Marley & Me
If human beings find the moral fabric of their lives through example, then loveable Labrador Retriever Marley, is The Great Teacher. Although Michigan-born author, John Grogan’s journalistic career in newspapers and magazines provided him with countless stories and opportunities to experience life and all its lessons, the most important lessons seem to come from a dog he acquired “for a bargain” during the first year of his marriage. Through Marley, Grogan and his wife, Jenny, learn to navigate through the freedom and independence of newly-wed life to the deeper side of love—through compromise and acceptance, in good times and in bad.
As Grogan and Jenny move through life’s challenges (changing jobs, relocating, conceiving a child, miscarriage, post partum depression and illness), Marley faithfully moves with them. When their hearts break after a miscarriage, Marley’s head hangs in sympathy. And when they discover they’ve conceived again, it is Marley who steals the pregnancy test results then gives himself away by dancing his signature “Marley Mambo”— tail-wagging so vigorously it shakes his entire back half!
“I have this theory…that people can learn a lot from their dogs. Lessons on how to lead happier, more fulfilling lives. Lessons for successful relationships. Think about it. Many of the qualities that come so effortlessly to dogs—loyalty, devotion, selflessness, unflagging optimism, unqualified love—can be elusive to humans.” -John Grogan, Author of Marley & Me
In no way, however, is Marley the perfect dog. An obedience school reject, his dirty deeds test the couple’s patience and good will as much as his unconditional love teaches them! Although totally without malice, Marley is, as Grogan describes him, “the world’s worst dog”! So bad, that the obedience class instructor, whom Grogan refers to as Miss Dominatrix, uses Marley as an example of “what not to do” before expelling him. He is neurotic, with a fear of thunder so intense that the vet describes him as mentally ill and prescribes doggie Xanax to keep him from hurting himself during storms when he plows through drywall and chews off doorknobs in the Grogan household. He shreds screen doors, gouges couches, and ingests fine jewelry.
And Marley is social, if not socially skilled, as the Grogan’s horrified neighbors witness one sunny afternoon as the 97-pound wrecking ball drags a food-laden restaurant table half a mile down a crowded Florida beach to his canine friends.
The dog brazenly goes after what he wants in the name of fun, (nearly ousting himself from the Grogan family in the process), forcing the couple to redefine their idea of a “loveable” dog. This redefined idea of what it means to love and be loveable is the messageMarley & Medrives home. Marley is easy to love, not because he’s cute and entertains, but because his misdeeds and weaknesses make the end result of loving him so sweet—because they become better people.
Marley & Me is now a major motion picture, scheduled to be in theaters on December 23, 2008.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Patty Smith
Patty Smith didn’t let her building’s “No Dogs Allowed” policy stop her from spending time with her four-legged friends. Although her two senior Birman cats, Ulee and Holly, remain the loves of her life, Patty couldn’t stop wishing for a dog of her own.
Her wish was granted when PAWS Chicago opened the doors to its new Adoption and Humane Center last September. The cageless, No Kill shelter depends on volunteers and Smith seized the opportunity to use her sunny disposition to help homeless animals. Little did she know when she walked through the doors of the Adoption Center over a year ago that the time and love she dedicated to PAWS Chicago would be returned three-fold by the animals she helped and the people she met.
“I’d hoped that being at PAWS on a regular basis would help this fixation (with having her own dog). Well, it works!”
Smith, who has lived in the Chicagoland area for over 44 years, began her volunteer work at the Adoption Center as a dog walker. But her can-do attitude and charisma made her a prime candidate to be a greeter. She now also serves as an adoption counselor on weekends, and lends her time and expertise at PAWS Chicago’s off-site adoption events. The one area of service Smith has not yet explored? The organization’s rescue missions. “I missed out on the rescue trip to Iowa because I had out-of-town guests, but would do it if it came up again,” says Smith.
Smith is an active volunteer and her list of rewards for the work seems a mile long. Perhaps her favorite thing about working at the Adoption Center is seeing the sheer happiness on the faces of families who’ve adopted an animal. She also lists the positive attitudes and quality of people she meets through her volunteer work and loves the chance to spread the word about PAWS Chicago’s No Kill mission.
She admits still feeling the sting of not being able to rescue a dog herself, but adds that her time around the animals at the shelter helps. She’s excited about getting the Spay/Neuter Ordinance passed, and the huge number of animals it will affect. And Smith understands that all non-profit organizations, including PAWS Chicago must operate on a tight budget, but adds, “I see (PAWS Chicago) from all views and it’s very expensive (to run). But it’s so amazing what they can do with so few paid employees who work so hard.”
In between the hours she dedicates to her volunteer work at PAWS Chicago, Smith enjoys boating during the summer, needlepoint and spending time with her children and grandchildre
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- Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic Seeds Chicago’s No Kill Transformation
- Volunteer Spotlight: Melissa Ziberna
- PAWS Profile: Deborah Chapman
- PAWS Profile: Lynne Styles
- PAWS Profile: Susan Robinson
Purchase a Holiday Tribute Card and Help a Homeless Animal
** Unfortunately, we are no longer offering Holiday Gift Cards. If you are looking for another great way to honor a loved one, please consider making a Tribute Donation. They come with a card that features a collage of recently rescued dogs and cats and says, “In your honor, PAWS Chicago has received a generous donation to help save the lives of homeless pets.”**
Experience the joy of knowing that your donation has helped a homeless animal in need every time you send one of these heartwarming cards. Then, double the holiday cheer by letting a friend or loved one know that your lifesaving gift was made on their behalf. You can even donate an amount that specifically covers one of the many medical services PAWS Chicago provides for homeless dogs and cats (see below for a list of costs).
It’s easy to send a Holiday Tribute Card. Simply select the festive design of your choice; then select the dollar amount you wish to contribute. PAWS Chicago will indicate which service your donation covered to the recipient right on the card. Please allow seven business days for delivery.
Suggested Gifts
- A donation of $24 provides vaccinations for one homeless pet or fed a nursing mom and her litter for two weeks
- A donation of $76 provides spay/neuter surgery for one pet
- $125 saves the life of a homeless pet
- $350 saves the life of a special needs homeless pet
- $500 provides intensive care for a sick puppy or kitten
- $3,000 provides surgery for an injured pet
Every donation will directly benefit a homeless animal.
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