Casey

Casey is our beautiful Australian Shepherd mix dog that came into our lives as a puppy eight years ago.  The moment that we first laid eyes on her she touched each of our hearts.  Since that first day she has never stopped giving to each of us her unconditional love.

Australian Shepherd dogs are herding dogs known for their intelligence and live on farms to herd and protect the sheep.  Casey runs so beautifully and fast and it is amazing to watch.  She always sits vigilantly by the window on the watch as our protector.   She always looks us directly in our eyes with her beautiful dark brown eyes waiting anxiously for our every word . . .  yes, she really does understand what we are saying to her!!  She responds by prancing around the room, pounding her front paws on the floor, guiding us to where she needs us to be and smiling . . .  yes, she really does smile!!  She understands what we are saying with our words and how we are feeling as well.  She comforts us when we are sad or lonely just by making sure that she is always there by our side.  Casey is truly a best friend to each of us.  I can only hope that she feels that we are her best friend!!

I believe that dogs are God's way of helping and guiding us to become better people. Casey's unfailing loyalty, patience and unconditional love are just a few of the amazing ways of how she has helped me to strive to become a better person each and every day.  I do not believe that it is a coincidence that the word dog is God spelled backward.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass . . . it's learning to dance in the rain." --Vivian Greene

I have been waiting and waiting for my storm to pass.  The past years have been filled with many personal challenges and sadness.    When I think about how I have faced these challenges, I am still unable to fully comprehend exactly what I have been going through.

While these past years have been very difficult and the storm does not seem to be passing any time soon, I am hopeful that I am a better person because of these experiences.  I have been forced out of my comfort zone.  As a result, I am beginning to realize just how strong a person I am becoming.

There have been many, many times when I thought that the storm was starting to ease and possibly even pass.   I was wrong all of those times.  I have stopped looking for the storm to pass.  I am hopeful that I am learning to dance in the rain.