Brookhaven Animal Rescue League and the Lost Pets and Found Pets of Lincoln County have shared numerous posts about stray animals needing homes especially in this heat. It breaks my heart to see so many dogs and cats who need a home, a human to love them and a cool place to spend the day.

I would like to encourage anyone reading to find room for at least one animal in your heart and home. I wish I could take more in but two cats, a dog and a tiny house is starting to get crowded.

Two weeks ago, a small, skinny white puppy appeared on our doorstep. He was scared but sweet, his ears were full of ticks and you could see all of his ribs and the collarbone. I scooped him up and spent an hour plucking the ticks out of his ears.

I named him Jim although his nicknames have ranged from “Slim Jim,” or “Jim Bob,” and “Jimbo.” The biggest obstacle was not getting this stray puppy to love me but to convince my wife we had the room in our home and in our hearts for another pet. Thankfully, my mother-in-law talked her into agreeing to keep our “Jimboree.”

I’m not sure what kind of breed he is other than some kind of lab mix. I would not be surprised if he shot up in size over the next few months. His personality and temperament is one of love, loyalty and excitement only a three-month old dog could have. My hope is to get him to go hunting with me, specifically duck hunting because my hunting cat hates water.

As a kid, one of my favorite books was Where the Red Fern Grows. If you haven’t read the story, it is best described as the love between a boy and his dogs to the very end. Spoiler alert, it is a story about dogs and there is only one way for those to end. It is so exciting to have a puppy and equally fulfilling to take care of animals who need a home.

The best part is, I didn’t have to walk barefooted to Tahlequah, Oklahoma to find my furry companions. Bruno, our hunting cat, came from Oktibbeha County Humane Society, Penny, our angry and sleepy girl cat, appeared one frigid night and Jim showed up unexpectedly.

If you are on the fence about taking in an animal to love and care for let me sell you this picture. You had a long day at work, your energy is drained but the second you step out of the vehicle a cat meows and walks up to your leg, rubbing his or her head on your pants. Or the second you open the door, man’s best friend is wagging his or her tail, just happy to see you. It gives you a second wind.

Jim likes to keep me warm on the couch curled up next to me, Bruno likes to wake me up purring while loafing on my chest. Penny usually greets me with a chirping noise like a bird and knocking over my VFD radio.

If you are able, find an animal at B.A.R.L. and give them a home.