LePar Animal Hospital celebrated National Pet Month this May 2012 with an Essay Contest, “How does your Pet Inspire You?” Below are three of our winners!  Read these touching stories and be inspired!

Casey and Kelly were rescued by my fiancé’s parents from a Golden Retriever Rescue in northern Michigan. Casey spent the first few years of her life on a truck, until her owner realized it was no place for Golden Retriever to live. Kelly was a puppy given as a gift to a family who couldn’t handle a rambunctious fur ball and two children.

“The Girls” brought Bob and Judy love and laughter during their years together. When Bob suddenly passed away in October 2008, the girls stayed by Judy’s side and were her strength. Unfortunately, six months later Judy too passed away. While in the hospital she would say she’d try to get better to see Casey and Kelly again.

Casey and Kelly joined our home immediately. Not having any human siblings, Casey and Kelly are the last connection my fiancé has to his parents. They kept him going during the toughest moments three years ago. Their love, companionship, and humor showed both of us that life would go on and be rewarding.

Three months later, I found out I had a brain tumor and we again had to prepare for turmoil. Casey and Kelly stayed by my side every day. They became my babies and continued to give me purpose.

The last three years with Casey and Kelly has been anything but ordinary, but I can’t imagine what life would’ve been like without them. Every morning we are grateful that the girls are with us, and we will always treasure them as our most precious gifts.  -Mary McLean

What does my Maggie mean to me? Well it’s very simple—she is my light in the dark of a bad day, she is smile to start my morning, she is the one I can talk to when no one else will listen, she is the hope for a better day, and most of all—she is my lifelong companion animal who I share an unspoken bond with. The bond we share with our companion animals must be of respect, love, commitment, and trust and I strive each day to assure those words are meant to their fullest. My Maggie is the reality of a dream, the joy of pure friendship, and my dedication to a soul that is dependent upon me for her daily existence and in return, I receive so much that I feel I can never return.

What is Maggie? She is a macaw, she is a soul with the gift of flight, a soul with intelligence and humor, and most of all—she is my buddy and companion parrot.

-R.S.

It is with heartfelt sadness that I am writing to tell you that our dog Chief passed away by euthanasia on October 21st after he was suddenly weakened by an undetected illness.  Chief was rushed to the Emergency Vet who had determined that a tumor on his spleen had ruptured and he was bleeding internally. Chief was in a lot of pain and we had always promised him that we would never let him suffer.  Chief had been taken to another room for initial treatment, to which we were to be taken to be with him. Our faithful and loyal friend had heard the anguish of his parents and came running towards the exam room where we were waiting to of all things, comfort us.

We were so blessed to have a dog like him, who we will never find again.  He took care of us far more than we ever did for him.  When we were sick or sad, he was always there to comfort us.  In his final moments on this Earth I learned two very important lessons from Chief.  This was such a wonderful gift to leave us.

1.  When faced with adversity, always hold your head up high and stand straight

Up to the very end Chief stood proud and tall with his head held high.  The first lesson I learned is that no matter what curves life throws you or if you feel that you are in dire straits, keep your head up, look life straight in the eyes, even if you have to do it through gritted teeth.  In the end, it is going to be all right.  It may just take time.

2.  Always hold true to your values, morals, beliefs, and convictions no matter what others may think of you.

Facing death in his final moments, Chief was standing next to us with the convictions he was raised with:  be loyal, always comfort, and protect from harm.  When I looked into his eyes for the last time, I could feel the pain he was going through. But like the true protector and comforter that he was, Chief refused to face his illness on a bended knee.  The second lesson I learned was that if you are raised with certain convictions, morals, values and ethics hold true to them.  People will try to sway or change you to how they want you to be.  Stand fast and never give in to what you do not feel is right.   We tried to get Chief to lie down and be more comfortable but he stood literally, by his convictions.

I am still in awe at how he left me with such wonderful gifts and thoughts to ponder, all the rest of my days. I hope these lessons will help all of you, our family and friends as well.

-Tim