Postman to the Rescue
There may be times when the United States Post Office runs a bit late with its deliveries, leaving customers nervously waiting. That, however, was not the case with postman Ian Burke and a 70-pound German Shepherd and Border Collie mix named Floyd.
The story began three years ago when Ian was working his familiar Denton route. He was in front of a familiar house with a fistful of mail when he heard a screened door slam.
“A cute, fluffy puppy shot out and ran up behind me,” Ian said. “I turned around, and he was ready to be friends. I watched him grow from that little ball of fur into the 70-pound dog he is today.”
Floyd, named after the gangster Pretty Boy Floyd, wasn’t the only dog on Ian’s route. There were others. They were all friendly and welcomed Ian’s scratches and pats, but there was something different about Floyd.
The dog and the mailman developed a sincere bond. Maybe it was because Ian was there to watch Floyd reach special milestones. Maybe it was because Ian never disappointed the dog, appearing at the same time six days per week in sunshine, rain, sleet, or snow. Or maybe it was just the steady presence of the man and the dog, growing a friendship.
It was through Floyd that Ian learned about the person who relied on him as a service dog as well as a companion.
“Floyd’s owner was a Vietnam veteran,” Ian explained. “He spent his days in a wheelchair because of a war injury. Floyd was so good for him, giving him company and love. It was a two-way relationship because Floyd was loved very deeply. He was also very spoiled.”
Ian kept his Denton route almost two years, and leaving Floyd behind when he was reassigned wasn’t easy. “He loved to give me his version of a hug, and I missed him,” Ian confessed.
Ian made the transition to his new route, leaving Floyd but not forgetting him.
Memorial Day of this year, Ian was shocked to hear a co-worker talking about a dog at the Denton Animal Shelter. “He described the dog and everything he said matched Floyd,” Ian said. “I said to him, ‘Hey! Are you talking about Floyd?’ He said yes, and told me Floyd’s owner passed away, and Floyd ended up in the shelter.”
Ian’s brain (and heart) was close to panic mode. He called the shelter immediately, telling them he watched Floyd grow up and he wanted him. He was on “hold” protocol at the shelter, and Ian was given the date he would be available for adoption. He told the shelter he would be there before their doors opened.
Ian was true to his word.
He arrived at the shelter, waiting for someone to unlock the doors. It was as if no time had passed when Ian and Floyd saw one another for the first time in nearly two years. The dog recognized the man’s voice. Most of us know the feeling of at least one of those special friendships, the kind where you don’t see or speak with someone for two years but then reconnect precisely where you left off.
Prayerfully, the dog and the man will be blessed with many years together.
“I’m honored to take care of Floyd,” Ian said. “He had a wonderful home while growing up, and my goal is to give him one that’s just as good or even better.”
Ian refers to Floyd as his “fur son.” Now, those six days per week they once enjoyed are seven, and the man and the dog are happy.
To learn more about the City of Denton Animal Services, or connect with adoptable pets, visit:
