Your Inspiring Pets July 2007

Dreamer

Once, I was riding on a trail with friends when Dreamer stopped. I urged her to go on, but she stepped forward reluctantly and then stopped again. All at once, everyone heard the unmistakable sound of rattlesnakes. Dreamer had known about the snakes, but had risked herself because she trusted me. To avoid the snakes, she turned up a steep hill, but as we did, I fell off and hit the hard ground and rocks below me. When I opened my eyes , I saw her stepping down, front feet around my head. Rather than run away as the other horses had, she stayed until I got to my feet and we slowly walked back to safety.

Three years ago we had another spill on a deep muddy trail. I lost my balance and fell over Dreamer's head and she rolled over me. Knowing that other riders have died when horses have rolled over them, I questioned why God had saved me--twice--with my horse. Sitting in Dreamer's stall crying and thanking her for saving me again, she did something out of the ordinary. She laid down near me and put her head in my lap. Not only had she saved my physical life twice, but she tried to help me emotionally.

I know it sounds crazy but I heard God's voice that day. Dreamer is a reminder from God that I am loved by something much greater. She also reminds me that trust is essential as breathing.

--Gloria D.

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Nubby

When I found the love of my life, Nubby, a three legged calico cat, I was 16 and had started high school really roughly. I was depressed and at 1 am on January 3, 2003, I left my foster home with no intention of every going back. I walked down the block to a nearby church and sat on the steps, crying out for God's forgiveness for what I was about to do. I was looking at the blade in my hand when I felt a nudge on my leg; I looked down and there she was. So small, so skinny, and so loving. I reached out for her and she didn't run; she jumped on my leg and began to purr. I walked back home with her huddled in my sweater.

After I got home, I placed her on the kitchen floor and fed her some tuna. Bending down to pet her, I realized she was missing a leg. It scared me at first, but then I grew used to it.

Nubby and I are inseparable. She follows me to the bus stop every morning for work and greets me on the house steps when I return from work. She was my little savior, a gift from God. She saved my life and I love her--three legs and all.

--Arelis K.

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Coco

My family adopted Coco recently and we believe that God sent her when she was needed the most. An amazing thing happens while we try to cope with our oldest daughter's low-grade brain cancer, which was successfully removed from her brain. Every time my daughter is about to have a seizure, usually ten minutes before it appears, Coco starts barking in an odd way and runs back and forth between my daughter and me. Coco was not trained to do this (although we are trying to research training options); she just does it.

Not only does Coco really help us deal with anxiety and stress, but she also alerts us when our daughter's seizures are about to appear! For my family, it is a great peace of mind to know that if my daughter has a seizure in the middle of the night, Coco will come to get us. We thank God every day for sending Coco to us, our little furry angel!

--Mary Anna P.

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Rosita

I got this little Chihuahua for my husband, Billy, a years before he died. He had suffered a severe stroke a few years ago and he wanted a "Taco Bell" dog, one he could handle with only his left hand since his right hand was paralyzed from the stroke. Billy named the Chihuahua "Rosita" and they were together from day one. Rosita accompanied Billy to the hospital with him, riding on his belly as he was taken to the lab, to the X-ray room, and to Nuke-med. I can only imagine how much comfort she was to him when he died; she was at the funeral, too.

In the days afterward, I didn't know how much comfort this little three-pound sweetie would also be to me. She would jump in Billy's chair, see he wasn't there, and then jump into my arms as if to say, "I have a grieving soul to help over here now." I don't know how I would have made it without her little cold nose and her warm heart. She is my blessing, and together we go visit elderly friends who knew my husband and who need attention now.

--Carol H.

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June

A few years back, I lost my father to cancer. He was very ill and we had to provide around-the-clock hospice care for him. This was very difficult and took its toll on me, physically and emotionally.

My kitty, June, was there for me every single step of the way. She slept right next to me every night, and she cuddled in my lap or on my chest during my endless flow of tears.

Several months after my fathers' passing, June herself was diagnosed with cancer. After much blood work, chemo, and several surgeries, June had her front right leg removed.

June is a cancer survivor, my angel, and my inspiration! She is always there for me through thick and thin. Through her strength she has given me courage, peace, and so much more. When I look into her eyes, I see love and hope!

--Gail P.

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Maggie and Cupcake

These are our two wonderful puppies, Maggie (mini Pinscher) and Cupcake (Pomeranian mix). They have been the most wonderful inspiration to my husband and me. A few years ago we found out we could not have children, and that was the worst thing we could ever have heard. We decided to get some pets to help close the void of having no children.

I love Maggie and Cupcake so much--they brighten my life and they lift me up if I am having a bad day. They are the bond that has kept our marriage going during the worst of times.

My husband and I prayed so hard for God to send us a child, but instead he sent us two of the most wonderfully adorable pets to love and care for.... Prayers really do get answered.

--Shonna and Jonathan D.

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