39 – Human/Animal Bond
Roger Caras, President Emeritus of the ASPCA, has been quoted as saying “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” I have often marveled at the change in people when a pet becomes a part of their lives in some manner. The crankiest of patients were transformed into softies when my goldador, Abby, would enter their rooms on her rounds at the Transitional Care Unit at Ft. Sanders Hospital in Knoxville. Dogs can rehabilitate hardened criminals, transform streetwise children into compassionate caregivers, and provide comfort for seniors.
Those folks who do not care for pets like to classify pet lovers as people who only care about animals and who place their fellow human beings in a very distant second place. Nothing could be further from the truth. Animals serve as catalysts in changing human responsiveness to the needs of others. Stories of the relationships between animals and people abound. Television shows are created around “Miracle Pets.” Tales are told of how people’s lives became intertwined because of an animal. In The Dogs of Bedlam Farms by Jon Katz, there is a moving chapter on how sheep and dogs bring together the author and his estranged sister. I’ve seen service dogs open the door for dialogue between handicapped owners and people who were uncomfortable with knowing how to approach someone who is disabled. Walk a dog anywhere in Cookeville. People who may not have spoken with you otherwise will now go out of their way to speak, asking about your dog, sharing stories of theirs. Animals help us connect to each other.
When I got an email about Mia, one line – her best friend is her dog – caught my eye. The email came from Terry, a trusted friend, so I read on. The forwarded letter originated here in Cookeville, from Jennifer, who coordinates A.A.R.F- All About Rescue and Fixin’. (They are a group who works tirelessly to re-home animals who have been abandoned. You probably have seen them in front of Petco on any given Saturday, matching homeless pets with petless homes.) Trusting these two ladies, knowing this would not be another internet hoax, I read on. Here is the request:
For once I am sending a plea about a child, rather than an
animal. Although we still have many suffering, I'm not writing to talk
about that.
I'm writing today to talk about Mia - the daughter of a
wonderful lady who adopted a dog from us last year. We recently became
aware that Mia was diagnosed with an inoperable malignant brain tumor.
Mia is only 9 years old.
When I asked the family what we could do to assist -
fundraisers, donations, assistance, etc - all they asked for were letters
- letters to Mia because she LOVES to receive mail - even from people she does
not know.
So I am going out on a limb here asking all of you to find it in
your hearts to send a letter to Mia - just a short or long letter - maybe even
a picture or two (her best friend is her dog that they adopted from
A.A.R.F.). It would mean the world to this fabulous family and this strong
little girl.
Her mom provided this page to us that I am sharing with you as
well. This tells Mia's story. You will need to sign up as a member
to access the page if you wish to see it. Every bit of support just keeps
them going strong. Please take a moment out of your day to send a letter
to Mia. I cannot even fathom the thought of going through what this
family is going through. http://www.carepages.com/carepages/MiaGula.
You can send your letter to:
Mia
C/O A.A.R.F.
P.O. Box 4074
Cookeville, TN 38502
I am personally paying to mail a package each week to Mia in
hopes that all of our letters will keep her smiling and strong.
I thank you in advance and hope that you will respond to my
plea. I hope that all of us will never have to experience what this
family is currently experiencing. So let's help out a little girl - all
she wants are letters!
What a great example of a beloved pet bringing people together, making a difference. I know nothing about the dog Mia adopted, I only know that he or she is serving a purpose that could never have been predicted while she/he sat in a crate, unwanted. She/he now provides love to a young lady in need of support. He/she is providing a link between people who care about both species. She/he is providing people the opportunity to step outside of themselves and help another in a time of crisis. She/he has made a difference in the lives of Mia, her family, and many strangers.
So I, too, am going out on a limb. Whether or not you have a pet, I hope you’ll take a moment to share a story with Mia. It’s a deed that will not only help her, but you’ll feel good about yourself, too. One dog making many lives whole – pretty good, don’t you think?