When staff at the Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire, MI arrived one recent July morning, they were astonished to find a dog curled up on the couch in the waiting room. Miraculously, Scout had escaped the night before from a nearby animal shelter, managed to scale the 10-foot chain link fence and another 6-foot solid privacy fence, cross a busy highway without being run over, find the nursing home, go in through the front door and crash on the sofa.
Scout was sent back to the shelter, only to escape again a few nights later and return to the facility. Then, a few nights after that, the whole thing happened again! At that point, the nursing home staff saw that it was meant to be. They adopted Scout, who quickly began making friends with the residents. His presence has improved life for everyone – including the formerly abused dog himself, who has now found a sense of purpose. The Detroit Free Press reported that he patrols the halls as both security guard and professional greeter, plays with residents who still have the energy to do so, visits those who are near death, and accepts dog treats from his many admirers.
“To each and every one of them, it’s their dog,” said Jenni Martinek, the nursing home’s household coordinator. The mysterious part is, how did Scout know exactly where to go? It was as if the facility was calling him. Luckily, the determined canine followed his instincts and despite all odds, claimed his turf.
We all have the opportunity to claim our turf in one form or another at the Virgo New Moon (Sept. 14, 6:39 p.m. PT). Virgo rules life’s practicalities – food, shelter, work and health – and we’re invited to set intentions, stake a claim and move forward in any of these areas of life. This message is emphasized by Mercury (ruler of the New Moon) turning forward in Virgo the next day, ending its three-week retrograde phase. As Mercury starts to pick up speed over the next few weeks, many things can finally get handled.
To make matters interesting, the New Moon opposes Neptune in Pisces – ruler of intuition, dreams and fantasies. The road ahead might look hazy, or going on faith may be required. Yet this lunation also trines innovative Uranus in Taurus and potent Pluto in Capricorn, creating a stabilizing Grand Earth Trine. The close trine to Uranus, in particular, advises us to embrace surprises and insights, and be willing to streamline our methods to obtain the best results. A number of planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto) are still retrograde, suggesting that certain factors (especially regarding the weather or society at large) are not within our control. Still, we can draw up plans, brainstorm possibilities and start to see results from things we’ve been working on for some time.
For guidance, we can follow the lead of the intrepid Scout, who somehow knew where he needed to be and didn’t give up until he claimed it. His story reminds us to heed our instincts and to have the patience, faith and persistence required to manifest our dreams.
Amazing dog! Love how animals put themselves into our lives. What a great story. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it, Linda! I’m not really a dog person, but this story just really grabbed me and seemed perfect for this New Moon! Have a happy one…
Uplifting and heartwarming. Thanks Simone
You’re so welcome, Myranee! And thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it.
I love this tale… Im wondering if Scout’s owner ended up at the facility and that’s why he was bound and determined to go there? Dog’s have such a deep heart compass..
Oh wow, I hadn’t considered that! Would certainly make sense. Happy New Moon, Ceslie dear!
I read this story the other day in either the NYTimes or WP. Such a delightful story, thank you for reminding me. May I weave into my talk tomorrow?
Absolutely! It’s so worth sharing. It was so great to see you last night at the meeting, Guy. Thanks for driving all the way down for it. I was inspired by your outlook on turning 70 and really would love to see anything you might write about this next phase of life!
Loved the story and the wisdom. Thank you!
Perhaps we all have the instincts to go to heal and be healed through this lunar cycle. I appreciated the reminder of the outer world we cannot control.
Yes, Virgo is certainly a sign associated with healing, isn’t it? I’m glad you appreciated the story and am sending you lots of love in this difficult time, dearest Katherine. Big hugs, Simone
That story says animals know how to weave on the loom of wisdom. We need to listen to their insightful wisdom. I have a rescue cat, rescued from her tramatic past. I wasn’t sure I could help her through the damage she suffered to her psyche, but she has helped me so much and her independent attitude has only helped me to grow. She is my magical Willow, and is so advanced in her understanding of life and of how to cope and come out stronger. Thank the Gods for the animal Kingdom! Most are forgiving – and always willing to help.
Yes, thank god (and goddess) for the animals! Max (my cat) keeps me sane and connected to what’s real. Sounds like Willow does the same for you. Many blessings at this Virgo New Moon!
Beautiful story and tugged on my heart as I am the proud owner of a dog who would go into to my mother-in-law’s nursing home and greet her enthusiastically whenever we would go visit. The other residents loved her also. Bill Thomas wrote about nursing homes needing a resident pet and I believe that is so important.
I think it is interesting that you mention the road being hazy but to go forth in faith, due to the New Moon opposing Neptune in Pisces. Victor and I are planning a speaking engagement and workshop series and it seems we are needing some faith, not in our abilities, but that it will attract an audience. Thanks again for a wonderful blog, Simone. I read every single one of them!
Glad to hear you appreciate them, Lisa. And YES to resident pets in care facilities! Good luck with your workshop series, just take it slow and maybe wait a week or so to commit to specifics.
Virgo/6th House rules over the caring of pets as well, so this was perfect! Thank you, Simone! Happy New Moon!
Good point, Erica! I hadn’t even thought of that. Happy New Moon to you as well!