Excuse my French, friends of Mexico. Since I’m writing about a female dog, I’m assuming it’s okay to say this. “Payback is a Bitch.”

Dora is today’s special guest star on Day 7 of our 12 Dogs of Christmas series. If you are a parent, or have a soft spot for dogs or children, her story may break your heart.

Dora was given her name at Barb’s Dog Rescue by Jose. He is a nice man and dog lover who works there and helps care for the 4-legged residents. And yes, Jose thought of Dora because of the Nickelodeon TV series for kids, “Dora the Explorer.”

Now here’s the payback point.

I remember watching Dora the Explorer with my son, Julian. It was one of many shows he enjoyed as a little boy. But dear ol’ Daddy just had to mess with it. On an all too regular basis, I would bang the same drum about Dora the Explorer. Actually, it was more about her trusty monkey companion, Boots.

I would openly wonder and ask about how badly Boots’ red boots must smell since he wears them in every single episode. As usual in our little 2-person family, I was amused with my sense of humor. Julian was not. He responded the same way every time, “Daddy STOP!”

Today at 13, my son is getting payback daily. The pungent aroma of a 13-year old boy’s feet can bring physical and emotional trauma to places you never knew existed within you. This experience gets supercharged in close quarters like driving.

But my trauma over smelly feet will pass one day. Dora the dog’s trauma may likely remain the rest of her life.

Perhaps I write in jest because I can relate to this sweet dog. I came into the world like a puppy, too. And I know all too well what it’s like for her to feel abandoned and abused by a mother who was significantly less than loving.

Dora didn’t deserve what happened to her. No puppy or child does. She is short on trust and touching. It’s understandable. The good news is she was born at Barb’s Dog Rescue where special humans are always there to provide her with any or all love an innocent dog is willing…and able to accept.

Doggie Dora is living proof Barbara Mumaugh and her Band of Angels abide by this popular passage in the Bible:

“Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love doesn to delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…”

Can you find it in your heart or budget to support Barb’s Dog Rescue in caring for Dora?