Still struggling to accept the latent onset of complications from a traumatic brain injury that took place in 1976, my world changed dramatically when I met Spirit at an adoption event in February 2008. This 8 years old Shih Tzu was newly rescued from a puppy mill in rural Minnesota. Her fur still stained from the horrible conditions, I saw the beauty in her eyes and felt the love in her heart just waiting to be discovered.
A few weeks later, I descended on the shelter where I'd been visiting with Spirit while helping out with the animals. Armed with a prescription for a service dog and a trainer waiting to help us, I adopted Spirit. As she discovered the joy of grass underneath her feet, the wind on her face and the beauty in the evening sky, I witnessed courage, perseverance and trust. Spirit's heart failed her 9 days after her 10th birthday. However, she remains forever Spirit, the beloved dog who was the best medicine imaginable for one such as I.
Minneapolis, MN
