For Tomorrow is Another New Beginning

I was getting Deacon ready for another part of his journey, his heartworm treatment. A good warm bath is always our time together, and it is loving time, a time for me to talk to him. He has always been such a trooper with his baths. While giving him his bath, all the memories come back to me of how it was in the beginning. I can still remember the way his skin felt. It was very crusty, dry and rough when I would slide my hand across his face or down his back as I would try to comfort him. That terrible feeling never stopped me from loving on him. My heart ached for this wonderful creature with sad eyes. In the beginning of Deacon’s Journey, no one knew if there would even be a tomorrow. We were told that Deacon’s life was complicated. That he faced two life threatening demons, either one could easily take him from us. So we knew that every day was a blessing with Deacon.

But here we are and one demon has been defeated! With the mange gone, his journey must continue on and he must face the heartworms. I fear this is the most evil of them all, but he is ready, strong, and we are prepared. After his bath and lots of kisses, I took him out to the playground for that last potty break before bedtime. As I stood there watching him, he is frozen, with his eyes in a deep focus on something in the dark. At that moment, he looks just like the picture of the Great Dane in the American Kennel Club Book, with his head is held high, his stance perfectly square, and his tail held out in totally confidence. In my mind I can see him standing at the castle entrance, guarding the noble family with pride and honor. Such a gorgeous creature stands before me and I am just like a glowing mother. Smiling from ear to ear, I too, hold my head up with pride. Just as I am lost in the moment, the loudest, deepest bark that could be heard from a half of a mile away, quickly brought me back to earth. Whatever phantom that was in the dark, Deacon felt the need to scare it away, as well as half the years off my life.

After a few rounds of fun in the playground, we are tucked in for the night. I know everything is going to be alright, but just to be sure, Deacon got extra kisses tonight, for tomorrow is another new beginning. I have packed his little bag like all good moms do, with plenty of treats and the food that he is use to eating.  He has to stay overnight at the vet and I will miss him. I have a hard time even thinking about the day when he will be adopted. Finding the perfect home is going to be a hard decision. I get asked all the time, why don’t I adopt Deacon for myself? There is no doubt in my mind that I love him very much, but, like all good mothers, you have to know when you let your kids go.

Blessing to you all,

Cathy Oakley
Director Peace, Love and Animals

If you would like to contribute to Deacon’s Journey, please donate or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information