No one is immune from down-turns, bad times, or dark days–and when it rains, it pours. For me, 2025 was a Category 5, complete with a tsunami chaser. Life is not perfect for anyone, so my particulars are no more relevant than any others’. However, friends and family were contacting me from time to time out of genuine concern. I put on a brave face, stiff upper lip and all that, but those closest to us can detect a fundamental shift.

I had recently moved 30 miles away from the neighborhood in Richardson where I had resided since 2013. It was not a bad move: I simply wanted to get to a quieter, less crowded place. Of course, I maintained my friendships. Two of my close friends were involved in The North Texas Irish Festival (March 2026, Fair Park) which falls nicely in the vicinity of my birthday and spring break. I received enthusiastic invitations and decided it was just the thing to get me out of the house, and to socialize.

At the fairgrounds, I strolled with my group, that varied in size from four to seven depending on individual interests, contemplating the Art Deco architecture and the peculiar history that tends to make Texas the most interesting state. The day was cool and gray with intermittent smatterings of light rain, so my group and I would weave in and out of doors depending on the precipitation.

While crossing through one of the pavilions, I noticed several people, not necessarily all together, with greyhounds on leashes. I had never seen a greyhound up close and was naturally curious as to their presence at the festival, so I asked. That was my initial introduction to GALT. After I had spoken with several people affiliated with GALT and had a bit of their information in hand, my friends were curious, then supportive, of this sudden fascination of mine.

Being a long time school teacher and contemplating retirement, I began the process of becoming a foster for one of these magnificent creatures for the summer. I was many times impressed with GALT’s thorough interview and vetting procedures which assured me that I was speaking with a legitimately good organization, and I began to build my knowledge base for being a good foster.

Within three months and having passed all portions of the interview process, I was contacted and told that “Flynn” was available. I went to meet him and his primary handler, Julie W. (who, at my request, chose Flynn for me), at a GALT-partnered veterinary clinic, which set my mind at ease. I did not know what to expect and was relieved that Flynn was friendly and excited. (And, mercifully compliant with me for one of his size and strength.) I was, however, frightened at the prospect of him getting away.

Over those first few days, we went walking three times per day, which is not something I would normally do. I do not recall having any trepidation over, “What have I done?” It was quite the opposite. Flynn is the best! He’s goofy, funny, and friendly. (And, he has not the slightest inkling of how strong and fast he is.) We outfitted my compact SUV to achieve maximum comfort and movement for him. It became his happy place right away.

Within that first week, we visited Bonham State Park, and the idea struck me: Since it’s the summer, I can get a state park pass and we can take gorgeous walks every day! And, that is exactly what we did. We would begin before sunrise and visit a new state park each day: Eisenhower, Lake Tawakoni, Cooper (both of them), and Purtis Creek. We added to our daily adventure watching the sunrise in other states: Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas. One does not have to make an effort at becoming addicted to watching the sunrise.

Each day on the morning drive, I would breathe deeply and say, “This is just a better way to live.” Having to think about and consider someone outside myself quieted my own troubles and redirected my attention to the things in life that matter, the things that are beautiful in the world. I realized again, we have choices in this life–even when it seems we’ve exhausted all options. Flynn helped to solidify my decision to retire from full-time teaching, making him part and parcel to the “best decision I ever made.”