Saturday, September 26, 2015

The Journey

Friends.

I want to tell you about a journey.  A journey that seemed impossible.  But by God's will all things are possible.

I know a few of you who are friends with me on Facebook know some of the journey but there is so much more to the story.  I must warn you that there will be ALOT of photo.

The Story begins with this picture.
 
My friend sent me a text with this photo.  Oh My Goodness!  Would you look at that face.  My friend was driving along and saw this dog roaming around and playing with children at bus stops.  My friend can not help but pull over and grab the dog.  No collar, no chip.  She took him to the vet and he got checked over.  The it was off to Bullseye Rescue.  This is a rescue group that I support and so does my friend.  The first of the many beautiful miracles in this story.

The friend who found Woody (that's the name Bulleseye Rescue gave him) was none other than Lydia, the president and CEO of See Beautiful!!  Over time Lydia sent me photo's of Woody as she would take him for walk often.  I just fell in love with him.  I expressed to Lydia and Bullseye Rescue my interest in Woody.  Normally Bullseye does not adopt outside the sate of Georgia.  BUT Lydia told the people there about me and about Goose.  So they decided to make an exception.  Ellie, from Bullseye told Lydia that puppies get adopted right away, but adult dogs are not so fortunate.  Just about as soon as she said that a family, from Georgia emailed Bullseye of their interest in Woody.  I told them that it was OK, whatever was best for Woody.  A meet and greet was set up with the family.  It seemed to go OK.  But a few days later the family decided not to adopt Woody because they have an older lab and they were afraid it might be to much for him.  So Ellie told me he was mine!  Oh My Goodness.  Over the next several days I wondered and worried how I would get Woody here.  What to do.  I had several options, fly out there and drive Woody back.  Try to get a transport to get Woody to Utah.  Not bad options but all very costly.  I lost sleep over it.  Then this happened.  There is a woman who volunteers at The Lantern House (formally St. Annes Homeless Shelter) where I am the Kitchen Manager.  Next thing I know I get a phone call saying Charlie, her husband, was going to another state and he would not mind making a detour to take me to Atlanta Georgia!

This is how he was going to get me there.  His own private jet!!!  He was flying me to Atlanta on his plane!  I had never met Charlie until 4AM on Wednesday September 23rd.

I sat right up front.  What an amazing experience.  I learned so much about planes and how they operate.  Don't get me wrong I could not fly anyone anywhere, but I have a greater understanding of how aircraft works, totally amazing.

I got to watch the sun come up at 27,000 feet.

We stopped in Oklahoma to top off with fuel.  That's Charlie out there talking with the jet fuel guy.  Then we were off to Atlanta.  Lydia met me at the airport and what a surprise, her mom, Jennifer drove in from Tennessee to meet me.  Warmest greeting ever.  Then we were off so I could meet Woody. 
We met Ellie at a park she brought Woody too.  Again, Oh My Goodness.  What a love bug he was.  We played and walked.  Then we all went to a restaurant to have dinner.  And yes Woody came along too.  He was great.  Sat, mostly, while we all talked and ate. 

After we ate I signed Woody's adoption papers.

The next morning Woody and I were set to go back home to Utah.  But we would not be alone.  You see about a year and a half ago See Beautiful had a book drive for the children at the homeless shelter.  The goal was 10,000 children's books.  The 10,000 represents the number of meals I served to children at the shelter the previous year.  People from all over the world sent books.  They sent them to me as well as to See Beautiful.  I had a few thousand here and Lydia had several thousand. 

So a cargo van was rented and Woody and I set off for Utah. 

Woody and I stopped many places along the way.  And to my surprise he LOVES sticks.  We now have a stick from every state we passed through.  Although Map Quest said it was about 1,800 miles between Atlanta and Ogden and would take 30 hours (the hours are none stop), I can tell you we drove over 2,200 miles.  And it took 36 hours.

Woody was a great traveling partner. (How can that possibly be comfortable?)

We did stop often to stretch our legs, play in grass, and for me to exercise a bit to keep me going.  Our trip was pretty much none stop.  I did stop at one point at a rest stop crawled in the small space between all those books and the back of the front seats to sleep for two hours.  And even though Woody snuggled in next to me, it was perfect, on my side, head on a backpack, and a big snuggle love bug beside me.

A long the trip we decided his name was Buddy.  Not sure how this happened.  Even before I left Utah when I talked about him sometimes I would call him Buddy.  Even Lydia would call him Buddy sometimes.  It just seemed like he was a Buddy.  So Buddy it is.
 
I wish it was not so dark when we got home or I would have a video of this.  When he got out of the van he was not sure, that's understandable.  We walked to the back of the house and I turned on the patio light and told him this was his forever home and that was his yard.  He looked at me and I told him again it was his yard, go on check it out.  And then he was off.  He did the most amazing zoomies for like a HALF HOUR!

When we walked into the house I noticed someone had broken in.  My wonderful and beautiful friends, Jenni and Theresa (although they say it was Jenni's cats and Theresa's dog, who is Belle, Gooses gal pal) had decorated my house with welcome home posters and streamers.

Things were hanging all over the place.

Even balloons.  And a wonderful card that read: CONGRATULAIONS, You've earned your stripes (there are zebras on the front of the card.).  Inside it says: You've earned your stripes! Your driver's license, the award for longest distance traveled, the award for the first cross-country traveling library and being the luckiest dog ever!  Welcome home Buddy and/or Woody and/or Angus.  I can't wait to meet you.  Love Belle, Sadie & Sweet Pea.

This boy LOVES his yard.

He'll chase a ball all day long.

Seriously, all day.  Bert I think you have some competition.

He loves toys and has dragged every single one out to play with.

He even plays with more than one at a time.

And he has not de-stuffed one yet.

Belle, Sadie and Sweet Pea even gave him a pack of tennis balls.

He is still trying to figure out how to carry all four balls at once.

Would ya just look at those cute wrinkles on his head. 

He is oh so happy to be here.  And I could not be more happy. 
His name is Buddy, he is a Pit Bull and weighs 60lbs.  He is in good health and all he wants is to be loved.

Yes friends we See Beautiful...... Do you?
 
Many many miracles in this journey.  And yes I do believe that through many people and situations it is God's will, God's blessing that Buddy and I are together.
Blessings,
Michelle and Buddy


Buddy will be blogging.  For now we will still use Gooses blog until I decide what to do, as far as starting a new one or just continuing on with Gooses. 


























50 comments:

  1. Three cheers for Buddy, and for you. I just know that is the right dog. So happy for you. And for lucky Buddy.

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  2. What a wonderful story!! Buddy looks so happy to be HOME. Tell Charlie he has a BEAUTIFUL airplane. I don't fly any longer, quit doing it for a living 14 years ago, and I can't support the dog rescues with an expensive hobby, so I just live with my memories.

    This just brought tears to my eyes. Bless everyone involved
    LB.

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  3. What a wonderful story!! Buddy looks so happy to be HOME. Tell Charlie he has a BEAUTIFUL airplane. I don't fly any longer, quit doing it for a living 14 years ago, and I can't support the dog rescues with an expensive hobby, so I just live with my memories.

    This just brought tears to my eyes. Bless everyone involved
    LB.

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  4. So so happy for you and Buddy!!!!!! We too have tears of happiness. Just look at that face and smile! It was meant to be!!!
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  5. Nellie's Mom here,
    I am so happy for you! Buddy is WONDERFUL! You and he are going to be the best friends EVER! I am sure that Goose arranged all of this for you.
    Love you lots dear Friend

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  6. We could not be happier for BOTH of you!!! Buddy, you have landed in puppy paradise. You'll have TOYS galore and a fun yard to run in and you'll go on hikes and you'll meet so many wonderful people and pups!!!! And Buddy's mom - you look so happy in that picture of you and Buddy, we can't help but be super happy for you! We know God had his great Hand in this. Much, much happiness to you both!!!!!!
    Cammie! (And Mags). (And our mom, too)

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  7. Welcome to blogville Buddy.
    You will love it here and guess what I have wrinkles
    on my forehead too.
    You and Burt will have so much fun hiking and playing in the snow.
    Blessings to you Michelle.
    xo Cinnamon and Linda

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  8. So happy for the two of you!! Your journey with him brought me to tears. Thanks for bringing him into your life.mlook forward to more adventures with your Buddy!! God is BIG!!!!

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  9. Buddy, I can not WAIT to meet you!!! Both you and your Mom have totally hit the jackpot!

    -Dr. Liz (the crazy lady with the camera who will be meeting you tomorrow - but don't worry, I always have snacks with me!)

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  10. He is one special pup and has one special Momma.... God provides. It was such an honor and privilege to have finally met you.

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  11. Well Woody, I mean Elliott, I mean Buddy, I don't know what I mean butt me and Stanley are the official Mayorz of Blogville and we want to welcome you! We hope your mom will get you in the church directory butt she will have to act fast, Butt we know she can do it. You had an epic journey to get here and now we hope you and your mom have many fun years together! Welcome Home Pal!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  12. This is a pawsome story!
    Buddy is a handsome boy and will definitely attract many ladeez in and out of the blogosphere.
    We can't wait to read more of your adventures together.
    Have a blessed Sunday!
    XOXOXOXO

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  13. We think you have the perfect name for his new blog "The Blessings of Buddy" for this is what he has bought you - many blessings from Goose and all of us who knew you needed him :) Welcome home and welcome to blogville Buddy

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  14. That is a beautiful story. I am sitting here smiling ear-to-ear. Buddy looks so happy and so loving and just so perfect for you, Michelle! You and he were meant to be a team, and I'm so glad that the miracles came together so that it could happen!!!!

    Welcome Buddy. We are all so incredibly happy to have you as part of Blogville!!!!

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  15. BUDDY!! Welcome home!! We're part of your extended family!! Mom fell in love withyou in that first picture, too!! You totally scored on your forever home! And yeah, we agree, Someone had a hand in this miracle!!

    Nice to meet you!

    -Ruby and Otto

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  16. Welcome home Buddy and welcome to Blogville!

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  17. We ALWAYS know when we meet our 'person'

    Welkhome Buddy!!!

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra
    PeeEssWoo: I am going thru my skhwaeky tennis ball phase! Love 'em!!!!

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  18. So much beautiful in this post!!!!!
    Welcome home Buddy, and welcome to Blogville!!
    Smileys!
    Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo

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  19. Howdy Buddy. We're your new mates from the land Down Under. We were furriends with your angel brother Goose. We get the feeling he must have had a paw in this somewhere cause it's like a fairy tale come true. Welcome big fella (that's from me Stella) and welcome little fella (that's from me, Rory) hehehe. Sending you and your mum, love and slobbery hugs. No worries and love Stella and Rory

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  20. Welcome to Blogville, Buddy..... and you've got da bestest home evfur!!!

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  21. Welcome home Buddy :o) I'm sure you are the perfect buddy on your mom's side :o) I love that you have your own stick collection now and I'm sure you have fun while playing ball with Bert. I'm so happy with you and I know that was something like fate that you came together that way :o)

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  22. Goose would have been so proud of his mum.
    Luvs to you Buddy x x x
    Luvs Freya Rose Blossom.x

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  23. Mom is still wiping away the tears. We are so happy for you and Buddy, Miss Michelle!

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  24. Hari OM
    (Crikey I'm late to this pawty!!!)....................Michelle, I am totally all a-mist in the eye fur ya!!! Another very very special boy in your life - and a student stickologist too...

    BUDDY - Welcome your furever home; so glad to hear that you will be blogging with us here in Blogville and I just know that Angel Goose will be whispering through you, for you clearly have a guardian spirit to have brought you to where you are!!!

    AAROoooooooooooooooooo...... hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

    pee ess - am just a wee tad jealous of the private jet trip!

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  25. I am so happy for you! ...and I think that Goose would love to share his blog with Buddy.

    Monty and Harlow

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  26. OMD, I love you buddy, you are not only beautiful but gorgeous and handsome.. so happy for you and your new mom...i could hardly read this post for tears of joy for YOU for finding a Mom who will love you.. you have fallen into dog heaven.. so glad you got all those books and wow on the plane ride.

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  27. What a wonderful story! Lydia is one of my favorite internet people and I just had to laugh when I saw that she played a big role in this tale. Congratulations to you and to Buddy! He's cute as a button for sure and there will be a lot of adventures to blog about :)

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  28. OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH MYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY CAAAAAAAAAAAAAATS YES WE ARE SHOUTING AND SCREAMING AND MOM IS DOING A DANCE!
    MICHELLE TALK ABOUT MEANT TO BE!!! THIS WAS MEANT TO BE X's 1 ZILLION! LYDIA FOUND HIM THAT WAS A SIGN FOR SURE!!
    YOU WERE STYLIN' IN RIDE TO ATLANTA. THAT MUST HAVE BEEN AMAZING.
    BUDDY IS GORGEOUS AND QUITE FRANKLY I THINK HE HAS GOOSE GORGEOUS SMILE...OF COURSE THE GREAT SMILE IS ALSO ATTRIBUTED TO THE FACT HE IS LOOKING AT THE BEST MOM DOG I THE UNIVERSE.
    HIS STORY IS MUCH LIKE GOOSE'S WITH YOU KNOW THINKING HE WOULD BE YOURS BUT THEN HE WAS. LOVING STICKS IS JUST TOOOOOOO IRONIC. YEP FOR SURE GOOSE'S SPIRIT IS SHOWING THROUGH. YOU AND BUDDY (GREAT NAME) ARE JOINED AT THE HIP WHAT WONDERFUL QUALITIES HE HAS. OH DID I SAY HOW HANDSOME HE IS AND HOW MUCH I LOVE HIS FURS. HE LOOKS LIKE HE HAS A TOUCH OF BOXER DNAs too.
    MADI AND I ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO HIS BLOG.
    HUGS CECILIA AND MADI...YEP MIRACLES HAPPEN EVERY DAY WE JUST HAVE TO OPEN OUR EYES AND HEARTS!!

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  29. Michelle, what about something along the lines of Gospel of Goose by Ghostwriter Buddy.. because Goose will go on and on and i would like to see Buddy in the same place instead of his own blog.

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  30. Here from Sandra's suggestion. Congratulations. You have a beautiful and a wonderful story. When things all fall into place you know it's the right thing.

    Welcome home, Buddy, from a long time pit bull lover and owner.

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  31. Welcome to Blogville Buddy! Our mom was reading about your story as it unfolded on the Facebark and is glad to have it retold with some details filled in here. We can tell you are loving your new mom and home.

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  32. Awww, the end of one story for poor, lost Buddy, and the beginning of a new, bright story for the two of you. Congratulations!! You both win!!

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  33. Woohoo welcome to blogville Buddy,xx Speedy

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  34. This is so furry pawsome! Me and mom both have leaky eyes of joy fur Buddy and fur you. Yuppers, this was meant to be :)

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  35. hey Buddy!!! What up?! OMD, you have hit the furever home JACKPOT!!! Angel Goose most definitely had a paw in this one! It is so pawsome to meet you, and I can't waits to see all your new adventures!!!! (oh, and I make a pawsome margarita too...you'll have to sample one laters...☺)
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  36. Buddy is the luckiest dog in the world. Welcome to a wonderful new life Buddy and welcome to Blogville!

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  37. Oh, my I loved this...sent here by Sandra. My daughter has a Pit Bull, and he is the dearest dog. So wonderful with children and other dogs. Loves almost everybody, and the two he didn't, I have serious questions because he just does love everyone. When we go over, almost the first thing he does is go grab his blanket and bring it to us, and tried to stick a corner of it in our hand. I swear he is saying he will share it with us if we will just stay.

    You can see him here.

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  38. Thats so awesome MIchelle and Nice to meet you BUddy. We are just thrilled to death and cant be happier. we look forward to your new adventures and amazing that you LOVE sticks too.....it was meant to be. God is Good!!

    Love
    Diana and Oreo

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  39. OMD OMD OMD!! Talk about something that is MEANT TO BE!! Oh BUDDY, we are SO happy to meet you, and so happy that you'll be there to heal Michelle's heart. I know that Goose is barking down from the Rainbow Bridge -- and tossing some sticks down for you to rescue too! Welcome to Blogville!

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  40. OMD OMD OMD!! Talk about something that is MEANT TO BE!! Oh BUDDY, we are SO happy to meet you, and so happy that you'll be there to heal Michelle's heart. I know that Goose is barking down from the Rainbow Bridge -- and tossing some sticks down for you to rescue too! Welcome to Blogville!

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  41. What a Wonderful Story!! So glad that you and Buddy found each other and isn't it ironic that he loves his sticks! Gotta feel that Goose has a paw in this story and is so happy for everyone!

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  42. Hi Buddy, I am so happy to meet you. I am Ziggy and I adopted my family 3 months ago after Angel Sasha crossed the bridge. I love it here and I know you will love your home. We are lucky pups. I hope we can be buddies too.


    Ziggy Out!!

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  43. Such an amazing journey and it sounds like it worked out perfectly too! Buddy you are BEAUTIFUL!! We know that your Mom is thrilled to have you home and that you are thrilled to be home too. Welcome to Blogville Buddy.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  44. DOOD ~~~~~~~ we iz knot a loud ta play online on de week oh endz...we just saw thiz twoday...we iz BUZZED MEGA HAPPEE for ewe & yur mom purrson...thiz storee rocks de houz...happee happee happee gotcha day & conga rats two ewe Miss Michelle...goose...ya did good buddy...ya...did....good ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ N frank lee we think mom purrson shuld keep up de gospel oh goose... and just add ...& buddy....if itz good enuff for de new testament.....{ 4 gosples } ..... welll ~~~~~

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  45. We are so happy to meet Buddy. He sounds just perfect for you, a great companion and hiker and friend. And he's adorable.

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  47. We are so happy for you. Mom cried when she saw what your friends...ahem...your friends' cats did. We could tell how broken you were after Goose passed. I'm sure he had everything to do with Buddy entering your life. *ear licks* Noodle

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  48. Hi Y'all!

    So glad you have a new friend and partner.

    Y'all come on by,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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