Some of our Members use their dogs’ special talents to benefit the community. MCKC supports the Pet Responsibility Committee of Moore County with donations, and some of our Members also donate their time in the schools. The following was written by Member Kathy Pellerino about a recent experience volunteering:
As a dog lover and owner, you know that if you really know your dog there are times in that relationship that will strike you so strongly that it almost takes your breath away. That feeling or reality will hit you right between the eyes and heart. I have had the privileged of having amazing relationships with a few dogs that have been in my life. Most of these special moments happen when my dog and I are visiting with groups of children.
Recently my side kick and best friend Nikko and I, were the dog and handler team helping to educate 4th grade students about how to be a responsible pet owner. Nikko is a registered therapy dog and is allowed to be with students, and he honestly loves the interaction. Nikko has the ability to know what I am going to ask of him before I say it to him. I believe it is that inner connection that dogs tend to have. He loves to perform many tricks and he also loves to compete with me in different dog companion sports. Thus he can show to the kids, if we as humans can show love, compassion and respect for each other as well as animals, so much can be accomplished.
Nikko and I were about done with helping all the volunteers give out awards for the special essays that were written by students, when I noticed one girl who had gone to the back of the library and she was crying. Nikko and I went back to check on her with her mom and she was upset that her essay didn’t win anything. Nikko was his intuitive self and started kissing her face to get rid of her tears. His goal was to comfort her. He succeeded, but I explained to her that even though she tried really hard, not everyone will win. I also explained that Nikko and I, when we go to competitions we don’t always win either. I know that Nikko and I have done our best, and I am really happy with that. We don’t always win a ribbon even though we had that goal, but he gets his treats and I get my magic kisses from Nikko and we both smile. Well, in the end she was a happy girl , and the fact Nikko was so concerned about her helped immensely. She went back to the group and had a smile on her face. Her mom was almost crying as was I.
So you see, those magic moments will come when we least expect them. Dogs will, and can make magic. I see it often through my dogs and the special bond that can happen when you open you eyes and your heart. The best part is that I have the honor of not only experiencing it, but sharing it.