The Legacy for Lukas
Bono and India were the Dynamic Duo of dogs. I found both of them, in different places, as strays. I entered them into a foster care / rescue system, but that didn't last long. (Foster Fail is a tile I proudly wear!) We were meant to be a team. They taught me that each dog has their own deep-layered personality. While India was a Shar-Pei and Pit Bull mix, both strong breeds, she was the Wal*Mart greeter in our house. Bono, was my gentle baby despite being a male german shepherd mix. India was my strong warrior princess and would defend us all whenever needed. But if I was harsh with her, she would crumble - a softie beneath her strong exterior. Bono was my shadow - following me wherever I went and making sure as much attention as possible went to him. Bono was my “heart dog.” It was their passing in 2017 that led me to become an animal communicator.
I worked with an animal communicator during the last part of my other dog’s life - Noah. I enlisted another’s help with Bono and India. These women allowed me to learn so much from my dogs. Bono encouraged me to always be their voice, the animals’ voice so others could learn to understand their place in the natural world. India encouraged me help other people and their animals as they neared their transition to the rainbow bridge. In fact, from across the rainbow bridge, India has been guiding me as I left my old career behind and began this new business in intuitive communications.
They both taught me that there are deeper bonds to be had with our animal friends. They mirror our selves so we can grow and evolve.
After they crossed, their involvement in my life didn’t end. They knew I (and my husband - but that’s another story!) needed a teacher in physical form to continue my growth and awakening. But I was resistant. I was determined to wait until after the upcoming holidays to get a dog, as we were going to be away for 10 days and I didn’t want to leave a new member of the family behind. But, after India and Bono crossed - within 6 months of an another - an intuitive friend of mine, received a message from both India and Bono that my controlling idea of waiting another few months to get a dog was, well, silly. My friend saw India and Bono holding up a black and white puppy to her. She heard them say “this is Julie’s new dog.” I was astounded. Really? A new dog? Now? And they hand-picked it? I wasn’t sure I was ready for it.
A few weekends later, as the Alaska Fall started to quickly change to winter, my husband and I went camping in our RV, Ned. (yes, another story). I was so depressed and spent the majority of the weekend in bed, crying and not wanting to move. My husband tried everything to help me but I just needed to grieve. Just before we were to leave our site, my husband was able to coax me out for one quick walk down to a small lake on a cold, clear Sunday morning. On the way, we were created by two friendly Australian Cattle Dogs - who had a coloration that was a combination of India, Bono and Noah. The two dogs kept nudging my hands to pet them as I marveled at their fur. I knew my in-spirit dog team was trying hard to nudge me to the surface of my sadness. We had a nice chat with the dogs’ human about the beautiful and empty campground, then said good-bye to the pups and went to the lake. I could feel my spirits lifting as I reached for my husband’s hand. He turned to me and said “let’s look for dogs when we get home.”
That night, we searched a variety of rescue sites in and around Anchorage. Suddenly, I spied a black and white dog named “Luke.” He was older - almost two years old - and was having trouble finding his forever home. I knew, deep down, he was the one. But I was afraid to commit. I was afraid that he wouldn’t be like my previous dogs - what if we didn’t get along? What if we couldn’t find people to care for him while we went away for the holidays? The list of fears was long!
I turned my computer around and showed Brad. Without hesitation he said, “We need to meet him.”
A few weeks later - when we were able to arrange a meeting, all of my fears melted away the moment “Luke” jumped up on me (to the chagrin of his foster mom) and gave me what I now call “a Lukas hug.” He placed a front paw on each of my shoulders and stayed there while we studied each others’ eyes. He was confirming what my in-spirit dogs had arranged.
Lukas was home.
Lukas in front of the portrait of Bono (l) and India (r).