Contributed photo
BEST BUDS — Faith McNally is all smiles as she poses with her new service dog, Dandy.
By Michele King
Special to the Houlton Pioneer Times
HOULTON — In March, Brave Hearts sent out an appeal to help Faith McNally. Her need was to fly to Kansas to train and return with a service dog. The purpose of her dog was to alert her and her family when Faith was about to have a seizure.
The first miracle was a phone call from the Bangor Daily News. They wanted permission to reprint the story that appeared in the Houlton Pioneer Times. I agreed as it would not hurt to get the word out about Faith’s need. That miracle was followed by a phone message from a gentleman in Holden. He wanted to help Faith. His daughter had a seizure when she was very young and without the quick response from EMS, he wonders if the outcome would have been different. In light of his gratitude to those people so many years ago, he donated a snowmobile to be auctioned off to raise money.
Miracle three was the phenomenal support through donations of food and help for the fundraiser itself. The local churches and the community stepped up in full force! I am so glad they did, as there were probably more than 100 people who came out in support of Faith and the McNallys.
For those who couldn’t come, donations and beautiful notes of love and care came from as far north as Caribou and south as North Carolina. “Change for change” came from the youth at Houlton High School. The Maine State Police union and K-9 unit stopped in and gave because they know how important a service animal can be to someone’s safety.
Miracle four, five, and six … I don’t know where to start. The Friends of Faith, children ranging from ages 8-12 made three quilts and a bat house. With their raffle they raised a generous amount, which shows how resourceful and helpful children can be. The winner of the snowmobile was Jerry Violette from Jerry’s Thriftway and he donated the sled back so it could be auctioned again, as well as another gentleman who re-donated the quilt he won.
Miracle seven was Faith’s journey to Kansas and all the excitement with no seizures. In addition, Faith made a new friend. A gentleman who served three tours in Iraq, who suffers from PTSD. His dog, a big German shepherd, immediately knew what to do for this man. He would stand between him and strangers, sit on his lap when he was panicky, and wake him up when he had nightmares. The veteran didn’t like crowds or lots of noise, so Faith, much like these animals, instinctively knew what he needed and she held his hand during the graduation services.
The final miracle is a dandy… that is Faith’s dog. Dandy is her name and she is a treasure! She knows 75 commands, works hard and plays harder. As I sat with Bev and Bruce last night, Faith and Dandy were laying on mama’s lap; Faith was rubbing Dandy’s ear as she was drifting off to sleep.
I know there will be so many more miracles of Faith, because she is a precious jewel that touches lives. I know she touched yours because you gave, you loved, you prayed, and you helped. Bruce and Bev send you their love and endless gratitude.
You gave them so much more than money … you gave them hope. We know the Lord provides for all our needs, but He does it through the beautiful people He created; which is you. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
