I was definitely born an animal lover! There was not a lot of information I received about my first months but one thing stood out to me in the notes written by my foster family. It was the description of how I would gently rest my head on the family cat. Clearly I felt comfort and took care when being around animals even as young as 10 months. I have photos of myself as an infant in pursuit of the family cat and a dog nearby.
I was an animal lover from the very beginning. I believe that animals are unconditional healers to everyone they touch. They truly can be a wonderful outlet in many ways especially to children.
The first dog I remember is George. He was a mutt but I believe had some border collie in him. He and I were buds for sure. I still swear he is with me sometimes even though he passed on when I was 5. There is a feel to his memory that still seems alive to me.
It was after George passed away that Heidi came into my life. Heidi was our family's Golden Retriever. I remember my Mom calling her a GR as Golden Retriever was tough for a 5 yr old to remember as was the name Heidi at first. I still remember her riding on my Mom's shoulder in the front seat of our Volkswagen bus on the way home. I had 3 siblings and we all wanted Heidi in our room for the night. We learned quickly about puppy messes and work!
I really bonded to Heidi. She was there for me no matter how I felt. I could cry, be angry, talk, be silly and just be me when with her. There were many times that I was confused about being adopted and Heidi often heard my thoughts and licked my tears. This was safe. I had a safe place in her to talk where nothing was awkward or scary. She would just be still and listen with my Little Bear as I shared my dreams and questions about why I was adopted. I can not possibly express the role this wonderful dog played in my life. She was a listener, friend and dedicated companion for 13 years of my life.
She taught me patience as we worked on daily obedience lessons. I looked forward to our play sessions. I enjoyed teaching Heidi all sorts of new skills. I was very proud of her. She made me feel safe as we shared my paper route in the early mornings. Most of all she made me feel so welcome when I felt sad or confused.
I had a wonderful home with 3 siblings and wonderful parents that loved me very much. I can however say that there was nothing that could replace the wonderful companionship of Heidi. It is with this in mind that I hold a special spot for families that are touched by adoption. Canine or feline companions can be so therapeutic and healing in ways we can not even begin to understand.
It is my goal to help families strengthen this bond and learn about their companion so that they too can experience all the benefits that I did with my companion Heidi.
-Jennifer Shryock
I reunited with my BirthMother in Oct 30, 1998. A year later I met my Biological Father.
