Your Inspiring Pets September 2007

Jenkins

Meet Jenkins, my inspiration. Jenkins ended up in pug rescue after being found wandering down the middle of a busy county road. He was 15 years old (the average life span for pugs is about 12), totally blind, and dumped!

Still, after what must have been an unthinkably terrifying experience, his faith that most humans are good shines on. He spends his days rearranging laundry, napping in nests of shoes, and generally wrapping humans around his paws. He attends rescue events, holds court from his personal blue baby stroller, and charms the crowd. He thoroughly enjoys all the attention he gets and shows no fear of anyone, even though he can't see them coming. He's a constant daily reminder that rough times and physical limitations are only handicaps if we allow them to be, and that determination and an open heart will lead you to love more often than not.

--Ky

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Chesty

My son is a United States Marine. When he came home to say his goodbyes to us a few weeks ago, it was the hardest week of my life. At the age of 19, he would be leaving for Iraq.

As we drove back to our home, I knew the tears were going to start. Two cars in front of us stopped to point at something on the side of the road. Just as our car pulled up to look, up popped a tiny head of an animal.

It was a kitten!

I made my husband stop, and I jumped out of the car to run across the road and pick up the kitten. He fit in the palm of my hand. As soon as I held that kitten next to my heart, I knew that the Lord had sent him to me. Now I had something to care for and love while my son was away. Thanks to the little kitten on the side of the road, I did not cry that day.

The pain of missing my son is still there, but I know that the Lord sent the kitten to help heal my husband and me. Every day with my kitten makes me stronger inside. He makes me laugh at all the silly things he does.

We named the kitten "Chesty" after the famous Marine Corps mascot who was named after Lieutenant General Lewis "Chesty" B. Puller, the most decorated Marine in history. We felt that our great blessing should have such a great name.

--Trish L.

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Patches

Patches is a 6-year-old standard parti-poodle. He is the delight of my life. I suffer from anxiety and depression, but Patches will not let me. He always make me laugh, and I just feel better having him around. He is an obedient dog...when he feels like it. When he goes out to play, he usually brings a toy out with him and then brings it back in. Sometimes, when he doesn't bring the toy back in, he looks at me as if to say, "You talking to ME, lady?"

He was extremely shy when I first picked him up; he wouldn't come near me. But, with lots and lots of love, now he never leaves my side; he even waits for me outside the bathroom door. This beautiful animal, one of God's prettiest creatures, has been a godsend to me.

--Edwina H.

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Spring Thaw and Dane

My horses are my shamans; they are healing fixtures in my life.

The first horse, Spring Thaw (on the right), is a 20-year-old retired (from competition not life) Appaloosa/Thoroughbred gelding. Through the years we formed a very close bond that is on the edges of telepathy--through joys, sorrows, illnesses, and triumphs, we have been through it all together. Spring Thaw has become my best friend, the one true thing that I can believe in and count on. He has been a constant source of companionship, strength, comfort, wisdom, and entertainment.

In the last two years he has led me to my destiny--to work as an EAP (Equine Assisted Psychotherapy) practitioner through EAGALA. His gift is to reach the people in this world who have never been heard and give them a chance to speak. He fights for the underdogs and is a huge source of generous, pure love. I honestly don't think I would be here now if it weren't for the steady spirit of this being guiding me quietly and stoically down the path of life.

The second horse, Dane (on the left), is an 8-year-old Lipizzan Cross gelding. He is teaching me invaluable life skills. I see my issues changing when we ride together as a team. I love being around him--his soul is ancient and you can tell that he knows much more than he wants to let on. I feel the days when we are traveling together in complete rhythm and unison are the high points of my life; it is a true harmony of spirits.

--Christianna C.

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Abbie

This photo of Abbie was taken after the death of her companion. Abbie is lying on the neck pillow that she often shared with Carolyn, my daughter, who fought the battle with cancer and finally lost. Abbie, a trained therapy cat, was at Carolyn's side to comfort her, as she now does for me in my grief.

Before her death, Carolyn worked with Paws for Love, a group organized to help ill patients. It was at this time that Abbie came into Carolyn's life and replaced a therapy dog that had just passed away.

Carolyn often told stories of how animals helped patients in hospital rooms, but I was one who could not understand why people cared so much for pets. I never had one, nor did I want one, but Abbie changed my opinion and my life. I am alone now except for Abbie, and she sees to it that I do not feel lonely. She is aware of my depressed times, and she lets me know by her attentive affections.

--Betty W.

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Zach

Zach has been like God's little representative to me. He came into my life during a toxic relationship that led to a rapid attempt at marriage and a quick divorce. My little pup was there at my feet, playing and keeping my focus on positive things. During that time, I rediscovered my faith and really dove into learning it.

Zach is still lying next to me while I recover from a broken collarbone suffered in a cycling race. All I want to do is get him out to play. Just the desire to take him to the beach or for a walk or a run is enough to brighten me up when times are tough. He is truly like God--always there whether you ask him to be or not, waiting when ready, and urging you to get up and play again!

--Mike P.

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Donnelly

I refer to Donnelly, a 2-year-old Weimaraner I adopted from a rescue organization, as my furry Buddha. Before he came into our lives, there was a hole within me that I couldn't quite fill up. I looked into different spiritualities, donated my time to different organizations, and tried different hobbies. All were learning experiences and often enjoyable, but they never quite filled me.

Days after Donnelly arrived, I realized the searching and the ache were subsiding. I now have direction and focus, and I have an understanding of what unconditional love really is. Thanks to Donnelly, I have discovered a passion for helping animals, and I have found fulfillment working to make their lives better.

--Brandi P.

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