Mural at Metropawlitan Doggy Day Care

One Mahatma Gandhi quote that I have come to agree with is: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” When driving past the northeastern corner of the intersection of F Street at 13th in the East Village of downtown San Diego, look for the mural I painted of the animals we've come to know as man's best friends.

Those pets' portraits were painted in better economic times.  But these days, pets are being abandoned in record numbers due to the increase in foreclosures. Our animal shelters, rescue groups, and care facilities are on the receiving end, but they can barely keep up as the rising number of "foreclosure animals" places a great deal of stress on already paper-thin budgets. Yet, we can help by encouraging potential pet owners to consider adopting from one of San Diego County's pet adoption shelters, which makes me think along the lines of another great quote: we need to be the change we want to see in the world.  A list of major shelters and pet adoption facilities is available here.

Leroy and Blue

Leroy and Blue were the much-loved vizslas and long-time companions of a caring family. On October 5th, 2008, Leroy and Blue's lives ended prematurely when both pets were fatally injured. Leroy and Blue ran together until the end, and they will always be remembered.

by Bridget Stiegler
My boys taught me so much about life. How some souls may be so beautiful, so strong and confident that they steal your breath away, you can’t stop looking at them, and how others can be so loyal, so kind and gentle that they steal your heart away, you can’t stop loving them. Blue was a gorgeous animal, a dog that demanded your attention, an impressive athlete who stood always in the spotlight. He asked much of others and rewarded you with a joyful, energetic display of his love. His energy was boundless and contagious, spilling out of him and over anyone near him. Leroy was a sacred spirit, careful with his affection and generous with his gratitude. He asked nothing of others and rewarded you with all that he had, constant protection, fierce loyalty, unconditional love. Leroy took his role in this life very seriously. He appointed himself responsible for his family, and did not for a single moment waiver from this role. His joy was rooted in the peace and safety of others, and his motivation for continuing was easily rejuvenated by a pat on the head or a simple “good boy”.

Leroy and Blue were so much more than friends, more than brothers. They were two sides of the same coin – a playful, carefree and inquisitive free spirit balanced by a selfless, disciplined, thoughtful soul. Leroy loved the hose and was timid at the lake, Blue jumped headfirst into the lake and would come nowhere near the hose. Leroy wouldn’t kiss you but wanted to lay on top of you, Blue would bathe you with his tongue but wanted to lay alone. I believe that Leroy was healed by Blue, and I know that Blue was saved, many times, by Leroy. I cannot for a moment imagine them apart, which is the only comfort that I can grasp from my loss – that they are still together.

I feel like it’s over too soon, like we had so much more to share and to learn from each other. I feel a deep ache for these boys that I don’t think will ever leave me. I pray that they felt fully the love that I had for them, that they felt celebrated in their differences and appreciated for their unique spirits. I wish I could have protected them like they protected me, I wish I could thank them for the richness that they added to my life. I am not yet sure how to say goodbye, except for to use the lessons they taught me and teach them to my kids. Look for people in your life who have innate, limitless energy and joy. These people lift you up just by their presence. Look for people in your life who value loyalty above all else, these people will protect you on your darkest nights. And cherish the relationships that are so meaningful, so deep, that you would run together to the very end.