It was a gift from God; a beautiful black dog showed up one day at our home on Johns Island. I was a ten-year-old tomboy and nothing was more exciting to me than walking around the farm exploring. “Blackie” and I bonded. She became my best-friend and constant companion. The term “rescue dog” was not even invented but then I think back on those precious years of companionship, Blackie was one of those rescue dogs who rescued me.
She was the friend who listened and never judged me. If I had a problem, I would walk and talk with Blackie. She just stared at me with her big golden-brown eyes. I just knew I my heart that she understood every word I said. Blackie was my protector. I loved riding my bicycle to visit my Grandparents and she was right side me. On one trip down that dirt road, she jumped in front of my bike barking out-of-control. Right in front of me was a giant snake coiled up, ready to strike.
Blackie gave me unconditional love. When we would go out in the boat, she would jump into Abbappola creek and swim to me. It always upset me that she might drown, but she knew when to turn around.
The years went by and Blackie got older. I knew she was not feeling well. My buddy, Leize was visiting and we stayed by Blackie all day. We decided to watch out favorite television show and when we returned only a few minutes later, Blackie had died. My heart was broken and even now, so many years later, I still get emotional thinking about her.
In my book, “Bury Me With My Pearls,” I write about those who journey through life with us helping our strand of pearls become a blend of treasures. I admit that one of my “pearls” was developed through this stray dog whose heart was full of love and loyalty.
Enjoy this brief video about my new book, “Bury Me With My Pearls.”
