My wife has a bumper magnet that reads, "Who Rescued Who?"  The sticker reflects our family.  Before the kids, we rescued animals.  We had small porcelin dogs on our wedding cake.  Cats have and are family.  We have found homes for some of the animals, and others stay with us forever.

To list quickly, our dogs names:  Bronte, Nikita, Capone, Tempest, Little Man, Lucy, Sally, Fawny, Elvis, Rusty, Elizabeth Taylor, Olli, Scarlet, Lucy, Futti and Fuchow.  Plus the cats Midnight, rabbitGinger, Grace, Cream Puff and Boo Cat.  Plus rabbit and guinea pig and fish.

All of these animals have been a blessing.  The unconditional love given by the dogs and bizarre personality from the cats (I am a dog person).  Just watching the fish can be more relaxing than any medcation or drink know to man.

In short, they all play a role in stress relief.  For those of us with Multiple Sclerosis, this makes every animal priceless to my well being and better life.

Little Man, Lucy, Sally, Fawny, Elvis, Rusty, Boo Cat, Midnight and Ginger were Fostered and found new homes.  Elvis went from living under a trailer covered in red Alabama mud to a home on the Tennessee River.  We last heard that he is the best friend to five cats living in harmony.

Olli, a Yorkie, was just sitting beside me relaxing.  Suddenly, he jumped to defend our home by barking at people walking dogs.  My grandparents had sign on the their front door reading, "These premises patrolled by an attack Yorkie.

Despite the barking, feeding and vet bills, these are some of my best friends.  They are loyal, sweet, smart in unique ways and generally good souls.  And good company.   And house trained.

And a constant source of relaxation.  Even when barking, they have a calming effect on me.  Companion sounds cold as I type, but all the animals help me.  As Woody Allen said, "Eighty percent of success is showing up."  The animals are always there, giving unending love without reason or condition.

And this gift gives lower stress and higher relaxation.  How can I not give them everything I can?

God bless us all.

Power to the people.

Power to the cure.