Almost a decade ago, while looking for a new best friend, I found Eva, a boxer and German shepherd mix with a fawn coat and huge radar ears. I thought she was the most beautiful dog I’d ever seen, and when I met her, I thought she had the most beautiful, gentle soul. Somehow, somebody had dumped her at a kill shelter at ten months old. Fortunately, soon after, she was saved by a rescue that trained guide dogs. Dogs that failed their temperament test were sent to pet homes. Eva flunked, her hyperactivity and separation anxiety the cause. She was rejected yet again. On March 21, 2009, however, Eva became the best guide, and friend, I ever could have asked for. Her high energy level and desire to be close has helped me negotiate a difficult autoimmune disease. Eva keeps me active and healthy, and I never have to feel alone.
On November 29, 2018, Eva, my most wonderful friend, was diagnosed with oral cancer. I am devastated, but preserving her genetic legacy and knowing that part of her will endure for the rest of my life has brought me great comfort as we face our toughest challenge yet.