In response to my recent essay on Chancer, a golden retriever who takes care of a youngster named Lyal, I had some very interesting emails but a note from a friend stuck out as one of the most inspirational stories I've received in ages.
In August 2011 I spent a weekend giving lectures and having wonderful discussions on animal emotions at a gathering in Wadern, Germany organized by Swanie Simon and her ogranization Hof Drei Hunde Nacht (see also). Swanie trains dogs and teaches people to train dogs using positive reinforcement. And, in addition to her training school, Swanie also rescues dogs from all over Europe, often puttng her life in danger when she smuggles dogs out of cities and countries that would not be at all user-friendly. I met some of the animals she rescued and they are all living great lives in the beautiful countryside of southwestern Germany.
Swanie has a heart of gold and not only does she rescue dogs, cats, horses, and other animals, she also recently rescued a young human child. After Swanie read about Chancer and Lyal she sent me the following story.
"I've been busy caught in the whirlwind of raising a child who spent 5 years in Bulgarian institutions. And I read this article with interest, because I am living this experience daily - my animal friends healing my daughter - it is amazing and precious to watch. Nika has made incredible progress in the 10 short weeks she has been here, and I 'blame' this largely on the animals - they are so much smarter than us. Little Nika was abandoned, completely neglected, abused in every way and my furry friends work their magic so much more effectively than any therapist could ever do."
Swanie ended her note by writing "Animals are such great people." I would add that if we open our hearts to other beings we can learn much from them about respect, loyalty, and love. We should be very proud that we are members of the animal kingdom. And kudos to Swanie and the best of luck to Nika.