A Blog about a dog....and peace.

At PeaceTags, we’re all about giving gifts of peace. Sometimes those gifts can be very simple--like sharing stories of unsung heroes in our midst who are creating more peace in the world. That’s why we want to tell you about Diana Crimi. And Rocky the dog.

Rocky had captured the attention of his neighbors for years. He appeared miserable. That’s because he spent most of his life tethered by a chain to a fence. Some days, the 14- year -old Husky/Shepherd mix was held so close to the fence he couldn’t lie down. So, he stood waiting. In all sorts of Pacific Northwest weather, Rocky waited.

A reporter for the Seattle Post Intelligencer ran a story about Rocky’s plight and the controversial subject of animal chaining. Many people were upset. Some were outraged and wrote scathing letters to the editor. Diana Crimi DID something.

Diana Crimi is a life long dog lover. Her Dad served in the Navy, so the family moved around a lot. Diana remembers her family frequently taking in stray or lost dogs. They were fed and cared for and homes were found for them. Diana continued to rescue and rehabilitate dogs throughout her life.

She says-

"I believe animals are a gift and a blessing. There’s a special reason for them to be in people’s lives. I think dogs were put here to help people.”

Diana was told about Rocky by a friend. The self-described “butt-in-ski” hopped in her car to see if she could help. Upon locating the dog in rural Washington state and witnessing his circumstances, the retired teacher and mother said,

“I decided with God’s help I was going to get that dog some peace.”

She had to return a few times to find the owner at home. At first he was resistant. But Diana was persistent. She patiently explained that she lived on an acre and a half of land, had 5 other rescued dogs and was retired. She had the time and the love to properly care for Rocky. Reluctantly, the dog was released to Diana. Rocky's waiting was over.

Now Rocky sleeps on a fluffy dog bed and runs free in the yard with his new friends, Diana’s 5 other rescued dogs.

A veterinary exam revealed several health issues including ear tumors, malnutrition, and an unhealed leg fracture from being hit by a car.

Diana is determined to nurse Rocky back to health and find him a home. Or she says, the old boy can stay with her. She pays out of pocket for the care of all of her dogs. This amounts to literally thousands of dollars per year. But "it's a labor of love ,"she says.

PeaceTags has found out that Companion Animal Rescue Society (http://www.carspetrescue.org/) will accept donations, Donate to CARS, to help Diana if one enters "Diana and Rocky" on donation checks.

And an anonymous donor arranged for a PeaceTag to be sent to Diana. When asked which “words of peace” spoke most to her heart, Diana selected the quote from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount,

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God”.

Here is Rocky in his new surroundings with Diana and friends:

Diana forwarded us the following message:

"Rocky is one of the pack and everyone accepts each other. He has friends around him all the time now and will never have to be alone again."

In these complex and challenging times, it’s important to remember that there is still good news. And there are still plenty of peacemakers. Random acts of kindness, love, compassion and peace are all around us. Just ask Rocky!

This story is your gift of peace from PeaceTags. Now go out and make it a peace-FULL day!!!!!!

http://www.komonews.com/news/problemsolvers/40829517.html (link to story on Komo news about Rocky.)