to speak about the leaving athletes who played for the college. All the athletes were called up on stage and received athletic awards. One final award remained. The Most Valued Player (the MVP). The team captains for the major outdoor sports for the campus unanimously chose the MVP. Sam was that MVP. Mike could not believe his eyes. His pal, his wingman, his best friend, received the MVP medal for being the best friend the campus ever had.

The adventure ended about three years later with Sam's untimely death. He was properly honored at the College he attended. A statue was made in his honor and placed by the three he first saw in front of the Athletic building near the quad. The story of the rescued traveler ended in sadness. Yet, the memories made, lasted a lifetime. This this day, all the athletes of the College pat the head of Sam... the MVP, the three day traveler.

Now, this is an amazing story. I enjoyed listening to it. Then it reminded me of the two guys I rescued. First, my Emotional Support Lab, then my trusted scared little hound. Rescued animals thrive on attention and devotion. My little guy needs my big bud to help him threw the scary days. I need the big guy for my scary days.

The world would be a very lonely and dark place without pals to help steer you threw the turbulent waters.

So if you ever see someone abusing, or neglecting an animal. Tell them the story of Sam the Traveler. Maybe they would take a different approach to raising their rescued fur pals.

I know I did..... and I always will.