Have Tissues Handy When Reading This Touching Story

Have your tissues handy when you read this touching story. You are going to need them. The story is about the bond between a man and his dog that surpasses even death.

As a newcomer to the small town he had found everyone welcoming no matter where he met them. People smiled and waved when he passed them on the street.

They were quick to speak or to help out if anyone was in need. Nevertheless, after living there for six months, he still felt like there was something missing in his life.

How This Touching Story Began

The newcomer finally decided that a dog could make a huge difference in his life. The dog would give him someone to rush home from work eager to see, someone to talk to. He would have someone to love. It was an easy decision for him to make.

As a visitor to the clean, no-kill shelter of a small college town, he was welcomed by very friendly people. They were eager to help him find the best fit possible. Their attitude was not surprising. It fit right in with the community behavior he had experienced thus far.

He wandered through the shelter, taking his time as he looked over the dogs in each of the pens. A large black Lab lying quietly in his pen easily caught his attention. The volunteer informed him that the Lab’s name was Reggie.

Black Lab Waiting To Be Chosen,

The man recalled seeing Reggie on the local news. They highlighted dogs from the shelter in an effort to increase their chances of being adopted.

He learned that many people responded to the news clip on Reggie. Several of them came to see Reggie but reportedly did “not look like Lab people”. I am not sure what that means,

Evidently, they thought this newcomer did look like a Lab person. They encouraged him to take Reggie home, along with his belongings. Reggie’s “things” consisted of a sleeping pad, bag of toys (mostly new tennis balls), his feeding and water bowls and a letter from his former owner.

Page Two

Reggie and his adopted father did not hit it off in the beginning. The shelter had informed him that it would take at least two weeks for both of them to adjust. So they struggled through that time period.

About the time he was ready to give up and return Reggie to the shelter, he saw the sealed envelope. He had totally forgotten about the letter. It was time to see if Reggie’s former owner had any usable advice.

According to the Facebook post where I first heard about this touching story, this is the actual letter. It is a little long but well worth reading, so I quote it here.

This Is The Part of The Touching Story Where You Need to Have Tissues Handy

____________ _________ _________ _________

“To Whomever Gets My Dog:

Well, I can’t say that I’m happy you’re reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie’s new owner. I’m not even happy writing it. He knew something was different.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you. First, he loves tennis balls. The more the merrier.

Sometimes I think he’s part squirrel, the way he hoards them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn’t done it yet.

Doesn’t matter where you throw them, he’ll bound after them, so be careful. Don’t do it by any roads.

Next, commands. Reggie knows the obvious ones —“sit,” “stay,” “come,” “heel.”He knows hand signals, too: He knows “ball” and “food” and “bone” and “treat” like nobody’s business.

Feeding schedule: twice a day, regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.

He’s up on his shots. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car. I don’t know how he knows when it’s time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time. It’s only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He’s gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn’t bark or complain.

He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.

And that’s why I need to share one more bit of info with you…His name’s not Reggie.

He’s a smart dog, he’ll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. But I just couldn’t bear to give them his real name. But if someone is reading this … well it means that his new owner should know his real name. His real name is “Tank.” Because, that is what I drive.

I told the shelter that they couldn’t make “Reggie” available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. You see, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could’ve left Tank with.

It was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call to the shelter … in the “event” … to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption.

Luckily, my CO is a dog-guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he’d do it personally. And if you’re reading this, then he made good on his word.

Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family. And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family, too, and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.

If I have to give up Tank to keep those terrible people from coming to the US I am glad to have done so. He is my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that’s enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. Maybe I’ll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight – every night – from me.

Thank you,

Paul Mallory”

Some Background For This Story

Everyone in town had heard of Paul Mallory, even the newcomer who slowly folded the letter and returned it to its envelope. He reflected upon all he had previously heard about Paul Mallory.

Paul was a local kid and well known in the community. He died in Iraq only a few months earlier and was honored posthumously with the Silver Star.

Deservedly so, because he saved the lives of three buddies by sacrificing his own life in battle in exchange for theirs. Locally, they had flown flags at half-mast all summer.

Page Three of the Touching Story

The man sat quietly for several moments reflecting on all he had just read. Finally, he spoke. When he called the dog by his real name, Tank, and asked him to “Come”, Tanks ears perked up. Tank leapt to his feet and he rushed to the man where he quickly sat before him.

His head was tilted and his eyes bright as he waitet to hear his name spoken once more. It had been months since he had heard his own name.

Every time Tank heard his name spoken, he swished his tail. His ears relaxed and his eyes became warmer. Even his posture changed and contentment appeared to flow over him.

His new “Dad” scratched Tank behind the ears and stroked his shoulders before giving him a full-body hug. He whispered into Tank’s ear, “It’s me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me.”

Tank responded by licking his cheek. When asked if he wanted to play some ball, Tank’s ears became erect once more and he jumped into action.

Tank quickly disappeared into the next room. When he returned, he had three tennis balls in his mouth and his eyes were smiling.

drawing of black lab with three rennis balls in his mouth

Black Lab Ready To Play Some Serious Ball

And In Conclusion

This true and touching story had as happy an ending as possible under the circumstances. Not all dogs who lose their family are so fortunate, especially the older ones.

If you are considering adopting a dog, please keep your options open. Most people only look for a puppy or very young adult dog, thinking of what will be easier on themselves. Hopefully, a few of us will look for a dog that needs us the most.

If you are one of those who have adopted a dog more for their benefit than your own, please share your story with me. I love to read about those dogs and their new families. I don’t mind having to bring out the tissues.

If you want to know more about making arrangement for your fur babies when you can no longer care for them, check out this article.It includes very specific advice. https://happymutt.org/1492-2-hospice-care-for-man-and-dog/

Additional Photos Courtesy of Pexel and Dreamstime

Original Story and Quotes from FaceBook

How This Touching Story Began

Page Two

This Is The Part of The Touching Story Where You Need to Have Tissues Handy

Some Background For This Story

Page Three of the Touching Story

And In Conclusion

If you want to know more about making arrangement for your fur babies when you can no longer care for them, check out this article.It includes very specific advice. https://happymutt.org/1492-2-hospice-care-for-man-and-dog/

Related Articles

About The Author

Susan Sloan

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Ad Blocker Detected