ZEN’s STORY

FROM DREAM TO REALITY (by Chris)

In late 2020, a small, tan, short-nosed dog visited my dream-state.   I didn’t say anything to Del since I was not sure if he was ready to be a pup-parent again.   We both mourned our beloved Chessie (Manchester Terrier) and Boomer (Jack Rat) for several years.   After a few weeks of dream visits, I told Del about the dream and asked if he was ready.  He also had visions of a similar pup.   So the search began….

I really thought the pup would show up on the side of the road or through a friend – but it happened a little differently.   One of the earlier fur-children (Boomer) was found using PetFinder.   So the search criteria was entered – small dog within 100 miles that gets along with other dogs.   I checked the list every few days and found a rescue near Richmond that had several small dogs for adoption.  I reviewed their rescue list and there – down near the bottom – was a small, tan, short-nosed dog – it was the dog from my dreams.  He was not showing up in my original search because it was his second time in the rescue. (if you are a data geek – you will get this ha ha)

I showed the pic to Del and we contacted the rescue (Capital Area Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E)) and arranged a visit for later in the week.  We met the little guy at a local Richmond area park and it was love at first sight – well, really it was love at first sight during the dreams and visions but you get it.  Zen was in a crate but he gave loving kisses and was very playful those first few minutes.  He was abandoned by his first owners (they moved and left him behind) and drugged by his second owners but here he was – full of loving energy.

There were a few left items to check – like a recommendation from the vet and a home visit – but a couple days later – Zen arrived at his forever home.   Fairy-tale ending for me, Del and Zen (the magical Chug).