Your Inspiring Pets August 2007

Everyone who has pets knows that they can help heal our souls and even save our lives. Each month Beliefnet honors pets who are blessings to our readers. Click through this month's gallery to read stories of love, courage, and sacrifice, and to choose the pet you find most inspiring.

Vote for this month's choice.
Send us your pet's story and photo for next month's feature.
Return to this page at the end of the month to see which pet received the most votes.
View our pets gallery from June and July.

August 2007 Readers' Choice
Becca, nominated by reader Joy W. Learn more about Becca.

Benny

In January 2007 I rescued dear, sweet, gentle Benny from an animal shelter. I really didn't want a male cat. I wanted a female kitten, but when I saw Benny hiding in the back of his cage, something told me I needed to investigate him. He was absolutely beautiful--and scared--but he warmed up to me.

I had been going through chemotherapy from November 2006 through May 2007, when my tumor disappeared. Benny has brought me so much joy through this difficult time, and he has taught me a lot. He is very funny, forgiving, and kind. One of the things he really likes to do is embrace my bald head with his paws. He's a crazy little boy, and he is living proof that animals really can make a huge difference in your life.

--Susan M.

Did Benny inspire you? Vote for him.

Rose

On November 29, 2006 my daughter, Stephanie, was struck by a car and was called to Heaven by God. Stephanie was very bright, a model and an actress.

My relationship with my beautiful middle child was intense. Stephanie needed lots of support. She had suffered from bipolar disorder, but she wouldn't take medication. Her life was made more difficult, but I had to respect her because she lived life her way. When she died at 31, I was devastated.

My other two children and their spouses decided to give me a gift...a beautiful Golden Doodle puppy who is beautiful, sweet, smart, and loving. Rose is an incredible source of comfort to me every day. As I go through the grieving process, which is incredibly painful, Rose is by my side every step of the way. I truly think Rose is inspired by the angels and by Stephanie to be a source of comfort and joy.

I feel blessed to be given such a wonderful gift from my children.

--Susan H.

Did Rose inspire you? Vote for her.

Theodore

In February of 2006 my husband was hurt on the job; he fell off a ladder and broke his wrist. The break was so bad that it required surgery and a short stay in the hospital. The doctor said it was the worst wrist break he had ever had to repair and that the wrist would never be the same.

I saw my husband sinking into a deep depression, losing his faith and his interests. In April of 2006 I started searching dachshund rescue sites, and I became friendly with Kim. After checking our references, Kim brought us a male dachshund from New York who had been abused.

Theodore took to my husband right away, and my husband to him. Slowly, I saw both of their spirits come back from the darkness; each day was a new beginning for both of them.

Since my husband is unable to return to work, Theodore and my husband are together 24/7. They walk together and play--they have become each other's saviors!

--Julie G.

Did Theodore inspire you? Vote for him.

Arthur and Eddy

Arthur and Eddy are the best things in my life.

When my mother passed away a year ago, I was mostly alone and very depressed. My husband worked long hours, and I was grieving for my mother. Every time they heard me crying they would bring me their toys to play. Arthur, my cat, would lick my tears, cuddle next to my heart, and start to purr. My dog Eddy and I went for many walks, and that helped me get out of the house. They made funny faces and rolled over the floor to entertain me. They never left me alone for a minute, and they slept with me until my husband got home. Arthur and Eddy also sit in booster chairs at the table when we eat pancakes in the morning.

I don't know what I would have done if they had not been here with me.

--Dora A.

Did Arthur and Eddy inspire you? Vote for them.

Becca

Becca saved my life on July 15, 2004 when I collapsed in my living room. I had been to the doctors earlier that day because of pains in my chest. The doctor blamed it on fibromyglia and sent me home, but by five o'clock the pain was unbearable.

When I came to on the floor, Becca was licking my face, slapping me with her paw, and screaming as loudly as she could. I was able to crawl to the phone and call 911. Later that evening, the doctor came to my bedside and said that they were going to do open heart surgery in the morning.

If it hadn't been for Becca and God's will, I might not be here today. I believe that Becca is a true gift from God, and she enriches my life every day.

--Joy W.

Did Becca inspire you? Vote for her.

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