Vinney meets Justin
I see a lot of applications every day. A paper with 15 questions is not a very fair window into the person, the life, or even the capabilities of a person or family that wants a dog. After reviewing Justin’s application, I knew that I needed to speak with him, to hear his voice and ask the tough questions.
After all this is a young man, living at home and most importantly recovering from what was described as a serious car accident.The other piece was that he wanted Vince or Vinney as we called him. Vinney is a 2 year old, 65 pound hound mix with a mind as strong as that healthy body. Vinney had been adopted once and returned. The trainer with whom we work really loved Vinney. Sam said, as he patted Vinney’s side, “Now this is a dog!”
So I picked up the phone and asked the questions and Justin answered them. He was not offended or mad that I was prying…respectfully. He just quietly answered. Then I spoke with mom and aunt and I knew that this was Vinney’s forever. I just knew. And so the plan was made to meet on Sunday morning. They were driving from out of state and we would have time to get chores out of the way….or so we thought. This is where flexibility comes into play.
Last evening about 5:15 as Karen and I were about to jump into evening chores, my phone rang. It was Kelly, Justin’s mom. “Do you think we could meet tonight?” Me….shocked, “When?” “About 15 minutes.” Wait a minute, you live 3 hours away! “I suppose you were just in the neighborhood?” laughing and still shocked. Karen and I nodded and said ok, lets do this. Far be it from me to stand between a boy and his dog!
In 2015, Justin was in a near fatal car accident that left him in a coma for months with multiple Traumatic Brain Injuries. The prognosis was not good. However the Universe had a plan for this man and it was not finished. After a year of rehabilitation, Justin was able to return home. Mom reports that he needed to relearn walking, talking, everything. I can say that the devotion that this mom and aunt have toward this young man is simply awe inspiring.
And so why this dog? Justin wanted a big dog. He wants something to motivate him to get up every day and get out of the house. He wants something for whom he is responsible. I honestly tried to dissuade him/them. “Vinney needs training. Vinney is not the brightest bulb on the tree. He barks. He jumps. He pulls…..” Justin, “I don’t care. He is exactly the dog I want.” And so the pieces fell into place.
Vinney had been accepted into the Pronature Adoption Program. This meant that his adoption fee was covered, he would be given 6 months of food and a $50.00 gift certificate to spend at Pet Food Warehouse! For Justin, studying to be an electrician but not employed and still recovering, this was huge! The rest is history.
Justin walked into the back yard and Vinney ran right over to him. Vinney generally runs away from…anyone. Then he lay down and rolled on his back. Tears all around. That sealed the deal.
As Justin hugged me goodbye he said, “Thank you for making my life a little brighter today.” I say to Justin and Kelly thank you for loving this dog. Thank you for reminding us that on our toughest day there is another person having a worse one. And thank you for sharing your story with me, and us.
In the world right now there is so much reason for apathy and discouragement.There is so much hatred and bad behavior. In the world of rescue there is darkness the likes of which I can not share. You brought us some light and reminded us of the good that is possible in the human spirit. We are thrilled for Vinney. We are happy to have you join our VEBR family. You have no idea! The absolute icing on this cake is that Vinney will be registered as an emotional support dog for Justin and I believe he will fill this job like no other dog can!
