Angels Have Four Legs

by Donna McBride

Have you had a strange experience that took your breath away?

Many know I lost Mama Tess about six years ago. I was holding her hand when she quietly passed while her little sweetheart of a rescue, Angel, sat on my lap.

A dear friend of mom’s brought her home. I knew Judy would take care of Angel.

Fast forward a few months.

I received an email from a stranger asking if I knew anyone from West Virginia. Having grown up there, I certainly did but had no idea how this person knew that. She emailed again several days later asking if I knew anyone from Harrisville, West Virginia.

It creeped me out at first (my sister lives there). After several emails back and forth, I learned she had a package for me.

Being cautious, I checked her out and felt comfortable she wasn’t someone stalking me. We made arrangements for me to come by.

Turns out her house was in Mama Tess’ neighborhood. Before I could knock on the door, she opened it. With one big dog at her side and another one in her arms, Jean met me with a smile.

As a dog lover, I told her no need to hold them back from checking me out. As I shut the door, I suddenly felt a chill run through me. The tiny one chocked her head from side to side and started whining.

Jean must have seen the look on my face and asked if Tessa Elliott was my mother. I said “yes.”

“This is your mom’s dog Angel.”

As soon as I sat down, Angel jumped on my lap and cuddled me. All I could say was, “I don’t understand.”

Jean explained Judy had taken ill and she helped care for Angel. Unfortunately, Judy passed away and Jean offered to take Angel in.

While the estate was being settled, Jean routinely checked Judy’s mail. That’s where the surprise package comes in. My sister Dotty had accidentally addressed it to mom’s old address.

My sister had sent homemade peanut butter fudge. It was still good. However, that package did more for me than just add calories. It reminded me how Mama Tess loved Angel and how we have kind, thoughtful people in Casa Grande.

Jean helped me reunite with Angel with special memories of Mama Tess.

Angels don’t always have wings.