Perhaps you have heard people say that their dogs rescued them. Well my dog certainly did not rescue me. When I first saw his picture in early February, 2011 I already had an incredible life, filled with many blessings. I had a home and a job and plenty of food. I had a wonderful family, two amazing children, great friends and pets that I loved. I was in a committed relationship with a man who supported me and understood me more than anyone ever had. I really had it all – or at least I thought I did. Little did I know that something was missing. Nor did I know when I turned on my computer to check the New York City urgent dogs that night that my life was about to change forever.
I had seen another dog on the urgent page a few days earlier who had since been adopted. Now I was watching for the companion dog that had been surrendered with him and that night I saw him for the first time. I had been diligently networking the death row dogs each day for several months and had seen a few that interested me, but this one was different. When I saw him there was an immediate and profound connection. I knew I had to do everything I could to help save his life. I just did not know that I personally would be the one to give him a home.
Mickey remained on the urgent list for about a week. During this time I spent every minute I could networking him and reaching out to rescues and anyone who expressed the least bit of interest. I kept hoping someone would look past the ambiguous behavioral evaluation he was given at the shelter and see what I saw, but no one did. On the evening of February 9, 2011, while at dinner, I received a text that Mickey was on the list to be destroyed the next day, possibly as early as 6 AM. Although I had not planned to adopt him myself, now I was reconsidering. Certainly, I would at least be willing to foster him.
I got home and started contacting rescues again, prepared to stay up all night if necessary, but no one wanted to take a chance on him or on me. Just when it seemed hopeless, a woman from a rescue returned my email in the early morning hours and offered to help me. The only catch was that I would have to agree to adopt Mickey outright. Without hesitation I said yes.
Mickey remained on the urgent list for about a week. During this time I spent every minute I could networking him and reaching out to rescues and anyone who expressed the least bit of interest. I kept hoping someone would look past the ambiguous behavioral evaluation he was given at the shelter and see what I saw, but no one did. On the evening of February 9, 2011, while at dinner, I received a text that Mickey was on the list to be destroyed the next day, possibly as early as 6 AM. Although I had not planned to adopt him myself, now I was reconsidering. Certainly, I would at least be willing to foster him.
I got home and started contacting rescues again, prepared to stay up all night if necessary, but no one wanted to take a chance on him or on me. Just when it seemed hopeless, a woman from a rescue returned my email in the early morning hours and offered to help me. The only catch was that I would have to agree to adopt Mickey outright. Without hesitation I said yes.
I had no idea what I was getting into and the first few months were anything but easy. I could go on and on with details, but I will not. All I will say is that adopting Mickey turned out to be one of those life altering events. It was a major contributing factor in making me the person I am today.
I did not know it at the time, but Mickey is my heart dog – the one dog out of all the dogs I have loved who grabbed my heart and has never let go. We have a special bond. He “gets” me and vice versa. Mickey has taught me tolerance and patience. Because of him I have learned volumes about dog training and behavior. Knowing what would have happened to him has led me to devote myself to animal rescue and pit bull rescue in particular. Mickey inspired me to write a book with the goal of helping others learn what Mickey has taught me – that it is not the look of a dog that matters, but what is inside. He has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love.
I did not know it at the time, but Mickey is my heart dog – the one dog out of all the dogs I have loved who grabbed my heart and has never let go. We have a special bond. He “gets” me and vice versa. Mickey has taught me tolerance and patience. Because of him I have learned volumes about dog training and behavior. Knowing what would have happened to him has led me to devote myself to animal rescue and pit bull rescue in particular. Mickey inspired me to write a book with the goal of helping others learn what Mickey has taught me – that it is not the look of a dog that matters, but what is inside. He has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love.
As for Mickey, he has turned out to be quite amazing in his own right. He has made lots of new friends.
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| He mentored my daughter’s new puppy and helped raise her – the patient older brother who put up with her jumping on him and stealing his toys. | 
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When I decided to try fostering a rescue dog, Mickey was right there to welcome a very frightened dog into our home and take her under his wing. By the time her new mother found her, she had overcome her fears and was ready for new adventures.
Mickey has met people who have had a lifelong fear of, not only pit bulls but all dogs, and changed their perceptions in a way that no human ever could.
If I never do anything good again, I will know that at least I did one great thing in my life – I gave a home to a scared, unwanted death row dog who has, in turn, given me his heart. I would say we both won.
No, Mickey did not rescue me but he certainly changed the entire course of my life and helped me to be a better person. So, in this season of giving thanks, I just want to say “I love you, Mickey and thank you.”
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