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It always does the heart good to hear real life stories of the impact dogs make on our lives. And what an impact they do make! As a Valentine's Day treat, we're sharing some touching tales that members of the CDT family shared with us. Enjoy!
Dr. Hilarie Jerauld of All 4 Paws Veterinary Hospital and a "puppy love" story from her office:
A very elderly corgi mix was brought to me by the owner because she had made the difficult decision that it was time to humanely euthanize the pet. They had spent many years together, and the owner knew it was time. The dog had recently become unable to walk on its own. As the owner was telling me about her decision, the dog recognized the owner's pain and to comfort her, was licking the tears from her cheeks and wagging his tail. It was one of the most beautiful examples of the selfless love of dogs for their people and I will never forget it.
Joan Schmitt and her dog, Angus:
Angus is mentoring Daisy, a rescue Sheltie!. Daisy wouldn't wag or bark or play before she met him. Now she thinks he's her baby and comes alive when he appears on the scene. It's heartwarming to see the change in her. We get together nearly everyday for walks in the woods or playing on the tennis courts. This is true love for sure!
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Christine Barnes and her dog, Bogey:
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Bogey has brought us more joy than we could ever have imagined him bringing and will will be forever changed because of it!
Oh how Bogey brings us all so much JOY! Let me count the ways:
1) he is a loyal and an unconditional love machine daily
2) he loves each and everyone one of us equally and whole-heartedly
3) he brings us joy just watching him play with the boys in our yard
4) when he snuggles up close to whomever is sitting on the floor
5) and especially when he greets us, tail wagging at the door (even if we leave for just 5 min!)
Michele Lashley and her dogs, Keanu and Zach:  | |
Keanu (left) and Zach (right).
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From the day I first laid eyes on Keanu, I knew he and I were meant for each other. I think he knew it, too. And, for almost 15 years, he was with me--by my side or at my feet. But, most importantly, he was in my heart--where he established permanent residence. Then, the time eventually came to let Keanu go--to say "goodbye for now." This might have been the end of my love story with my soul dog. But, it wasn't. Not by a long shot. The time eventually came when I said "hello" to Zach. Silly, hard-headed, all-loving Zach. And, I felt Keanu move over slightly to make room in my heart for this sweet boy. It wasn't that Zach replaced the love I had for Keanu. Instead, he allowed me to realize that it was meant to be nurtured, to be carried on, to be shared. Zach--in all of his amazing wisdom--showed me that the story of the love that began all those years ago between a girl and her dog wasn't finite. It was never-ending. Amy Dupre and her happy pack:  | |
Soldier and Abby -members of the Dupre pack.
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There is nothing warmer, nothing more secure, nothing more joyful, nothing more peaceful than the pack.
Esther Futrell and her dog, Penelope:
This is Penelope, our rescued Doberman. It's been a blessing to see how she's gone from being a fearful, anxious dog to being a social butterfly and everyone's favorite to love on in the two short years we've had her.
Elaine Hope Pendell and her dog, Crocket:
I was 22-years-old and living alone for the first time-enjoying life in a lovely one-level townhouse in Boca Raton, Florida. One day, my boyfriend at the time dropped by. After saying hello, he nonchalantly mentioned that there was something waiting for me at the front door. I opened the door and there sitting as still as a stuffed animal was an adorable yellow Labrador Retriever puppy. I was shocked and excited. As soon as I scooped him up in my arms I was a goner. It was love at first sight. This sweet boy, who I named Crocket after the popular Miami Vice series at that time, became my first dog as an adult. All of the sudden all the memories of the dog I had to give away when I was a young girl came rushing in and it was then that I vowed to both Crocket and myself that he would live his whole life taken care of by me no matter what. Of course, I had no real idea about the enormous responsibility of taking care of a puppy. But, I was headstrong and committed.
Once Crocket arrived on the scene, I had a very important reason to get home early on Saturday nights. My dog needed me. And at that time in my life, when I thought I was invincible, it turned out that I was also very lucky to have been given this important job because it got me home safely! Crocket was attached to me at the hip. If I got up, he got up. He read my mind and seemed to know exactly how I was feeling. One day I decided that it was time to get Crocket trained so that he would stop pulling me and so that he'd come when I called him. (Sound familiar to any of you??) So, I found a trainer who would come to my house and work with the two of us. I loved the idea of private sessions in our own home with just us to focus on. After only one session I was blown away by our success. This experience ignited a long-standing passion I've felt for dogs all my life. So, you might say that Crocket-in a very round-about way-helped me discover my passion and my life's purpose: helping others enjoy a happy, peaceful and healthy relationship with the dogs they love.
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