Meeting Angel

Annetta reached the first house. It had always been one of her favorites – an old farmhouse full of character that exuded from every angle. She often admired it from afar and had never noticed a dog there before.

“It’s worth a shot,” she thought.

She walked up the path to the door, took a deep breath, and knocked. When the door opened, a woman greeted Annetta, who reminded her of her grandmother. Short in stature, plump, and eyes full of piss and vinegar.

“Hello,” Annetta said. “I’m sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you, by chance, lost a dog?”

The woman paused for a moment, and then in a sassy voice, said, “No. Only cats in this house, sweetie. I have six of them.”

Somehow, Annetta wasn’t that surprised.

“I see. How nice. It’s just that I found this dog by the side of the road, and I hate to leave him alone. He has no collar, and I’m afraid he may be lost. I was hoping to find his owners. Have you seen him around here before?”

The woman’s eyes turned downward toward this dog sitting next to Annetta. He seemed to acknowledge that he knew her.

“I know him,” she said with gentleness in her voice. “He visits here from time to time. Never a bother. I’m sorry, but I don’t know where he lives. He is sweet, though, isn’t he?”

Annetta’s heart sank.

“The house across the street. Could he be theirs?” Annetta asked.

“No, dear,” she said without hesitation. “They don’t have any pets.”

Annetta suspected this to be the case but was cautiously optimistic that he lived at one of the houses by some chance. She thanked her for her time and said goodbye.

“Well, buddy. Now what?” His tail wagged excitedly as he looked up at her.

“I guess you are coming with me tonight. We’ll see if we can’t find your home tomorrow.”

As the sun rose, Annetta felt buddy curled up next to her. His contentment was reassuring, and Annetta’s mind seemed more settled. He hadn’t left her side all night, and she was okay with that. Over the next few days, Annetta proceeded to call the local shelters and use whatever outlets she could to help track down his owners. But as the days passed, there were no positive leads. And they were both growing more attached to one another.

Annetta had taken to bringing her new friend on her evening walk with her. It was good for both, and Annetta thought maybe by doing so, she’d be able to rejoin him with his owners. Although deep down, Annetta hoped for the opposite. In his short time with her, Annetta had felt such joy and contentment. Playfulness had re-entered her spirit door. Fate answered her prayers.

In her moments of vulnerability, she had sought answers and peace. And suddenly, there he was – a lost soul looking for his forever home. Or was it that she had found him? Annetta would never know for sure.

One night as they were walking, they approached the spot where they first met. In all these weeks, she hadn’t given him a name for fear of doing so would seal the bond – and that surely would guarantee that his owners would appear, and their time together would end. But as Annetta and her buddy stopped and gazed at the open fields and smelled the air that was finally emitting the essence of Spring, she knew it was time.

Their serendipitous meeting. Second chances. Someone was watching over both – an ethereal guardian. It became more evident than ever before. Unbeknownst to Annetta, she had met an angel that day. And so right there in the spot where her heart began to heal, she sealed the bond. Buddy now had a name.

And his name was Angel.