A story by Vessy
I have started writing these lines as an adoption profile, but a day later we understood he was going abroad, so this became simply my own story with Brownie – the little dog with a crippling spinal injury who persevered.
As it was very accurately noted by Mr Petrov one day: Browny is my type – a blond, and with an issue – a spinal injury in his case. I would add that he is the biggest codger, the most stubborn, the funniest, the most loving, most special dog. Who spent one whole day trying to bury a bagel under his blanket while lying on said blanket, probably wondering why it was so hard to pull it away. But just like the little engine from the children’s book, Browny has a motto: “I think I can…”
Well, he thought he could cross the street when a car hit him and broke his spine, but what the heck; none of us makes the right decisions all the time. For Browny`s luck, he was found by People with the same attitude to life – I think I can… help a dog in need. And he met a vet, who would tell himself – I think I can… help Browny walk again.
For 2 whole years this stubborn optimist worked his way into the hearts of the shelter staff, volunteers and into mine. Proving that he was an expert in some mysterious martial art, since I never saw how he won the place of my favorite dog in the shelter.
Maybe he achieved it because he is the dog who wanted to run when he could not even stand straight. Who used to break his crate with his teeth to get out. Who stood on his own for the first time after his surgery, relying only on his will and neck muscles. Who, led by his motto, learned not only how to walk again, but also how to run – well, sometimes more dragging than running, but still, these are unimportant details. Browny, who we used to help to get to the second floor until one day he climbed the stairs on his own to claim his breakfast.
And surely there were a few of his skills helping him on his way to my heart. Like his ability to shoot through the door out of the office where he lived and go down the stairs faster than any person – especially 5 minutes to five o’clock.
Or the sight of him jumping on all four when we chased around the office /only when no one was around to see us, of course, we are both so dignified and responsible/. Or him “talking” to me every time he wanted to go outside, to play or to simply get attention. And of course there is the wisdom-filled look in his eyes while he stays with his head on my knees, his tail slowly wagging.
But even if we overlooked all the other things, his firm refusal to be put in someone else’s idea of what is possible or not, turned Browny into my constant source of patience, inspiration and yes, a lot of laughter.
Well, my sweet and special Browny has already won a place in his foster mom’s heart in far away Holland. His new name is Matias and he most probably does not remember Bulgaria. He has swimming therapy, acupuncture and he is happy.
As for me, all that’s left to say to him is: Browny, I also think you can….everything you could think of.