Six years ago, we adopted a nine-year-old weimaraner named Beulah. Her first owner gave her the boot when his fiancee decreed that it was either Beulah or her.
Beulah
The first year was pretty hard for old Beulah, but she grew to love her life. She learned to live with other dogs, and she learned how much she liked cats.
The first night, as our kittens hissed at her, she stood stock still, with just her stumpy tail wagging for 45 minutes. She was so excited and nervous.
About six months after she moved in, I jumped awake in the middle of the night. I didn’t know what woke me up. I peered into the dark, listening and waiting.
Then I felt this intense pain in my chest, as if I was about to sob. I heard Beulah say, “What did I do?”
I felt so sad for her, that I didn’t even feel surprised that I heard her. The shock came a little later. I didn’t want to wake up my partner, but I wanted to talk back. I thought about prayer, and how you can pray inside your head.
I sent Beuhlah a little prayer, “What are you talking about?”
She said, “What did I do that he kicked me out? I don’t know what I did.”
I said, “Oh Beulah! you didn’t do anything. It’s not your fault! And we’re glad you’re here!”
I got down on the floor in my pajamas and snuggled that big smelly dog. How do you tell your dog that their previous owner made the wrong choice? She had a lot of respect for him, a lot more respect than I did.
“I’m sorry you’re sad.” I said. “This is your home now. You’ll always live with us.”
“I know,” she sniffed. “It’s okay.” She laid her head on my arm and sighed a little.
It took an hour to fall back asleep. Beulah was snoring long before I was. I never thought that I’d hear an animal speak.
I tried talking to her the next day, but whatever allowed us to talk the night before was gone. Strong emotions are the easiest to hear. I think that’s why she was able to get through.
Beulah lived with us until the Summer of ’06. She had a good twilight time with us.
Tune in tomorrow, when I’ll share the next segment of how I learned to talk with animals.
Thank you for taking care of Beulah, she sounds like she was very special.
Harmony,
Janet
oh – now I’m all sniffly. I just want to hug her. Thank you for giving her a good end to her life.
I couldn’t give Atlas up for anything or anyone. Even the thought breaks my heart.
Thank you Bridget for sharing this amazing story with us. This is definitely what should show everyone out there that true love between animals and humans do exist, and it’s a powerful feeling that completes both at the same time (if we would just stop for a second and give it a chance to grow). Thanks again!