The Messengers.

I believe that dogs come into our lives to teach us what it is we need to know. For most, it happens with our own pets. But for some, like Dukey and Addy, the lessons are more widespread. As a rescuer and photographer of pets, I've met many dogs over the years. Too many to count, but I've been lucky enough to experience extra special soulful connections with a few dogs. They usually have a specific message they want to share. It's hard to explain, but they "speak" to me in a sense..and it happens with dogs I've rescued or fostered in particular. I've been sharing many of these messages on my social media for years. Now I want to share them with you.

The Story.

I saw this post the other day on one of my favorite rescue group pages:

We have named this sweet girl Jewels! I went and visited with her this morning and we took her for a little walk in the... Posted by Boarding for Rescues & Animal Welfare on Saturday, January 23, 2016

Then I heard a little voice loud and clear, "Notice me! I look like a sweet lamb for cryin' out loud! We're gonna need some friggin' help over here.."

This little lamb was discovered in the doggie fetal position when a woman went to check on her family's house in Wharton, TX, a small town about 60 miles south of Houston. The home had been sitting vacant for about a year. And now there was an emaciated, sickly lamb-looking dog in the corner of the garage and this poor woman was in utter disbelief.

So, she scooped up the dog and off they went to the country vet. It was certainly the right thing to do, but she was not prepared to take on the task of caring for a dog in this condition. Coincidentally, Melissa Parr, the founder of a local rescue group, happened to be at the vet's office when they arrived. She agreed to accept responsibility for all the needed care of this dog moving forward. (BTW, I don't believe in coincidences).

The Commitment.

"My first thought was, 'Oh Dear God.' Then I took a breath, and said the same prayer I always do when I rescue a dog. Whether it comes from a shelter, the side of the road, wherever, and no matter what shape it's in: Dear Lord, bless this sweet soul you placed in my path to care for, love, and heal, as I know I am here on earth for them." --Melissa

She named her Jewels.

"Because she is a rare gem. I thought of naming her Ruby, Diamond, or Sapphire. But she's all the rare and beautiful gems under the sun & moon! Jewels it was."

The Status.

Jewels is a husky and no more than 2 years old. She has a bad case of demodex mange and a secondary skin infection, which are both treatable. I have seen many cases like this in Houston. But thankfully, with proper treatment, the dogs grow all their hair back and lead healthy lives.

She was so malnourished and weak, the vet technician had to hold her up during the exam, but ultimately they were unable to draw her blood. She was put on a very healthy diet of small meals, vitamins, and rest. The plan was to follow up with more lab work in a couple of days. Melissa and the vet staff prayed she would make it through the night.

The next day, Melissa was going to check on Jewels at the vet and she invited me to come along. We were overjoyed to see Jewels with a bounce in her step and prancing like the lamb-princess that she knows she is. Her eyes showed deep gratitude for all the care she had received in this short period of time. She has the sweetest loving spirit and even snuck me a tiny kiss.

"This is one of the worst cases we have ever seen. It's truly amazing. No matter what they endure, dogs are still capable of loving. Just pure soul and heart." -- Sandy Cross of Alamont Veterinary Clinic

The Message.

"How I got to this point in my life is not nearly as important as what happens now. Please don't ask why I was in that garage or wonder how I got there. Please don't judge my past, the way I look now, or whoever neglected my proper care. They have already been forgiven in my heart. And your pity for me serves no good at all and is a waste of precious energy. There are many more dogs out there like me. They need your love and efforts. Please spend your energy wisely. Be of service to them in some way. Find a rescue group to learn more. There is plenty of work to do." --Jewels

The Need.

Jewels will have to be under the vet's care 24-7 for several weeks before she is strong enough to go to Melissa's rescue, Boarding For Rescues And Animal Welfare in El Campo, TX which is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

"I don't do this alone. Our staff, Cheyenne and Ms. Ruth, play a huge part in the healing- body and soul- for these dogs."

God Bless Them For Realz.

If you wish to make a donation towards Jewels' care, you may call the vet directly at 979.532.5569 OR do so in her name on Boarding For Rescues & Animal Welfare's website.

Follow Jewels' Journey on the pages below:

Robyn Arouty on facebook and blog.

Boarding For Rescues & Animal Welfare on facebook.

All images © Robyn Arouty.