Due to neglectful owners, a 9-year-old Border Collie named Stevie Wonderful unnecessarily went through futile hardship. He has a long and very rusty chain around his neck, and he sits by the side of a bustling highway, Stevie is full of mange, fleas, and very emaciated.
The Indian Summers Border Collie Rescue (ISBCR), who took Stevie in, discovered that he was blind and is heartworm positive. After months of rehabilitation, the resilient dog made a full recovery.
Being permanently blind never stopped Stevie from living his life in full. Just like the other dogs in his new family home, he plays ball and loves to run around. On Wednesdays, Stevie serves the community at Cleveland Clinic as a canine greeter. His service restores hope and brings smiles to the lips of many people.
Stevie gives 90 minutes per week. He greets staff, patients, and visitors at the lobby of the hospital where he works, and he does this for more than two years now. Stevie provides an essential service in a place where lots of seriously ill people relate to him, and for a short period, they forget about their challenges. Stevie makes everyone he meets smile!
Stevie received the 2020 Rescue Dog of the Year award from the Pedigree Foundation after overcoming such obstacles. And also for bringing joy to those needing it, and for his “enduring spirit.” Far from his past and old rescue story, and now as Cleveland Clinic’s greeter, him being present there gives support to those in peril medically. Stevie shines as a beacon of hope in an otherwise sad world and the harshness of life.
Stevie is an inspiration to us all after overcoming physical and emotional hardships and being able to give back to those in need.
Dogs are wonderful companions. Moreover, they tend to be wise teachers. To love with no conditions; overcome hard situations, and live the moment; these are some of the things that our furry friends teach us along the way.
Credits to The Animal Rescue Site Blog