New Your Inspiring Pets

Sparky

Sparky is a bearded collie who is blind. He is a lesson to all: He does not pity himself and loves life and laughter! He is a part of my organization, Good Puppy, which brings dogs to visit nursing homes, hospitals, and abuse shelters for women and children.

At the nursing home, the older people are so responsive to him. They'll say, "I'm blind," and I'll say, "Sparky doesn't mind, he's blind also."

He is blessed because he never felt sorry for himself like we would. He never acted scared if he stumbled going up stairs--he'd just get right back up.

We also go out to people who are dying at home, not in a hospice. He goes to AIDS patients who don't have friends or company in our area. He'll play with them, letting them pet him and brush his hair. He's a blessing to a lot of people.

My calling is from God, helping and loving dogs and people. I want to share the gift of unconditional, unreserved love and trust through dogs.

We want to be blessed and broaden our territory - we live Jabez's prayer!

--Dina W.

Maya

I tried to commit suicide in January of 2003. I felt there was nothing left in life for me and the pain and hurt I was experiencing was unbearable.

...My youngest son talked me into going to a festival... Pushing my way through the crowd I saw two women with a box of beautiful puppies. Immediately it was as if one of them grabbed my heart with her little paws and would not let go.

I named the puppy Maya and she has been the light of my life for nearly four years now. She put the love back into my heart that I never thought would be there again.

[God]knew that I needed a heart to bond with my heart to lift me from the depths of perilous grief and depression. ...Maya has health issues not uncommon to Pomeranians now, but I won't discard her because she is not perfect. She wanted me when I was broken and I will do the same for her. In my eyes, she is perfect.

--Bonnie B.

Kiki

It was a windy day in our wonderful Cape and I was out on a sports field walking my boxer dog, Kiki. Then a huge male boxer, not on a leash, attacked us so badly that I ran with her bleeding in my arms to my nearby home. My two teenage daughters have recently done first aid diplomas and regularly do service as paramedics as sport games but I have never seen them in action. But on this Sunday with all the vets closed, they had to save our boxer with all the skills and medicine in our own home.

It was a day that I gained untold respect for my two daughters. I look at them with new respect in my eyes - because not only did they save our dear dog's life, but I came to understand that through this wonderful creature a bond has grown between the three of us, one of trust.

--Elize P., Cape Town, South Africa

Coco Verde

I got Coco 15 years ago not knowing that she was blind. ...Three years ago, I had booked a ticket to Shanghai. My departure was on a Sunday. On Wednesday Coco had some kind of a stroke. She started gargle and could not stand up. I called two doctors, both advised to put Coco to sleep. Reluctantly I booked a time for Friday morning at 8.

In the early morning hours on Thursday I saw a dream where I was throwing down the garbage drain three mummies. I don't know who they were, but in my dream I understood they were still alive, though weak. As I woke up, I decided to cancel the doctor and started to give Coco with a syringe raw egg yolk [and] a homeopathic remedy...

On Sunday I had to leave, so my sister took over. By next Wednesday Coco was OK. Coco is well and alive today.

--Eva L.

6 Ways Pets Can Teach about Forgiveness

They’re our family and always will be there when needed. For years, science confirms that pets help us in our well-being, and overall happiness. Our pets also can teach us about forgiveness. Read next feature >