I was going to write a post about my scuba diving debacle, my new job prospects, and my weekend at the SE Regional USDAA show in Perry. However, I woke up to find my Facebook feed completely dominated by an outpouring of sympathy and support for a woman in the agility community named Elicia Calhoun.
While I do not know her personally, I do know of her due to her success as an agility trainer and competitor. From what I have heard, she is also one of the nicest, most generous, and positive people in the sport. She and her six dogs were traveling home from a competition when she was involved in a terrible car accident. Her thirteen week old puppy died on impact, three of her dogs were injured and taken to the hospital, and two had fled the scene when help arrived. It was confirmed recently that Nika, her one-eyed aussie that had achieved great success in spite of the handicap, was hit by a car and did not survive. If that weren't tragic enough, Elicia has checked herself out of the hospital with a punctured lung to search for her red and white border collie Tobie, who is still missing.
This is quite literally the worst nightmare for those of us who travel with our dogs. It could easily happen to any of us, anytime.
The agility community, while at times subject to the same personality clashes, differences of opinion, and other conflicts that sporting events can inspire, has nonetheless come together with a show of support for this person that many of us do not know. Given that Elicia is self-employed, and will have staggering hospital and vet bills, a fund raiser has begun for her. Over $17,000 has been raised in a matter of less than 24hrs, with more donations pouring in.
It is enough to take your breath away.
Each of us that share a special bond with our dogs can feel some of the pain and fear that she must be feeling ten-fold. And we are giving to her the compassion and generosity that we would hope to receive if we found ourselves in the same situation. Every so often, something like this happens to both renew my faith in humanity, and serve as a reminder to what is truly important. Not ribbons, titles, dollars, or bragging rights, but the priceless, irreplaceable lives of those special to us.
As we all hold our collective breath for news of Tobie being found, we can help in some small way. Here is the link to the fundraiser:
https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/bK4Ab?psid=7d8bdd94ef564486a41b6d65af6e6332
If everyone just gave $5, it could mean a world of difference in the lives of Elicia and her surviving dogs.
Don't take anyone in your life, two or four-legged, not a single day nor a single breath for granted. We have no guarantee to be here tomorrow, or for those we love to still be with us.
I am so glad that I truly enjoyed running Xander this weekend and that he, my other two dogs, my amazing husband, and all my wonderful friends and family are alive and well.
That's really all that matters.
**TOBIE HAS BEEN FOUND!!**
Compassion, empathy, sympathy....these are surely among the greatest of human traits. Miraculously, through the involvment of many, many caring people, Elicia's missing dog has been found alive, and seemingly unharmed! Tragic as it was to lose two of her dogs, it is a huge comfort to everyone that Tobie is alive and returned to her mom. This picture says it all.
Hopefully, Elicia and her surviving dogs will heal as they grieve for the two that were lost. Bless the agility/dog community!
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