Happy Valentine's Day to Pip...

and to all the rescuers everywhere. Pip was saved from high kill Delano, California animal control four years ago. She had quite a story. Her story is detailed in Pit Bull Nation along with other special dogs who've touched Reunion's heart over the years.

But this is about Pip. By chance, Pip made it in and out of three California high kill shelters. She rated her own chapter in the book not only to tell the story of a special dog, but also to share with other rescuers the power of believing.

In rescue work, you hear of the 'lifers.' Good rescues have 'lifers.' These are dogs which for some reason or other just haven't found that perfect home yet. Pip and I had resigned ourselves to perhaps that perfect home might not show up. That was ok. She had refuge at Reunion Rescue for life. On cool days, she went to work with Scott.

Pip is home

Last fall, I received an inquiry about a dog, a great Pyrenees, I'd placed for Spindletop. Journey was still on my website, but happy in her new home with friends of one of our raw feeding co-op members. The gentleman and I emailed back and forth and by chance, I suggested he meet Pip.

What ended up happening was one of those special miracles. He and his partner were just beginning their search. His partner was undergoing some serious treatment and they really weren't ready to adopt. However, they did come out and meet Pip. Pip seemed to know healing was needed and everyone in the room felt it.

On a funny note, Pip goes to work with her new dad now. He is also in the landscape biz. One day, he and Pip's mom dropped into Vivero Growers, a small organic nursery in Austin. Katherine, the owner hollered out, "Pip-a-li-cious!"

It wasn't Pip's first visit to Vivero. She'd been to Vivero a bunch with Scott....it's a small world in our world.

These little 'coincidences' are really not a coincidence. Those of us who share their paths with these beautiful creatures are no strangers to serendipity. It's nature's way of telling us we're doing our job.

Pip is their family now. I dropped off some food the other day and visited with Pip, a happy house dog, a necessary part of their lives. I must say, there is nothing more beautiful than a 'wanted' pet. Pip is truly their companion. My job is done.