I’ve found my forever home so I’m one lucky dog. Bow “Tip” Thomas is my name and the pursuit of happiness is my game. I’m a rescue.
That’s a polite way of saying that somebody who professed to like me (or tolerated me for a year or so) one day threw me out like a piece of trash. In early March 2021, I was dumped on N. Horton Street in La Grange, Texas.
Bow was no longer wanted
When I landed on the concrete, I bruised my chest on the left side and scraped the fur off my elbow on my front paw. It still hasn’t grown back. For hours, I frantically ran up and down the street attempting to pick up a scent that I could follow home.
But I couldn’t find it. I barely missed being hit by a car, but later wished it had ended my misery.
By the time the City of La Grange animal control person came for me, I was a mess, physically and emotionally. Although the enclosed cage on the back of his truck was very clean, it reeked of fear to my sensitive nose. Obviously, I wasn’t the only animal who’d been shell-shocked from being abandoned or lost.
By the time I was admitted at the Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter, I was shaking like a leaf. Can you believe that the fellow who put me in a pen climbed in with me? He held me in his arms until I could get hold of myself.
I’ll never forget his kindness. Elaine told me later that she’d seen me that morning.
At first, I held out hope that I hadn’t been dumped. Maybe it had been a mistake and in no time, I’d hear a familiar voice and footstep outside my pen. But that never happened.
Elaine visited the shelter regularly and I tried in vain to catch her eye. She would sometimes pause at my pen, but we didn’t click. I was sort of scrawny and my chocolate-colored brown eyes mirrored my deep depression.
Besides, it’s not in my nature to make a fuss, which may have made me appear standoffish.
During the day, there was lots of activity at the shelter and we’d get to go out in the yard and run around. The nights were long, especially with the racket from the dogs over in the barking section.
A shelter is definitely not a home. It’s where we unwanted animals go to wait for permanent placement, and we are fortunate to have it.
When would it be Bow’s turn?
Over the next few weeks, I saw a lot of dogs strut out of the shelter on their way to new homes. I wondered what they had that I didn’t. I went to the vet and was neutered. The shelter staff who taught me to walk on a leash said that had improved my adoptability.
But nobody ever gave me a chance. One Saturday, Elaine came by again, only this time she was accompanied by Emil. They stopped at my pen and she said to him, “How about this boy? He seems nice.”
I got so anxious that I forgot how to wag my tail, but when Elaine laid her hand near the latch, I timidly licked it through the wire. Then I couldn’t help myself; I whined. I know that’s not the thing to do, but Elaine didn’t seem to understand that I fully believed that I was the dog she was seeking.
She and Emil slowly turned around and left. Ok, ok. I could understand where they were coming from. They were still getting over the loss of Kally, their longtime pal.
They’d had only three canines in the 27 years they lived on the farm and Elaine was terrified of bringing home the wrong dog. I heard her compare adopting a dog at the shelter to getting married at the end of one blind date.
A positive start to Bow’s week
When the shelter opened the following Tuesday, my life took a turn for the better. Elaine was back, this time with her friend Christa. I didn’t even have time to get nervous before a staff member walked up to my pen with a leash in her hand.
“Come on, Oxbow, you’re going on a meet and greet.”
So Elaine, Christa and I sauntered out the side door, crossed Svoboda Lane and sat down on the grass under the big oak tree. Then Elaine proceeded to outline her lofty expectations for the lucky dog that she would one day take home.
She desired a dog that would walk three or four miles every day with her. I could do that easy. Elaine wanted a dog that wouldn’t jump up and knock her, Emil or visitors down. I could be that dog.
She needed a dog that wouldn’t run off. If a dog could laugh, I would have chuckled because once I was adopted, there was no way I would ever voluntarily leave my new home.
Elaine was looking for a dog that wouldn’t mind keeping her company in the office while she worked. Visions of lying on a mat and nodding off as a ceiling fan turned slowly overhead while Elaine typed on her computer ran through my head. That sounded divine.
She also spoke about home and farm security. Deer in the yard were bad. Armadillos in the yard were bad. Barking at people she and Emil didn’t know was OK, as long as I didn’t bite. Friends would need to be welcomed.
Well, I had a vague awareness of what deer were, but didn’t have a clue about armadillos. Nevertheless, I thought I could fake it until I found out. As for sorting the good guys from the bad, it would just take me time. I have a good memory.
Up close and personal
While she gently stroked my head, Elaine told me they’d like a dog that was housetrained or willing to learn. I had that covered, too.
However, the next two expectations made my paws sweat. A new dog at the Thomas farm would not be allowed to chase either cats or cattle. Although that’s in my blood, I was willing to undergo behavior modification.
Please, please, please, let me try, Elaine.
Miracle of miracles, we went back to the shelter and casually walked past my pen and all the other dogs that still were locked up. Even when we went to the front desk and Elaine started filling out paperwork I wasn’t overly confident.
I overheard that she was taking me home on a trial basis. If I didn’t work out, the shelter would take me back, no questions asked.
Well, we’ll see about that, I thought to myself.
On the trip home, I sat in the back seat with Christa. About halfway, Elaine looked in the rearview mirror and said, “You’re not Oxbow. That’s too pretentious a name for you. We’ll call you Bow.” Christa and I agreed that my new name suited me.
My middle name is Tip. It’s a reference to the four inches of white hair on the end of my tail courtesy of my ancestors the blue heelers. I also have white socks but I’d rather be known as Tip than Socks.
Bow approved of his new home
When we bumped across the Thomas cattleguard, Emil was there to greet me and so was their neighbor Denise. I got a lump in my throat because she brought me welcome home treats.
I’d never before had my very own toy. Empty plastic water bottles don’t count.
It was all so thrilling that not long afterward I neglected to make a pit stop and had an accident on the floor of Elaine’s office. I thought I’d literally blotched my copybook, but she took it in stride. As I hovered around trying to help her clean up my mess, she asked that I let her know when I needed to go outside.
I have done so faithfully with no exceptions ever since. The following morning, I was sprawling on the floor of Elaine’s office with the ceiling fan slowly whirling above my head just like in my dreams. When the phone rang, it was Teresa at the shelter wanting to know if Elaine was bringing me back.
Elaine said, “No,” and then asked, “Bow, do you want to go back to the shelter?” I opened one eye as if to say, “Surely you’re joking?”
After 10 days, Elaine returned to the shelter and made my adoption permanent.
My new life is all I ever dreamed of during those long, lonely nights in the shelter. Oh, the stories I could tell you about my experiences and the people I’ve met in the last four months.
It’s going to take time
However, I must confess that both Elaine and I are a little worried about her visit to Canada that’s coming up soon. You see, I still sort of fall apart when I let her out of my sight. Once you’ve been abandoned, your self-esteem is mighty shaky.
A disturbing little voice at the back of my head says I could be abandoned again. However, I hope to work out this issue because I don’t want to give Emil, who is a very good guy, any grief while Elaine is gone.
Before I sign off, can I please share one more story? When the youngest members of the Thomas clan visited a few weeks ago, the little boy asked if he’d met me before.
Elaine shook her head and explained that I was taking the place of Kally, who had died at the age of 13 in February. Then the little fellow asked how long I would be around.
“As long as Bow lives,” Elaine replied.
You should have seen my grin. Right then and there, I knew that I’d truly found my forever home.
* * *
Oh, by the way, if you’d like to hear more about my adventures, please comment below. Perhaps you can persuade Elaine to let me write a blog post again some time.
Find your forever friend at :
Check out the extraordinary dogs that Emil and Elaine had before Bow in this April 1, 2021, post:
* * *
- FOUND: A Rescue Dog’s Forever Home - August 20, 2021
Elaine, Bow is definitely one lucky dog to have y’all as family! I have two pretty spoiled dogs myself but when I see those sad faces at the shelter, they sure tug at my heartstrings. I just can’t adopt them all. 🥺
You’re right. Visiting the shelter is heart-rendering because each pet looking for a new home has special qualities. It’s really great when a successful match is made with a dog like Bow. I’ll tell Bow hello for you.
Just like you, we have been friends and keepers of many dogs and cats. We miss them terribly and could fill hours remembering all their antics. As always, you drew us into your story of searching for just the right animal companion. You touched our hearts with Bow’s side to the story. You are amazing. Thank you for all you do for your readers.
So glad you enjoyed Bow’s story! Every pet we adopt has brought his or her own brand of sunshine into our lives. They are great blessings!
WHAT A MOVING STORY ABOUT BOW. WE LOST OUR LABRADOR [AMBER] 5 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH. SHE WAS 13 YEARS OLD AND OVERCOME CANCER WHEN SHE WAS 6 YEARS OLD. OUR ONLY PREVIOUS DOG, A CROSS COLLIE, WAS FROM BIRMINGHAM DOGS’ HOME. WE LOVED BOTH DOGS DEARLY. WE HOPE ALL GOES WELL WITH BOW AND YOUR GOOD SELVES. RON GOODALL, UNITED KINGDOM
Thanks, Ron, for sharing your dog stories. I took a look at the Birmingham Dogs Home in the U.K. The agency does good work! https://www.birminghamdogshome.org.uk
Pets like Amber and Bow add much to our quality of life.
Oh Elaine, what a beautiful story told by Bow. Yes, Bow does need to tell future stories of his tales on the farm. Dogs are special, and we do love our Australian Shepherd, Maggie. She replaced a rescue dog that Darrell brought home in 1996 that someone dumped, another Australian Shepherd that he named Sassy because she had a sassy personality. She turned out to be a devoted, loving pet just as Maggie has.
So happy you enjoyed Bow’s perspective on his world! Yes, indeed, dogs are special and don’t ever seem to have a bad day. Enjoy Maggie! Bow hopes whoever threw him away someday realizes just how stupid they were. If they couldn’t look after him, they could have taken him to the shelter…
Elaine, Bow’s story made my heart happy. He has found his perfect home. I hope, after reading this story, more good people will adopt a fur baby from the shelter. God Bless
It’s good to hear that Bow’s story made your heart happy because happiness is his game! When I called to make his first vet appointment, I was asked what breed he is so I gave the lady a long list of his probable ancestors and summed it up by saying Bow is quite a looker!
Kathy, thanks for your encouragement. I’ll tell Bow that you liked his story! We are so fortunate to have a shelter where animals and humans – both needing faithful companions – can meet their matches!
Dear Elaine, please keep writing! You craft precious stories about the wonderful people in our area and now the precious creatures around us. Please continue to share Bow’s stories and encourage other to adopt from the shelter. God bless you.
Kathy (Miller) Voshalike
Congratulations Bow Tip Thomas!
This is Joey and Honey Lehmann here, and we are so happy for you! You are quite a handsome young fellow. We know exactly how you feel as we were in your shoes a few years ago.
Do not worry about your tendencies to chase cattle, deer and cats. Elaine and Emil will give you guidance. You are smart and will soon learn your parameters. We are permitted to chase anything inside the fence, especially squirrels, but not beyond the fence. And, we have learned “No Kitties” means “do not chase cats.”
Also Bow, do not worry about being abandoned again. When Elaine leaves home, she will return. We had to learn that Mama Carolyn would return too. This is what we would do, much to Carolyn’s bewilderment. When we saw that Carolyn might leave for shopping, we trailed her closely. Then, as soon as she opened the door of the truck, we would plow over her and jump into the truck. Mama Carolyn got wise and thereafter she made us stay in the house where we were safe. She always returns and brings us a treat.
You’ve got this Bow. You will distinguish friend from foe instinctively. Humans do not understand our gift in this regard, but we are good at this. Joey here, this is what I do. When someone drives up, I will bark and will not let them get out of their vehicle until Mama Carolyn tells me it is OK. Over time I have learned to dispense with all that drama when I know the visitor is a friend. One time a complete stranger drove up in a truck and I did not let him get out. When Mama Carolyn came out, she asked the man to remain in his vehicle and leave the premises. Am I “Da Man” or what?
We, Joey and Honey, are litter mates. When we were little pups, barely 3 months old, someone dropped us at a gate on Highway 77. They left us in a cardboard box with a little bit of food and water. We scrounged for food and water for one or two days. A kind farmer, Mike, found us and took us to his home. The next day, Carolyn picked us up and took us to her farm. Carolyn intended to take us to that Shelter place you talked about. But, like you, we turned on the charm so that Carolyn couldn’t bear to give us up.
At first, we were very afraid, so we growled at Carolyn. I, Joey, warmed up to her in one day. Carolyn gave us lots of food, belly rubs and a safe place to sleep. I tend to eat too much because we were nearly starved as pups. My sister Honey does not over-eat, but she displays a strange behavior. She puts her front paws on a fire ant bed, then she licks the fire ants as they crawl on her paws. I still chase and eat grasshoppers.
Bow, you are a lucky dog. You may have fear and anxiety for a while; that is normal for what you have been through. It will diminish over time. Love and care from Elaine and Emil will replace your bad memories. So Bow, wag ‘um!
Your Friends,
Joey, Honey and Carolyn Lehmann
Joey, Honey and Carolyn, what a great, reassuring message. It sounds like we all want the same things in life: to have a safe and warm home, to be loved and know we make a difference in another being’s life! Thank you so much for sharing your stories. If you hear a bark over the miles, it’s just me saying hello. Best always, Bow
What a sweet sweet story told by Bow, luckiest doggy in the world to get y’all as parents! So special! I’m just so happy for Bow!!🥲
We’ve had two wonderful outside dogs Cassidy and Gypsi while we were in Atx. One day here on the farm I decided I wanted our first inside dog! A week later we had her!!! We adopted Piper (previously known as snowflake) from Wimberley Adoption Group(WAG), the same place our son adopted his sweet girl Reese.
Pipe, Pipey, Piper is one of the biggest best blessings of our life…we love her sooo much!!! She’s the best doggie in the world!!! She loves farm life and being outside as much as she loves being inside!!! She plays well with our other pets Punkin the momma cow and her daughter, Poppy.
Loved your story!!! #happyending🐾
Rhonda, I can tell that you are head-over-heels with Piper! Another shelter success story that makes my day – and Bow’s too.
This story brings a tear to my eye and I’m sure to many other readers’. I’m so glad Bow and you found each other!
We’re glad, too! BTW, Bow doesn’t chase cats now and walks among the cattle nonchalantly. He doesn’t chase the cows and they don’t chase him like they did just after he arrived…
Elaine, thanks for a lovely story. I am thrilled that you will have a chance to get back to Canada and visit. It’s been too long for you to miss your Canadian family. I hope to see a photo of Bow helping you with your work like my Sadie used to do with me – sitting on my lap and licking my fingers as I would type away. That was her way of saying I spent too much time on the keyboard and needed to get my walking shoes back on! Have a safe trip. My travels last week were seamless, other than there is a shortage of grounds crew at YYC, which delayed our park at the gate and luggage by an hour for each event. Small costs to see family.
Great to get the update on travel out of YYC. I’m looking forward to my trip, but Bow and Emil don’t want to talk about it just yet! I know you miss Sadie. Such good memories! Thanks for writing.
More stories from Bow please! You know we are “dog people”, and our furry friends are a big part of our lives. Think I’ll read his story aloud to them.
I’ll pass your comment along to Bow! Tell your furry friends we hope they like Bow’s story, too. Right now, he’s intently watching a tennis ball slowly roll from his bed to an obscure location under my desk.
What a wonderful story and happy ending . A good dog is a blessing and so happy Bow has found his forever home . He is a lucky dog ! ❤️
Thanks, Donna. It didn’t take Bow long to become an important part of our family. We were lucky to find him!
What a wonderful story, Bow! Elaine and Emil have a very talented canine companion! I look forward to hearing more tales (with tails a-wagging). (I had tears in my eyes — and then a smile on my face knowing you are a keeper!)
Anne, Bow appreciates your kind words! The last few days, he has been having a marvelous time chasing frogs every morning when Emil and I drink coffee outdoors. Not sure where they are coming from but Bow thinks they’re great fun. That’s in keeping with his motto of pursuing happiness!
This time you have made me cry! But, mainly, they are happy tears shed for you, Emil, and Bow as a very happy new family!!!
All three of us do count ourselves as fortunate. We do have another pet, an orange tomcat who actually thinks he is in charge of us and our lives. At first, he would have nothing to do with Bow. Now he marches up to Bow and smells his breath and if Bow returns the curiosity, Jumper swats his nose. Doesn’t that remind you of a couple of kids?
Love your story……..I’d like to read more about Bow’s adventures on the farm……Junette
Thanks, Junette. I’ll tell Bow! Thank goodness he hasn’t run into any skunks yet. He’s such a friendly guy that such a meeting might be a story in itself.
Thanks, Christa. Bow has a soft spot in his heart for you since you endorsed his adoption!
Definitely looking forward to hearing more from Bow. He’s a talented writer.
Love this story. Our fur people are so important in our lives. Bill and I still miss our granddog, Darla. We talk about her all the time, and she wasn’t even our dog! Bow is very lucky to have found a home with you and Emil.
Perhaps when your grandchildren are a little older a new granddog will come into your lives! You are right about those furry bundles of joy. They bring special meaning to our lives.
Bow has quite a way with words so he is definitely in the right place. How wonderful you found each other.
Thanks, Linda. Bow is not only sensitive but also a thoughtful canine. He loves my office, although he could do without conference calls.
Bow Tip’s story is touching. I am so happy for him and for you and Emil to have found a good match.
Thanks, Deb! We are glad that Bow is now part of our family.
Marvelous and wonderful story of love and commitment — and, a great statement regarding your willingness take a risk. Thank you. I have a soft spot for dogs and cats — it is so nice that you have the imagination and the commitment to share it with us.
Glad you enjoyed our story, Janetta. Bow took a risk coming home with me and I’m glad he did!
Well said ET, as Always. Thank you and Emil so much for adopting Bow “TIP” Thomas.
We are so happy for you ALL.
Much love,
Lisa, Michael, NOD & Hope.
Thanks, Mike. Say hello to Lisa, NOD and Hope for all of us at the Thomas house.
Take care
You guys, too!
What a wonderful story. Our dog Brandi (renamed from Sparky) is from LaGrange. A LaGrange woman adopted him, then got cancer and needed to rehome him. Good friend Margo was good friends with her hospice nurse. I was between dogs and talked my husband into getting another dog. We got Brandi – we think a pure poodle when he was about three. He’s been the best dog ever. Something about dogs from Fayette County.
Kathy – There’s something about a poodle, too. Although I’ve never owned one, I had a neighbor who had a full-size poodle named Charlie it seems like a million years ago now. I’ve never forgotten Charlie!
Now I’m all teared up. Elaine he’s beautiful.
Thanks, Janine! I appreciate you following my blog all the way from Australia.
Another great story! I love animals also and have had pet dogs my whole life. Give a dog love and he will do anything for you, especially love you back! The white-tipped tail sold me! Bow, you are awesome!
Bow likes that you like his white-tipped tail. I have to say when he’s outside before dawn, I can see his white tail moving while the rest of him blends into the darkness. You’d love him! He seems to have an ample supply to share!
Elaine: We loved your story. Most of our Fox Terrier’s came from the country around La Grange. We donated money in Memory of Lillian Docekal to the animal shelter in La Grange. She was totally devoted to her little Fox Terriers.
Bill and Barbara Docekal
Thank you Bill and Barbara! I’m glad you enjoyed Bow’s journey to join our family. Thank you for donating to the animal shelter in La Grange. The staff is dedicated and works countless hours to match pets with potential owners. Only 50 years ago, strays in La Grange were held for three days before they were destroyed because there was nowhere for them to go. We’ve come a long way in this county in terms of taking care of our homeless pets.
A darling story about an obviously darling dog! How nice for all of you! Loved him telling the story just like our beloved Hank the Cowdog. I’m sure Bow Tip will have many wonderful future ranch experiences to share with us. My two shelter dogs, pyrenees/lab crosses, love to swim laps in the pond. It has been quite fun to watch and amazingly although they come home muddy, they clean themselves like cats and are spotless quite quickly. Welcome to our neighborhood, Bow Tip!
Blessings,
Lemae
You’re so right, Lemae. This new relationship is nice for all of us. I laughed at your description of your Pyrenees/lab crosses swimming laps in the pond and coming home to preen. That must be quite a sight! Bow thanks you for your gracious welcome.
Beautiful story Elaine. I have a black lab named Ruger and a small Terrier named Trixie. Both have become close family and are growing old with me and my wife Patti. In the hectic world we live in, they are truly a blessing and a comfort in our lives. And to top it all off they never have a bad day. Always a smile and a wagging tail. Enjoyed your story about Bow. One lucky dog!
Sam, you are so right about dogs never having a bad day. As long as they feel loved and are treated as a member of the family, they are happy with whatever each day brings. King of a message in that behavior isn’t there? Bow says to say hello to Ruger and Trixie. Thanks for your comments.
It makes my heart glad to hear that you and Bow found each other! Each dog that’s shared my home and heart has brought me an incredible amount of joy and love. I’m currently fostering a dog named Princess Leia. She’s a beautiful Lab/Rottie mix who will head to a shelter in MA on 8/29 to see if they can place her. They apparently have a lot more success with adoptions in the north because they strictly enforce neuter/spay and leash laws. It’s my first time fostering, and Teresa had to talk me off the ledge when I realized Leia would be going to a shelter instead of to a forever home! She sent me the most beautiful poem about fostering:
A Poem to My Foster Dog by Diane Morgan
I am the bridge
Between what was and what can be.
I am the pathway to a new life.
I am made of mush
Because my heart melted when I saw you,
Matted and sore, limping, depressed,
Lonely, unwanted, afraid to love.
For one little time you are mine.
I will feed you with my own hand.
I will love you with my whole heart.
I will make you whole.
I am made of steel
Because when the time comes,
When you are well and sleek,
When your eyes shine,
And your tail wags with joy
Then comes the hard part.
I will let you go — not without a tear,
But without regret.
For you are safe forever —
A new dog needs me now.
Oh, Liz, what powerful words not only to soothe a foster pet’s heart, but also to remind those of you who take on this important task what to expect and why you continue. Thank you so much for sharing!
A wonderful heartwarming story. So glad Bow found his furever home. He hit the jackpot and so did you and Emil.
Teresa at the shelter encouraged me to take my time because she said I would know when I had met ‘our match.’ My fear in bringing home a dog that turned out to be mismatched with us is that I would have to return it. I couldn’t imagine how much that would wound a dog’s feelings. So I took my time and Bow was ready, although he thinks I took my sweet time about adopting him! Thanks for writing, Mary Lou.
Loved Bow’s heartwarming story…..all’s well that ends well. (The perspective from Bow’s point of view really makes the reader fully empathize with the dog, and it felt so good to do that!) Thanks, Elaine.
I wrote from Bow’s point of view because I could empathize with what he and other shelter dogs go through. I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks.
Loved the dog, Bow, story. I can relate…..
Bow is glad to hear you enjoyed his story! Thank you.
Another wonderful story, this time from Bow’s point of view. Loved it! Please relay to Bow that every furry friend that has become a member of our family, over these many years, was adopted. Primarily kittens who somehow unexpectedly arrived in our backyard or mature homeless cats who were drawn to our vehicles in the office parking lot. Our daughters dressed Ginger in doll clothes and took her for rides in their doll carriage. Pepper enjoyed our laps during evening television. Others were not as tolerant, and some had severe anxiety and separation issues. We’ve loved them all. Thanks for bringing back memories.
So glad that Bow’s story reminded you of special pets in your life who knew what they were doing when they picked out you and your family. Such good memories! Thank you for sharing them.
Elaine, of all the great stories you have written, this one hit home with me. No disrespect for all the wonderful and interesting peoples’ stories you have written. It is just that this is what I fight for every day.
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I hope you know how much this means to me.
I have forwarded it to many of my rescue friends. We all need more happy endings like this.
My best to you and Bow.
Denise Winter
You have a vested interest in Bow’s happy ending because you encouraged me to wait until I found just the right canine pal. He’s asleep now on his mat. While Bow likes going for long walks and playing with his balls, he feels the heat during these hot afternoons. I know how he feels! Thank goodness we have AC. Bow sends his best! Thanks for writing.