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| Name: |
Star
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Age: |
Seven years old
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| Gender: |
Female |
Breed: |
Greyhound
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| Home: |
Houston, Texas, USA |
Star
(UCME Starlight) is the best thing that has happened to me in a very
long time. I adopted her as a rescue off the track once her racing career had
ended just after her fourth birthday in 2011. My marriage of fourteen years had
dissolved, followed almost immediately by the loss of my beloved Italian
Greyhound, so my days had taken on a dark cast. I could see right away that
Star was the light I needed.
She had never been in a home before, which presented some unique challenges
(getting her up the stairs to my second floor apartment being the first and
perhaps the biggest). She seemed a bit nervous at first. She clearly didn't
know her name. She had been a working dog, not a pet. I was amazed, however,
at how quickly she settled in and adapted.
Her calmly confident, elegant manner and sweet disposition immediately drew
people to her, and I began to take her everywhere with me. People and animals
alike seemed to relax in her presence. I began to understand that there was
something about her energy that signalled a feeling of peace in others as
well as myself.
Wanting to share my beautiful companion with people in need, I researched
therapy dog programs and registered for training with Faithful Paws out of
Bellaire, Texas. Although Star had never received any formal training outside of
racing, she and I developed an intuitive connection while learning to
communicate commands. (I even taught her how to sit, which is not a natural
position for greyhounds - something like teaching a dog yoga!) She was deemed
ready for her test after only three classes, and passed with flying colors.
Star and I now visit hospitals, nursing homes, and rehab facilities as part
of the Faithful Paws organization, and she brings smiles to many faces. She
also participates in rehab exercises and other therapy in many cases.
I work in bulk chemical trucking, which is a highly stressful industry. I
bring her to work with me and she lightens the atmosphere palpably.
She makes a difference in a lot of lives, but I have to say that her biggest
accomplishment is having rescued me!
See more images of Star!
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