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Health & Fitness

Blog Post: Simon the Wonder Dog

Adopt a dog and enhance your life!

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring- it was peace.”-Milan Kundera

 

I got a text message this morning that read, “Simon’s not long for this world, my dad said he’s taken a turn for the worst. Hug your dog a little longer for me today.”

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In the spring of 1998, Martha Stewart Living did a special segment entitled, “Adopting the Family Dog.” Al Irizarry was a line producer on the show and he took his family down to the pound in Connecticut to be featured in the segment since they were searching for a family dog. Al’s wife Pam and kids Cody and Alyssa chose between an 8 month old dog and an older dog. After much debate, they went with the eight month old pup. Alyssa quickly went home and painted a ceramic bowl that read “Simon the Wonder Dog” and he ate every meal from that bowl for the past 14 years.

Many people who have pets know that the pet becomes part of the family in every way. They bring so much joy and unconditional love. “Simon has been our son who never went away to college, stayed home to work the farm and was always by our side. He's worked our land, protected us from threats, real or perceived, and was always at the ready to defend his home. Unfortunately, our boy is not well and diminishing quickly” said Al Irizarry.

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For many of you that don’t have pets and saw the film Marley and Me, you can see how a journey of a life with a pet holds so much meaning and value. Simon was very lucky to be adopted by such an incredible family and given the opportunity to have a great life. If it wasn’t for Martha Stewart Living, the Irizarry family wouldn’t have had the joy of spending the last 14 years with Simon.

If you are considering getting a pet, I urge you to seek adoption. There are many Simon’s out there just waiting to bring immense joy your way! Yes, they may not be television stars like Simon, but they will sure love you!

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