…and you’re entered to win!  I’m picking a winner at random on 5/15/10, so enter before it’s too late.

My pup and I met in the least attractive way. We don’t have a dreamy love story like most adoring pet owners… It is not “I saw her on the sidewalk outside the pet store on adoption day and it was love at first sight!” Nor did I search high and low through high-society breeders to pluck her out of a pristine litter. No, not that kind of story for me and Carolina.

I ran her over. Yes, in my car. Yes, she bolted in front me when we were both traveling at top speeds. She, in a joyous sprint after a forest critter and me, late for a meet-the-parents-lunch with an old boyfriend.

I’ll spare you the gory details. Just know that Carolina is a survivor. And she’s taught me to be one too.

With a metal rod in her back right leg, 11 screws (with 2 in her hip) and 8 laceration scars, Carolina has gone from wild mountain dog to city loft princess. She still loves dogs over humans and makes no apologies for this. Yet Carolina is coming around to her new digs and we’re making progress together. Carolina now sleeps in a king sized bed (next to her Mom) and takes up most of the free space. She selectively joins me to hang out on the couch (when she deems me worthy of her presence.) And after a bag of hip & joint-friendly treats, she has successfully learned to sit.

I may have taught her to sit on command, but she’s taught me so much more… first of all Carolina has taught me to ask for help when necessary. If it were not for Dr. Peter Muller of Briarcliff Animal Hospital & Foundation, she would not be here. I was humbled to ask him for help. Thank goodness I did. Dr. Muller is one of the most genuinely passionate people in the world for animals. He saved her life along with Dr. Ken Greenwood from Northlake Veterinary Surgery. It’s a reminder to me to ask for help and that there are good people in the world willing to do so.

Carolina has taught me that life doesn’t always go as you planned. She certainly did not plan on the accident, x-rays, stitches, broken bones, a private flight, five hours in surgery and a new home in a matter of a few days. I did not plan on having any animals for a while, certainly not while I am single and career-driven! Well, guess what? Change of plan. Carolina has taught me to breathe, adjust quickly and keep moving forward.

Carolina has taught me that dogs do understand when you are sad and need a hug. (Or a slobbery dog lick!) And when I return that loving favor by carrying her outside to go potty for many months, she’s taught me that she does appreciate it and will regain her strength in time. Carolina reminds me that sometimes all you need is some sunshine and a good run to feel all alive and fun.

So it’s NO fairy tale, but the chance “meeting” with Carolina changed my life for the better. When she was first in the animal hospital in Blairsville, they called her “Angel.” I thought that sounded like a stripper name, so I changed it to reflect the state where we met. But maybe the vet techs were right all along… I do believe that this pretty little mutt is my accidental angel.