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About Rex, the dog whose eyes melted my
heart
 One day about 10 years ago, I was drawn
to the shelter for reasons that I cannot yet fully explain. I
had never been inside an animal shelter before. I walked up and
down the rows, and saw many, many little faces turn up in my
direction. There was one dog, a young year-old male named Rex,
who leaned against the wire gate and gazed at me, begging for a
touch and a rub. I gave him that, and as I left, his gaze
followed me. He never howled, never barked, never expressed any
emotion at all, save through his eyes and his body pressed
against the gate. I left the shelter that day without an animal,
but I returned three days later, and Rex was still there. Once
again, he pressed against the gate and followed me with his
eyes. I left that day, and was back the next day to adopt him.
He was scared of everything: getting into the car, getting out
of the car, coming into my house, moving from room to room. But
he was always quiet and sweet, and those eyes…they told me
everything.
 Rex
is the reason that I have been a shelter volunteer for many
years, adopting three other canines and several felines along
the way. His unconditional love and sweet temperament have
spoiled me greatly. He is an everpresence in my life. One day,
when he is no longer here, he will still be my guardian dog
angel: gentle and good and patient. He helped me to teach the
other doggies and kitties that they too can be gentle and kind
and patient. We have a happy, peaceful home because of Rex’s
leadership as the alpha dog in the pack. Although he is graying
and not as active as he once was, he is an obedient and “always
there” doggie.
Rex is the best spokesman for why adopting a dog from the
shelter can be a life-changing experience. I am so very grateful
for everything that he has taught me.
- Alli Raynor
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