By April Minech

Photo credits: Kim Lenz, Behind the Lenz Photography

Working in a shelter gives you the chance to meet and help lots of animals. One day a big black dog came in that scared even the seasoned workers, so of course I had to meet him. When I looked into his eyes, I knew he was special and just needed a chance; and although he had a big bark he had an even bigger heart. We worked together for months while I learned how to understand him, and learned how to trust again. The skills gained getting him ready for adoption prepared me to help hundreds of other dogs, and that’s part of his legacy. We went to classes and he spent half a year in foster with me, until one day I realized we had been soul mates all along.  I adopted him and we spent 10 years together, sharing that special connection you find once in a lifetime, if you’re lucky. When his body could no longer hold him, I helped his warrior spirit move on. Thank you Mojo, for all the lessons.