Day 599

We all seem to be a part of a pack here at The Big White House! Lilly and Ranger started it and have welcomed Gus and Sam while keeping them "under control." The humans are also members...such an interesting group of two and four-legged characters!

I enjoy a You tube channel, called "Asher House," where a burly, kind-hearted man has left the rigors of Corporate America to open a dog sanctuary. Almost daily videos come through about life on the huge acreage of land, care for the dogs (and other rescued animals) and my very favorite "Rescue Day!" He takes the neediest of pups and will often fill his vehicle with rescues...warming my heart completely. I want to be like him when I grow up!

He was talking about his Pack the other day. When you have more than two animals, it seems a pack is born. Although there are dogs who may be more Alpha than others, Lee is the true Leader of the pack. (There are about 20 dogs living with him and almost 100 more on the property living with other employees.). He explained that he feeds them, loves them and interacts with each and every one. In turn, they are not leashed or often contained, yet follow him wherever he goes.

Humans are not that different. We all lean in towards those people in our lives who offer us protection, attention, shelter, food and love. Our own pack tends to scatter their affection around the house since we share the responsibilities of their care. That is fine with me...as long as their respect follows me into venues where Therapy Dogs need to be on their best behavior.

Packs can be such a variety of groups. Classrooms, church groups, Scouts, neighborhoods, families or friends...you name it, a pack can form. What a wonderful feeling of belonging comes from being a member of a pack! I, for one, am so glad to be part of my very own Golden Pack!