Folks that know us personally know we have 2 special service dogs. The first one is a German Shepard named Niko. We applied and received Niko from a wonderful service dog organization called, 4 Paws for Ability. We had applied to many agencies before finding 4 Paws, but other groups said Chris didn't qualify because he was too disabled or he had too many disabilities and couldn't take care of his dog without assistance, only Karen Shirk the founder of 4 paws was willing to try working with us to get a dog that perfectly fit Chris's need. A year later we were matched with Niko who was trained in search and rescue (Chris has Autism and can wander off)and to alert when Chris suffered a seizure.
But our friends at 4 Paws weren't done yet! When they heard we adopted kids with special needs, they offered a service dog for our other kids too. Our beautiful little dog was a rescue. She and her 9 puppies had been dumped, but where others saw worthlessness, 4 Paws saw potential. After being trained as a service dog by prison inmates, our little Lady was ready to come home. We named our girl"Miracle", because to us she will always be our little 4 Paws miracle.
Miracle went the kids to Scouts, Little League games, many doctor, therapy and doctor appointments, even the hospital. Miracle was a first class nursing assistant, the only dog I know of allowed in the recovery room!
Sadly after 6 wonderful years, we discovered this week our Baby Boo had a large mass in her belly. She had developed a severe heart mummer and all her blood work was abnormal. It was terrible to have to let go but we know she's up in doggy heaven chasing all those possums and coons we wouldn't let her chase down here. It was hard on everyone but particularly hard on little Andy. I don't call him my, "Little Guy with a big heart" for nothing. Poor thing, he just sobbed and sobbed! We always joked that Miracle thought she was her pup. Andy asked, "Did Miracle tell you to take good care of her pup?" We will Miracle, we will. I have to stop now because I'm crying all over my keyboard.
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