She makes everything better.
rescue
Hail the Husband 3
He plays with her and pets her all hours of the day
talking and teasing Opal – she listens to him say
that he’s glad she’s here – wouldn’t have it any other way
and I’m happy to spot them like this through the archway
Surviving
Dog is my Pilot
Little black canine – my loving shadow
O Growler of Other Dogs and
One of Insatiable Appetite
Your spirit is ceaselessly bold
yet your haunches have caused affright
Sweet Salvation
Opal was a rescue from a shelter.
People say, “Wow, she’s lucky you found her.” She’s a pitbull mix and there are many where she came from. Her breed is supposedly unpredictable. Mean. Violent. She’s lucky to have found a home!
But really, we are the lucky ones.
She makes her rounds all night, checking on each daughter and then on us.
She rarely barks, saving her growls for trespassers outside our door. She’s so protective!
Petting her releases endorphins and dopamine, chemicals that keep anxiety at bay.
She looks at us with those beautiful eyes and persuades us to go for a walk, even if it’s cold outside.
Her mere presence cheers us up after a rough day at work or school.
She reminds us to revel in the present moment, to breathe in the fresh air, and to spot rabbits in the bushes.
What makes her happy? Food. A warm bed. Loved ones nearby. She teaches us that it doesn’t take much to be blissful.
Rescue Me!
This is Molly.

My father-in-law and his wife adopted her. Her previous owners took her to the bathroom and cut her ears off with scissors. They tried to make her look evil and menacing, like them. But she’s so sweet. She thinks she’s a Maltese and lies in your lap – all 80lbs. of her.
This is Maya.

My sister-in-law, Caitlin, rescued her and then realized that Maya needed a lot of physical space to run around in. So my FIL and his wife also have Maya. She’s besties with Molly. She looks fierce, but is the kindest and most empathetic dog I’ve ever known.
And this is Opal.
- If I sit still, do I get a treat?