Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she would not be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I did not want her to know that I had not been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter keepers get too busy and I did not want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she would not feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe.

I would promise to always be by her side.

I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who have not walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

by Janine Allen