YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE SOME ENCOUNTERS WILL LEAD

Each time I see my dog from in a perspective, I am reminded of how people come into our lives in random and fantastic ways. Several years ago, I was contemplating moving after having lived in one place for eleven years. At the same time I had taken on this puppy, Dolly, forgetting the time and commitment they take from their humans. My main dilemma at the time was "dog sitting services" as I work part-time as a college professor. This requires my being gone for many hours a couple of days per week. She, who would NOT be crate trained, created this need for a "sitter." My first thought was "this is just stupid." There are children who don't have reliable care...Cutting to the chase; I was sitting on a stair by the condo I was thinking about moving in to with dog in tow.  She had to meet the future landlord. As I sat there, I heard the tinkling of dog tags, looked up, and there was a woman with two Yorkies! She stopped and indicated she lived next door. We chatted for a bit and I asked if she knew of any dog sitters/walkers in the complex.  "Well, I am a dog walker." SERENDIPITY!!!
I am embarrassed to say that she begin to refuse payment after a month.

After one month Dolly stayed with her and her husband many days. She would go over for "playdates." Fast forward to 2014 when I was diagnosed with cancer (now long gone). My #1 worry...Dolly. I knew that this would require Dolly being not with me for stretches of time as she is little and my feet are slow.  Debbie and her husband had moved by this time to a nearby home. When I told her of my diagnosis, she quickly put me on notice that I was not to worry that Dolly would be well taken care of.

Indeed she was and is well taken care of! Not only did Debbie take care of my dog, she became my driver, grocery shopper, prescription getter, and on and on and on.  Today she or her husband texts to see if Dolly can come over. She goes and sometimes spends two or three days😊😀😀 I had others who could and did help me. However, Debbie had the ability and time to put me at ease about the life's daily requirements. She is one of my dearest friends whom I would have never met if not for a dog and a move.