Megan with Chopper and Yoshi
Every single person in this world has impact. Sometimes we don’t realize the extent to which we touch others. Dogs likely have no idea how powerful a ripple effect they can have on people either.
I received an email a few weeks ago that moved me so much, I just had to write about it. The story touched my heart for many reasons. First, it was a reminder that pursuing my dream of building the Dog is Good brand around the unique relationship people have with their dogs is much bigger than myself. I am grateful for the moments when I receive an email or phone call to share how Dog is Good has helped someone or made a difference.
I want to introduce you to Megan Prenderville, owner of Frame to Please located in Red Bank NJ. Megan’s life was forever changed following the sudden appearance of Chopper, a stray dog who showed up at her door during a snowstorm. Chopper warmed their hearts during that cold winter and so she and her husband decided to expand the family by introducing Yoshi, a Shiba Inu /Lab mix into their home as well. The dogs bonded quickly and brought a new level of energy and joy into their lives.
Shortly after his arrival, Megan noticed some subtle changes in Chopper and immediately scheduled a visit to their veterinarian. Completely devastated by a diagnosis of cancer, she opened up a charity Kiosk adjacent to Frame to Please in less than 2 months. Her goal was to honor Chopper and raise money for a charity that provides financing to those who cannot afford medical care for their pets (Save Us Pets).
Chopper with his Dog is Good Water Bottle
Since both Chopper and Yoshi join Megan at work everyday, the community has grown to know and love them dearly. Despite the countless times Chopper was given only months to live, he continued to thrive and inspired those around him. It was evident he had a strong will to live and a message to share. Each week more and more people learned of his story and brought new visitors to the Frame to Please Kiosk. I am honored that she chose some of the Dog is Good products to help generate sales, 100% of which are donated to Save Us Pets. The ripple effect Chopper has had on Megan and her husband goes beyond the charitable work they are doing. Each day they have had the opportunity to connect with some amazing human beings, who openly share their mission and personal journeys with them. Chopper’s presence slowed people down and his story opened conversation, which in the past was often harried and rushed.
Recently, without warning, Megan suffered a stroke. Like Chopper, she was told she may not survive. Her greatest fear was dying without having her “boys” and husband by her side. Chopper and Yoshi remained on her mind morning and night and brought peace and calm to her as she lay in her hospital bed. As Megan struggled to recover, Chopper began deteriorating. His cancer had become more aggressive, yet he seemed to be holding onto life for an opportunity to be in Megan’s arms again. Once she returned home, he joined her by her side and remained with her as she continued her recovery- lifting her spirits and giving her hope for life. As she improved, his health declined and so she and her husband made the painful decision to say good-bye to the amazing gift they received on their front porch that one stormy snowy night.
With this good-bye came a poignant lesson that Megan wanted to share. “It is so easy to get caught up in business and the frantic pace of day to day activity. Chopper taught people to slow down, take time to have a conversation and connect. “. Over the past several weeks there has been an outpouring of support for Megan. As she thought about the impact the dogs have had on her life, she relishes the fact that, through Chopper and Yoshi, so many special people were brought into their lives who have impacted her profoundly.
This is what dogs do… they bring joy to our lives, they bring people together, and they show us the power of unconditional love. Chopper had impact. We all have impact…What kind of impact do you want to make?
