BLOG: TAIL TALK

You know how they say animals and their people begin to look alike? Well, I think this is one of those times because when I look at the photo of 11 year old Cole and Bingo, his Jack Russell Terrier service dog, they resemble each other. But maybe it's the goodness in their hearts and soul that I'm seeing that is so remarkably close rather than their physical features. Cole recently became famous for creating a bucket list for Bingo, or better referred to as a "lick-it list" for the service dog that had served him so well over the years. You see, Cole has severe sleep apnea and at any time, without warning, his breathing shuts down, and without intervention he will die. So his parents brought Bingo into their pack, and true to their nature Bingo saved Cole's life on a regular basis. Not only was he his life-saver but he was everything that an 4 year old boy needed in a friend that keeps guard over him and keeps him safe every time he does something as simple as take a nap, a task the rest of us take for granted but is a life altering situation for Cole. With Bingo by his side Cole could grow into the normal child he had become, but as he got older so did Bingo, and canine dementia began to set in and started to interfere with the 14 year old canine's quality of life. So Cole set up the "lick-it list" to honor his beloved Cole, asking animal lovers from all over the world to send Bingo treats, her favorite atta-girl rewards. And so Cole and Bingo became known far and wide, receiving treats from all corners of the earth as people followed Bingo's progress right up until Tuesday, September 18, 2012, when Bingo crossed the rainbow bridge after the decision was made it was her time. "Bingo will ask God if He could help the dogs on Earth more by helping dogs living in pounds, shelters (and) rescue groups get good homes with loving new moms and dads and children, who will love them as much as I love Bingo," Cole said in his statement. Cole's mom, Mandi Hein, said she owes her son's life to Bingo for saving him "countless times." The family will soon be getting another specially trained dog. MSAR, a rescue organization with a special canine program that trained Bingo, is working with another dog who will soon become part of the Heins' family, the Canadian Press reported. Even though you don't need a service dog you too can have love just like this in your life. Just like Cole said, Bingo is asking God to help dogs on earth get good homes with a loving family who will love them just as much as he loved Bingo, and I'm sure God is granting that wish. Bingo was Cole's very own angel. We can all have an angel if we just open up our heart to the animals that are available right now. And if you adopt a special needs animal you'll really find a special angel come into your life. Just never forget, it's only through you that the Randolph County Humane Society continues to save lives, one by one.