My mom, Anita Erikson, is a widow living in an elderly housing apartment building. All of her children live in other towns and states. Well, Mom was feeling lonely and depressed.

I had just recently begun to receive posts from a Topeka, Kansas group. I read many heart breaking stories of neglect, abuse and cruelty. Some were just shockingly stupid. Such was T.J.'s story – a handsome little fellow, housebroken, trained to walk on a leash, quiet and well-mannered.

T.J.'s first Mom let him outside alone and was mauled by larger dogs. His injuries were terrible; so bad he lost an eye. A woman brought him to the shelter to be "put down." Fortunately for all, T.J.'s guardian angel, Kim Schwinn, appeared. Under Kim's care and the help of the rescue group he recovered.

I contacted Kim about another dog, "Buddy." My Mom was smitten with his photo. Kim knows hers babies and suggested T.J. instead. My mother's heart went out to the little guy. And I had received my mission. I agreed to drive to Kansas and pick him up. Of course this was before I looked at the map. I live in Holland, Michigan.

In my typical fashion, I found Topeka but was unable to locate the shelter until 30 minutes before they closed. Kim was called by a staff member who said, "I don't think Evelyn is going to make it." I arrived only minutes before Kim. I signed the papers and held him as Kim said her goodbyes. I believe I saw tears in her eyes and T.J. sat up in my arms pawing the air and crying out to Kim as she hurriedly left. I felt like a bum.

But when I got home my mother was delighted. T.J. this and T.J. that. Soon she had all of the other ladies in the apartment building TJing this and that. He received an odd assortment of large sweaters from Heidi the overweight dachshund which he refused to wear. He also got doggie treats and toys from the ladies in the building. I had to laugh because it was almost like a baby shower!

He is my mother's pride and joy, her constant companion. T.J. still goes for rides in my car. When I visit my Mom, he goes for a ride too. Sometimes we go on errands or just drive and even make special trips for his beloved ice cream.

Many thanks to Kim, all the rescuers and the infamous Topeka group for the service you provide not only to dogs and cats but to the people who love them.

Evelyn Dominguez ~ Driver
Anita Erikson ~ Happy Mom
TJ ~ That charming little fellow in the
downstairs apartment with the permanent wink!

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