I’m looking forward to writing about the values exhibited through the animal community. While I have always loved dogs, it was a 149-pound German Shepherd and an 11-pound mutt that taught me how amazingly sensitive and compassionate animals can be.
Five years ago, I decided that I just HAD to have a little dog. We had a German Shepherd and a Lab Mix at the time. But, I fell in love with a 3-pound “poo-chi” (poodle-chihuahua). A month after we adopted Sophia Josephine, I was diagnosed with cancer. Sophie Jo was my constant companion. We cuddled together while I was recovering from surgery. We spent nights together on the bathroom floor after chemo treatments. We took long naps together through seven weeks of radiation treatments. Somehow that little creature always seemed to know when I didn’t want to be touched and when I really needed her kisses. She is incredibly sensitive. That tiny little furry heartbeat got me through one of the most difficult times of my life.
So, how can I ever repay the love she’s given me? With more love — but also by raising awareness regarding the care-giving qualities of animals. Now, Sophie and I fight cancer by volunteering for the American Cancer Society’s “Bark for Life” event. We raise money for the American Cancer Society but the event is all about honoring the dogs. The diversity is amazing. Working dogs who literally protect and serve (Air Force K-9, TSA K-9, Spokane Valley Arson K-9 and Spokane Sheriff K-9) are honored beside therapy dogs (Tanner from NW Spokane Pediatrics and Nevus from Spokane Dermatology) and family dogs who make each day for us humans a little bit better.
I’m looking forward to sharing Spokane area animals’ stories, as well as community events.
Jocelyn, I’ll look forward to reading your posts. Thank you for this one.