2013 DogDaddy Fest

14 years ago my life completely changed without warning. I was a contractor and while on a job, I fell approximately 30 feet, breaking my back, ribs, hips, femur, pelvis, and suffering internal organ damage. The prognosis for recovery was grim and rehabilitation was tough. Through over eight years of rehabilitation I had severe limitations and suffered chronic pain. Had it not been for my dog, Hershey, a Giant Chocolate Lab Newfoundland, I would have become wheelchair bound. Hershey forced me up and out, as he required walking and care. His companionship was priceless during the worst times. Without even knowing it, Hershey saved my life. Another lifeline during this period was Fisherman’s Mark. During recovery, workmen’s compensation would periodically stop my medical and financial benefits. I found myself out of food on these occasions and turned to the Food Pantry at Fisherman’s Mark in order to supplement the cost of living for Hershey and myself. This allowed me to keep Hershey and continue to facilitate my recovery. Today, I have recovered from my accident enough to be active in the community. With a regimen of constant physical training, diet and supplements I have rehabilitated myself and I’m back on my feet, physically and financially. My story might be quite different if I had been in a situation where I had to surrender my dog due to my economic and physical distress. As a result, my mark in the community is Dogdaddy.org through which I have found a way to meaningfully give back. For more information about Dogdaddy go to www.organic-chair.flywheelsites.com and like us on Facebook.