I’m a big believer in the healing power of pets. If you’ve ever rescued a homeless animal, you know it’s really a toss-up as to who was truly rescued: you or the animal. Our pets certainly have the power to heal broken people.
Stephen Simmons is an Iraq war veteran whose life found meaning through caring for Puppi and Burma, pictured above. Depressed and suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Stephen found that his Adventure Therapy program, which consists of hiking in the wilderness with Puppi and Burma, changed his outlook and gave him something to look forward to.
Would you ever imagine that a cat would go hiking in the Oregon wilderness? Check this out!
Stephen and his furry companions spent 2 years documenting their adventures in the wilderness, and it is now available as a book. The Adventures of Puppi & Burma can be found here, and is really a must-own for any pet lover. The photos are absolutely breathtaking.
Your turn: leave a comment telling me how your life has been made better because of your pet. I can’t wait to hear your story.
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*This is a sponsored post. I am being compensated to share this video with you, but I am happy to do so because I believe so strongly in the power of pets to change lives.
Jenna,Mark “HuskyCrazed” Drady says
March 14, 2014 at 1:14 pmThat was a beautiful video!!!! I am so glad you shared that! Usually you see stuff like that with dogs, but never cats! So that was nice to see!
My dogs have helped me in many ways, but one major way is, I have 2 kids, and I suffered a horrible tragedy a few years back, and I got real….”lazy” I guess you would say. My fire went out. With the adoption of my 3 huskies, they have helped me get back into the world, my kids and I do things with them every single day. Daily walks, trips to the parks etc…
I am thankful for them every single day of my life.
Great post
Christina Berry says
March 18, 2014 at 11:02 amI totally agree with you, Jenna! Dogs have a way of helping us get – and stay – connected to life. I don’t know what I’d do without my girl!
Riverfront Cats says
March 14, 2014 at 2:55 pmThis is so heartwarming. People underestimate how important is to have a pet in your life and how it would change your life and theirs from the first time they meet. Amazing story; Thank you for sharing it.
Christina Berry says
March 18, 2014 at 11:02 amI’m glad you enjoyed it! It truly is heartwarming, and I’m still amazed to see a cat hiking in the wilderness! 🙂
Jen K says
March 15, 2014 at 3:27 pmGreat video!
If it wasn’t for Moses and Alma, I wouldn’t blog, we wouldn’t have a bunch of our current friends who we met through dog training and rescue campaigns… Even just the day-to-day would look a lot different (doubtfully better).
Christina Berry says
March 18, 2014 at 11:03 amYep, I agree, Jen! I always tell Nike that she is the motivation for everything I do. My life is what it is today because of her. 🙂
Sarah at LolaThePitty.com says
March 15, 2014 at 7:54 pmThis is awesome!!! What a great story. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Christina Berry says
March 18, 2014 at 11:04 amGlad you enjoyed! 🙂
Joanna says
March 16, 2014 at 5:33 amOh I really love this video! What a beautiful story! Animals truly can relate to us in a way and offer us something other humans simply can’t. I particularly like Burma the Adventure Cat – what a cool cat!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Christina Berry says
March 18, 2014 at 11:04 amI know, Joanna, isn’t he awesome!
Rebekah says
March 16, 2014 at 10:48 pmMy dogs have taught me patience, humility, and how it is the little things in life that make the biggest impact.
Christina Berry says
March 18, 2014 at 11:05 amThey are excellent teachers, aren’t they, Rebekah? 🙂
Michelle Weber says
March 23, 2014 at 6:01 pmMy pups are both rescues and have seen me through ups and downs that most people wouldn’t hang around to experience. I love seeing them build relationships with my two kiddos and knowing that they will teach my kids unconditional love. Thanks for sharing this story!