What awards do your animal companions deserve?

From time to time there is a special story we want to share with our blog readers. This is one of those special stories!
 
PURE GOLD
By Allen Parton
 
When Endal, a quiet, unassuming yellow Labrador, won PDSA's Gold Medal in 2003, it was another remarkable episode in a remarkable life. (PDSA is the United Kingdom's leading veterinary charity. It was started in London by animal lover Maria Dickin during World War I as the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals of the Poor to offer free veterinary care.)
 
Endal's is also a story of the man whose world the dog helped to transform. On a late autumn day in 2002, a Labrador, smart in a purple jacket, his intelligence shining through in his bright-eyed alertness, stood attentively beside a man in a wheelchair. Before them a ceremony was taking place.
 
The assembled guests were told how, after the man had been knocked from his wheelchair by a reversing car, the dog rolled his companion's unconscious form into the recovery position, draped a blanket over him, nudged his mobile phone close to his face, and then went to fetch help. Actions that many people might not have had the composure and the calm sense of purpose to carry out.
 
Afterwards, HRH Princess Alexandra presented the Labrador with the PDSA's Gold Medal, awarded to animals who have shown outstanding devotion to their duties in time of peace. For his astonishing response to the accident, Endal became one of only three dogs to receive the medal since its introduction.
 
The dog's name was Endal; his companion was Allen Parton. What brought them together and to this ceremony were a series of events that were as despairing as, eventually, they were hope-filled.
 
A Lifetime Lost
 
When Allen Parton, a weapons electronics officer in the Royal Navy, waved goodbye to his wife, Sandra, and their two children, Liam and Zoe, he was also bidding farewell to life, as he had known it. It was 1991, and Allen was heading out to the Gulf War. He was, of course, fully aware of the dangers that lay ahead; but he was equally sure that experience and good fortune would see him return home untouched and unharmed.
 
Allen was wrong; Allen got unlucky. A month after he arrived, his military car was wrecked in an accident and Allen's body with it. He woke six weeks later in a British military hospital with his right side devoid of feeling and his mind even number. His memory had been so horribly obliterated by the injuries he sustained that he was unable to recognize Sandra and had no recollection of his marriage or his children. He had to be introduced to his family.
 
The simplest of words - bed, chair - deserted him. He spoke, if at all, as he remembered, in disjointed, meaningless fragments. Imprisoned by his wheelchair, trapped by his fumbling speech, and dispossessed of his own past, Allen saw no reason to have faith in the future. Twice, he tried to take his own life.
 
After five years of hospitalization and rehabilitation, Allen at last returned to his home in Hampshire, a stranger to the person he had once been, and raging at his fate. By his own admission, Allen was all too willing to share his anger and bitterness with those around him. "I refused to accept I was disabled and I'm ashamed to say I was pretty much horrible to everyone," he admitted.
 
An Encounter
 
Sandra, who gave up her job as a nurse to care for Allen, had volunteered as a puppy walker for Canine Partners, an organization that trains dogs to help disabled people enjoy a greater degree of independence. One morning, in the summer of 1997, the bus that had been due to ferry Allen to the day center he attended failed to turn up. Rather than leave her husband to brood at home, Sandra took Allen with her to the Canine Partners training center.
 
There Allen sat, his wheelchair parked in a corner, as self-conscious and withdrawn as he always was in public. Until, that is, his eye caught a young dog, resting from a training session. The dog wandered over to the wheelchair, accepted Allen's offer of a welcoming pat on the head and promptly dived on to his lap. It was Endal. Allen's life was about to emerge from night and into the sun.
 
A Partnership Is Born
 
Everyone saw that there was a clear and instant bond between Endal and Allen; something instinctive and rooted in the way they interpreted each other's needs. After a few more meetings between the two -- it was difficult to tell who anticipated their visits to the training center more, Allen or Endal.
 
Allen decided to apply to take Endal as an assistance dog. It was only while the forms were being completed that Allen understood and accepted the importance of the psychological step he was taking: "I had to describe my disabilities, and this was the first time I had admitted there was something wrong with me. It was a cathartic experience. Until I met Endal, I was in the depths of despair. Now I suddenly saw a chink of light."
 
Life Begins Anew
 
With Allen still struggling as much with his word recollection as his mobility, Endal's ability to read the sign language with which Allen was sometimes forced to communicate was central to their relationship. A pat on Allen's head meant, and was understood as, "fetch my cap." A touch on Allen's cheek, and Endal was off to bring him his razor case. Hands held up? A second later Allen's gloves appeared.
 
Tugs (handles) were added to everything -- doors, cupboards, clothes drawers, the toilet seat -- anything in the Parton house that needed opening or closing or lifting. They made it possible for Endal to help Allen get dressed, wash, and manage the domestic chores.
 
Endal was soon as adept at shopping as he was in helping Allen around the house. Allen simply issued the appropriate instructions from his wheelchair -- cereal, soup, tins of tomatoes, bread. Endal would unfailingly nose the requested item from the grocery shelf and drop it into the shopping basket. He even helped to pay. Once Allen had tapped in his PIN, Endal would gently retrieve the money and card from the cash dispenser.
 
The differences that Endal brought to Allen's everyday world weren't just practical, however impressive his abilities to sniff out a bargain at the supermarket. They were therapeutic too. Where five years of intensive speech coaching had seen little progress, Allen's urge to talk to Endal meant that he was becoming ever more articulate; his vocabulary was becoming as broad as it had been before the accident.
 
Allen, embarrassed at his inability to remember words let alone names, would shy from social contact. Now Endal gave him the confidence to re-engage with the world that once had felt so alien and intimidating. "Endal provides a talking point," explained Allen. "People stroke and chat about him which helps me to socialize."
 
Perhaps most importantly of all, Endal restored Allen to his family, allowing him the emotional strength needed to rediscover and renew the bonds of human love. "Life will never be the same again but, thanks to Endal, Allen has a second chance," said Sandra. "The children lost their old dad but Endal has given them a new one." Recently, Allen and Sandra took their wedding vows again.
 
Fame
 
A dog as talented as Endal is a difficult secret to keep. His prowess at the cash machine was spotted by a journalist from a national newspaper. After that the media floodgates opened wide. Reporters and film crews from around the world have queued up to watch and marvel as Endal, wallet in mouth, picks up Allen's prescription at the chemist's (pharmacy) or operates the electronic doors on a train.
 
What really threw the spotlight on Endal, however, was the story of the heroics for which he was awarded the PDSA's Gold Medal. Invited to attend a stand at Crufts in 2001, the pair had been exercising in the car park afterwards when the vehicle, unseen by Allen until the last second, struck him and threw him from his wheelchair. Endal's resolve and quiet control made headline news and won him that most prestigious of animal awards.
 
The Future
 
Endal is now twelve years old. There will come a time when he will be too old to carry out his duties, however strong and faithful the urge to do so. When that happens, Allen will be there to look after him, repaying what he acknowledges to be an unrepayable debt.
 
The day in the car park that saw Endal save Allen's life by grasping his coat and pulling him, unconscious, into the recovery position was truly remarkable. What is almost as remarkable is that Endal has been saving Allen's life, precious piece by precious piece, each and every day, before and since.
 
BIO:
Allen Parton has written about Endal. Endal has his own wikipedia page and web site titled "Endal: Dog of The Millennium" www.milleniumdog.freeserve.co.uk. Allen writes about how life changing and enabling these dogs are, especially in his case.
 
On his website Allen writes, "One dog cut right through that defensive armour and saw the real Allen Parton. Like a shining star Endal came bounding into that dark place and touched my very heart. He just said to me with those doggie eyes, "Hold onto my tail, and I'll pull you out of here, at your pace, and with no conditions." He has to this day never stopped pulling. His unconditional love has healed so many of the hurts, his mischief-making brought laughter into my saddest days, and his zest for life has rubbed off on to me.
 
"He never judges me; he never looks away because of my condition and his aiding of me when I am at my weakest make us both an invincible team. I can put my hand out to my side day or night and he is always there. He has taught me to love, laugh, and live again."
 
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
What awards do your animal companions deserve?

Angel Dogs with a Mission -- Book Launch

Our Angel Dogs with a Mission book launch was a wonderful, successful, and fun event. The Borders Book and Music in Minnetonka set up a nice, cozy spot for the attendees with plenty of room for a book display.

We created color posters of dogs in the book and had them displayed for the event. We appreciated all who attended. Rebecca Kragnes and her dog Zane shared information about guide dogs. Rebecca's story "The Little Mother Who Saved My Life" is featured in Angel Dogs with a Mission.

When authors speak and sign books at a bookstore, it's like giving a party and wondering if anyone will come. Sometimes they are dismal affairs that are affected by bad weather (nobody wants to drive) and good weather (nobody wants to be indoors). Overall, we've been very fortunate to have the support of animal lovers and friends who turn out for our events. We are very grateful. And it's most fun of all when dogs are there.

One little dog, Trina, came with her person who shared the dog's mission. Trina was a dog nobody wanted. She was considered to be deformed because she has five legs with two little right front legs. This causes her to limp. But after Trina was adopted, she learned to be a therapy dog. She visits nursing homes, bringing joy and hope to people. Her physical disability doesn't keep her from enjoying life and spreading the love.

It was a real treat to watch Trina with her little therapy jacket on, limping around the store, and sitting quietly while we told stories of other dogs.

Visit www.angelanimals.net/recentevents.html to view pictures of the book launch.

Visit www.angelanimals.net/ytkare11ADWM.html to see Linda on our local NBC affiliate being interviewed about the new book.

If you were to write a book about a special dog, what would your title be?

NEW: Exciting news for us. Animal Planet's show, Dogs 101, is doing a reenactment of one of the stories from ANGEL DOGS: Divine Messengers of Love. The story is about Cpl. J.R., a Jack Russell terrier who made sure a fallen soldier would not be forgotten. The show airs on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (10-25, 26, 27). Check your local listings for times.

Who Are Your Animal Stress-Relievers?

Many studies of human-animal companionship show that people who have pets live longer, have lower blood pressure, are less lonely, and remain emotionally connected to the world around them. Petting an animal turns out to be one of nature's best stress-relievers.

One of our favorite ways to de-stress with pets is to laugh about the funny things they do. One of the main benefits we've received by sharing our home with animals is that they bring a smile to our faces every day.

In a world that seems to try and top itself each day with creative ways to add stress to life, animals with their honest playfulness and expressiveness, provide comic relief. When our dog and two cats roll over on their backs for tummy rubs or the bird spreads his wings as we compliment his beauty, our pets remind us to stop, notice, and smile.

We hope you had the chance last week to go to our cocker spaniel Leaf's three-minute video and new web page. At www.thisdogforpresident.com/video.html you'll have the chance to watch him in action along the campaign trail.

It's been so much fun to see the This Dog for President fan club grow on Facebook. Go to http://is.gd/3TpR to view photos of dogs and cats people are nominating in the race to the White House.

What do your pets do to make you laugh?

***

On Wednesday Linda received over twenty insightful and touching questions about pet loss for the one-hour live chat she did on the Washington Post website. Read the transcript from the discussion "Advice for Pet Owners, Grieving the Death of a Pet at www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/discussion/2008/10/02/DI2008100203292.htmlor or http://is.gd/3IhJ

If you live in or will be visiting Minneapolis, you're invited to the book launch of ANGEL DOGS WITH A MISSION. It will be on Saturday, October 18, 1:00 p.m. at Borders, 1501 Plymouth Road in Minnetonka. Local contributors to the book will also be there. We'd all love to meet you.

***

This week's story is a response we received to a blog we wrote about our dog Leaf. We wanted for you to read it because it may give you insight into your own pets' behavior and special gifts.

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STORY OF THE WEEK



WHO RULES YOUR HOUSE?
By Sue Tanida and Allen and Linda Anderson

A couple of weeks ago in this newsletter we wrote about how our dog Leaf tends to be an alpha guy at doggie day care and the dog park. He's not aggressive; just a natural leader.

Yet at home our two cats, Cuddles and Speedy, seem to tell Leaf what to do, especially with extended claws if he doesn't get it right away. We also noticed that our bird, Sunshine, squawks if he hears sounds at the door. Leaf comes running at the bird's command.

All of this made us wonder whether or not Leaf is only an alpha outside of our home.

Sue Tanida, an intuitive animal communicator, read our blog and wrote the following letter.

Linda and Allen,

I checked in with Leaf after reading about alpha. He wants you to know that despite what dog trainers say about dogs being pack animals and the alpha issue, and that the whole family is a pack, there are individual dogs who are more sophisticated.

There are those dogs who really obey ideas of pack mentality just as there are individual people who have creativity or ambition, and those who want to sleepwalk through life, working at mind-numbing jobs and being entertained all the time.

Leaf wants you to know that he is an intelligent and adaptable animal. If he's alerted to some danger by Sunshine, Leaf takes his job seriously. As a warning-dog, he will bark to carry on the message. Humans aren't necessarily alerted naturally by hearing a bird to know that there might be an intruder or something amiss.

He also said that Cuddles is NOT his boss, but that it's not nice to be hissed and swiped at. It's simply easier for him to defer to her.

He is proud to be alpha at doggie daycare, because the other dogs think he has fun ideas, admire his creativity, and enjoy his leadership. He says if he weren't fun, he wouldn't be as successful being alpha there. It's not about dominance so much as that the others find following his plans rewarding.

Leaf is a fun dog with lighthearted and enthusiastic energy, and I enjoyed our talk. He seems very practical!

Blessings,
Sue

Well, we thought Sue must have definitely tuned in to our Leaf. At doggie day care, on a day when we'd only had him there for a short time, the owner didn't charge us. His reason? "Leaf is so much fun. He gets the other dogs playing." Thanks, Sue. Thanks, Leaf.

BIO:
Sue Tanida is an intuitive animal communicator, shamanic practitioner, and Angel Therapy Practitioner(R). She makes her home in Southern California with her partner Rick and their kitties. You can reach her through her blog at http://angelicinsights.blogspot.com.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

What are your pets telling you about themselves and their leadership

The Place for Canine Presidential Politics

How about some much-needed comic relief from politics as usual?

After watching the U.S. presidential race and debates, our dog, Leaf Anderson, decided to throw his neck kerchief into the ring. This history-making move means Leaf is the first cocker spaniel to run for president.

View Leaf's SHORT campaign video, read a 24-page photo-filled booklet about why he'd make a tail-thumping world leader, and make your own nominations and comments at www.thisdogforpresident.com/video.html

To view Leaf's 3-minute YouTube.com video ad (which he barkingly approved), go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=2txy_bvbUVQ Rate and "favorite" the video, post comments, and let Leaf know why you will be voting for him and his vice-presidential choice.

On the video, watch Leaf in action, walking along the campaign trail, wearing his trademark blue suspenders and Snoopy red tie, and shaking voters' hands. Meet his maverick choice for running mate. Nominate YOUR dog to be president by posting nominations, photos, and a video, if you wish.

To see all of Leaf's campaign promises and discuss his qualifications to be Alpha Dog-in-Chief, visit and invite others to www.thisdogforpresident.com.

If you're on Facebook, join the This Dog for President Fan Club and post comments, photos, and videos or just browse to view other nominated dogs as well as Leaf's bid for the White House.

You don't have to be a U.S. citizen or age eighteen to vote in this election. In fact, we welcome people and dogs from all over the world to participate. By running this race with his youthful vigor and enthusiasm, Leaf encourages others to observe the qualities in dogs that make them presidential.

Leaf's campaign slogan is -- No Dog Left Behind. Adopt Rescued and Shelter Dogs. His inspiring journey from abandoned to rescued dog to canine leadership reminds everyone of rescued dogs' potential for greatness.

Since Leaf launched his campaign, people have made the following endorsements:

"Now, I finally have a choice. I'll write in Leaf's name on my ballot."

"I'll vote for Leaf. Will he give me kisses in return?"

"Loyalty, honesty, gratitude, funny, and loving -- what more could you ask for in your President? Count me in!"

This blog paid for by the Canine Committee to Nominate a Rescued Dog for President.

Who is your canine candidate for President?