Quill & Gunner

One day at work I read an email that said, “Nice, border collie mix; 3 year old male. Owner abandoned him.”

Just days, at most a week, prior to this email, my then boyfriend, now husband, and I had talked about getting a playmate for my female border collie mix (also 3 years old).

Fate? Maybe. We agreed to view the dog and took along my girl, Quill, to meet her possible playmate. Wow – This dog was skinny, his hair was dry and he had trouble looking us in the eye. I felt sad and I could only think that he must be ill. But, Quill liked him and she made him wag his tail. “We’ll think about it,” I said. Gunner’s face stayed in my mind. How could I withhold the kindness Quill was willing to share with her new friend? How much happiness will she (we) bring him? Let’s do it!

As with every “only child,” there were some adjustment moments for Quill, who now had to share her attention from us and her toys, but the trade-off was worth it to her – she had a friend – loyal, loving and always by her side. And mine!

Turns out this little guy had some separation anxiety issues. One couch, several throw pillows and a rug or two later, we worked it all out. Well, fast forward a few years. At age 9, Gunner earned his Canine Good Citizen designation and became a therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International. He is my “spokesdog” for the Safe Kids, Safe Dogs program, allowing children to pet him after properly asking permission. Twice a month, kids sign up to read to Gunner at the Bastrop Public Library and he patiently listens as they share stories with him.

Also, on occasion he provides a happy face and swishing tail to folks at the local nursing home. He’s come a long way, baby!!

Now approaching 11 years of age, he and Quill are still the best of friends. And as much as we thought we “saved” him, he has given us his unwavering devotion and shares love with everyone who crosses his path!

~Joycelyn Schedler