i'm going home, i'm going home!

This is Susie Q's song, sung to a drumming tailbeat and a rollicking dance. We all join in the chorus - this is the moment we all wish for, for most every single one of the dogs in our care. Only a couple of those with us now will probably never leave, because there is an edge of unpredictability that means Dakini Valley is the very best loving home for them. But for everyone else, the wish is that they will pack their swags and move on - to a forever home overflowing with love.
Well, Susie Q has her destination in sight. And it's someone she already knows! Susie was one of many dogs rescued by KAT 5 Animal Rescue last year, from a terrible hoarder situation. KAT5 is a 501 (c) (3) comprised of volunteers from across the country who came together in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to rescue animals. It intervenes to protect animals when a natural or man-made disaster strikes, and is named after Hurricane Katrina ("KAT" for Katrina), and category 5 storms, symbolizing any disaster.

Four of these dogs headed west to the high country of Arizona. One, a delicious Swiss Mountain dog (true Swiss chocolate eyes) was fostered several months ago, and is now being adopted by his carer (hurrah!!). Two others - a sweet older two-some, who now live apart and are happy with that! - still wait hopefully for a home together or individually. Susie Q was the fourth - a full-of-energy bundle of love, who tip-taps her paws with excitement at the very thought you might come in and visit. Not to mention the ecstasy of belly rubs!!!

Well, Scott is a KAT5 volunteer who formed part of the network re-locating the rescues to their new homes. He fell in love with this pale golden girl. He told me of sitting in Nashville, at the transfer point for the next relay of drivers, cuddling with her and feeling forlorn that they would part. He thought, at the time, it was for the best - that she would surely find a new home very soon. It didn't take long to regret that decision.

Scott has a heart bigger than the State he lives in, and ended up adopting other rescues from the hoarder, joining the family of dogs he already had. His heart breaks when he hears of or sees the suffering of animals, and his life is living proof of that. A couple of the dogs now sharing his home shows signs of having been abused, and he is working through love to teach them to trust.

So Susie Q stayed in his mind, and when he heard she was still here, that was IT! It doesn't matter that it will take days to drive here and fetch her, he is simply overjoyed to know that finally he again will be able to hold her in his lap and rub that tender belly.

And Susie Q - well, she isn't fully in on the secret yet, but I think I detect an extra hop in her dance. I know I will see it when Scott finally arrives. And for us - we couldn't be happier. Not only because Susie will soon be exactly where she deserves to be - in a home where she will be treated with respect and tender love, but also because Scott's kindness is another reminder that goodness and compassion is to be found everywhere.