My friend and fellow blogger, John Howell @ Fiction Favorites posted a terrific story last month on his Friday Good News post about a little dog who went after a coyote and saved the life of his dog pal.
Dogs saves lives. I told John my dog saved the life of my father. He wants to hear the story. But, there’s more. My dog also taught me how to walk when I was 9 months old, and much more. John, I hope you enjoy the story.
It Happened Like This…
My dog and I were born on the same day of the same year. He was a black lab, and he loved me. Rex was his name. He was a hunting dog, as my dad was a fisherman and duck hunter. Rex was his trusty companion. FBI agent during the week, duck hunter and fisherman on the weekends.
Labrador retrievers are trained to have ‘soft mouths’, which keeps them from damaging the ducks. I was the recipient of Rex’s soft mouth in the best of ways. When I was nine months old, Mother would prop me up on the couch so she could go about her housework. Rex would slowly approach me and open his mouth wide. He was patient. I would put my arm into his mouth, as far as my elbow. The distance from my nine month old fingers to elbow was probably less than the size of a duck.
Then, Rex would gently close his mouth and tug, pulling me off the couch, and wait until I got my balance and stood up. The rest must have been like a comedy movie, as he backed up and I walked forward, stopping at every piece of furniture.
Yes, my dog taught me how to walk.
Being a retriever, he also did some naughty things, like getting all the newspapers from the porches in the neighborhood and delivering them to our front porch.
One weekend Rex and my dad were fishing on the Ohio River. There are two stories as to what happened: My dad was wearing heavy rubber waders. Something caused the boat to tip, and my dad and Rex were in the water. Immediately the waders filled with water and pulled my dad down and under. He was an excellent swimmer, but the forces of water were too powerful. Rex bit onto his wader and somehow managed to swim to shore.
The other story is the same, except instead of waders there were decoys in the water. My dad became entangled after the boat capsized. He and Rex took turns going under to release the decoys.
Rex saved my dad’s life.
Dogs save lives. My big brother wrote a story to Field and Stream magazine about Rex saving our dad’s life. The article was published.
The story of my dog doesn’t end there… Rex was more than a hero when my dad died. This will fill your heart:
It’s early Sunday morning. Dad and Rex are headed out to go duck hunting, along with two other buddies. A drunk driver from the Saturday night before hit the car head on. Rex and one of the buddies were the only survivors.
My mother was left with four children. She was a rock. She told me and my younger sister that an angel from Heaven had come down to tell our dad God wanted him to be an angel in Heaven, too. Because of that loving story, I had no sadness.
Rex was living with the survivor, my dad’s best friend….but he would find his way back to our house. Mother knew Rex needed help, particularly swimming in order to heal his injuries from the car accident. Along came Jim, who had a boat, and took Rex out for swimming on the river. He knew Mother, and we all think he was always smitten with her. Jim and Mother married, and he became my ‘father’. Oh, he was a bachelor, and Mother had four children. What a wonderful man.
Thank you, Rex.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Another wonderful Jennie Story! 🧡
I’m so glad you liked it, Ritu! 🥰
❤
Woof!
I LOVE this so much. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so glad, Barb. Many thanks!
“It Happened Like This… ” I know Jennie stories, and when they start like that, they are true. Dogs are great. Rex is probably in Heaven, fishing with your dad. These are great stories about Rex (and Jim). I hope John enjoys them, and I hope you have a great weekend.
Thanks, Dan. Yes, it’s a ‘Jennie Story’. 😀
Dogs are the best, as you know. I definitely think Rex is in Heaven fishing with my dad. Isn’t it a twist of fate that my dad’s death and Rex’s recovery brought Jim into the family? Some things are just meant to be.
Oh Jennie, this story really touched me. Bless him. What an amazing dog. I believe dogs are special angels who look after us. xo
Hi Darlene, I’m so glad it touched you. Yes, bless Rex. He must have been a special angel to bring Mother and Jim together.
What a heart-warming story. Thank you Jennie! x
I’m so glad it warmed your heart, Joy. Thank you!
Beautiful story, Jennie. Beautiful dog.
Thanks so much, Don!
wonderful. dogs are miracles
Yes, they are! Thank you, Beth.
Jennie, tears are running down my face reading this. I love my Dad. I love dogs. The picture of you on the sofa with Rex, your Dad and his huge catch,…the tragedy unfolding into such beauty. I’ll never forget this. Thank you for being such a light to us and sharing your life. It doesn’t surprise me your brother was/is a writer, too. Many blessings my sweet friend. RF 💕
What a beautiful comment, Karla. Thank you! Life, death, marriage, dogs, parents all rolled into one…under the umbrella of Angels. As you know, there’s a reason for everything, and I think Rex was the one who pulled it all together.
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You had me at ‘soft mouth’…foreshadows the stories which follow. All in the hills of West Virginia, too! Real people. Real lives. Real love.
Yes! Soft mouth was the door to more. You are so intuitive, Laura. Real, and real, and real. Thank you!
Very touching story, Jennie. Hits all the emotions: sentimental, sad, happy.
It certainly hits all the emotions. You can imagine what I was like writing this post. Thank you, Steve.
Yes, I thought about that, Jennie. You presented it well.
Thank you, Steve.
Rex sounds like a wondeful dog, and a true brave and loyal companion. I am glad that he used to find his way back to your house.
I also married a woman who already had four children, and some years later, we got Ollie. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Rex was, Pete, just like Ollie. I am so moved to realize that you married Julie with four children, just like Jim and my mother. I knew Julie had children, but this was a wonderful connection for me. It takes a special man to marry a woman with children. You and Jim are very special, indeed. And Ollie was the frosting on the cake. Best to you, Pete.
Julie wasn’t a widow of course, but divorced. Her kids were (twins) 11, 12, and 15 when I met her. They still see their dad, and I have met him many times.
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Sweet stories!
Thank you!
Welcome
What a story, Jennie. I love Rex. five of my dogs are across the Rainbow Bridge. I imagine them with Rex, sharing excitement.
Awww… we have three more across the rainbow bridge. I think they are all playing and happy. I’m so glad you enjoyed this story and love Rex, Jacqui.
Aw Jennie I love this xx
I’m so glad! Thanks, FR.
This one brought back a flood of memories for me, Jennie. I grew up with the best black lab—Smokey. Dad and Smokey were duck-hunting companions and friends. While he was a great family dog, he adored my dad. Mom used to tell stories about the three of them taking walks, and Smokey would gently nudge her out of the way so he could be near Dad.😊
Did my upbringing with dogs have any effect on me? We’ve owned many dogs since then, many of them lovable labs.
A flood of memories is a good thing! Your memories are just like my childhood. Rex was devoted to my dad, loved duck hunting, and was a great family dog. I bet he nudged Mother away a few times, like Smokey. Steve and I had labs. There’s no better dog. Our memories are as endearing as my childhood memories- just like you. Thank you, Pete.
That’s a story you can expound on a great deal, Jennie. Those are just the facts. There is so much more, I can feel it. Rex was a wonder dog for certain. I think many of us have wonderful dog stories. They make our lives so much fuller I loved reading this and thank you so much for sharing it. I’ll pop over to find John’s story later this morning. It’s almost coffee time upstairs. Have a great weekend, Jennie. Hugs and love, M
I grew up with a Lab as well Jennie. They are the best dog a child could ever have!
Rex sounds like a true hero! I never knew about your fathers accident and am sorry this happened to your family.
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Such faithful creatures able to display unconditional love!
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Wow! What an extraordinary story — or series of stories — involving Rex and your family.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the stories, Will. Thank you!
What a great story, Jennie. You were right about the story being a heart filler. This story filled my heart to overflowing. Thank you so much for sharing the story of Rex, your dad, and Jim.
I knew you would love this story, John. Thank you for prompting me, as I’ve thought about Rex and all he did for a long time. I hope he is playing with Bailey and Lucy, and our other labs. BTW, I’m trying to find my brother’s Field and Stream story. Honestly, I feel things happen for a reason, and Rex was the reason my mother and Jim married. I’m glad you heart is overflowing, mine is, too. Best to you, John.
Best to you, Jennie. 🤗
And to you, John .🙂
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What a wonderful post! I’ve always believed that dogs were the angels we didn’t know we needed.
Thank you, Pam! I feel the same way about dogs.
Oh man, Jennie … I LOVE this story soooo much! I’m not gonna ask what became of Rex, for I know without asking, but I love that dog just from reading this story! Thank you for this … tonight … much needed! Hugs
Thanks so much, Jill !💕
Thank you so much Jennie for sharing your beautiful story. Dogs are such wonderful and helpful friends that we must have. Even I have a golden retriever and her name is Amber and we all love her and she loves us unconditionally. A beautiful post.
Dogs are a gift to us! I’m glad you enjoyed my story! Give Amber a big hug.
Yes absolutely true Jennie. Yes will give my Amber a big hug 🤗🤗🤗
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Wonderful story, Jennie!
Thank you, Becky!
A wonderful story thank you for sharing all that such wonderful stories Dogs are just wonderful 💜💜
I know you are a dog lover, Willow. I’m so glad you liked my story. Thank you.💕
I loved it Jennie 💜😁
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A touching story about your dog, and your dad, Jennie. I’m a big fan of our four-legged friends. ❤ Thanks for sharing one of yours.
Thanks so much, Diana. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Dogs are a gift.
I couldn’t agree more. 🙂
The wonderful thing about your Mom marrying your Dad’s friend is that it was easy and safe to share memories about him. What grace.
Yes indeed!
A beautiful, touching story, Jennie. Hugs.
Many thanks, Teagan!
The name Rex (“King”) was certainly apropo, Jennie. Rex was truely a noble fellow!
He was, indeed. Fond memories and lessons of unselfish bravery that will never be forgotten. Dogs are accepting and forgiving, a role model for people. Thank you, Mitch.
Omg Jennie. What beautiful stories. I have goosebumps. Rex was definitely an earth angel. And by that story your mom told you after your father died, it’s not hard to see where you get your compassion from. 🙂 ❤
Thank you, Debby! Rex was certainly an earth angel. Your words are ever kind. 💕
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I love this! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you!
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Thank you.
How wonderful!
Thank you, Opher!
Absolutely beautiful story about your childhood dog. I love the photos. They remind me of the photos my dad showed me of when he was young. Dogs really do save lives ❤️
Gosh, Jennie, I had no idea you lost your father in a car accident. What a tragedy. I am glad your mother met and married a good man who was a good father to you and your siblings. My father also died when I was young and I also have an amazing step father 😊💚
Thank you, Robbie. I had no idea you also lost your father when you were a child. We are lucky to have wonderful stepfathers. 🙂
Very 💕
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Great
Reblogged this on https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
Thank you, Michael!
What a heart touching story, Jennie! Rex was a real member of your family, and a great friend. Thanks for sharing this beautiful story. xx Michael
I’m so glad you liked this story, Michael!
Reblogged this on Mitch Teemley and commented:
My Featured Blogger this week is Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections. Jennie is one of the most inspiring bloggers you’ll ever read, and an acclaimed preschool teacher whose methods are mentioned in the bestselling ‘The Read-Aloud Handbook’. But Jennie has more than just a love for children, she has a heartfelt love for those who’ve taught her how to love–including a dog named Rex!
Thank you so much, Mitch! It’s an honor to be featured here on your wonderful blog! Your kind words are so nice and much appreciated.
The honor is mine, Jennie, truly.
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Rex was obviously amazing. Thanks for sharing!
He was. Thank you!
Wow, what an amazing story, Jennie. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you, Manette. I’m glad you enjoyed the story!
What a wonderful story. I can’t imagine life without a dog in the house. Thanks for sharing. I’m glad Mitch passed this on.
Thanks, Rob. I feel the same way about dogs, thanks to Rex. We’ve always had a lab, thank goodness, although they didn’t teach our children to walk. 🙂 All dogs have wonderful stories to tell. I’m glad Mitch passed this on, too. He’s the best.
Years ago we had a wonderful lab/German shepherd mix. Years later we got a border collie while stationed in England. So smart. We have #5 now and are ready to “rescue” another since it’s been a while since our second bc passed away. One dog is great. Two is even better. 🙂
Wonderful, and well said!
This story brought tears to my eyes, Jennie. Rex was a wonderful dog, saviour and friend to all of you. How lucky he was to have you and all of you to have him. Beautiful.
So glad you liked it, Carla!