Slinky

I've read a lot of your stories and notice that a lot of folks admit to being a "sensitive". I believe everyone has this ability as long as you keep an open mind. I say this because I had an experience I thought would never happen to me and I am not a "sensitive" by any means.

It happened one morning on my way to work. As I was turning off a small country road onto the Pike I noticed what looked like a dog resting in the middle of the road. The sun was not up yet and I could tell the dog was looking at me since I could see the reflection of the headlights in her eyes. I pulled over in an attempt to call her to the side of the road but to my horror realized that she had been hit by a vehicle. Feeling helpless, my last resort was to pray aloud, saying "take her, take her now"! At this, she drew her last breath and I ended up driving to work upset and crying. It affected me so much to the point I thought I would have to return home. I realized I had a duty to take care of the dogs at work since I work at an animal shelter.
When I arrived at work I went through the routine. I let the dogs out to play while I cleaned the kennels and prepared their breakfast. All the while the image of the dog on the road continued in my mind and followed with tears. As I was cleaning I noticed a figure approach me to my right from the corner of my eye. When I turned for a split second, I saw the dog that was in the road! She vanished before I could focus my eyes. I nearly jumped out of my skin! Needless to say I was badly shaken by this for the rest of the day.
A week went by and I still thought about her as to who was her owner, were they looking for her, and what was her name? I found myself having nightmares every night followed by tears wondering if there was anything I could have done if I had arrived earlier.
One night after taking my shower, I began to blow dry my hair and found myself deep in thought about her once again. Out of nowhere I hear a voice whisper in my ear, "Slinky". I started to think what does that mean? Then it came to me. Of course, that was her name! As I began to smile for the first time in a week I hear another whisper. This time it said, "Thank You". It was as if I was having a conversation with some unseen force but it came as thoughts. It's almost impossible to describe but incredible all the same. I said to her, "why do you say thank you if I could not save you"? She said in response, "you stayed with me when I was alone and afraid. You prayed for my release into my final home. You cared and that is what makes all the difference in the world". I cried again but they were tears of joy this time. I could feel that she was happy and free. I began to understand that was why she appeared to me at work that day. She did not want me to be upset and wonder if there was anything I could have done different. She just wanted to say thank you.
I never received the pleasure of knowing this fine dog but I will never forget the lesson she taught me. To care really does make all the difference in the world.
Thank you Slinky!