A Special Story...
Gentleness Walking

On death row they have a saying about a person walking for the last time to his death, they say "DEAD MAN WALKING". Well I want to tell you of a woman that walks and is an inspiration to all that know her. Miss Pat has become a friend to me.

I met Miss Pat one day quite by accident, at least I thought so. I was outside as she was walking by my house so I stopped to talk to her because she had this cute little Yorky, Abner, who weighs only 5 pounds. I asked if I could give him a treat. She was worried as to what I was giving him so I assured her that it was only hotdogs and that I trained dogs for a living and it would not hurt him.

She told me how she walks Abner and herself each day for their health and of course she loves to walk.

That day was going to change me forever, for once you let Miss Pat into your life, you've got to become a better person. I started to walk my two dogs with her and Abner and another neighbor, Kathleen and CoCo ( her Aussie ). Just a block at first, because my back and hip bother me as I have had surgery on my neck and back some years ago. I thought I couldn't walk long, not to mention I was 30 pounds overweight. So Miss Pat encouraged me to go a little at a time.

As time went on she joined one of my obedience classes with Abner who didn't even know the basics but he was greatly loved and cared for by Miss Pat. Abner was almost 4 years old at that time. It's been almost 2 years and Abner now has his Canine Good Citizen title from the American Kennel Club! He is also a trained service dog to Miss Pat as he can pick up and bring Miss Pat her bedroom slippers, shoes, keys and just anything she wants him to. Last week Abner and Miss Pat won 4th place in their 1st dog show with a score of 91 in Rally. Two weeks ago in their first match they won 4th in sub-novice A.

I've learned a lot about Miss Pat and she has had serious back and neck surgery yet she walks 3 miles a day. Abner and Miss pat continue to amaze me in class as they work together, always learning more. I have a lot to learn from this GENTLE WOMAN WALKER. Recently Miss Pat and I went to Weight Watchers and she has lost 25 pounds and I have lost 30 pounds! I can now walk 3 miles myself except on Sundays. All this because Miss Pat continued to encourage me when I could hardly walk a block.

OH!!!! There is one more thing you need to know about Miss Pat, she is 72 years old. THERE ARE NO ACCIDENTS!!!! I know GOD has a plan for us all and it is to help each other. Even dogs help his plan.

Have fun with your pets God uses them too!!!!!!!!!
Brenda Saling