Anthony committed one of a person’s most selfless acts. It is when he brought Reggie, a dog from the shelter to his home. He didn’t even think they were a good fit until he took the dog around. Poor Reggie, he didn’t react to his name, and he seemed quite lonely. Anthony thought it was the right decision to take him back to the shelter. So that another family will take care of him to make him happy, right? Then he found a letter from the former owner, which changed his and Reggie’s life forever.
A New Home For Reggie
Six months ago, Anthony transferred to a college town, even if it’s too early for the school year, he felt that it would be great to move earlier. Everybody was hospitable, and people would always say hello regardless of the time of the day. However, a new city can be challenging if you’re alone and nobody is waiting for you to go home. Fortunately, a local rescue center is close to him, and they posted an adoption note for a Labrador. It was confirmed that the name of the dog is Reggie.
A New Home For Reggie
The Most Popular Dog
Anthony was shocked to hear that a number of people already asked about the lab when he asked the shelter about Reggie. Why? Because he just saw the listing in the newspaper. Lucky for him, none of the people who asked about Reggie is fit for the pooch. On the other hand, Anthony felt that Reggie was meant for him. However, it’s strange that the old owner left Reggie together with his bed, food bowl, toys, and a strange letter.
The Most Popular Dog
It’s Always Difficult On Day One
It has been said that for Anthony and Reggie, the first day is always the most challenging. Anthony had to carry Reggie from the shelter to the front door, as the dog was scared and in panic. It might not be the perfect start for Reggie. Nonetheless, Anthony knew that something bad happened to his new dog just by looking at his brown eyes. There’s pain inside him that is for sure, wouldn’t go away soon. It will be a guessing game to know what really happened to Reggie.
It’s Always Difficult On Day One
Nothing Is Working
It has been two weeks since Reggie stayed with Anthony. Anthony felt that nothing is working out for them, so he decided to take him back to the shelter thinking that the new family might have better luck and make him happy. He said: “When the two weeks were up, I felt it was time and that I had to take him back. I knew the number for the shelter would be amongst his old stuff, and I remembered leaving it there in one of the boxes in the guest room.”
Nothing Is Working
GameChanger
Anthony saw the sealed envelope the previous owner left for Reggie while sorting his stuff. Anthony never opened it as he was still not sure about Reggie. However, the dog looked at him with amazement in his eyes while browsing through his old stuff. Reggie felt happy and excited. It was the first time Anthony saw him like that. It was like Reggie was having a trip down memory lane. This made Anthony the urge to open the letter and understand why the owner left Reggie in the shelter.
Game Changer
To The New Owner:
Anthony eventually got up the courage to open the message saying: “To whoever gets my dog: Well, I can’t say that I’m happy you’re reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie’s new owner.” “I’m not even happy writing it. If you’re reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter.” You’re not going to believe what the following letter says. Get a tissue box ready.
To The New Owner
Most Awaited Answers
As curious as he was with Reggie’s story, Anthony kept on reading the message. ” I have packed up his bed and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time, it’s like he could sense that something was wrong.” “It’s sad for me, but that is why I have decided to write this letter. So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and him with you.”
Most Awaited Answers
Tennis Ball Lover
He’s so fond of Reggie, but why did he let Reggie stay at the shelter? Let’s continue: “First, he loves tennis balls, and he loves to hoard them. He usually always had two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there.” “It doesn’t matter where you throw them; he’ll jump right after, so be careful – don’t do it on the roads. I made that mistake once. Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I’ll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones – sit, stay, come, heel.”
Tennis Ball Lover
Trained Dog
Anthony discovered that Reggie actually has some kind of experience. “He knows hand signals: ‘back’ to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and ‘over’ if you put your hand out right or left,” he added. “‘Shake’ for shaking the water off and ‘paw’ for a high- five. He does ‘down’ when he feels like lying down…He knows ball and food and bone and treats like nobody’s business. I trained Reggie with small food treats.”
Trained Dog
He Doesn’t Like The Vet
The former owner also gave Anthony a warning that Reggie doesn’t like a veterinarian. He wrote: “Good luck getting him in the car – I don’t know exactly how he knows when it’s time for him to go to the vet, but he can somehow sense it.” How can dogs feel that? Hopefully, Reggie doesn’t get ill or hurt himself anytime soon. It’s still nice that he said that!
He Doesn’t Like The Vet
Much Needed Attention
Anthony was also reminded that Reggie is a dog, and he needed a lot of attention. “Finally, be patient with him. I have never been married, so it’s only been me in his whole life. He’s used to going everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can.” “He loves to be around people, especially me. Which means this transition is going to be hard with him going to live with someone new.” You’ll never imagine what the old owner told Anthony.
Much Needed Attention
Not His Real Name
Then something odd occurred. The writer told Anthony that the name of Reggie is not actually Reggie! “I don’t know what made me do it exactly, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I just told them his name was Reggie.” “He’s a clever dog; he’ll get used to it and will respond eventually. But I couldn’t bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it would feel so final and binding, that handing him over was admitting that I’d never see him again.”
Not His Real Name
We’re Not Crying
You’re crying, we’re not! So, does Anthony. The letter was obviously heartwarming, that everyone felt sad and even cried. “If someone else might be reading it, well, it means that his new owner ought to know his real name. It’ll help you bond with him, and him with you,” he wrote. “Who knows, maybe you’ll even notice a change in him if he’s been difficult. And that’s why I need to share one more thing with you…” Continue reading to learn something really surprising.
We’re Not Crying
One Phone Call
Reggie’s real name was revealed. “His real name is Tank because that’s what I drive. I told the shelter that they couldn’t put ‘Reggie’ up for adoption until they received word from my commander.” “There was no one I could’ve left Tank with. It was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq that they make one phone call to shelter in the ‘event of…’ To tell them Tank could be put for adoption.”
One Phone Call
A Letter For Tank!
There is no way that was an easy choice for the previous owner. As Anthony kept reading, it was clear why he had to put Tank in the shelter.
It was clear to Anthony why he had to put Tank in the shelter. The previous owner wouldn’t let Tank be adopted unless something else happened to him. “Well, this letter is getting depressing, even though, I am just writing it for my dog.” “But dogs can be like family and he has been with me for the past six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.”
A Letter For Tank!
Unconditional Love From A Dog
The unconditional love from a dog is the reason why they call a man’s best friend! He wrote: “That unconditional love from a dog is what I will take with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things”. “If I had to give up Tank to do it, I’m glad to have done so. He was my example of service and love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.”
Unconditional Love From A Dog
Thank You For Your Service, Paul Mallory
Last but not least, the writer thanked Anthony for adopting Tank.
Lastly, the old owner thanked Anthony for being so generous by adopting his pet. “I don’t think I can bear another goodbye to Tank, though. I cried so much the first time; maybe I’ll peek in on him and see if he finally managed to get that third tennis ball in his mouth.” “All the best of luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight- every night- from me. Thank you, Paul Mallory.”
Thank You For Your Service, Paul Mallory
It All Made Sense
Anthony will always remember Paul Mallory’s name even before he adopted Tank. Sad to say, during his deployment in Iraq, the young man died on a mission to save three fellow soldiers. Paul received the Silver Star posthumously for his heroics. This was all that Anthony needed to break tears and look at his improbable companion. Now he knew why Tank just looked so unfortunate. Read constantly if you’re a sucker.
It All Made Sense
Hey, Tank!
Anthony knew he must have said, “Hey, Tank.” That’s all it took for the lab to get up and actually see his new owner. He even went to Anthony, allowing him to hug him and to pet his head. With his new owner, Tank finally seemed comfortable. He even allowed Anthony to throw him the ball. Things turned better now!
Hey, Tank!
It Will All Work Out Just Fine
Things just fell into place for Anthony and Tank after the message. Obviously, he would not bring him back to the shelter after he learned what happened to Tank’s previous owner. Together, they would figure this out. After all, that’s what Paul would have wanted. “I can only hope and pray for you to make him part of your family and for him to adjust to and grow to love you in the same way he loved me.” Rest assured, Tank is in the hands of God. And it was from this that eventually led him to Leah…
It Will All Work Out Just Fine
Completely Unexpected
Leah Barrett who originates from Kent England was a breeder of pure championships. She very is well known as the person who bred some of the best labradors, who were also no strangers to numerous top dog shows. Most of the time her dog’s pregnancies were planned around the competitions, luckily for Barrett this unexpected and very surprising pregnancy of her Labrador, Beau was at a good time.
Completely Unexpected
Purebred Champions
Beau was just one of Leah Barrett’s Black Labradors, however, Beau had a very special place in Leah’s heart. Her lineage appeared at the Crufts dog show, which was an upper-class dog competition that honors the best and most intelligent in purebred canine companions. Everyone who knows about this competition knows it’s a fierce event and winning is a huge accomplishment.
Purebred Champions
Destined For Greatness
Leah always knew that her pooch, Beau was destined for great things, however, she didn’t quite know just how great. When Leah discovered that Beau was pregnant, she was completely ecstatic over the moon. As she a breeder, who made a living by bringing new puppies into the world, she was always overjoyed about the experience of new puppies. She couldn’t wait for the new arrivals…
Destined For Greatness
New, Baby Labs
In the beginning, Beau’s pregnancy seemed quite normal, nothing too special. There were no complications that they needed to be wary of, and Beau seemed healthy and very content with life. Leah knew that Beau would more than likely give birth to a large litter of puppies, however, what she didn’t know is that there was going to be a huge surprise when Beau gave birth.
New, Baby Labs
An Average Litter
When Beau was just a few weeks pregnant, the vet was already able to predict that Beau would give birth to around about five or six puppies. Leah knew that no matter the number, her new pups would be amongst the most elite Labs in the country…they were also going to achieve greatness. Nevertheless, the big surprise may just completely change all of her plans…
An Average Litter
Huge Surprise
As soon as Beau went into labor, it was very clear to Leah that the nature of Beau’s pregnancy was absolutely nothing close to what she was expecting. Not only was the initial prediction clearly far off but what was even more eye-opening was the total amount of time the entire delivery took. Both Leah and the vet were in for a huge surprise…
Huge Surprise
Beau Becomes A Mom
Leah could not believe her eyes, as she tried to help Beau as much as possible. With each passing minute, not only did she become more astounded but she also reached a point where she was quite anxious about the situation. The Labs began to quite literally pop out relatively quickly…Leah watched Beau give birth to seven puppies in just 40 minutes.
Beau Becomes A Mom
Getting Closer
However, Beau’s delivery was actually far from over. The puppies kept coming, suddenly there were eight, then came the ninth one. Leah waited a while before breathing a huge sigh of relief. But, she then noticed something that made her heart start intensively pounding. Not only was there another puppy trying to come out, but it was actually trapped inside of Beau’s birth canal…
Getting Closer
There Was No Time To Waste
Leah saw that the little pup was caught because of Beau’s placenta, which had come loose at some point of the delivery. Leah and her sister began to panic, they were frightened for both Beau and her little puppy’s life. They both started to get teary at the thought of one of the pups not surviving. They knew they needed to act fast…there was no time to waste!
There Was No Time To Waste
Grab The Gloves
Leah and her sister knew that the only chance the puppy had of surviving was helping it themselves. There was no time to even call a veterinarian. So, they quickly put on a pair of gloves and placed a clean towel next to Beau. They tried to be as careful as possible, even though they knew the clock was ticking, but eventfully they were able to rescue the pup from Beau’s birth canal. However, as much as all want it to be the end…it isn’t.
Grab The Gloves
The Key To All Things Is, Determination
Instead of the sisters’ feeling relived, what they saw next only made them a lot more terrified. The puppy that had just come out was not moving nor breathing. They started to fear the worst, they also thought it may just be too late to able to save the young dog. But ladies were determined not to give up…
The Key To All Things Is, Determination
In Case Of Emergency
Leah had once bought a puppy nebulizer for emergencies, she had fortunately not needed to use it in the past but now the time had now come. She knew exactly what needed to be done in order to quickly and efficiently remove as much of the fluid from this little puppy’s lungs. After a tense few minutes, which actually felt more like a few hours the newborn finally began to breathe…
In Case Of Emergency
So Many Reasons To Celebrate
Leah and her sister were so delighted had what they had managed to do. But, before they could get too excited they both started to notice that there was going to be even more reason to celebrate. Surprisingly, during all the hype and commotion of trying to save the one little pup, Beau had given birth to a whopping thirteen puppies…
So Many Reasons To Celebrate
More Difficult Than It Seems
Taking into account that usually female dogs give birth to an average of six to eight puppies, especially Labradors’. Even though Leah was overjoyed about the new litter, she knew right from the beginning that Beau was born to do great things! However, caring for so many puppies is going to be a lot more difficult than usual. There seemed to be a few problems on the rise…
More Difficult Than It Seems
Happy & Healthy
One of the many challenges was that Beau had given birth to 13 puppies and only had 10 teats. So, in order to make things go a lot more smoothly, Leah needed to wake up during the middle of the night to feed some of the babies. Of course, her main priority was to make sure that Beau and each and every one of her pups was happy, healthy, and well looked after.
Happy & Healthy
13 Unique Personalities
From the litter of 13, there were 6 females and 7 males. Leah took some time to name each of them according to their own unique personalities. A few of them were easy to give names to as they had some adorable mannerisms. The weakling of the litter was named first and given a strong name, Stormy, in hope that it would actually “give it a helping hand”.
13 Unique Personalities
What’s In A Name?
One of the pups who barked a lot and made the most noise was named after a singer, Paloma Faith. And the smallest pup who nearly didn’t make it was named Hope. The thirteen puppies were amazing proof that animals really have incredible strength that we as humans often underestimate. We also can’t forget the remarkable work that Leah and her sister did for precious Beau.
What’s In A Name?
Hefty Price To Pay
Needless to say, the new litter of puppies would not be staying for too long in Leah’s home. Beau managed to deliver a very large litter, which would eventually become overbearing and difficult to manage, even for an experienced dog owner like Leah. So, when the right time came, 11 of the puppies were given to new and loving homes. But, the offspring of the champion did not come cheap…
Hefty Price To Pay
All You Need Is Love & A Lab
The price for each purebred Labrador puppy was 950 Euros, which converts to roughly $1 140. This means that after Leah had sold all of the adorable, purebred puppies she would have made over $14 000. Considering all the hard work that was put into the birth, that’s quite amazing! However, Beau is actually not the only Lab to have given birth to such a large litter, in fact, that record goes to a Scottish Labrador named Annie who delivered 15 puppies!
All You Need Is Love & A Lab