From Despair to Joy: How Two Dogs Changed My Life
By Heather McCuen Dearmon
Heather McCuen Dearmon is an artist, writer and poet who lives in the wooded countryside of Pelion, South Carolina. Since she became a Christian 10 years ago, she has strived to create art, writings and poetry that reveal the many aspects of her life as a believer, and she has a chapbook of poetry, "The Seraph's Shadow.”

I didn't want to take it anymore: the fear, the anxiety, the depression. I lived like a recluse in my little home. I wanted my old self back again, I wanted to live like I used to: unafraid, happy, enjoying life with friends and family, but all that had changed, and I was a mere shadow of the woman I used to be.

So, one morning, while mulling over the local newspaper, I found an ad that read: American Bulldog Puppies for sale! I had heard my husband tell me stories about a wonderful American Bulldog, named Mack, which he had when he was a little boy. My husband smiled warmly whenever he would reminisce about Mack.

"Maybe," I thought, "Just maybe we could get an American Bulldog puppy? Maybe a puppy would change things around here?" Little-did-I-know what a huge impact a dog would have on my life.

We brought home Sarah, a sweet little white puppy. Her bottom lip stuck out as if she was born with a perpetual pout, although Sarah's temperament was anything but pouty! This sweet girl decided she loved me from the start, following me happily around the house, and even more importantly, Sarah got me out of the house! Everyday Sarah and I played fetch outside, and boy could she spring into the air after that tennis ball! Seeing her practically flying through the air always made me laugh --a good, heart-warming laugh-- the kind of laugh I had nearly forgotten about in my depression. I was amazed: just by simply being herself, Sarah was teaching me how to give, love and live!

When Sarah was six months old we adopted yet another American Bulldog into our home. He was a pudgy, white puppy and we named him Bully. Talk about doubling our pleasure! Sarah and Bully became --and still are-- the best of friends, even though their personalities contrast in many ways. Where Sarah is quick and agile, Bully is clumsy and goofy, and as he grew --to a whopping 90 pounds-- his clumsiness and silliness did not improve, and I am so glad. Bully is my silly, clown-of-a-dog, and he guarantees a good dose of daily laughter!

My precious dogs have been with me for 6 years now, and I'm still loving every moment I have with them. I have no doubt that God put Sarah and Bully in my life to teach me some of life's most important lessons, like cherishing the moment, finding joy in the little things, and the wonderful blessing of unconditional love!

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