Our younger daughter, Mary Bart, sent us this email Friday, Sept. 11. About what she wrote I need comment not at all. She wrote:

“Sometimes in life you make decisions purely based on your heart and the brain plays a very insignificant role. I decided three months after the passing of my Miniature Pinscher Penny that I would open my home to a foster dog. I thought am I crazy? After many years of sleepless nights, boarding fees and heartaches could I possibly be sane enough to foster?

Well, I mentioned it in passing to a shelter colleague that ‘if’ the right dog came along that could tolerate my feisty (that’s an understatement) Chihuahua, Irwin, to let me know. That’s basically opening Pandora’s box. Of course a shelter will find you a foster. I mean they are busting at the seams with animals.

I receive a Facebook message one evening stating I’ve found the perfect dog for you. His name is Shy Guy and he’s recovered from heartworms and is good with small dogs. With apprehension, I said I’ll bring Irwin to meet him. Now, keep in mind, Irwin believes the world revolves around him. I mean doesn’t it?

Irwin tolerated the meeting not knowing this dog may come home with us. He growled, snapped, and showed his disgust towards Shy Guy and Shy Guy in return was terrified of this massive seven pounder. Now, Shy Guy is around 55 pounds or more.

Long story short, Shy Guy now named Shiloh is being fostered by yours truly. He’s very timid and has probably had a hard life up until now. They say the eyes are the windows of the soul. That being said, Shiloh’s soul is quite beautiful. For all that has happened in his prior life it’s hard to believe how loving one can be. Loud sounds, sudden movements, and a hand raised are all scary things to him but with time and patience he will learn to trust. As humans, we could learn so much from our four-legged friends.

To know a dog is to love a dog.

Shiloh in biblical terms means “peace” and that is what I hope he finds.”

Note — Shiloh is now at his forever home: with Mary Bart and Irwin. Of course.