Best Buds

Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: November - 2022

Darren and Michelle Gillett with Buddy

Michelle and Darren Gillett did not want another dog. They were the owners of two boxer rescues, Robi (8yrs old) and Maggie (12.5 years old) and own and operate Scaly Mountain Crafters, a local artist gift shop where every item sold provides food for families in cooperation with local food banks. 

Not only are Darren and Michelle the store owners, they are both class instructors. However, when a blue heeler (also known as an Australian cattle dog) began roaming around Dillard Road, where they reside, they became involved. 

“It was August 2020, and everyone was trying to catch this dog to find out if he was chipped…who he might belong to,” said Michelle. “No one could get their hands on him because he was so scared, but he kept hanging around. Everyone in the area was feeding him. He would sit in the rain near the parking lots of the Scaly Mountain Post Office and Dollar General. We just felt terrible for him.”Area veterinarians and blue heeler rescue organizations were contacted to determine if anyone was missing a dog. Information about the stray was posted regularly on Facebook. No one came forward.

By November, the dog became comfortable enough that it would play with the Gillett’s boxer, Robi, when she was let out of their fenced back yard. However, he would never go inside the fenced area. And then the couple placed a dog bed and food on their front porch. The dog began sleeping and eating there regularly but still would not go inside the fenced yard or their house. 

Michelle and Darren decided that if the dog ever did allow them to get close enough to establish contact, they would rehome him. 

However, “Buddy,” the name they chose for the dog, had other intentions. 

On December 19, over four months after Buddy showed up in Scaly, he entered the Gillett’s fenced back yard for the first time to play with Robi. Not long after Buddy was in the back yard, Maggie came out of the Gillett’s house to meet Buddy for the first time. While Buddy had been playing non-stop with Robi, when Maggie appeared through the doggie door, he stopped playing and just walked around the entire yard with Maggie. 

When they were finished walking, the skittish dog followed Maggie inside the house. The Gilletts could not believe that Buddy was finally in their house. For the next two days, Buddy would not leave Maggie’s side. 

“I’ve been around dogs my whole life, and I hadn’t seen such a connection before,” said Michelle. 

They quickly learned why. The day after Buddy decided to go inside the Gillett’s house, Maggie began showing signs of sickness. The couple soon learned she was bleeding internally from advanced cancer. She died soon after.

“We believe Buddy knew Maggie was sick and that’s why he came inside – to be with her.” 

That was almost two years ago, and four-year-old Buddy is now “the friendliest” dog – advancing obediently daily to get his “work” collar on, loading in the car for the drive to the shop, and greeting everyone who enters. 

“For months, people tried to get that dog into their car or in their house,” she added. “We’ve heard that blue heelers pick their family and we are so blessed that Buddy chose us.”  

by Deena Bouknight