Hello Everyone,
The miracle came at 10:30 AM this morning with a call from a young man named, Thor Kaiser. He told me he was 99% sure he had my Wrapper in his backyard!. I prepared myself for the possibility that it was not my Wrapper as I had several phone calls over the last few days that didn't pan out. I felt in my heart, however, that this was the call I had been waiting for, there was an unexplained peace that overcame me.
The young man and his two small children were waiting for me in front of the house when I drove up. I showed him the flyer of Wrapper and he grinned - "That's your dog in the back yard or his twin.." A short walk to the back yard and then a sight I had longed to see for so many minutes, hours and days was before me. Wrapper laying peacefully under a tree surveying the yard like a lion watching his kingdom. I walked half way across the yard with collar and lead in hand and didn't utter a word. He watched me closely, his eyes blinking as if he wasn't sure he was seeing what he was seeing. I stopped ten feet from him and proclaimed, "Wrapper Gilbert, where have you been?" The sound of my voice sent him to that familiar twirl and dance of joy that I know and love so well. I fell to the ground covered in boxer kisses, My work clothes were dirtied and soiled in seconds but I didn't care, I couldn't let go and we rolled on the ground together totally delighted in the pure joy of the reunion. Finally I realized that we were being watched by an amazed young man and his two small children and managed to gain some of my composure back. He smiled and said, "There is no doubt this is your dog, he wouldn't go near anyone else."
Thor told me that he had been in the area for days but no one could catch him or get near him. I had calls from the same area but every response left me with no sight of Wrapper and a cold trial. Thor had finally laid out some food in his back yard and waited until Wrapper entered and then shut the gate. The minute he was secured he called me on my cell phone number. He had seen the ad in the paper again yesterday but didn't call then because Wrapper had not been around the neighborhood yesterday at all. This morning he was back and Thor saw his chance. I cried and hugged him and he was absolutely wonderful, saying he had admired the dog every time he saw him and knew that he belonged to someone who was missing him terribly. I offered Thor a reward and he refused, I insisted saying he had two young children and they always needed or wanted something. He accepted graciously when I told him it was a gift from Wrapper for taking the time to care and secure him somewhere safe until I could come for him. He said he would love to have a dog for his kids one day when they were a little older and I assured him I would help him find just the right boxer when that day came.
I drove Wrapper home as quick as I could. We walked back to the bedroom where Herb was taking his morning nap. I woke him softly and then said, "Guess who's home?" Almost on cue Wrapper was on the bed showering kisses on his Dad too. Herb held him and sobbed like a baby, our baby boy was home!
I then took Wrapper to the vet for a complete checkup, bath and a MICROCHIP. Joyce Campbell considered him fit considering his ordeal. He had a little blood diarrhea no doubt caused by the stress and diet for his two weeks on the road. He's the same Wrapper in many ways, even perhaps a little more arrogant if that's possible :) The reunion with the rest of the pack went smoothly. I had feared that his time on the street would have given him an attitude but he ran and jumped and played with the whole crew like he had just come home from summer camp!
I cannot express my appreciation enough for all the prayers and good wishes that came Wrappers way. Our prayers were answered in God's time, not ours. I let go and let God do what needed to be done. My test of faith is over for now, the lesson will never be forgotten.
I leave you with these words from the song The Prayer beautifully sung by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli which has gone through my head over and over throughout this ordeal.
"Let this by our prayer,
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith
So we'll be safe "
Wrapper is home and safe!
Ann
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