For Valentine’s Day, Tell Us About an Animal Who Has Worked His or Her Way Into Your Heart

Posted on 27. Jan, 2012 by Jasmin Singer in Oink, Moo, Woof

Quick: Think of an animal whom you’ve met in your life, who inched her or his way into your heart.

Perhaps it was your childhood kitty companion, who slept on your pillow, right beside your head, all throughout those awkward middle school years. Or maybe it was a pigeon you rescued — the one who opened your eyes and heart to how glorious these birds are. Or it could have been a goat you met at a farmed animal sanctuary, who wanted nothing more than to head-butt you incessantly, which he clearly found hilarious.

We all have these stories — whether it’s regarding an animal who was (or is) part of our family, or one we read about, or saw in a film or a news story. If you’re alive, then you have, at some point, been influenced by an animal. Maybe it was even that very animal who led you down this path of activism, giving you the push you needed to devote your life to changing the world for our feathered and four-footed friends.

Me and Rocky, only moments after he came into my life. I was 11.

For me, there have been several animals who have become part of my heartbeat, but perhaps the most influential was my childhood cat, Rocky, pictured on the left. That photo was taken only minutes after my brother and I opened a box that my mother had carefully set in the middle of the living room floor, out of which popped this thoroughly wondrous cat! He was a friendly neighborhood stray, and our neighbors had taken him in, only to find that their kids were allergic to him. How lucky was I that Rocky found his circuitous way to our home, and my heart. Rocky was my constant companion from the time I was 11 until I was 24. Growing up in a home with a lot of love — but an equal amount of inconsistency, confusion, and my share of sadness — what a treasure it was to always come home to Rocky’s loud purr-squawk as he ran down the stairs to greet me. During the weekends I spent at my father’s house, I would miss my cat, and wait with bated breath until the moment I stepped back into my house, so that Rocky could, once again, be by my side. He was strong, loyal, and protective. When I think of unconditional love, I think of Rocky.

And what about you? Valentine’s Day is, to me, a perfect opportunity to fondly remember the animals who have touched our lives. And so, for our Valentine’s Day podcast episode, which will air on Saturday, February 11, we need your help.

In the comments section below, share with us your story of one animal who has touched you. Why was that animal important to you? How did she or he shape your view of the world? Be as specific as you can, and make sure to convey to us why that animal holds a special place in your heart.

For our Valentine’s Day episode, we will read some of your stories on the air. We also might invite some of you to be guests on our podcast and tell the story yourselves. And anyone who leaves a comment will be entered to win an Our Hen House tote bag. A randomly-selected winner will be announced on the Valentine’s Day podcast episode. In order to be in the running for both the tote bag, and the chance for your story to be featured on our podcast episode, you must leave a comment by midnight, EST, on Sunday, February 5.

25 Responses to “For Valentine’s Day, Tell Us About an Animal Who Has Worked His or Her Way Into Your Heart”

Veronica

27. Jan, 2012

I’d like to tell you about Moxie Gato. He is a black short hair cat who will forever be known as the “one who got away.”
I have had lots of pets growing up. It seemed that every four years we got a new cat or a new dog. So there were lots of animals I loved and even my current dog Molly is my best friend. But there’s something about Moxie. When I was 21 and living with my boyfriend I decided I wanted a pet. So I went to the city pound to pick out a new cat. I went into the cat room filled to the ceiling with crates. There were dozens of cats and kittens all staring back at me. But it was Moxie, only 3 months at the time, who refused to let me take my eyes off of him. He began crying and clawing at his crate as if he was trying to get out to me. Of course I went home with him and for the next two years he became my first real pet. I didn’t make a lot of money, but I made sure he was up to date on vet visits and that he ate the best food I could afford. After about two years my boyfriend and I broke up, but because I had to move back in with my parents, who already had a ton of animals, my ex kept Moxie. To this day I don’t know if I mourned the relationship with the guy or with Moxie. I do know one thing. I’d do anything to see that cat again. When I finally got my own place I went back to see my ex and asked him to let me have Moxie, but he’d given him to his new girlfriends mom who lived out in the country. I was devestated, but was happy he at least had a good home. Moxie was unlike any pet I’ve ever had. He’ll always be the one that got away.
Deanna

27. Jan, 2012

I fell in love with my 1st dog, Maxx. He’s a white Westhighland Terrier full of spunk & charisma. I never thought I could connect with an animal & having him in my life proved that you CAN CONNECT on a whole new level! I felt like we understood each other all the time. We had this level of communication that no one else could get in on. When I was sad, Maxx comforted me, when I was excited he was there just as pumped! We had nights were we looked up at the stars, played fetch and chase. He really opened my mind that I could have this connection & love with any animal! I just have to be open to it and let them in. My love for them has grown because of Maxx & he is the best thing that has come into my life! I love you Maxx!
Sarah

27. Jan, 2012

Hunny, a 13 year old basset hound rescue, has been my loving companion for 7 years. For many of those years I was depressed, sometimes quite severely. But, whenever Hunny would see my cry, she would whine a bit, demonstrating her sympathy, and then find a place right next to me. At night, she will curl up beside me and let me cuddle her. She helped me make it though some very dark moments. Without her, I do not know where I would be.
Ashley

27. Jan, 2012

I grew up in a radically religious family. I was an only child and wasn’t allowed to have friends from school or to go to any school functions. The only escape I had from my house was rambling around on my parent’s property. Through the loneliness and adolescent angst of that time, my best friend, Michelle was always at my side. She ran with me through the woods, she sat for endless hours watching sunsets, or just meditating, both our noses into the wind, catching the scents (which she was far better equiped for than I) and dreaming about the wide world. When I would sneak out my window and go for a midnight foray, she would jump out beside me and we would explore our familiar world made new by the silver moonlight. She listened to my youthful raging at the unfairness of life, she licked tears from my face when I cried, she never judged, she never only ever offered complete support, affection and unconditional loyalty. Michelle had a sense of humor too. At the lake one day she decided to steal my swim-fins and run around a small island with them. I chased her for almost 15min but the moment I would get close she’d snatch the fin and run ten feet farther from me, wagging her tail, glancing back over her shoulder to make sure I was still playing. I swear she was laughing the entire time. She also had a gentle heart. On one of our walks we came across a family of pheasants, the smallest one ran right under Michelle’s nose and she snatched it off the ground! I didn’t realize what had happened for almost a minute but the odd way she was carrying her head made me look closer. There was the chic, wet but safe, cradled between gleaming white teeth going along on our walk with us. I told Michelle to put it down and off it ran, after its family. For over a decade she was the truest friend I ever had. The day she began having trouble breathing we took her to the vet. She was dying. Drowing in the fluid that was filling her lungs. The choice was clear if not easy. I wouldn’t allow my best friend to suffer for days slowly suffocating, fighting a losing battle to stay alive. I held her head in my hands and gave her soft, wide muzzle a last kiss as she collapsed into my arms and let out her final breath. I buried her myself. Her final resting place under the tree I loved to climb. My favorite necklace replaced the collar around her neck, sending her into the next world with a small piece of me. She was a truer friend than most humans I’ve known and a beautiful soul. I will miss her and remember her the rest of my life. Mostly I am simply grateful that I knew her.
Diane Leigh

27. Jan, 2012

Diane from No Voice Unheard here… Hello to everyone at Our Hen House!

The animal who changed my life was an old Golden Retriever we named Larry. He was at a local high-kill shelter, until a friend of mine, who does rescue work, got him out. We took him in as a foster, and I’ll never forget his obvious grief for whomever was his previous family. He didn’t eat for days, and then only if we’d feed him by hand, piece by piece. We’d wake up in the night hearing him walking about the house, whimpering. He hung his head low, and his tail didn’t wag. We decided: no more life changes for this poor old guy, he could live out his life here in comfort and whatever he needed that we could provide, and the foster turned into an adoption. He was so old, we thought maybe we’d have six months with him, but we were blessed with two years – during which he passed through his grief and moved on to being a happy, exuberant dog.

Larry is the inspiration behind the book I co-authored, “One at a Time: A Week in an American Animal Shelter”, and his story serves as the book’s preface. Rather than paste the whole story, here is a link to it: http://www.novoiceunheard.org/oaat_ex.htm.

I now know that creating “One at a Time” was the work of my life – the thing I was put on this planet to do. But it was Larry who showed me that. I’ll never stop missing him, or being grateful for being able to share his life.
April

27. Jan, 2012

I received my dog Stains as a present from a boyfriend on Valentines Day! He came from a farm & was taken from his mama too early (about 5 weeks), so I had to feed him puppy formula. He was so small & I was in college at the time, so I would take him to class with me in my coat pocket. He is my constant companion. I took him everywhere with me…we lived in my car, at a motel at the beach…we were inseparable!

My baby turned 14 years old this month. He is still very active…he loves to go for walks and play with his toys. His favorite thing to do is snuggle. He is also a veggie loving dog! We have a garden & he gets so excited about the peas, beans, carrots, tomatoes…etc.

The most important thing about my little “Stinker” is that he is responsible for saving the lives of so many animals. Looking into his eyes, I made the connection to the food on my plate. He made me vegetarian & eventually vegan (my husband as well). I continue to live a compassionate life because of my love for him and all animals. And every time I see a sad video or photo, I hold him and cry & he licks my tears and comforts me. He is my soul mate.
Rasha Taha

27. Jan, 2012

Flamingo’s life is about to be commemorated on my body in the form of art next month because he has always been an inspirational, kind, and loving individual in my life.

He’s the horse that helped me see that a true partnership is possible between humans and horses without it being an exploitive one. He was abused -just as every other horse used for ‘sport’- and had his soul crushed to the ground by tyrants who thought they knew better. I was one of them once. But after spending sufficient time with him, his patience and love showed me that, although he was in pain, he still had it in his heart to nibble on my shoulder and give me hugs at the end of the day.

He taught me patience. He taught me kindness. And even to this day, after his passing, he still teaches me love.
Erin

27. Jan, 2012

With either myself or other family members allergic to cats and dogs, I never had ‘typical’ pets growing up. We had pretty much everything else. My one true love though was my peach-faced lovebird, Lucie. She was hand-raised by my uncle when her bird-mommy didn’t know what to do with her… she was the runt of the chicks and ended up being the only survivor at that. We took her home and it was instant love! I think way too many people underestimate birds and parrots… she truly was a little person!! Loved to play (we had lots of toys for her), always wanting to be close to you, never wanting to be left alone, and quite frankly, never did I. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I could always count on that little girl to be there for me. She always made me laugh with her quirkiness – and made me feel special with her cuddles (yes, birds do cuddle!). We never clipped her wings so she could go where she wanted and not injure herself. After 8 years, she became quite sick, and even though we got meds from the vet, she died at home. I’ll always remember that little girl, and am thankful she came into my life and let me be a part of hers.
Rhea

27. Jan, 2012

When I lost my 14-year old Poochie, I thought my world was over. We had been together since she was 10 weeks old and we had been through so much together. She was my best friend and I wasn’t sure how to go on without her.

After Poochie died, I kept looking at pictures of dogs on Petfinder. I didn’t want another dog but I felt bad that there were so many out there who needed homes. I thought that if I had a home to give, I should but I was determined not to love that dog, I couldn’t love another dog. He would be my husband’s dog.

When we rescued Benoni, he was a mess. He had been found on the streets and taken to the local pound where he ended up on a euthanasia list in less than a week. Luckily, a no-kill shelter picking up other dogs saw him and took him also. He was 6 lbs. of skin and bones. He spent a month in that shelter before we found him.

Benny would shake and scream at everything. He was very traumatized and vets and professional trainers said that, at 1 1/2 years old, it was too late to socialize him. I wasn’t happy having a new dog in the house and Benoni knew it. He was leary of me and took more to my husband, Tom. I guess neither of our hearts were ready for the other.

Two months later, on Christmas night, Benoni came up to me while I was crying over Poochie and licked my tears for the first time. Then he did that every single night. Slowly we opened our hearts to each other. With training, patience and love, Benoni did get better and became socialized. In fact, he is not a service dog.

It has been 5 years since we rescued Benoni or more accurately, since he rescued us. Benoni, or Benny, as we call him, has taught me that the heart has infinite room for love, that loving him doesn’t take away from my love for Poochie and it does not betray her. In fact, it celebrates her because she taught me how wonderful dogs are. The dog I once vowed would never enter my heart, I now consider to be my heart. Benny is my best…and cutest…Valentine.
Kelly Knouf

27. Jan, 2012

In my opinion every animal has touched my heart. I think I was born with the need to take care, rescue, and love animals. I can remember when I was four or five and I found an injured dragonfly. It passed not to long after I found it and I gave it it’s own burial. There are so many pics of me when I was young and there’s an animal with me. A mouse, lizard, iguana, cat, dog, whatever animal! Whenever I drive by a pasture or pass a dairy, I shout out a “hello’ to them. Lol They have always been with me and
always will.
JL goes Vegan

27. Jan, 2012

I’m in love with a goat named Clover. I met her at the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. But our love affair started long before she was born.

Nearly ten years ago I was in Kenya for work. We were in a small village in the Rift Valley. There was a celebration held for an auspicious occasion and my colleagues and I were guests of honor. Early in the day an elder from the community brought a goat to the site of the celebration – a true demonstration of generosity. The goat was presented and subsequently killed and boiled. That evening, we were offered the goat for dinner. To refuse it would have been an affront (or so I told myself?) Essentially I met a goat, shook his hand then ate him. I became a vegetarian the next day.

Eight years later I became a dietary vegan. One year later, while skimming the webpage of WFAS I clicked “goats” and met Clover through a charming video. I immediately clicked “donate” and I am now a monthly sponsor of Clover.

And what clicked for me? I’m no longer a dietary vegan. I became vegetarian because of a goat. I remain vegan because of a goat.
*Alex*

28. Jan, 2012

I have a “tail” of the 3 pups who have shaped me & my life…

My first buddy was a beagle named Pal. My family had Pal from when I was 1 until I was 19. That dog was my best friend, my baby, my brother, my secret keeper, the shoulder I cried all my little kid & teenage angst tears on. When he passed away I felt like my world came crashing around me. I was away at college & no one in my family told me he was sick nor that he needed to be put down. When I came home to visit a few weeks later and asked where my favorite guy was the whole story came out. I felt broken & like a piece of my heart was missing. Pal taught me about unending love, friendship, and that animals feel & love just the same as we do. He taught me to love every creature, big or small, slobbery or not, furry or not. He will forever be my best pal.

The little guy that helped ease the pain of losing Pal was a little beagle boy that we named Petey. He was the runt of his litter, scared, chewed up by his big brothers & sisters. He hid behind the couch in my parent’s living room when they brought him home. My baby brother & I laid on the floor for 3 hours with our arms stretched out under that couch so he could smell us & get used to us & learn that we would be patient & kind. He only trusted us 2 for the first few weeks. He taught me love is patient. That everyone deserves a chance. That fear from bullying is not okay, that only love & kindness can help erase those hurts. And that with patience you can earn a true & devoted friend. I live 3000 miles away from Petey now but every time I come back to visit home he is the most excited to see me & snuggles me extra hard. He is still one of my best buddies.

My final pup is my little bear Colonel Mustard. My fiancee & I rescued Colonel 1.5 years ago. He was to be euthanized at one of the county’s animal control facilities here in LA. I knew I was ready to be a mama (to a puppy at least!) & I thought that sticking with beagles (as I knew how to care for them) would be the best way I could help give a dog who needed it a good life. This little guy was underweight & quite sick. I took one look at him, called out Colonel, & he walked over to me-I knew that minute that he was mine & I was his. I ran to the office & let them know that I was taking that little man home with me. We got him healthy & full of food & snuggles! Along the way he really has taught me how to be a mama. He has re-taught me patience (beagle-terrier mixes can sure test that!). He has reminded me to laugh & play & snuggle & pounce & love a little more each day. He has taught me how fiercely protective I am. He has taught me how much I want to share my home & heart with any animal that needs a forever home.

These 3 guys have made me the woman I am today. They have helped me realize how connected all creatures on this planet are. They have made me switch to a kinder & friendlier way of thinking, eating, & living.I am happy to be a green, organic, & vegan gal (what my brothers affectionately have referred to as my hippie-fication). These pups have have shown me trust, loss, friendship, frustration, pride, and most importantly love. To these 3 I am forever indebted & I cannot imagine my life without all of them. My utmost gratitude to them for all their lessons in the past, the present, and the future.
Ashley

28. Jan, 2012

Hi there! I created a blog called ForFinnegan.com at the end of 2011. Finnegan, or Finney, is my dog, and the blog was expressely “Inspired by the World’s Most Wonderful Dog and Created to Support the Ideals of Veganism.”

Here is my first blog post:
“Welcome to the ForFinnegan website. As the name implies, this site was inspired by and is dedicated to my wonderful, amazing dog – Finnegan Doodle. He is the most adorable 5-year old Goldendoodle who has more personality and life in him than I could ever put into words.

He has inspired me in many ways – to live in the moment, to love with enthusiasm, and to laugh and smile as often as possible. More importantly, however, Finney has inspired me to embrace and commit to living a life dedicated to supporting and advancing vegan ideals and principles. There are, of course, other motivations behind this life choice; but when I look at my puppy – who has not a ounce of anything but love and sweetness inside of him, who only wants to play, and cuddle, and behave ridiculously silly – I feel absolutely compelled to fight for the other innocent animals in this world, who are not so lucky as to lead a life of leisure and contentment like my Finnegan.

At this point, you are probably thinking I am some crazy person, completely obsessed with her dog (which is an assumption that I really cannot argue with), but hear me out. An initial love for my dog blossomed into a strong foundation upon which I can justify my vegan lifestyle, a foundation built not only on a sentimental love and empathy for all animals, but on years of dedicated, impartial research, an undergraduate degree in environmental ethics, and a vegan lifestyle that has allowed me to personally experience the internal and external health benefits of a vegan diet.

So while I may post a bunch of unbelievably cute pictures of my puppy (I mean really, can you believe how cute this dog is??), this website is not about Finnegan or my love for him; rather, it is about sharing some of the the knowledge I have gained along the way in my studies and that I continue to learn as I try to live each day as ethically and conscientiously as I possibly can.

This is a place to learn, contribute, and discuss. So welcome, I hope that we can all achieve these goals together.”

Hopefully that sums up what an extraordinary impact Finney has made on my life. While I became a vegan for many reasons, my pup is a daily reminder of the infinite goodness within ALL animals and serves as a constant impetus to get off my butt and do something – anything – to help animals.

In September 2011, I quit my job in finance in order to dedicate myself full time to just that. So thank you Finney, you are quite an inspiration
Kim

28. Jan, 2012

I’ve always loved the creatures that have shared my home and heart, and have formed bonds with them. Until I met Fern, I never knew how much my life could be changed by a pig.

We were mourning the loss of our magnificent Monster; a Blue and Gold Macaw. It was so intense and devastating, akin to when my husband died. There was so much pain in my heart. Every day was a struggle, and I really did not know how to cope with the loss of Monster.

One day I was on Craigslist, and saw and ad for a Pot-Bellied piglet. The person posting had gone to an Amish farm to buy a puppy ( ) and saw a boy walking with a shotgun. She inquired as to what he was doing. “Going to shoot a piglet.” he replied. It turns out that this tiny piglet was injured by her mother, and since they didn’t believe that they would make any money from her, they were going to end her life. The woman paid them 20.00 to spare the piglet’s life, and took her away from the farm. She knew she could not keep her, and placed the ad.

With the help of my son, we contacted her, and made plans to meet. I spoke with my boyfriend about it, and he agreed to see her, and evaluate how bad the injury was. We have never shared our home with a pig before, and had no idea how to care for one.

I think it was two or three days before the meeting, and I was anxious the entire time. I was afraid that she would change her mind, or that maybe the piglet was too badly injured to survive.

Finally-it was time to meet. We got to the meeting point early, and anxiously watched each car pull in, hoping it was her. After what seemed to be hours (and was, in fact, only about 15 minutes) a woman got out of a car with a tiny bundle wrapped in a blanket.

We walked over to her, and I could see the little nose disc, and hear little grunts. The woman asked if we wanted to see the injury, and we said no-we will take her home and take care of her.

When we got home, we unwrapped her and put her on the floor. She had a long scar, and missing hair above the base of her tail. She got along on three legs, but the back left was pulled up to her stomach. There was feeling in it, but she didn’t use it.

With lots of physical therapy, and playing with her best friend Puppa ( a JRT mix), Fern ( named after Fern from Charlotte’s Web) has 99% use of her leg, and is a happy, healthy, 100 pound pigaloo.

Fern has touched my heart in so many ways. Her intelligence, and sense of humor amazes me every day. Her motto of “I’m a pig, and I do what I want!” brings me joy. She has helped my heart heal, I I think most importantly, is that she has changed this life-long meat eater into a vegetarian, working on the ultimate goal of being vegan.

Although I have always said that I love animals, I still always ate them. If fern had not come into my life, I would still be doing the same. I’d ignore those videos of factory farming, I’d never have even heard of Toronto Pig Save, I’d never have even considered being the voice for pigs where I made my home now. In my 46 years, she has been the creature that has truly opened my eyes to the plight of not only pigs, but farm creatures everywhere, and I do believe Fernlet has made me a better person.
Shannon K

28. Jan, 2012

I want the world to know about Sophie, and how her resilience inspires me.

A few months after a difficult breakup, (the end result of which meant losing my two dogs, and finding myself in a new city for the first time ever), my heart was aching for that canine connection. As I’d walk down the street, I stared longingly at all the dogs and their people, so happy and active, bouncing through life together.

On one particular August day, my partner Joseph and I were walking down Queen Street, a flurry of activity going around us (kids covered in the sticky juice of melted popsicles, the smell of french fries and beer on a perfect patio day, you get the idea). And like most days, we were walking to the local alternative grocery store for some meal inspiration. While we both tended to remark at dogs in the street (the vegan version of ‘stopping and smelling the roses’), my eyes were in overdrive, feeling extremely lonely for my own dogs, seeing them in the faces and movements of every dog we passed.

How I missed seeing her, I don’t know, but Joseph suddenly turned, pointed across the street and said “Oh my god! Is that not the most beautiful dog you’ve ever seen?” As soon as I met her gaze, I was instantly under her spell. Tied by a little pink leash to one of the posts of a patio fence, staring at us with that look we’ve grown to love more than anything, was sweet, unsure, little Sophie.

Grocery shopping was a blur, as it became a mere technicality to get out of the way before we could cross the street and go pet her. Upon finishing, we ran across the road like two children, and immediately I fell to my knees to pet and nuzzle her. She leaned into me almost instantly, and despite her nervous eyes, I knew she could sense that I was not a threat to her, and she looked right at us, her expressive eyebrows telling us non-verbally that things were not all right. Just as I was accepting that we were likely making her human companions nervous with our intense attention, it hit me that I had no idea who or where they were, as no one seemed to notice our interactions. Before I could say anything to Joseph, a voice came from over the patio and said “Do you want her?”

Time stopped. It really did. At first I thought the woman (whom the voice belonged to) was joking. I stood up and smiled. But she asked us again. Turns out Sophie had been living informally at the doggy daycare where this woman worked for over half a year, that her former owner was on his way to jail, and that they were desperate to find a home for her. Out of desperation, employees of the kennel passed her around from home to home so she didn’t have to spend every night in the daycare alone (from 9PM to 8AM).

The short of it is though, we decided to go walk her a couple of times. While we admitted later that both of us had already committed to bringing her home in our hearts, for the purposes of being responsible, and to ensure to the other person that we weren’t impulsive when it came to adopting an animal, we had lengthy discussions about ‘getting to know her a bit’, and helping her find a home even if we determined we weren’t yet ready for the commitment.

Upon arriving at the daycare the next day, various employees warned us of how Sophie didn’t like walks, that she was even ‘impossible’ to walk on a leash and that she had spent the majority of her 4 years on Earth tied to her former companion’s front porch and thus could be nervous with strangers and certain dogs. I simply didn’t ‘see’ that when I looked at her. Instead I saw a beautiful sweetheart with a lifetime of reasons to not trust people, who, given the right opportunities and a lot of support, would become a happy dog.

I noted immediately that one of the women who knew the most about her history, when giving us a ‘tutorial’ in walking her, tugged at the leash, tried to drag her along the sidewalk, and was clearly not at all attuned to what would have been good for Sophie. Luckily for Sophie, I’d brought a harness, which I’ve had good success with before when walking dogs who are new to leashes. As soon as the woman left, we put it on her, and I was not at all surprised by the immediate transformation.

It turns out that Sophie loves to be walked. Lives for it, actually (go figure, a dog who loves a walk). These people had simply not given her the opportunity to walk in a way that didn’t terrify and upset her.
On this walk, we noticed that she looked like she had energy to burn! At just under 40 pounds, she had such a spring in her step and the sweetest little gait– but we wanted to see her run! Because it was late in the summer, schools were empty and by extension, so were the fenced-in play areas. We found one and once we secured the perimeter, we took off her leash and tried to toss a ball around. What she did was, and forever will be one, of the most beautiful things I’ve ever experienced.

Instead of chasing the ball, Sophie began running laps, frantically bouncing and springing through the air, almost like a deer. She was running full speed, barking excitedly, wagging her tail every time she’d stop on a dime for a split second. It is something I can only describe as pure joy and excitement. She was running as though she’d never ever run before. And the likelihood was that she hadn’t. Tied to a porch, with little to no walks, and then living in a kennel where no one walked her because she was ‘impossible’, it all indicated we were witnessing Sophie running freely, for maybe the very first time. By the time she stopped, which was only about a minute or two later since her lungs were pretty weak from lack of exercise, we had eyes absolutely full of tears.

Within days she was home to us, and we haven’t left her side since. Every day her and Joseph head down to the beach and she chases her ball, and plays with other dogs. And here is the most magical part of Sophie’s story– she is now by far the fastest dog on the beach. People constantly stop and remark at her speed. Every time someone comments, I want to tell them it’s that she had 4 years of pent up excitement and frustration and that she is letting it OUT! Watching her run is as cathartic as it is inspiring.

As for what Sophie taught me about me, the easiest way to explain it is that she showed me that our environment and our circumstance don’t have to be the way we define ourselves. The things that happen to you, aren’t you. I had a great many difficulties growing up, and watching Sophie run for the first time, and watching her (now) confident occupation of our couch, bed, and the heart of every person whose met her, reminds me that what happened to me isn’t me. I am, in my own way, doing my very own version of running joyously– I am a resilient animal who feels increasingly so each day. I am happy and well and in love with the work I commit myself to, and this truth proves wrong all the things people said would be “impossible” for me. They were wrong about me, just like they were wrong about Sophie.
Gina

29. Jan, 2012

My kitty Bamboo is my world! She is everything i’ve ever wanted in a cat. She is my queen, my angel, and my reason for living. Not to mention, she is angelically beautiful! However, i’d like to share the story on how we came together. One night, back in the summer of 2010, I was eating out with my family and upon leaving the restaurant, we just so happen to drive behind the restaurant and I spotted a tiny stray kitten in some bushes nearby. The kitty, thank goodness, came out at the right time, and it was playing with a bug. I knew I wasn’t gonna leave this poor innocent creature alone, so I got out of the car, my mom followed me afterwards. Of course, the kitty got scared and ran back into the bushes. However, I assured the kitty that everything was going to be fine, and waited patiently for her over an hour, to come out of the bushes. Finally, she came out and stood as still as ice, waiting for my opportunity to pounce and catch her! Sure, she was frightened and squirmed. I threw her into the car, and off we went home. Upon arriving, I took her to the bathroom, gave her some food, and prepared her bed. I’d never seen a cat eat so much, the poor thing was starving. The next day, I called the vet and was blessed that they were able to take her in the morning that same day. They’re usually always booked up. After the vet visit, we found out that she had ring worm and she had to be quarantined. Of couse, we decided to keep her…that was a done deal from the start. We nursed her back to health, and after three months, she was a brand new kitty! Today, she is alive & healthy and lives in a loving home with people that adore her, especially me. She is my best friend, and my “daughter.” We do girly things, etc. I love her more than anything in the world, and am so happy she is with us & is safe and healthy, and happy. We saved each other. She is a little angel!
diana

29. Jan, 2012

Our dog was rescued from a meat market in China and brought back to Canada. This is the beginning of his story to see pictures and what he is doing now his blog is mimijingba.blogspot/com

The roly poly little puppies slept soundly snuggled together against their mother’s warm side. Suddenly the cold light of dawn struck them as the door to the shed was opened. As the puppies blinked at the sudden disturbance, rough hands dragged them away from their mother and dropped them, crying, into a stinking sack, reeking with the odour of fear from previous occupants. The sack was then tossed into the back of a ramshackle three wheeled truck amidst the bags of potatoes, cabbages and other ‘produce’ for market. Then they were bounced from side to side, barely able to breathe in the stench of diesel as the truck drove to the village. When the bouncing stopped their sack was lifted out and the string untied as the same rough hands reached in and put them inside a small cage. There they sat, sad and scared, exposed to the beating sun and with a sign on their cage that read “Puppy meat for sale, soft and sweet” . From time to time customers would come and look closely at them; sometimes the rough hands would lift one out and allow a shopper to poke and prod to see how much fat was on them. Sometimes one of these people would give the farmer some money and take the puppy away in a bag until all but one of the puppies were gone, and he was really scared.

But then a different kind of person came who did not poke or prod but bent down and talked softly to the one remaining puppy who responded by edging closer to the bars of the cage and sticking out a tiny tongue to be touched by the kind person, who quickly gave the farmer money and took the puppy in her arms and held him so close he immediately felt warm and safe and that made him think of his mum, especially as he could detect the regular bump of a heartbeat beat against his cheek.
Terri Davis

30. Jan, 2012

Wow what a opportunity to tell the world our story thank you. First off I’m not a writer so bare with me. My story of Babyboy and how I lost him.

I rescued a basset which I came to dearly love ans the day after Christmas he was ran over after being taken off by some neighborhood kids. He was taken to the local shelter and because of it being new years eve weekend they put him to sleep because he had a broke leg. To say the least me and my kids was crushed. Freckles was around a year or so old when he died.

So as any mom would do I went to find another one because my girls was crushed.
I looked all over could find one then I found a lady at the time that was a breeder well I didnt pay much attention to that because I at the time didnt know better .So I go look at the pups and out of 10 puppies she had one little red and white boy. She told me he wasn’t fosale and I offered her more money like a dummy. So finally after seeing me holding the pup with tears in my eyes she agreed and we left with our new dog.

I had just lost my job the best one I ever had due to illness and so I bonded with the new pup. He slept with me every night he was the best dog ever. I named this dog Babyboy
there is a reason behind the name that I have never told publicly but he was like my child..

We all grew to love this dog he was with me through my darkest time in life and words cant explain it but the bond will never be broke but on a beautiful summer day I was busy and I hear a nkock at my door .My neighbor and her mom had come to speak to me and they asked do you have a basset. I could tell something wasen’t right by the way they was looking at me and I said sure I do and I called my boy. Hear Babyboy and as I looked around my head flew back to look at their face and the woman said to me
your dog is hurt you need to come now.

I knew there was something she wanted to say but couldnt and later on I found out why.I rushed out my door in a panic my worst fear came true that day my baby has went out the door for the first time ever and I thought had been hit by a car.
I fell to the street and took him in my arms screaming to God “Why” why did you take him like he was a human had I lost my mind? No I was in shock ! So I looked over his lifeless body as a croud stood around me and I see no blood no injures I’m thinking what in the Hell is going on then I see a small hole in his back.

This is so hard to write but then I completely lose it screaming who did this I will kill you as the shooter stood before me and I never knew at that moment he did this. I was completely in shock.
I think at that very moment everything that had gone wrong in my life that I had bottled up finally hit me .

So they pick me up off the road and my husband made me get in the truck as he carried our dog to the tail gate. I was screaming call the police I know who did this ,I know who did this and hes going to jail now,

The gunman at first lied to police and hid all his guns finally a few days later he admitted he did it .

He was never charged in the shooting my guess was because I’m from a small town and he was kin to the chief.

A lawsuit was filed but eventually the case had to be settled and so with out naming names or why Ill leave it at that but I was so mad trust me at my attorney and the world my town and the chief.

After 2 long years of trying to get justice for babyboy I wanted to make a difference a impact to help homeless and abandoned animals so thats what I did .

I learned how to create memorials for animals that had passed you can view them here
http://www.facebook.com/MemorialAngelKeepsakePortraitsThis was a way to help other grieving pet owners heal from their loss.
Along with doing that I have been a advocate by posting for animals by making awareness videos .I also made a blog where I posted info to help others after their animal had been shot and killed like ours.

Today I’m healing but the pain of that day will haunt me until I die.

In 2010 I created a cause on facebook that today has over **********160,000 members *******”Its called Turn FB Purple For A Week To Raise Awareness Against Animal Abuse”
Link http://www.causes.com/causes/533852-turn-facebook-purple-for-1-week-to-raise-awareness-against-animal-abuse

At the beginning if this year I decided to use my cause to help other animals in a way to remember our dogs life.
So I came up with a idea to raise funds for hounds across America .As of the month of Jan. 2012 I raised over 950.00 for two rescues one in Tennessee and one in my state of Alabama. I also raised 360.00 over night because of a recent case where 200 animals had been left for dead.

I never in a million years would have thought my story would have effected so many for the good I just never dreamed it.

I’m sorry my story is long but there was no way just to tell you parts of it. Thank you and to all that may not think they can change anything if you just believe in your cause you can move many mountains.

In Memory Of a dog dearly loved
Babyboy
Lisa

30. Jan, 2012

What a nice idea for Valentine’s day! It’s not about romantic love…it’s about LOVE, whether it be for everyone, or a special person in your heart, or a special animal in your heart <3
Tumeria Langlois

30. Jan, 2012

I was fortunate enough to have a very wonderful relationship with an animal that most people only see from a distance. If more people had the opportunity to connect with farm animals, I think they would realize that there really is no difference between different species in their capacity to love us. Some of my fondest childhood memories were those spent at my cousin’s dairy farm. He ran an old fashion farm where the cows were allowed to graze in large open fields. I was fond of the baby calves and actually became close friends with one of them. I named her Blitz because she had a lightning shaped blaze down her nose. Being only 10 years old, my cousin humorously told me that Blitz was my calf, but that she would have to live on the farm with him. I would visit Blitz every week. Our bond soon became very strong. Blitz was very curious by nature and would manage to chew through the ropes that kept her confined against the wall of the barn. Several times, when I would go to visit her, I would find her roaming around inside the barn. When my cousin resorted to using a leather collar and chains to keep her restrained, I would undo the latch and take her for walks around the barn myself! Blitz and I spent countless hours together. I would sing to her, tell her stories and take naps lying against her warm body. A while later I was diagnosed with scoliosis. Because of this, I wasn’t able to see Blitz for about a year. When I returned to the farm, Blitz was a heifer. She was no longer a calf, but not yet a cow. I saw her in the paddock with about 20 other heifers. I recognized the white square patch on her left shoulder. I called her name twice, but got no response. The third time I called her name, she slowly raised her head and looked in my direction. To my great joy, she stood up and walked over to me. She remembered me after an entire year! Our friendship resumed like it had never stopped.
I remember one winter’s day especially well. I was in the paddock area standing in front of Blitz. She had an itch on her shoulder so she was licking it to make herself more comfortable. When she swung her head around, she caught me square in the nose! I was instantly on my knees with blood covering the snow. I could feel Blitz nudging me with her muzzle, but I was in too much pain to respond at the time. My cousin came out of the barn, helped me up and brought me into the house to administer first aid. After the bleeding stopped, I thought about poor Blitz. This had been an accident and partly my fault for standing too close. I asked my cousin if I could bring Blitz a carrot, which was her favorite treat. With carrot in hand, I went back out to the paddock. Blitz was standing there with her head down to the ground. She wouldn’t even make an attempt to eat the carrot. She knew that I had been hurt and was upset! It took me about 5 minutes to convince her that I was OK. Only then did she reluctantly eat her carrot.
There was another time that Blitz went against her instincts to be with me. Cows are herd animals by nature. When the leader of the group decides to head for the field, all the other cows follow. Not Blitz! She chose to stay at the fence with me. I told her that it was all right and that she could go with the others. Blitz wouldn’t go. By now all the other cows were in the field grazing. It was just me and Blitz in the paddock. Not wanting her to miss out on grazing, I crawled under the fence. Together Blitz and I walked down the path to the field, side by side. I sat in the grass beside her as she grazed.
One day I went to the farm and couldn’t find Blitz! I looked everywhere. When I asked my cousin where Blitz was, he coldly told me that Blitz had had her first calf and was now a cow. Unfortunately she wasn’t a good milk producer. He had sent her to the slaughterhouse to be killed! I couldn’t believe my ears! When I asked about her calf, my cousin told me that it had been a bull and had been sold to a veal house. For months after this, I refused to eat beef. The thought of eating my beloved Blitz was too much to bare. It took me a very long time to forgive my cousin. I never went back to the farm after that.
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know Blitz. When people tell me that cows are dumb animals I know that it just isn’t true. Blitz was a very intelligent, loving, sentient being. She had feelings and individuality. She was my friend! I still miss her to this day. The thought of what she had to experience at the slaughterhouse haunts me. I wonder if she was looking for me, expecting me to take her back home.
Blitz was a great teacher for me. All animals are. They offer us so much and ask so little. They only want a little kindness and compassion. The food industry sees them as commodities, not as feeling individuals. Still the fact remains that animals are capable of all the same emotions that you or I have. They feel love, sadness, pain and fear. They love their young and will risk their own lives to protect their offspring. Like you and me, they only want to live.
Andy

30. Jan, 2012

Several years ago, during a visit with my aunt and uncle, I was sitting by the pond reading a book when I noticed that a momma duck and her 10 or so ducklings had decided to venture from the water and peck at the grass and seeds near the shore. After a few minutes I saw all the ducklings hastily retreat to the water, it was at this moment that I realized that Bailey, a glorious Bernese mountain dog, was bounding down the hill towards the ducks. All of the ducklings hurried to the center of the pond but the mom duck took a different route, opting to sort of fly/run on water around the edge of the pond. Bailey chased the mother duck and was extremely close on her tail. I could only sit there in horror as it looked like Bailey might soon catch the duck. I wondered why the mother duck didn’t retreat to the safety of the center of the pond with her babies when I realized that she was doing her best to lead the dog away from her offspring. The sounds I heard coming from the mother duck were unlike I had ever heard from coming a bird, the sounds seemed to express terror, panic and anger. Her cries were so distressed as if she was pleading desperately for the lives of her babies, it was unmistakable. Though I was already vegan at the time, if I had any doubt that animals were able to experience the same joy and fear that humans do, it was completely erased with this experience. I will never forget what I saw and heard, this duck has forever left an impression on me. And thankfully, the mom got away and rejoined her babies.
Susan

01. Feb, 2012

Max, a white lab-mix, walked into my life one day in April 2000. He was so skinny, with his ribs sticking out, and he jumped right up on me, begging. I of course fed him, and secretly hoped that he would stick around our rural home.

A few days later my husband had to go out of town for a while. The nights turned off cold again, and I just could not let that dog stay outside, even though he had a warm house (one we had bought for an outside cat who adopted us.)

I opened the door and he eagerly trotted inside. My elderly cocker spaniel seemed to like him just fine and he recognized she was boss. And he didn’t chase our 2 inside cats, so all was good so far. He walked straight into the bedroom, jumped up on the bed, and made himself at home.

As I got into bed and turned out the light, I had one fleeting moment of thinking “OK well this could end badly. He could attack me or one of the animals during the night.” And then he did something which made me know it would be OK.

He put his head on my husband’s pillow, put his paw over on me, and let out a big sigh. And I knew. He was mine. Forever.

From Max I learned more about love and gratitude. He was simply the most loving animal I’ve ever had in my life. I was able to feel the love from him every single day he was with me, for over a decade.
Kaitlyn@TheTieDyeFiles

04. Feb, 2012

My childhood cat, Cookie, has taught me countless lessons in the sentience of animals and has truly been a companion. We’ve shared so many memorable emotional moments together, both on my side and on his. He’s been by my side through my awkward teenage years, breakups, my parents’ divorce, and all the other things that happen in a girl’s life between the ages of 9 and 24. I’ve loved him and cared for him through anxiety-inducing moves, a diabetes diagnosis, and a scary relapse. It’s incredible how easy it becomes to read the emotions of your companion animal. I am able to know what Cookie is feeling, and he is able to offer me comfort when I need it. To this day the first thing I do when I arrive at my mom’s house is seek out Cookie and tell him I love him. He won the heart of my mother, reluctant to get a cat, and she even lets him get between she and her boyfriend on the couch on a nightly basis. Even my brother, a jockish 22-year-old, visibly softens in Cookie’s presence. At 16 years old we’ve gone through a lot with Cookie from crying and trying to comfort him in his sickest of days, while worrying we were going to lose our best friend, to finding solace in his purr and nudges through my mom’s cancer diagnosis. Cookie is a member of our family and I have no doubt that while he can’t communicate via language, I’ve had some of the best conversations of my life with my beloved cat.
Nicole Graziano

05. Feb, 2012

At age 29, I had no interest in dogs. I passed multiple dogs daily while going about my business, but I never noticed them. Now, I’m known to stop at the sight of any dog, smile, say hello and give a friendly pet.

As a third-year vegan reflecting, I believe Milo made me aware of dogs and animals of all kinds. I can trace my decision to become vegan back to him, as his feeling eyes and character forced me to consider the many animals who suffer and die unnecessarily.

My history with Milo goes back eight years. Upon meeting a new boyfriend, he told me he had a dog. I immediately thought, what a hassle! He had me meet Milo, a handsome, greyhound-shepherd mix, on our second date. He came running out of the house to greet me, and I felt a loving response. We were quick to develop affinities for each
other. Soon, I opted to stay in on weekend nights just so that I could cuddle with him. The greyhound in my skinny mutt allowed him to run with uncommon force. Now, two years after his passing, I wish that I had the sense to take video of his sprints on one of our many hikes.

Milo was many things to me. He protected me on the streets of Jersey City. I felt I could go anywhere with him, no matter the hour or section of town. He was also a teacher. He showed me that most of the time, simple and carefree is the best way to be. He even taught me that dogs loved vegetables. And he was a constant — a companion and a
source of steady love, acceptance and affection for years. He also brought much comedy and entertainment. Almost everything about his personality made me laugh. Even when he was mischievous, he was endearing. He later became a model for a then frightened and confused lab mix we adopted from Kentucky. Our new puppy, Wiggy, arrived and soon began emulating Milo’s excellent house manners and grew to open up to humans, accepting love and greeting other dogs, just like Milo.

Milo’s passing seemed tragic at the time, but I now can look back at his fulfilled life with a smile. He camped in the Adirondacks, made some wonderful pals, went on innumerable hikes and shared our garden harvest every year. Milo was given the opportunity to pass away under
his favorite tree, surrounded by friends. After he left us, we had a beautiful ceremony in which many friends shared a funny or touching memory of Milo. There were so many stories to share. He was buried near an asparagus patch, and we threw broccoli (his favorite treat) on
his grave. He would have been so pleased!

And it was through the meeting of this special dog, that I became aware of the light that lives inside all animals, both those we allow into our homes as pets and those who are not so fortunate. What I felt for Milo transformed into a love toward all animals. He allowed me to see all animals as someones not somethings. His memory inspires me as I continue to advocate for animals in my daily life.

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

Episode 109: “The love of all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.” | Our Hen House - 11. Feb, 2012
[...] we’ll also be sharing some of your own stories of love – love of animals, that is. Many of you sent us your stories of animals who worked their way into your hearts, and, today, we’re going to highlight 5 of your [...]

Want Your “TOTE-ALLY VEGAN” Fix?

Order your "TOTE-ALLY VEGAN" Our Hen House tote bag! 100% of the proceeds go to Our Hen House. Made out of soda and water bottles, printed with eco-friendly ink, and designed by a collaboration between Lion's Share Industries, Razi Bhatti, and Our Hen House (all parties being proud vegans), the totes are $20 each, or FREE with a $50 donation to Our Hen House! They proudly state our tag line, "A PLACE TO FIND OUR WAY TO CHANGE THE WORLD FOR ANIMALS" with "ourhenhouse.org" underneath. See more pictures and then order yours today!

Our Hen House