http://dogschangelives.org/ en Copyright 2010 2010-03-15T14:51:29+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/melissa-and-midnight/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/melissa-and-midnight/ It all started with me being the passenger in a motorcycle accident and left on the side of the road for dead by someone who was saposed to love me. My foot almost had to be amputated as a result. The Drs. saved my foot, but I was bedridden for a long time after I got out of the hospital. My mother took care of me and my male rottweiler Midnight around the clock for eight weeks. I was in a lot of pain physically and emotionally. I honestly didn't want to live. I think he somehow knew this, because he never left my side. My mother would ask him if he needed to go out and he wouldn't move until I said it's ok Midnight go on. Then he'd look back and forth between us and I could tell he didn't want to leave me. He was very in tune with how I was feeling. One night I had all my pain pills in my hand and was contemplating taking them all. He must have sensed something was wrong because he started barking and as I tried to quiet him my mother came in the room and Midnight jumped on the bed scattering the pills. My mother picked them up and just hugged me while Midnight lay there half on top of me. I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for him. My love and responsibility for him is what kept the misery away while I was recovering. It was his undying loyalty and gentleness that saved my life. I loved him more than anything in this world. I recovered and we lived happily. I met a great man and fell in love and eventually got pregnant. While I was pregnant I found out Midnight had bone cancer. I was devistated! They gave him max four months to live. I took very good care of him and he didn't leave me for over a year. I had had my daughter and it was like he knew I was going to be ok and that he could leave me now. He's been gone five years now and I still miss and think about him every day. I cry now for everything I have because of him. 2010-03-15T13:51:29+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/lynzea-and-cane/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/lynzea-and-cane/ my dog cane is very awsome he has changed my life because he protects me from strangers and he has gave me a friend as far as i know that is just a little bit so yea ... thank you bye!! 2010-03-15T13:50:41+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/christopher-and-kayleigh/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/christopher-and-kayleigh/ Around the time my Samoyed Kayleigh was 11 years old, we were separated from each other. I still got to spend time with her each day but she couldn't live with me. This meant that I couldn't be woken up by her hot breath on my face, her way of telling me she had to go out. I couldn't lie in bed and listen for the jingling of the tags on her collar as she entered the room, circled and finally settled down for the night on the floor next to my bed. Kayleigh came into my life as a 3-month-old ball of white fur and now after 11 years of constant companionship, we were like 2 ships passing each other coming into and out of port. A few years earlier a divorce and other financial setbacks had caused me to have to move into my sister's house with her and my mother. Kayleigh had blended seamlessly into a household with a feisty cat and a playful Siberian Husky. When I finally had the money to return to life on my own I rented a mobile home a few blocks up the road. However, the landlords had had trouble with previous tenants having dogs so they wouldn't let Kayleigh live with me. I was allowed to bring her up to visit each day but she had to remain living with my sister and mother. I knew Kayleigh was well taken care of but I missed her. At times, she didn't even feel like my dog anymore. I didn't feed her, I didn't take her out in the morning or at night, and I listened to stories about her that weren't mine. A few years went by this way and then something happened that changed my perception. My grandma, my mom's mom, passed away. It was unbelievably hard on my mother. She told me in the weeks after that it was hard for her to even get out bed in the morning knowing her mother was gone. But then she said this: "The thing that makes me get up is that sweet Kayleigh. When I walk to the top of the steps there she lays at the foot of the staircase, waiting for me. She always looks up and the tail starts to wag. Then she'll stand up and stretch, waiting for slow old me to get downstairs. Once I'm down I feed her and let he out into the yard. If I didn't know that she needed me I probably wouldn't bother getting up most days." Hearing this put me at peace with the situation and I saw my friendly, independent and stubborn Samoyed in a different light. As a school teacher, my sister was up early taking care of her own dog, but Kayleigh waited for my mom to get up to get fed and go out. Somehow she knew that while I missed her every day, my mother needed her. 2010-03-15T13:47:45+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/rebecca-and-summer/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/rebecca-and-summer/ Summer and Michael met on a Sunday evening. We were completing our monthly therapy visit at a local hospital. Monthly visits always ended with a visit to the emergency room. As we were entering the ER doors a man asked "What are these dogs?." Being used to this question, I explained that the dogs are therapy dogs, here to visit patients, ease their pain, and to provide comfort. The man explained that his son was at the ER because of a dog bite attack from a dog he knew. He explained that his son was traumatized, had been hyper-ventilating, and was in a lot of pain. We stated that we understood and would avoid his son's room. I offered my deepest sympathy to them and started to go on my way. At the last minute I stated that if his son saw us in the hall and requested to see us we would be more then happy to take time and visit with him. As we entered the doors to the ER we parted ways, but before we could start visiting he started waving our way and said that his son wanted to see us. As Summer and I entered the room the young boy smiled brightly when we entered despite the dried tears on his face. Summer could barely reach Michael with the raised bed, but stretched her nose up to reach his hand. Michael's father stood nearby holding his son's hand with a look of awe at his child's courage, as he appeared to heal internally after such traumatic injury. The doctor began to prepare Michael for the pain of a numbing injection so that they could begin suturing him up. As they asked him to roll his leg to the side he yelled in agony. Tears once again began to run down his face. As he tried to deal with the pain, Summer loyally stayed by his side and continued to push her nose into his hand as he gripped the metal bars. Summer continued to be a distraction to him as the suturing of his wounds began. As Michael reacted to the pain, Summer insisted on staying close to the bed. As we prepared to go visit other patients, Michael's face showed disappointment. Summer and I offered to remain by his side, but he bravely told her to visit with others. We promised to come back. When we returned to the room, the doctor was placing the last of the eleven stitches required and informed Michael that he would need crutches. Summer placed herself again at her new friend's side and despite difficulty with her rear hips she placed her front feet on the bed rail so could be reached easily without him needing to roll his leg and twist his body. As we left the room I praised Michael for his courage, and thanked him for opening his heart. Michael's spirit was contagious, after suffering a traumatic event he immediately opened his heart past the fear. Despite his pain, Michael smiled every time Summer's wet nose touched his hand. His gratitude for our visit, his family's genuine awe at their son's courage, and the beautiful smile from a ten year old boy left me honored to be in his presence. Summer and I were grateful for the opportunity to visit with Michael and his family. There was a new understanding of Summer not being "just a dog", but a therapy dog who could bring comfort, healing power, renewed trust, and joy to those she interacted with. Meeting Michael and his family was a reminder of why I began training Summer four years ago and why I believe so strongly in the use of therapy animals. As we left the hospital and walked to the car I reached down and with tears in her eyes and told her how proud she had made me that day and how special she was to those lives she had touched. 2010-03-15T13:38:42+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/cheryl-and-banner/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/cheryl-and-banner/ I've been doing therapy work with my Shelties for years and never understood why they were so tired after a visit. It wasn't as if they had done any heavy physical labor. Two years ago, I was hospitalized with a very serious infection. Depressed and in pain, my doctor, also a good friend of mine, brought Banner, my youngest Sheltie in to visit me. The moment she put him into my arms he relaxed into my embrace and just laid there. I felt all the pain, anxiety and depression just move from me into his little body. The effect was amazing. They had to put a chair next to me so he could fall asleep without falling off my lap but he was out. Therapy dogs don't just let themselves be pet or do cute tricks, they take on the worst of what is afflicting the person recieving the therapy. Thanks to regular visits from Banner, my hospital stay was only 3 weeks long. How much longer would it have been if I didn't have those regular visits from my furry little emotional sponge. I always wonder what I did to deserve such a wonderful dog. I love you Banner! 2010-03-15T13:35:36+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/samantha-and-gunther-von/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/samantha-and-gunther-von/ My name is Samantha. This is my story on how one little puppy changed my life when I thought I had lost everything. I got Gunther Von at 8 weeks old. I have just gotten out of college and into the "real world" and needed a good companion. And Gunther was it. He fit perfectly into my life. He was the perfect distraction i needed to actually get through all my stress and my work day! I loved looking forward to coming home to him and tending to all his little puppy needs. Gunther really brought out the "adult" in me even tho I'm 22. The love he gave me changed everything. I felt no greated love from anyone or anything than what this dog has showed me in the past 8 months that I have had him and that's where he changed my life. He opened up my heart and "saved" me; showing me I can really give show much care, devotion, and trust into something. Gunther is truly my best friend. Without him i fear that i would be the most depressed person in the world. He was there for me when i went through a very emotional, break-up and when I came across the new love in my life. We take our daily walks and occasional car rides which really gives up a great time to enjoy each others company. We have a bond like no other and without him in my life I would be a constant struggle. I wish i could show him how much more i appreciate his patience with me and how much love he gives back, but i suppose the bag of treats will do for now. 2010-03-15T13:17:03+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/joy-and-coach/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/joy-and-coach/ One day I popped into a local shelter "just to look around" and walked out with a big dog that chose me because I offered him endless children and cafeteria food. Five hundred corn dogs later, Coach has become the most amazing therapy dog ever. He has worked with me for 5 years at an elementary school where he has cheered and "coached" children and staff alike. I am a children's mental health counselor and working with Coach has been the most therapeutic activity I've used in my career. Seeing how quickly children were comfortable to share feelings and to recover trauma with the use of a therapy dog, I started a non-profit called Coach Dog, Inc. that provides volunteers and their certified therapy dogs to school children in Martin and Palm Beach Counties in Florida. We have 18 dogs in the schools so far in our second year! Coach changed my life, but more importantly he continues to inspire and change so many lives and he continues to eat those cafeteria corn dogs with gusto! Coach was diagnosed with canine cancer in early November and given a very short time to live. Four months later, now in March, he continues to work with children and inspires us all to live every day to the fullest; loving lunch and recess most of all! Thanks for allowing us to share our story and for this site. It's great. Joy Willison, LMHC Check out our website at coachdog.org if you'd like to . 2010-03-14T15:42:12+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/rena-and-toto/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/rena-and-toto/ Ater working 10 years for the airline industrey I started suffering from extreme anxiety and panic attacks.. I had on the average of 3 to 4 a week. I was unable to work during the attacks and could not function normally at home. The month following the onset of my attack I had gone to visit my son's family in Orlando. My son rescued this poor little dog from the freeway and been trying to find the owner.. he keep telling me mom you need to take him home with you. I explained I just could not since I already had a 10 year old rescue dog and 5 year old rescue Cat. When he arrived at their home he was infested with ticks and so very scared and sick. It took us over 2 hours to get 60 plus ticks off of him. I then bathed him and while I was drying him off and hugging on him I felt an amzaing clam over take me. I really can't explain it, I just was at peace when I held him. We tried for 2 weeks to find the owner with fliers and lost dog list on the web and newspaper with no luck. Still the whole my son trying to talk me into taking him home. After no luck in finding the owner we took him to the vet to be checked out. I was told he was about 11 months old. the did a health check and with cerifacate in had we decided to fly him home with us. He was Awsome for his frist flight in a kennel and under my seat. We named him toto since every time he was looking at the new yerd and the cat (who really did not want to share me) that he was not in Kansas any more. the most amazing thing was every time I held this little lost soul I would feel a calm come over me.. I just thought it was because he was so cute and wanted to be loved so bad. He now lives in Oregon with the other 2 rescue pets and my husband and myself. I have have NOT had any panic attacks or anxiety attacts since he has been in our life. and he travles every where I can take him as my support animal . I tell everyone we rescued each other .. 2010-03-14T15:41:57+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/amy-and-patsy/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/amy-and-patsy/ Patsy is a real life best friend. My son Bryce has a form of Autism called Aspergers Syndrome. 3 years ago we got Patsy form SSD and she changed not only Bryce's life but all of ours. Bryce never had any friends (due to the nature of this disorder socialization is a major problem.) Another big problem was Bryce never slept in his bed he needed someone close to him to rub his hair to fall asleep. We tried dolls, stuffed animals, music, a lot of covers on his bed ect... When Susquehanna Service Dogs asked us what were Bryce's needs, we told them: mostly sleeping and companionship, and throwing and catching a ball would be a plus too. Well, Patsy not only answered all of those request in the first day but has helped Bryce make friends. Patsy will never know how much she changed our life. Bryce sleeps all night with Patsy sleeping on him and he rubs her fur, she leans on him when he is having a meltdown, plays ball in the yard when nobody will play with him. We take Patsy everywhere we can and she is such a good conversation starter which has helped Bryce in the socialization area. We love her so much and we do not know how we ever lived without her. Patsy is our ANGEL, a prayer answered, a best friend! We Love You Patsy Girl!!! 2010-03-14T15:39:06+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/cherie-and-sweet-pea/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/cherie-and-sweet-pea/ In 2008, we met Sweet Pea at an event called Woofstock in Harrisburg, PA. Our son, Justin, noticed her but we were not there to adopt a dog but instead to find a trainer for our dog, Lacy. We promised him that we would stop by to see her, which we did. We arrived at the booth, Dogs Deserve Better, and found out that Sweet Pea was chained 24/7 in Georgia and was rescued and then put into a foster home but was not treated well in the home and was removed. We brought home an adoption application, submitted it to Dogs Deserve Better, and were approved. Justin and his step-dad drove 2 hours one-way to pick her up. In December of 2008, we received Dogs Deserve Better's newsletter and they were having a Sponsor a Foster Dog for the Holidays program and we asked Justin which dog he would like to sponsor and he said all of them. He used his own money, purchased gifts for each of the dogs, and has become a dog advocate spreading the word about the inumane treatment of chaining dogs. Justin also started his own website documenting his journey with Sweet Pea, has volunteered with another rescue in the area, and volunteered at Dogs Deserve Better's booth at Woofstock in October. He also provided toys, treats, sweaters, and dog beds for the Sponsor a Foster Dog program again this year. Sweet Pea has truly changed our lives. 2010-03-14T15:36:55+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/deborah-and-seacret/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/deborah-and-seacret/ The most challenging dog I ever owned has changed my life forever. Because my dog was so difficult I had to seek out knowledge to help him. I became an obedience instructor to share the information I gained to help other dogs and owners. In researching ways to help my dog I was introduced to the sport of freestyle. It was wonderful for my dog and once again he was inspirational in motivating me to start not only freestyle classes but also a freestyle club that hosts shows. It did not take me long to see there were many misunderstood dogs that needed help and I was asked to host monthly public seminars at the York SPCA to solve dog problems and keep them in their homes and I was also asked train the shelter dogs. Every success my dog had motivated me to continue to help other dogs and every time my dog demonstrated his abilities at a dog show, people that knew his story were equally motivated to help their dogs. I am thankful every day that I had not only the chance to learn so much from my dog, but to be able to use that information to help others. Seacret was born on September 7, 1996 and came to live with me in York PA. He is a wonderful guy with a sense of humor and a spirit of adventure. Seacret was my first Border Collie and from the start I was completely enchanted by him. I was a very inexperienced trainer and I set my goals high because after all everyone knows that Border Collies are the smartest dogs in the world and there is nothing they can't do. Seacret had lots of drive and I liked that. I thought his sight and sound issues would disappear with age and training so I dismissed those issues from my training plan. I am convinced our instructors were also mystified as how best to deal with the sight and sound issues because I heard many times, "you better get that under control" but was given no instructions on how to accomplish it. We walked and played ball but no amount of exercise could put a dent in Seacret's problem. Corrections were immediately forgotten. Seacret took a lot of pleasure barking and chasing things that moved or made a sound. Over the years we were offered plenty of advice from well meaning people who did not have a clue what Seacret was really like or how hard I tried to fix the problem. Sometimes I felt that we were outcasts but I continued to love my dog no matter what. Seacret is a very loyal and loving dog who has been by my side through ups and downs. I cannot imagine my life without him. Seacret has always been a happy worker and in spite of my inadequacies we earned titles. In March 2001 we earned our CGC from AKC. In August 2002 we earned our Companion Dog title from UKC and in November 2002 I was thrilled to earn our Companion Dog title from AKC. The advanced obedience exercises were a problem because of Seacret's reactiveness so we tried our hand at Rally obedience. In July 2003 we earned our Rally Level 1 with a Magna Cum Laude from APDT. In October 2003 we earned our Novice Agility title from AKC. Seacret startled in our last agility trial and fell off the dog walk so I decided not to pursue agility because it was too difficult for him. Waiting on the line to start the run was agony and when I saw how easily he could become distracted, I decided his safety and happiness meant a lot more to me than any title. We got introduced to the WCFO (World Canine Freestyle Organization) and both got hooked on it. I discovered that Seacret is very creative and he choreographed most of our freestyle routines. Once again we were back in the ring having fun and earning titles. In January 2005 we earned our Freestyle Dog title in Heelwork to Music from WCFO. In July of 2005 we earned our Freestyle Dog title in Musical Freestyle from WCFO. I learned that Seacret preferred music with a fast beat, but light on the percussion. Those pounding drums set off his reactive meter. He also heard and reacted to a shutter click of a camera so we had to request no pictures during our performances. In January 2006 we earned our Freestyle Dog Excellent title in Musical Freestyle from WCFO and in November 2007 our Freestyle Dog Master title. The freestyle and his maturity were having positive effects on Seacret and we started to show in obedience again. The show, where we earned the first leg of our CDX, showcased Seacret's exceptional work ethic. The moving exercises were done with teamwork and enthusiasm. The out-of-sight stays were our most difficult exercise. I instructed Seacret to sit and stay and I left with the group of handlers as directed by the ring stewards. I was thinking really hard, "Seacret keep your butt glued to the ground" but barely 10 seconds into the exercise I heard a dog bark, someone shouting, feet running and I knew something was wrong. After what seemed to be a lifetime but was really only 3 minutes we were invited back to the ring. I saw the dog next to Seacret pulled out of the lineup and Seacret looked to be in a slightly different position than when I left him. The judge called "exercise finished" and explained to me that the dog next to Seacret got up, moved to him and barked right in his face. Seacret barked back and moved a little but remained calm and sitting when they removed the other dog so the judge felt he qualified on the sit / stay. Although the down / stay was uneventful it showed Seacret's incredible courage and determination to try to the best of his ability to do what I asked of him. A month later we earned the second leg of our CDX. During the out-of-sight stays a dog got loose and was running around the show and someone dropped a heavy metal pot. My brave Seacret's only reaction was to turn his head to look at the clock behind him as if saying, "How much longer do I have to stay". In September 2007 I entered Seacret in a trial with 2 rally shows on Saturday and 2 obedience trials on Sunday. On Saturday September 2007 we earned our Rally Novice title from AKC. By this time we had two legs of our CDX and in the morning trial on Sunday we earned our CDX. But my Seacret was again tested beyond what any dog should have to endure. The dog next to him was an American Stafford who kicked his feet at Seacret during the stays and rolled towards him. So at eleven years of age Seacret earned his CDX and I have never been more proud of my friend and teammate. In November 2009 at age 13, dancing to 'Another You' by the Seekers, Seacret earned his Musical Freestyle Championship from WCFO. It was against all odds that my miraculous dog would ever have the self-control to do anything let alone earn so many titles in a variety of dog sports. I know that Seacret earned the championship for me because he knew how important it was to me. What a guy. I absolutely love him with all my heart. I never thought that Seacret would want to retire but that day has come. Seacret prefers to nap in my bed and let the younger dog carry the torch. I had so much fun working with Seacret and I learned so very much more from him than he ever learned from me. Above all I learned how to laugh and to be adventurous from my amazing Seacret. 2010-03-14T15:31:52+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/glenda-and-joni/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/glenda-and-joni/ This is about a little 5pound Yorkshire terrier called Joni, who came into my life nine short years ago. From our first sighting, we became soul mates. I have had several other dogs - but never one like Joni. To me Joni has always been like a little firefly - a spark of life and energy, who for the past nine years has lighted my way. Her light was extinguished March 09 2010, when her cancer (the equivalent of cancer of the uterus in humans), became too much for her. Our very kind vet came to my home so that Joni could go to sleep in my arms - with her two sons beside us on the couch. Now it is up to them to carry on her legacy. Let me tell you our story. When I first met Joni, I had recently retired because I have what is called Systemic Arthritis - affecting not only my joints but all connecting tissues. My retirement had come earlier than it might have, specifically because of my related Spinal Stenosis which limited the amount of time I could sit at work - or do much of anything for long. Ideas I had had as to what retirement might include, were not to be. Yet, at last there was the opportunity (not possible when I was working) to spend more time with my pets. A group of friends (all with small dogs) knew that I had acquired a one eyed Yorkie called Winkie. They asked if I'd be interested in joining them to try out a new Dog Sport called Freestyle. This I found was something I could do. I love music, and found that I wasn' too bad at training my little one to do the 'tricks' involved. The musical routines that we developed required simple movements on my part, and lasted only about 2 minutes - just the right length for my capability. The group had such fun, that we decided to enter a competition. Unfortunately two weeks before this occurred, Winkie died of a heart attack, so the others had to perform without us. I was devastated. Not only had I lost my little dog, but I had lost what I had hoped would be a new outlet for my life. Winkie's breeder, a very kind lady, felt that she should 'replace' my loss, but at the time had only one little female - Joni. (named after Joni Mitchell the singer) who was her primary breeding bitch. Her offer was to share Joni with me - the plan being that until Joni was ready for 'retirement' she would live part time with the breeder (to fulfill her maternity responsibilities), and part time with me. Once retired Joni would live with me fulltime. From our first sighting, Joni and I were soul mates. I have had several other dogs - but never one like Joni. To me she has always been like a little firefly - a spark of life and energy, that for the past next nine years has lighted my way. My health has had its ups and downs. I've had to have three joint replacements, a bout with malignant skin cancer, cataract removal - plus many of the other silly little things that go along with aging (like losing one's muscle strength, not having the energy formerly available, tiring easily). All such factors could have left me feeling frustrated, depressed, lacking in direction, or reason for living. But, none of that happened - because of Joni. So what if I had slowed down, temporarily had to be on crutches, or had to use a cane/walker/ wheelchair - Joni didn't care. She was always with me - reminding me that Life is for living, one way or another. While content to just snuggle on the couch (if that was my need) Joni really preferred a life of action. What could I do but follow her example A clever little monkey, she loved to learn new things. This encouraged me to keep up with her training regardless of my state of health. She really seemed to enjoy 'moving to music', (particularly if she could do it with me), so despite whatever my current limitations happened to be, we continued with the sport of 'Freestyle'. Joni enjoyed being with people and with her canine counterparts, so we met regularly with the group of ladies and their small dogs (who were by now doing individual as well as group routines). They, being very patient people, included us in the 'demos' at care facilities, local fairs, and encouraged our entering competitions offered by the various Freestyle organizations. I found new challenges I'd never have thought of attempting. Targets that I could aim for, and work towards achieving despite my varied handicaps and limitations - because of the constant inspiration and companionship of that lively little girl Joni showed me that dogs can accommodate all kinds of things (handler memory lapses, dancing around or beside a wheelchair, or cane). I found that my potential fears melted away, knowing that I had to recoup from surgery quickly, achieve rehabilitation goals in short order, as we had Freestyle goals/ commitments to fulfill. It was not just physical achievements that were accomplished, but mental ones as well. I learned to listen much more closely to music so that I could find a beat that would best suit her quick lively movements and still accommodate my slower ones. Then I had to figure out the best methods for our training - tricks for recalling the names I'd assigned certain moves (both hers and mine) and of course their sequence in proper order. Next I had to learn to edit music on my computer - for routines had to fit the requirements, and be within my capability. It's helpful in training to be able to view and review what you and your partner are doing, to make relevant changes. This meant I had to learn to take (and edit) self videos. Interesting time expectations to operate one's music player, the video camera and perform a routine with one's dog as well.. So many firsts, so many "I never thought I could' accomplishments, that Joni really was responsible for. You can imagine my sense of accomplishment when six short months after my knee replacement, Joni and I achieved two different titles in our chosen Dog Sport. We had started working on our Intermediate titles, when suddenly (three weeks ago) everything came to an abrupt halt. With all fireflies there comes a time when their light is extinguished. When their mission in life has been fulfilled. And so it was with Joni. It was heartbreaking to find that she had developed cancer - in fact has been suffering from it perhaps for the last five years. It appeared, once discovered, that the tumors may have been developing for a period of five years, doing considerable internal damage in that time. There was no hope that her life could be extended. She had truly given her life to me I'm finding it hard to accept that the life of my sparkling companion/mentor is over. I do believe that she enabled me to cope with circumstances and live with limitations I could not have accepted on my own. I miss her terribly - forever she lives on as a part of me. 2010-03-12T17:09:47+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/melissa-and-winne-the-pooh/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/melissa-and-winne-the-pooh/ My name is Melissa Reyna and I have been legally blind for most of my life. I would love to share my story on how my guide dog Winnie-Pooh has touched and changed my life forever. Let me start by telling you about myself. I am 36 and a single mother to my 16-year old daughter, Samone. I was married for a little over 11 years and endured several years of verbal and physical abuse during part of the marriage. Until recently, I only had a high school diploma and limited skills for gaining employment. My life took a turn for the better in 2004 when I made the decision to apply for a guide dog at the Guiding Eyes for the Blind school in New York. I convinced my husband (at the time) that a guide dog would enhance my life; and so the change began. Now, I would love to tell you about Winnie. Training at this school takes 4 weeks for a new guide dog team and I was ready and willing to learn. During the second week, Winnie started getting sick early in the A.M. times and the days in between her sickness grew closer together. None of the on-site instructors could figure out what the problem could be so the following week she was thoroughly examined by one of the vets on campus. Lab results showed Winnie had IBS which was causing her to get sick. They gave me the option of leaving her at the school and coming back at a later date to retrain with another dog but I had already been working hard with Winnie and didn't want to go home without her. After being away for a month at Guiding Eyes, I returned with a greater since of independence and a beautiful black Lab that worked her tail off to make sure I was safe while traveling. Having my guide dog made my independent travel much more productive. It's been quite an adventure working with Winnie and I wouldn't have changed this experience for anything. Winnie is an incredible dog! She loved to work for me and that in itself amazed me. When Guiding Eyes for the Blind decided that she was a match for me, they gave me the greatest gift of a loving companion, hard working, and patient life-long friend. To this day, I am still learning new things about Winnie. Even though I have had to retire her a few months ago due to her health issues, I know that she is the reason I was able to get out and start living life over again. I have come to realize that she not only has changed my life but that I needed her more than I thought. Because of Winnie, I've become more independent which allowed me to gain the strength to make a better life for me and my daughter. Within a year after I brought Winnie home, I left an abusive relationship and began going to college. Since then, I have obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering of Technology and I am the first and only blind person to complete this Engineering program at HCC to date. During my college life, I have been recognized for my academic achievements, receiving several scholarships, awards, and am published in The National Dean's List Society book for the 2004-05 and 2006-07 years with honors. I would have never imagined my life where it is now. Believe it or not, it all started with one very special dog! Winnie not only guided me in the right direction mobility wise, but through the course of my life when I needed it the most. 2010-03-12T14:47:50+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/lynn-and-abby/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/lynn-and-abby/ Ive had my Abby for now 11 years. Last year she started limping. We brought her to the vet, got x-rays (since pit bulls are known for hip displacia) and turned out her hips were great. My vet thought it might be a microscopic tumor that is on a nerve registering her not to walk. He said if we wanted to do further testing out next step would be a nerouglosist. We can't afford one so we got her a special harnest to help her walk. Now I have been looking around for wheelchairs and the range in price on them our way out of my budget. I emailed charities and asked if anyone could help me. No one ever responded. Makes me sad to see how charities don't want to help. My dog is like a child to me. I couldn't ever imagine my life without her. She is deffinitley something special 2010-03-12T14:43:25+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/nicole-and-macy-mae/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/nicole-and-macy-mae/ Macy was a gift to me from my husband at the time because the puppy he'd gotten me when we got married became vicous and I was heart broken. I didnt want another dog. So my husband takes me on this long drive out to the country and up to this farm with all these animals. We walked up to the dog kenneling area and the young woman we met into duced us to the five puppies she had out there and then there was this shy little bleach blonde puppy standing behind her just poking her head out once in awhile. I kept saying no to my husband but he'd been watching me look at this little blonde puppy. He went over and picked her up and put her in my arms. This little puppy I didnt want put her tiny black nose one mine and just started talking away in her little puppy voice and Licked my nose. It was all I could do not to cry and get so attached. I never wanted another dog after I lost Sissy becuase I was afraid of the same thing happening. But this little blonde haired dark eyed puppy who is now my giant baby at well over 100 lbs still crawls in my lap when i just dont feel good and knows when something is wrong and she talks to me like a best friend and then my depression wont kick in. Macy Mae pushes me out of bed and gets my buns moving in the morning to go out side and for a walk. 2010-03-12T14:38:22+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/michele-and-ginger/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/michele-and-ginger/ My story starts with the birth of a healthy baby boy. He was my grandson and he lived only eleven weeks. My sadness was so overwelming for two years I only wished to stay in my closet. Of course responsabilites kept me out in the world. Yet my mind was always thinking of my closet and wishing I could be there. I was surviving on little or no sleep. I realized I needed help. For the first time in two years I asked my Husband for help. He sugested a dog. Right away I said yes. Do you know the next day my Husband called to say we had puppy on the way. Well the joy I experienced can only be explained by the sensation of floating on air. I nolonger felt the dread that had been suronding my life for two years. We go to dinner quite a bit. To the movies ,Hotels,taxies many places. She is so quiet no one ever knew. She is ten pounds so I carry he in a dog purce. Everything was great till we had to fly . We would pay for her to travel with us but ther was stress. I was afraid someone would notice her. I began to realize how much I needed her. I read books on service dogs .Looked up laws and found out to my surprise she could be my service dog. Well I did everything I needed to do and now she is offical Ginger is my service dog. We go every where together. Several times traveling through airports .I would be asked by security what kind of service dog she was. I would proudly say Psychiatric Service Dog. They would ask to speek to me in private.They would tell me of a loved one strugling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. How can I get a dog for them. I gave all the information I could and wanted to do more. So I began my quest to start a project to provide Psychiatric Service Dogs to Veterans in need. It has been a long , hard road and we havent made it yet . Even so, I have learned alot and am very excited to share the feeling of floating on air with others. We have formed a non-profit PAWS FOR VETS Inc. www.pawsforveterans.com Healing The Invesable Wounds And all my thanks goes to Ginger and my husband John. The two I love the most. 2010-03-12T14:36:03+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/ceciala-and-precious/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/ceciala-and-precious/ Being a farm girl I have grown up around animals my whole life. I was always the closed to my dog and my horse. At the age of 13 my mother passed away very suddenly. I was completly devistated. My only comfort at the time was my moms dog. For the first week after my mom passed her dog wouldn't leave my side. When I would leave for school she would sit at the door and whine and when I got home she was waiting right there to greet me. That dog was the only reason that I made it through my mothers death. She knew exactly when I was feeling down and came to cuddle with me. I don't know what I would do without this dog. She is literally my savior. 2010-03-12T14:33:05+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/benjamin-and-buster/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/benjamin-and-buster/ I obtained Buster at a local yard sale for $5. Instantly, I was enamored by his adoring qualities. Buster was trained like most puppies, but he was most comforted when I would sit there and read him stories every day. It was almost like Buster could understand what I was telling him, because he would tilt his head at times when the story became confusing. He changed my life when I was being chased by three large dogs down my street and Buster slipped through the fence and defended me despite his young size. I do not know what would have happened if I had not been with Buster that day, but I know he changed my life. 2010-03-12T14:11:24+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/herbert-and-fred/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/herbert-and-fred/ It was a long time ago, I used to have a dog named Fred. My dog meant everything to me, it was just my dog and nobody else's . Well this story I'm about to tell will change your life forever. It happened when I was about five, it was on a Christmas night I let my dog go outside to use the bathroom, while I opened my presents. It was like thirty minutes later when I heard a gun shot from outside. When we went to go see, my dog laid on the grass hopeless. We called the cops and I couldn't stop crying. So when the cops arrived, I was still in tears but they made me feel better in less than a minute. They brought me a new dog that looked exactly like my old one so it was like Fred was still there. I still think about this horrible moment but there's nothing that I could do now. 2010-03-12T14:09:23+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/carol-and-sara/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/carol-and-sara/ I adopted my Sara from a kennel four years ago. She was 10 months old. She Helped me get over my deppresion. For I had two major surgerys in one year . She learned quick. She was house broken before she was here a month.The backyard is hers. i have a person to pick up after her in the yard. She makes me feel Good about myself again. She follows me everywere I go , even in the restroom, She sleeps in my bed. She has her side and knows to go to her side. Every body tells me how pretty she is, i'm sorry i don't know how to put pictures on the computer. I love my Sara, she makes me feel young again. Carol Hillert 2010-03-12T14:08:09+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/vicki-and-maynard-and-otis/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/vicki-and-maynard-and-otis/ Hello, My name is Vicki. Alot a year ago my husband passes away of lung cancer......it was a long terrible ordeal. After his death I just wanted to die...I suffered terrible due to us being together for 26 years, and loving so deaply!His little dog Maynard was always like a child to him...we never could have children.They did everthing together. Then I was lucky enough to have my own dog of choice Otis..he is a great blessing as well.To make a long story shot, I myself would not be here today if it were not for the love and companionship of my two dogs...they have given me the only reason to go on. Everday they go for a ride and to the park, they are my children! Bless them...they have saved my life! Bless Maynard and Otis Sincerely Vicki A Eddy 2010-03-12T13:07:35+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/geri-and-sonny-two-moon/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/geri-and-sonny-two-moon/ My story takes me back 15 years. I had just been diagnosed with cancer. I was devastated at this life-changing news. I looked out into a bleak future that may not be more than six months or a year, no one knew. In 1989, our daughter, Jennifer, wno was living with us at the time had sat in the kennel with our old dog, Buck, a Golden Retreiver and English Setter mixed breed; during his last hours of life. We all remember our last good-byes to this faithful pet as he came to each one of us at the end of the day to extend his paw for one last "Good-bye" handshake. In our grief, Jennifer found Sonny in a nearby town, one of a litter of Newfoundland pups, small, black, and appealing with that unique puppy appeal. She bought him and brought him home. And the puppy watch started to take our minds off of the aching we felt inside at the loss of Buck. Sonny was lonely when my husband and I went to work, and would howl, so we found another dog, Skipper, a Golden Retreiver, to keep him company. Now we were a family of four, as Jennifer had moved by this time. So, in 1995, there was I often sitting in the morning sun on the step of my porch with no hair under the covering of the hood of my sweatshirt, with Sonny sitting beside me, and Skipper in the yard nearby. Sonny was always at my side during my year of treatment. I will never forget how, as a six-year-old dog, he would look at me with a knowing look as if to say, "I'm here for you, Girl!" Those days were not lonely and less frightening because of this giant of compassion, with his giant heart, his big and solid body right there pressing into my side to draw strength from when I most needed it. Sonny was my soul mate, and when we lost him just after I had completed my treatment, from a telescoped colon, we were again devastated, especially me. We had found him out on the trail where we walked each day, and from which he never returned--conscious, to live another day. It is good to have the opportunity to write a tribute to the most noble dog G-d ever created. "He saw you through your cancer treatment", my husband said of the Noble Giant. Then, there was Skipper. And a new cycle began. There still are tears in my eyes for Sonny, though. 2010-03-11T14:58:33+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/joan-and-bobby/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/joan-and-bobby/ The Bobby of Yosemite Story by Joan McDowell It was during The Great Depression, about 1935. We thought our Bobby might be an Australian Sheep-Dog, Border Collie, Collie Mix---much like the heroic "Bobbie the Wonder Dog of Oregon" that you may have read about on the web. Our Bobby was smaller but he also had the bobbed tail---hence the name. Our Bobby had a face and white bib and body-coloring like a classic Collie. What he had that we loved most was LOVE and sweetness in abundance. Mother, Daddy, and I were living at the time in a beautiful place called Camp Mather, in The High Sierras about 75 miles north of Yosemite. One day, while Daddy was exploring the woods nearby our cabin, his eyes fell upon a small dog huddled and crouching against a tree. He brought the emaciated, shivering creature home. We almost immediately knew what we would call him and that he would be ours. It took awhile before Bobby knew that he was home---or before he probably even knew what a "home" was. Whenever we reached out to pet him, he would cower. When Mother swept the floor with a broom, he would duck under the bed. It didn't take long for Bobby to reveal his capacity for love and to know that we were all his. Bobby didn't have a heroic story to tell. Unless just surviving intact, under frightful circumstances, with all his sweetness in reserve and waiting to be expressed, is heroic. I surely think that it is. What we loved most about Bobby was the joy he came to express at being with people who loved and cared for him, and how he would do what he could to keep us in good spirits. One day, I remember, I was extremely disappointed that I couldn't go horseback riding with my friends. Money was scarce and the cost was 50 cents an hour---prohibitive for us on this particular day. I went out to the wooded area to sulk. I was close enough to hear my Daddy ask Bobby to "Go find Joan." Bobby came right to my "hiding place," wagging his stubby tail and snuggling up. I soon regretted my pouty petulance and returned home to hug my dad. Bobby was always there when I needed him. He was my hero. 2010-03-11T14:53:39+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/jennifer-and-hosta/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/jennifer-and-hosta/ Well when i wint to guiding eyes for the blind it was a true merical for me. I was told i was getting a black lab named Hosta. She was one of a kind. She was loving, and i knew i could put my trust in her. When my father passed away about five years a go i knew i wante a dog to guide me. I felt more confident with her. Hosta and i could conquor the world. I knew with hosta by my side i could do anything. She taught me to believe in me again 2010-03-10T19:49:44+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/jennifer-and-s.d/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/jennifer-and-s.d/ Greetings from Lancaster, PA! While visiting family and camping over Fourth of July, 2009 we were greeted by a very friendly, but shy dog. Everyone at the picnic referred to him as "Stray Dog". He had a red collar and name tag on and we found out that he "lived" and belonged to people in the house next door. He was very sweet and timid but gladly accepted all the attention we gave him. He was around our campsite and food all weekend but was the complete gentleman and never begged or tried to take food even though he was clearly starving. His ribs and hip bones were easily felt and his body was very lean. He was not quite 40 pounds. He had really bright white teeth and a beautiful coat despite living alone outdoors in the woods. He spent the day with us on the 4th of July, running, playing fetch, thriving on the attention we showered him with. He was there until we set off fireworks, he got scared and ran, we didn't see him the rest of the night. Early Sunday morning he was spotted laying outside our tent and then he disappeared again. We were all excited that "Stray Dog" came back around later that day. We played with him all day and he seemed just as excited to play with us too! We wanted to take him home with us but he did belong to someone and we knew it wasn't the right thing to do. We packed up to go home and the family member said she would look out for him until we return 3 weeks later for another camping trip. She looked for him daily and "Stray Dog" came over to the house daily. He got food and water and even a flea & tick treatment. This continued for 1 week and we got updates every couple days on him. Back in Lancaster, we were telling everyone about the sweetest dog we just met, like he was already ours. I even had a picture of him as my screen saver on my computer. "I wonder what stray dog is doing right now..." was a common thought and we would get sad knowing he would be much better off with us. About two weeks before we were set to go back Stray Dog stopped showing up at the house. We were all sick just thinking about what could have happened to such a sweet, innocent dog. Is he alive or did he die somewhere in the woods all by himself? Who knew? We held onto hope that he was still around, that we would be able to rescue him. We returned to the area as planned late on a Saturday night and set up camp, still no sign of "Stray Dog". We woke in the morning and decided to go looking for him. With heavy hearts we walked thru the woods and around the house where he was supposed to live. We called for him and looked everywhere. At this time we were expecting the worst, was too late? After a time of searching, we returned to the camp emotionally drained and very upset. We decided to call the shelters in the area for one last shot. "Stray Dog" deserved that. First shelter, no luck. Second shelter. Any male border collies? Yes. My spirits soared, I was reminded not to get too excited. From the area? Yes. Neutered? No. Perfect! This had to be him! Black and white? Yes! I was so excited! We got online and scrolled thru the shelter pictures looking for the dog she described. This dog was too black and didn't have the same markings, it wasn't Stray Dog! I was devastated. We deserved this dog, this dog deserved us and a loving life. Just a few moments later I heard "IT'S HIM!" Stray Dog was a few pictures below the other dog. We screamed with joy! He had been at the shelter for 2 weeks, the whole time he was missing from around the house. We rushed to the shelter. We were led out to the kennels and there he was! He jumped right up to greet everyone like he remembered us, and to say thank you! We were soooooo thankful and made arrangements to take him home that day. His new name, S.D., short for "Stray Dog". He has been the joy of our lives and has adjusted very well to life in Lancaster. He plays ball everyday, sleeps comfortably on his bed, and always has a yummy bowl of food available and now weighs 47 pounds. He goes to doggie day-camp where he runs and plays with many dogs. On the weekends he goes to the boat in Baltimore, MD to relax. He enjoys the local dog park and walks along the waters edge. He has completed his first round of obedience training and was happy to learn every lesson. Soon he will be enrolled in agility classes. He is a fantastic co-pilot and goes everywhere. He is such a sweet little boy and we are very thankful to have him in our lives. He seems to appreciate us too:) Sincerely, Jenn & Nick Lancaster, PA 2010-03-10T19:44:44+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/susan-and-ssd-trout/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/susan-and-ssd-trout/ SSD Brook Trout was put in my arms as an 8 week old bundle of black fur to take home as my first puppy to raise as a service dog for Susquehanna Service Dogs. Trout was a lively, inquisitive, and intelligent pup. She at once began bringing in the paper and we laughed on Sunday when it was bigger than she was. Kathy Sdao joked that her name should have been Piranha since she was so mouthy and active! All went well until she was six months old, when the results from her X-rays showed severe arthritis in her elbows and she was discharged from SSD as a pet. Here she was a failure at 6 months, without a job! I adopted her, kept up with her training, and completed the Therapy Dog International Test soon after her first birthday. Soon the calls started coming from SSD: anyone want to do some demonstrations telling the SSD story? Thus Trout jumped right into her new occupation. Then came requests for a dog to do some therapy work with children with autism, and then to a request for a bi-weekly visit to the psychiatric unit of Polyclinic Hospital, and then for an extra dog to use in SSD interviews. Soon Trout had a busy calendar running around central PA and beyond. Her busy schedule continued for 5 years until her sudden death in February 2010. Trout caught on to the difference between being a working service dog and a carefree therapy dog: she was able to change hats and harnesses in a moment's notice. Going into a room for either a demo or therapy, she transformed into a smiling, tail-wagging ambassador for SSD. She grinned! She worked the crowd, going from person to person, giving them each a personal welcome to her world. She brought smiles to the elderly, to those caught in the world of a psychiatric silence, calm to a child with the anxiousness of autism, wows from those first learning how a service dog can change a person's life and give them independence, belly laughs at her antics and tricks (looking to see that all were paying attention and then getting me my Kleenex when I sneezed; "reading" her picture books; "talking" with me; retrieving objects; and her all-time favorite of finding the lost phone). SSD Trout changed lives wherever she went. And just as importantly she changed mine. Dogs have always been an integral part of my entire life. They were all wonderful, good dogs. But Trout changed my definition of "good dog" and opened my world to the concept of working as a team. There was the added bonus of being introduced to the hard-working people of Susquehanna Service Dogs. In the end, though, SSD Trout will always shine brightly in my memory as one very special dog. 2010-03-10T13:59:28+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/kathy-and-bevin/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/kathy-and-bevin/ Bevin was with me from the time she was 8 weeks old to the time she was 14 years old. She would chase a ball until she was literally foaming at the mouth and wanted more. She went to fish camp with my partner and when I arrived it was very dark and my partner threw a stick into the forest for Bevin to go find and I said she couldn't find it because it was dark...a few minutes later she came back with the stick. She was an amazing dog. My partner said we needed to give her chemotherapy for her lymphoma and I would never do that again. Bevin became incontinent and it mortified her. She could no longer get up the deck steps. She just looked at me as though it was my duty to see her off in a good way so I took her to McDonalds and got her a couple cheeseburgers and then we went to the vet. This was the hardest day of my life but I felt I owed it to her to be by her side to the end. And it was a really good life for her. She lived out on the river which was a seven mile walk for all of us. She pulled a sled that was loaded with her dog food and left us in the dust (snow) when we got to the river. Later, she came running back, having turned the sled around, wondering where the heck we were. She had black bear encounters and I only saw the rear end of the bear as it ran from her and she came right back when I called her. She hated the mosquitoes in summer and grumbled profusely when she got put outside on her run then. She had a litter of 14 puppies that I had to catheterize to feed because she wouldn't bother. And who could blame her? 14?? She was born to be everything but a Mom and that was fine in my book. She was my bestest friend always and I do miss her still. 2010-03-09T18:34:45+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/maria-and-able/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/maria-and-able/ Hello! I've grabbed my favorite bone and have settled down on my couch next to my good friend Kayla the cat. I want to tell you a little story about the very important job I have. First of all, my name is Able. I am a four-year-old black Labrador. I was born in New York at a place called Guiding Eyes for the Blind. When I was a puppy, I ran around and played with other puppies all day. I would work with trainers and get yummy treats when I did a good job. First I learned how to sit, stay, come and walk on a leash. Later, I learned how to walk with a harness and guide a person around obsticles, stop at stairs, work crossing streets, and much more. They told me that one day I would be a guide for a blind person. My training lasted for about two years until I met an awesome girl named Maria. We graduated as a team in March 2007 and I am proud to be her first guide dog! When I am not working, we play with toys and I get treats when I'm a good boy. Oh yeah, and I also make some time during the day to chace the cat. I love being Maria's guide dog! She loves and cares for me and in return, I take care of her too. 2010-03-09T13:53:58+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/kara-and-sadie/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/kara-and-sadie/ My story is about when i was seven,when i was seven i had to hip surgery. i had asked after i get my brase off my legs if i could have a dog. my parents said maybe, so one year later for my birthday igot a puppy. she made me feel so much better to have someone to play with. 2010-03-09T13:50:13+00:00 http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/dorothy-and-bella/ http://dogschangelives.org/index.php/stories/entry/dorothy-and-bella/ Bella is a 3 1/2 year old Dogo Argentino. We got Bella about 3 years ago on Christmas. Bella has changed our life in so many ways. I used to be so afraid of dogs. I would panic at the sight of a dog. It was Christmas of 2007, and the kids were all impatiently waiting to open there presents by the Christmas tree, while we were finishing dinner. My husband and brother in law went outside to get something, 10 minutes later they come back and knock on the door, the kids run to open it, and when they come in we see them carry in a big white dog on a matress. As soon as I saw the dog I nearly fainted, as my children screamed with happiness. I've been afraid of dogs my whole life at first until I met this dog. She thought me to not be affraid of animals, to take risks, and to stand up to challenges. Bella taught the family how to be responsible. Every day someone has to give the dog water, feed her, let her outside, and take her for walks, she can't do it by herself. My children have learned so much from her, they learned how to be responsible, to take care of something, to get along. My husband learned to be greatful and face challenges in life. Bella not only taught us so many things she also saved my husbands life. One day the furnace burned and realesed carbon monixide into the air while my husband and children were sleeping (I was at work). My husband was closest to the furnace because our room was downstairs near the furnace. Bella did something amazing, she woke him up by licking on his face, whining, and giving him signs to wake up so finally my husband woke up and smelled the carbon monixide and then he and Bella went upstairs. If Bella didn't wake him up he might have even died. Later my husband got sick 3 times. The whole house smelled in carbon monoxide until we called the oil department. Bella's changed our lives in do many ways. 2010-03-09T13:48:35+00:00