Just a few years ago, PJ Regan was recovering from drugs and alcohol abuse. Although he was sober for two years, his life was a complete mess. He didn’t have anything, nothing to look forward to, no job, no companions, no responsibilities.
One day, he browsed through Facebook for dogs he could possibly adopt. One particular photo of a pit bull named Clove caught his attention and changed his life forever.
One look at Clove’s face and PJ immediately decided to meet and adopt her. He had just found a new place to live in when he got a call from the Clove’s rescue center. They told PJ that he could pick up and take the dog home. So he did.
Their first day together, Clove was scared, timid, and very uncomfortable. It was an awkward first day for them both as Clove cowered in his presence and spent most of her time in her cage.
The next day, PJ brought Clove to a nearby park. Surprisingly, Clove brightened up. She happily ran around the park and played with other dogs, completely different from how she was at home. PJ realized then what he should do for Clover.
All his life, PJ had never gone for a walk in the woods nor hike in the mountains, but seeing Clove in her element, happily playing outside, pushed him to explore the beauty of nature. Both of them started to do outdoor activities and hiked every single weekend, rain or shine.
Their hiking adventures broke the barrier between them and brought them closer to each other. Hiking became a form of therapy for PJ. There was no weather that PJ and Clove haven’t experienced yet, as the two continued to gather experience and adventure. They already climbed so many mountains, including Mt. Elbert in Colorado, the tallest peak in the United States that a dog can stand on.
PJ and Clove are pushing each other forward with every adventure and challenge they face together. Among other things, Clove taught PJ how to forgive others and himself.
Images courtesy of The Bull Hikes
Dev
Wow, I’m touched, very good story. Sometimes they are more human than us.