A religious woman, Flossie B. Goode of Danville counts her blessings every day — and toward the top of the list is her dog, Puppy Baby.

“She proves a blessing to me, which I rejoice daily because I have her,” Goode said of her Shih Tzu.

God answered her prayers on the day she found the dog at the Humane Society of Danville, she said.

At 85, Goode has had several cats and dogs throughout her life. But the last three dogs stand out — two schnauzers, Fritz and Alex, and now Puppy Baby.

Fritz died in his sleep on June 16, 2007; he had become deaf and blind, so Goode was glad he went peacefully. He was 14 years old.

A grave marker for Fritz, who’s buried in the backyard, says: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,

“Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

On Jan. 7, 2008, Alex had to be euthanized because he had developed several health problems. The dog, who was 8 years old, is buried at a pet cemetery in Indiana.

Both precious pets are loved and missed, she said.

Before Alex became ill, Goode decided she wanted a second dog. She had told her adopted nephew, Dale Kunkle, that she wanted a Shih Tzu, but couldn’t find one. She had checked the city animal shelter a few days earlier.

On Nov. 13, 2007, Dale’s wife, Buffey, called from the city shelter.

“She was very excited, saying ‘Auntie Flossie, we have found just the dog you want,’” Goode recalled.

Dale and Buffey picked up their aunt and took her to the shelter.

“Sure enough, I could hardly believe my eyes,” she said. “The dog was a pure breed. I was thrilled and went through the process of adoption.”

The previous owner had been diagnosed with cancer, and gave the dog up. The dog’s original name was Puppy, so Goode added “Baby” to her name.

Fortunately, the adoption happened during a month when senior citizens could adopt an older pet at no cost. Puppy Baby was spayed, microchipped, vaccinated and licensed, at no expense to Goode.

Goode’s veterinarian guessed that Puppy Baby is about 7 years old now.

She’s housebroken, and loves to have her tummy rubbed.

“She is a loving little dog. I praise God for her,” Goode said. “I was lucky to get her.”

Puppy Baby sleeps a lot, but does enjoy playing with her toys, looking out the window from the couch and chasing squirrels. She hates thunderstorms.

Also, Goode said, “She’s a good little watchdog.”

Goode has a picture of a Shih Tzu with the words: “You look at me with eyes of love; you never hold a grudge … You think I’m far too wonderful to criticize or judge.”

Goode, a big animal lover, noted that pets are good company, and recommended them to others, especially older people.

A native of Massachusetts, Goode became a missionary at age 18 and traveled across the country for 20 years. She worked in Colorado, Texas, and with the Navajo tribe in Prewitt, N.M., and other places.

In 1968, she was transferred to Wescove Christian High School in Potomac, and got married in Potomac to Ray Goode, now deceased, in 1970.

God has been good to her through the years, she said.

And, now, she has Puppy Baby to brighten her days, as well.

Goode’s story about finding the Shih Tzu — at a point when she didn’t think she would find one — is a testimony to the belief that good things come to those who wait.

DOG PARK PLANS

A meeting to discuss the proposed dog park will be at 6:30 p.m. June 17 at the David Palmer Arena.

Pamplets promoting the park have been printed, and the next step is to raise money for a fence.

The 5-acre park will be located at Espenshied Park off Voorhees.

A GOOD CAUSE

The Kennekuk Road Runners plan a Clear Pond and Picnic for the benefit of Champaign and Vermilion County Humane Societies at 9 a.m. June 27.

The event is for KRR members only.

Officially a five-hour running event, start and stop anytime you like between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., running the most challenging 3-mile loop in the Midwest. A picnic will begin at 1:30 p.m.

If you would like to have your pet featured in this column, contact Mary Wicoff at 477-5161, send an e-mail to mwicoff@dancomnews.com or write to Commercial-News, 17 W. North, Danville, IL 61832.