First Day of Spring

On the first day of Spring five years ago, my daughter and three-year old grandson accompanied me to the City of Tulsa Animal Shelter. I invited them along to help me select a dog to adopt. I wanted a dog who would not only be a companion for me, but would also be a playmate for my grandson.

We were shocked at how many dogs were at the shelter that Saturday. I wanted to take them all home. After a couple of rounds through the shelter, we started making lists of the dogs that were potential candidates. By about the tenth round, we had come back to the same cage several times. I said a prayer and chose the dog whose "rap sheet" said she was very sweet.

On our way home from the shelter, my daughter and I were trying to give our beautiful new dog an appropriate name. We discussed several flowery names, but nothing really fit. Almost at the same time, we both said, "Today's the first day of Spring." And Spring had her name. Like Spring showers bring flowers, our Spring showers us with love and affection.

She stole our hearts immediately and after only a week in our home, I was certain that God answered my prayer and helped me to choose the perfect dog for me. The First Day of Spring had definitely arrived on that day of March 20, 2004.