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  • How Honey Changed My Life

How Honey Changed My Life

In 2011, Colette Lee and her husband adopted a Chihuahua named Honey from Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS). The story of how Honey has brought love and stability into their lives was recently chosen as a winning essay in the Petco Foundation’s “Holiday Wishes” grant campaign. As a result of Colette’s essay, FAAS was one of a handful of animal welfare organizations to receive a grant of $5,000 from the Petco Foundation. Thank you, Colette, for adopting Honey and for nominating FAAS!

Life seemed complete: I had a loving husband, a wonderful home, and an amazing community. Then our rescue dog, Honey, came into our lives. I could not have imagined the infusion of life and inspiration this pint-size dog would bring. When I brought her home she was a bit rough around the edges as her head appeared big for her tiny frame; she was a stray prior to her rescue.

She was not what my husband envisioned trekking alongside him in the truck as he noted she was too small to be a “real dog”; however, he commented that she had cute ears. I pleaded for him to give her a chance as she had compelled me to do so with her beguiling stare as I passed her kennel.

Honey began providing me with life lessons during our daily walks. Although I had previously enjoyed walks around town I had kept to myself for the most part as I am shy and find chatting awkward. Honey added a whole new dimension to my walks as people smiled at my companion and approached me unabashedly. I found myself talking with ease as I gushed with pride over my amazing dog. Soon I found myself chatting with neighbors, children and others I had barely known before Honey made their acquaintance.

Eventually, I began engaging with people everywhere with more ease as I became more confident in my ability to connect. These connections became critical when I suffered a clinical depression. The sheer necessity of walking my dog during this dark period provided me with the best treatment of all: warm smiles of people as they approached to say hello to Honey and her companion. Thankfully, the depression passed but my gratitude for Honey’s impact remains.

My husband’s relationship with Honey quickly developed into an extraordinary “man’s best friend” bond. Honey made no bones about the fact she is every bit as much a dog as the big retriever types. She quickly dispelled his belief that small dogs were simply lap dogs. She displayed her skills in real dog activities: tug of war, tracking and treeing squirrels in the park, and providing 24/7 protection to the family. No longer would anyone approach our home or person without Honey’s surveillance and approval.

Most significantly, when my husband lost his beloved father, Honey’s steadfast companionship provided a lifeline during his most grievous moments. When words cannot suffice, the comfort and love of an animal is unparalleled. A man and his dog; they are now inseparable.

Life lessons from Honey continue as her unwavering love and loyalty are humble reminders of the power of trust, love and connection. Honey’s daily attitude inspires us. She begins each day with exuberance as she launches herself upstairs, grabs a squeaky toy and pounces up and down for a game of tug of war. Every morning is joyful simply because she has another day, a perspective I now try to embrace. We created a morning ritual with Honey to ensure we don’t miss this enthusiastic start to each day!

Without the benefit of language Honey’s eyes and hunched body tell us she is sorry on the rare occasion she engages in “bad girl” activities. As we look upon her forlorn face it is easy to forgive and provide her the reassurance of our love so she can return to her natural state of joy.

Honey teaches us not to be resentful or ashamed; rather to admit wrongdoing and return to our natural state of being. At this point in our journey together, it is not surprising that we have come to ask ourselves who rescued who?

I say, adopt a shelter animal -- your life may depend upon it!

Copyright © 2024 Friends of The Alameda Animal Shelter.