A Special Kind of Timing
Many dog lovers believe that there are no coincidences when it comes to dogs finding their way into our lives. Often, it seems that the dogs we come to love arrive exactly when we need them the most. In Lessons I’ve Learned from the Dogs I’ve Loved, Teri Thomas shares several personal stories that highlight how her dogs arrived during pivotal moments in her life, offering comfort, guidance, and unconditional love when she needed it most. These stories demonstrate that, sometimes, our dogs find us not by chance but by design, bringing with them lessons and healing just when we need them.
General: Summers of Belonging
Teri’s journey with dogs began with General, a German Shepherd who belonged to her grandparents. During summers spent at their home, General became her loyal companion. He wasn’t part of her everyday school years, but those summer visits left an indelible mark. General gave her a sense of safety, connection, and belonging that stayed with her long after the visits ended. He showed her how a dog’s presence could make unfamiliar places feel like home.
Winnie: Steadfast Through Family Change
When her parents divorced and her mother remarried, Teri entered a season of upheaval and transition. Winnie, a border collie mix, was by her side through it all. Far from being tied to career shifts, Winnie’s role was more personal and profound—helping Teri cope with the changes in her family life. With her spirited personality and loyalty, Winnie provided stability in a time when much around Teri felt uncertain. She taught her that love and constancy could endure even as life changed.
Jake: A True Companion
Jake came into Teri’s life as a steady, trustworthy presence. Unlike the aggression that sometimes marks the stories of other dogs, Jake was never that way. His gentle loyalty and companionship grounded Teri during challenging times. He wasn’t a dog of conflict but one of calm assurance. Jake’s memory reminds her that not every lesson is born from struggle—sometimes the gift of a dog is simply the quiet strength they bring to daily life.
Jenny: Healing After Loss
When Teri lost Buddy, the grief was heavy and consuming. Healing began with Jenny, whose loving presence helped Teri through the darkest parts of that sorrow. Jenny reminded her that while one bond can never be replaced, the heart has room to love again. Through Jenny, she learned that loss can coexist with renewal and that new connections can help ease old wounds.
Halo: Joy in the Everyday
Halo entered Teri’s life with a lightheartedness that was impossible to ignore. Playful and affectionate, she brought laughter and delight to everyday moments. Halo’s gift wasn’t tied to grief but to the reminder that joy can be found in simple, ordinary days. With her, Teri rediscovered the importance of playfulness, fun, and seizing life’s lighter side.
The Timing of It All
From General’s summers of comfort, to Winnie’s steadfast support through family changes, to Jake’s quiet companionship, Jenny’s healing love, and Halo’s joyful spirit, Teri’s dogs appeared in her life with remarkable timing. Each one met her where she was, teaching her lessons of belonging, resilience, loyalty, healing, and joy. These stories affirm that sometimes, it’s no accident when a dog comes into our life—it may be just the moment we need them most.
To read more about Teri’s life with her dogs, you can find Lessons I’ve Learned from the Dogs I’ve Loved on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or visit the author’s official website to learn more and get your copy today.