“Female English Cocker Spaniel. AKC Registered.”

That was the ad, with a phone number to call. My mom phoned and arranged a time to meet the animal that was described. With me in tow, we drove to the other side of town and walked to the door of the house. She knocked.

The owner of the Spaniel said he would be back with her, as she was out back. We stood and watched the small black dog tremble as she entered. I kneeled down and she darted for me, placing her head in my hand, offering a look that brought tears to my eyes. We stood there as my mother asked all the pertinent questions. At the end of the conversation, the current owner mentioned that the doghouse was available, too.

We ventured out back to examine the doghouse. What we found was a boarded box, sporting a door. What hurt most was the lock; used to barricade her into that small confinement against her will. My mom declined to take the doghouse, but insisted on bringing her home with us.

Lady became my best friend and companion. I wanted her close at all times. More often than not, Lady found her way to the foot of my bed and slept, curled in a ball. She had become my pet.

Lady had a renewed sense of freedom. We played and wrestled; ran and slept. She showed the spirit of a fighter and the compassion of an angel. When the moments arose where my life was not perfect, Lady was by my side, offering a tender heart and a comforting paw.

It was five years, and two litters of pups, later when I had to say good-bye to Lady. We were moving half way across the country and we couldn’t bring her with us. I was devastated. I would have traded all my belongings to have her at my side in a new town with old challenges.

One night my stepfather raised his had to me. I remembered Lady’s fight she possessed in that instant. She survived the horrific conditions of her early life and flourished well into adulthood. I stood there, with tears in my eyes, staring down the man who had wrought so much havoc in my life. He lowered his hands and walked away.

It was the memory of my dear companion, once saved from abuse that brought my greatest healing. I was no longer a victim.