Beauty in the Ordinary

This is not about being brilliant, or extraordinary, it's not about wanting to be famous, or making headlines, or trying to impress...this about sharing a 'gift' each day with the world...to lift the spirit of people when they read this blog, to show them the beauty in the ordinary.
"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." Raold Dahl

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Poppy



Out for a walk this morning, I suddenly changed my route
and headed down to the water's edge.  I've been avoiding it for the past few days because it's been so cold and the wind off of Lake Ontario can freeze you to the bone.  But today was sunny blue skies and the temperature was crawling upward towards freezing, so I thought I would go and see if the swans had returned.

As I reached the rocky path at the lake's edge I could hear someone calling
"Poppy...come on Poppy...this way",
and I saw a large black dog standing belly-deep in the frigid water on the other-side of the ice-encased
rocks.  A rather frantic man was standing as close as he dare to the steep slope and was responsible for the yelling.  

He told me Poppy, so excited about his walk had come bounding down the hill and hit the icy rocks sliding right into the lake.  There was no safe way to climb down the rocks to reach Poppy, so he was trying to encourage him to hug the icy ledge and wade through the reasonably shallow water to our little beach.

Poppy, however just stood, bleating like a lamb and shivering for all he was worth.  I asked if  Mr. Owner wanted me to call the fire department, or animal services, but he just shook his head and kept calling.  So, wanting to help, but not knowing what else to do, I joined in.

Poppy wasn't budging...so like all good pet-owners, off Mr. Owner dashed down to the beach and into the icy waters.  By this time, I had my phone out and 911 dialed, ready to push the send button.  Mr. Owner sloshed through the icy water...Poppy wagging his tail with every step his master came closer.  Finally, he reached Poppy and picked all 60 lbs of him up, readying himself for the return journey.  This one was tricky as having full arms he had nothing to balance himself with on the lichen-covered rocks below.  I watched, holding my breath as Owner and Poppy struggled the terrifying 100-metre stretch back to the beach.  Once on dry land, we dashed owner and dog back to warm car and old blankets and on their way home. 

After they left, I stood staring at the lake and thinking about how horribly bad it could have gone.  But then I realized...this is how the world works.  We all look out for each other, keep a caring heart and act as each other's guardian angels.  It made me realize, though sometimes I forget, there is someone watching out for me too.

16 comments:

  1. sounds like a movie!
    would jennifer Aniston be playing you?

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think you were that mans "angel" you gave him your "presence".... so he could feel safe enough to save his dog knowing you'd help him if he needed it :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love you John...

    Cheryl...I choose to think you are right. It was curious that the whole time no one else was appeared. I know I wouldn't have ventured into those waters if someone wasn't ready to get the fire department if I went under.

    SOAC-M...Happy endings eh? Gotta love them.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh J - what a horrifying experience especially if things had gone wrong. So glad they were both safe.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Many people have died saving their dogs! I'm glad this worked out alright. I once walked over the ice-dunes of Lake Huron in the dark, and they were surprised to see me back in the bar later. They said that many are not found until next spring and the thaw...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Scary to think what might have happened Molly.

    Wow Tom...that story must be worthy of a post surely!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank goodness he (both of them) made it. You are so right...a blink of an eye and something life altering happens.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a wonderful story that could, so easily, have been a horror story.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh MY! I raced through the tale to make sure it ended well..it could have gone horribly wrong! Glad all is well.
    xx
    z

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Jacqueline

    You certainly did your good deed today. Do you suppose Poppy is swimming in his sleep tonight and having nightmares? So happy you were there.

    Helen

    ReplyDelete
  11. As I read through your story, I was expecting the worst. Thank goodness both dog and Mr Owner are OK.

    ReplyDelete
  12. SO glad Poppy and Mr. Owner were ok...2012 is proving to be a pretty good year, so far - here's to more safe and happy days ahead! Tanya

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a story!

    I was soooo afraid, as I read, that there would be tragedy at the end.

    Have you seen the wimp.com video of the two guys rescuing a deer stuck on an icy lake?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Haven't seen that T. I'd love it if you could send me the link.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh what a story, glad it had a happy ending and everyone was okay :-)

    ReplyDelete

Go on...make my day...

Related Posts with Thumbnails