A Christmas Story
Dear Frankie,
In light of the season, I wanted to share my Christmas Story of rebirth and renewal.
I was raised by the kindest, most gentle, and loving mom who was homeless. Life on the streets wasn’t always easy, but we had one another, which got us through the tough times. Right before my ninth birthday, my mom was diagnosed with a serious illness and was told she needed months of treatment in the hospital. When we discussed the options for my future care, I said a shelter wasn’t an option.
We decided we would spend one perfect day together to say our goodbyes. Then, I would be left at the pier with a letter attached to my collar explaining what a great dog I was and why I needed a new home. We chose the pier because we used to go there to watch the families and couples in love, many of whom talked to us and were so lovely to me.
My first day at the pier didn’t turn out as expected. I smiled and nodded to the people as they walked by, but none were takers. When I noticed my water bowl was running low, I took a break and looked for a way to get to the river for a drink. As I walked to the railing, I never noticed the hole in the grate until I fell into it and landed on a concrete piling beneath the pier.
I barked for hours, but no one above could see or hear me. Nothing in my life compared to the terror and despair I felt that first night. Early the following day, I was awakened by a man sitting in a kayak who told me not to be afraid and gently lifted me into his boat. At first, I didn’t know what to think, but his warmth and smell were reassuring. He told me his name was Jim, and he was in a kayak tournament.
He saw I had a collar, which no longer had the note attached, and promised to help me find my owner. He said he would post pictures of me on social media and stay in New York for a few days to see if anyone would contact him. When no one responded, he asked if I would like to go with him to Boston. I gladly accepted.
Several days later, my mom called and explained why she could no longer care for me. She asked Jim if he would consider adopting me. By then, Jim and I couldn’t imagine life without one another. He told her he would be honored to be my forever dad.
Jim, my mom, and I keep in touch. She is responding to the treatment and will be provided permanent housing and assistance when discharged. I’m thrilled she will finally get the life she deserves.
Jim’s life has also changed. Being loved by an adoring and devoted dog is a new experience for him, and he can’t do enough for me. As for me, I have been given the greatest gift of all: being deeply loved by two wonderful and amazing humans, first on the road and now by the hearth.
Oh, Frankie, what a wonderful world it is.
Luna
© 2024 Geneva Woodruff
Comments and letters can be sent to Frankie at dearfrankiecolumn@gmail.com. The Fairhaven Neighborhood News publishes the Dear Frankie column. To receive a free online subscription, readers can email neighbnews@comcast.net, request their name be added to the email list or visit www.neighbnews.com to read the paper online or to download the latest issue.
•••
Click here to download the 12/19/24 issue: 12-19-24 OldTyme
Click here to download the OML complaint: TACommOML_Complaint
Click here to download the OML complaint response: TACommOML_Response
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
