In this Shelter Stories strip, based on a true story by Mark Morell, a shelter worker recalls, "I was closing up the shelter for the day when a van pulled up. A boy ran out asking, 'Is Sarah still here?'
Sarah was a shepherd mix who appeared to have once been abused. She was gentle dog, but she didn't totally trust anyone. I was concerned we might have trouble finding her a home. I handed the boy the leash and he walked Sarah down the sidewalk. He sat with Sarah and petted her, and she gently licked his face. They looked at each other with love, happiness, and total acceptance.
His grandmother said softly, "He said he just wants a friend." His mother asked with tears, "What do we have to do to take Sarah home with us?"
If there ever was a match made in heaven, it was between this boy, who only wanted a friend in life, and a dog who had never known love.
