Malia and I had already made a few trips to the Humane Society of the Black Hills. Sending pictures and spending time with a few dogs up for adoption we started to put the idea in Tammy's head. Although Malia and I just wanted to go ahead and take all the dogs home, we decided to wait and take our time. We don't have the type of home that would allow herds of animals, nor is it permitted where we live. And so tears were shed as we left each day praying each and every one of them would find a loving home.
Finally, the time had come. We found "the one." Tammy and I sat at the Humane Society with a little puppy that was named Pren. He had long, golden hair and reminded us of Lassie. Our new pup had come from the Pine Ridge Reservation and was just over four months old. He was beautiful, but there was one problem... he needed a new name.
After rifling through a number of names... even Martha, after our first first lady... we all came to an agreement on Dusty. Our little (not really) Dust Buster has brought joy to our lives. Of course, in the beginning there were a few casualties, clothing, my stuffed animals... I mean, no, Malia's stuffed animals, treatment for his bone a day habit, a few electric cords and more, but he would just look up with those eyes and all was forgiven. There is something special about adopting an animal from the shelter, and when I look at Dusty sometimes I feel like he knows what it means to now have a home. And he knows how blessed we feel for finding him.
So all this leads to what I have decided to do for the month of September. I will be donating 20% of all proceeds to our local shelter, the Humane Society of the Black Hills. "Eyes of Payne," available exclusively on Amazon for 99 cents, and Lazarus Rising, my debut novel, available in both print and digital format... will both be a part of this promotion. Please, spread the word; get a copy and help this wonderful organization continue to help animals from all over our area. The Humane Society never turns an animal away, a dog's day is never numbered, and each year they care for over 4600 strays and unwanted animals.
Okay, it may not be changing the world, but it certainly is changing the world for that pet. So adopt a dog or cat, send money, or just simply buy one of my published works. Either way you will be supporting the Humane Society of the Black Hills; helping dogs like Dusty find a permanent home. I can't even begin to explain what a blessing Dusty has been in our lives, but I can give back. Finally, in the words of Dusty, "Arf, arf... arf, arf, arf... arf." Loosely translated it means: "If you love animals; you will buy my daddy's book." Or... something like that.
Until next time... God Bless!