"Happy Tails"

Copper (formerly Belle)

(submitted on October 27th, 2007)

You hear a lot of stories about animals saving human lives. But I have a rescue story which is more subtle than rescuing someone from a burning building or a cold mountain river, but just as miraculous. Her name is Copper.
About two years ago, at the age of 46, I suffered from a massive heart attack and was not expected to survive. But by the grace of God, I did. (Long story, which involved a long helicopter ride to a major univercity hospital.) Eventually, I was sent home with major medical bills & 100% disability. My world as I had known it, was turned upside down. I gradually regained some of my strength back, but I was never to be the person I had been; both physically & mentally.
Eventually a deep depression had set in. It's difficult to explain the true depth, and I was quickly put on medication for this. But still I was prone to severe depression. My doctors all told me that this was normal. I had led a very active life; with my own business of nine years and a very social life style. I know this was heartbreaking for my children and husband to watch. Not much seemed to help.
Now I am a fairly spirital person, and believe me, I prayed! This was not the way I wanted to live my remaining years. God's answer was for me to look for a dog. He told me that when it was right it would all fall into place. So I went searching. I had several disappointments which sent me into a downward spiral, but each time, I picked myself up with the promise of my dog being out there waiting for me.
I already was the proud owner of three cats; two being rescues, so I knew that there are thousands of animals out there looking for their forever homes... Sure enough! I found Copper on a rescue website & fell in love. She was called Belle and was about 5 or 6 hours away from where we lived. She had been abused & was afraid of men in particular. My husband & I drove all that way to meet her & when I saw her, I knew I would not be going home empty handed.
Copper (Belle) has now been in our home for well over six months and I don't know where I'd be without her. At this point its a toss-up as to who rescued who. We have both grown and healed in six months. I can't imagine my world without her and I know she feels the same.

Sincerely,

Kelly