Chapter 19: The Miracle Dog

From Take Care of My Child…for a While by Joyce Sawyer

Ever since Brandon had been killed, Ricky had been asking for a dog. Since he was back and forth in the hospital, we didn’t see how we could manage it, but we finally promised that when he came home after the operation he could have his dog.

As soon as we came home this time, he began asking again, so we started the search in earnest. I didn’t see how I could take care of a puppy and Ricky, too, so the dog had to be housebroken already.

Ricky thought he wanted a beagle like Snoopy. One of the teachers at school had some beagle pups, but they weren’t indoor dogs. I said I would call her back. Several other people offered dogs and we said we would check them out.

Then Dale walked in at suppertime with the cutest, softest six-month-old Terrier-poo in his arms. Ricky cried, “Benji!” And that’s just who he looked like. I asked Dale where he had found the dog. He said he walked in to the Highlands Pet shop and explained our situation and what we needed. The owner said he had a dog that had just been returned. He was housebroken, well trained, gentle and loving—just what we needed. He gave the dog to Dale free of charge for Ricky.

Diane with “miracle dog” Benji

Ricky just loved his new dog, and it was everything he wanted or needed. It slept on his bed and lay where Ricky could pet him. He seemed to sense when Ricky was in pain or his skin was sensitive and he would move down on the bed a ways. He came when Ricky called him and he lay quietly all night. He was one of those miracles we all needed so badly.

Chapter 20 to follow