The story of a dog, a log cabin and Gilsum NH

July 10, 2010

Every so often, something comes along to pull you from the daily grind of your routine. Something so profound, you are reminded that there is much more to this life than the hustle and bustle of your own narrow existence, and I have just had one of those humbling experiences.

I have a listing in Sturbridge for a fantastic log cabin that has been home to a wonderful and unique family. (http://298newbostonroad.epropertysites.com/) Due to a job change, they were faced not only with having to sell their home and relocating, but they faced the daunting task of having to find homes for their pack of Huskies. I had been working with them to both sell their home (Oh, how I wish I could buy their house!) and find new forever homes for their Huskies.

With parameters to meet and because the nature of this situation was so unique, I began to work immediately, both on listing their home and relocating their dogs. In the midst of the flurry of marketing, emails, and phone calls, I suddenly received a message from a woman named Susan McNeil, the Director of Aids Services for the Monadnock Region. (www.asmronline.org) It was an inquiry about another dog I was trying to relocate. The dog in question was already in the process of being adopted, but I saw an opportunity and quickly called her back.

As we spoke, she told me of a man named Ben and his sister, Ianisha, who both lived in the facility she ran. The facility itself is a converted 1800’s house that serves as the office for Aids Services and as a home to five residents, currently living with Aids. Ben and his sister were two of the residents. She went on to explain that Ben had always wanted a dog, and had fell in love with the Huskies he had seen in pictures.

I immediately thought of Zoe, a member of the pack I was currently trying to place and mentioned that the dog she was inquiring about was no longer available for adoption, but that we had a nine year old female they may be interested in. We discussed Ben and Zoe’s particular needs and determined that placing Zoe with Ben would make an excellent fit!

Zoe, who was listed with Paws New England Rescue (www.pawsnewengland.com), had a hefty adoption fee that was quickly relieved of by Joanne, the Director. I set aside some time on my long, holiday weekend to drive up to Susan’s facility in Gilsum, NH with Zoe at my side. During the two and half hour ride, my only hope was that Ben and Zoe would “click.”

Zoe

We finally arrived at the facility, which is a gorgeous house on a hill, just off the main street in Gilsum. Susan was waiting outside with Ben and their excitement showed! I let Zoe out of the truck, never letting go of her leash, but from the moment her and Ben locked eyes, I knew this was where she belonged. Ben showed Zoe the bed he made up for her in his room, and told me about the road trip he had planned for the next day to get all the necessary items he would need for her care.

Ben and Zoe

As Ben showed Zoe around her new home, she raced around, getting a good sniff of her new surroundings. She had even claimed Ben’s bed as her own! He was smiling the entire time! While Zoe was getting her belly rubs, I had full confidence that this was going to be a great relationship for them both.

A short while later, another car pulled up. A couple walked up carrying pizza and was quickly introduced to me as Ben’s adoptive parents. It was that moment that was truly enlightening for me. To have such unconditional love was clearly passed on to Ben and things had come full circle with his adoption of Zoe.

I left the facility with that thought in my head and feeling it was truly time well spent! Not only had I placed Zoe in a home where she would be loved and cared for, but I had been lucky enough to witness the unconditional love of an unconventional family.

Ben, his Mom and Zoe

The other day, I received the following email from Ben:

“Amy its ben it was a busy night the first night but now i think zoe is very happy. when i saw zoe for the first time it was love at first site the pic that you send me did not do her justist i thank you so much for giving me she such a joy in my life she is so eger to sleep and hang outside on the run i bought her she loves it and thank you so much”

Well Ben, Thank You for adopting Zoe and allowing me to have such an eye opening experience! Thank you also to Susan at Aids Services, Joanne at Paws New England Rescue and most of all, Thank You to Ben’s parents for raising such a wonderful human for Zoe to love!  Now, about that log cabin for sale in Sturbridge… 😉

Zoe claimes her new bed