"Sweetheart" The Therapy Dog A Burn Survivor

On September 16, 1999 in Apple Valley, California two malicious teenagers poured gasoline on a stray mixed breed dog and set her on fire. As the dog darted about in a panicked frenzy, screaming in pain, flames leaping into the air, the young boys laughed, reveling in her agony.

A young man, by the name of Michael Erhing, heard the yelps of anguish and rushed to her rescue. He grabbed some cardboard, chased the little dog down and snuffed out the flames.

The police were contacted and several patrol cars, along with the police helicopter responded to the area, but were unable to locate the cowardly suspects.

Meanwhile, Michael wrapped the little dog in a blanket and started pouring water on her. As he held her in his arms, praying that she would survive, he stroked and petted her head. And then he noticed something very extraordinary. Despite her severe situation, this little dog delighted in his touch, wagging her tail vigorously.

The stray dog was taken to an emergency hospital on Bear Valley Road, but Michael's family did not have the money to pay for treatment. Eventually the family had to give the hospital a credit card to cover expenses and she was admitted for the night.

The next morning Michael's grandmother contacted Doctor Mori, of Apple Valley, and told him about the dog's plight. Dr. Mori contacted the emergency hospital, paid the bill, and took the burned dog in advising Michael's family he would help the dog at his own expense.

Dr. Mori saved this little stray dog at a personal cost of over $8000.00. After several operations and skin-grafts, the little dog survived the horrifying ordeal with the help of many compassionate people. Her resolve was strong, her loving happy benevolent attitude never faltered and she became known as "Sweetheart."

Barbara Haunsen, a burn survivor herself, read about Sweetheart in the newspaper. She was overwhelmed with compassion knowing what Sweetheart was experiencing. She rushed over to Dr. Mori's and begged to adopt Sweetheart. Barbara was placed on a list of people wanting to adopt Sweetheart, she was the 99th person. Barbara still wanted to help Sweetheart despite the impossible chances of adopting her, so she volunteered to assist in her treatment. Every day, for the next 3 months, Barbara persisted with joy, devoting 2 hours of her time to cheer and comfort Sweetheart.

Because of her dedication and tenacious drive Dr. Mori chose Barbara to adopt Sweetheart. Almost three years earlier Barbara's legs were burned in a butane explosion. She was devastated. Life as she new it had ended. She was scarred both physically and emotionally. She had just about given up when she read about Sweetheart.

Barbara took Sweetheart home and nursed her back to health. But the amazing part is, Sweetheart also nursed Barbara backed to health. As Barbara nurtured Sweetheart, the pain from her burns diminished. The dark shadows of depression were lifted and Sweetheart gave meaning to her life.

Barbara was impressed with how Sweetheart helped her. She felt that others could benefit from this wonderful dog and her story. She contacted Charlie Brugnola (Paw Print member), a retired police K-9 handler now professional dog trainer, to pursue her desire to help others.

Charlie Brugnola along with Sally, his wife, had been doing volunteer work with Therapy Dogs (Delta Society Pet Partners) for the past four years. Charlie instantly knew upon meeting Sweetheart that with some work she would make a wonderful therapy dog. She was a very sweet and loving dog, but Sweetheart had a very dominant personality and would not comply with basic commands. She needed extensive training to gain control of her hyper activity.

Charlie was so moved with what Barbara's compassion for Sweetheart that he took Sweetheart, worked with her at no cost, and became her Therapy Dog handler. "Uncle" Charlie would pick up Sweetheart and take her on her visits to convalescent homes, veteran's homes, and hospitals.

Her incredible story has been highlighted on Pax Tv "Miracle Pets," starring Alan Thick, with numerous reruns. She was featured in a Canadian TV Documentary "Healing With Animals," on the Discovery Health Channel, aired in Canada, numerous reruns. Her story was featured in Dr. Becker's Book "The Healing Power of Pets." Her story also impassioned a woman to build a web site on the world wide internet www.petsurvivors.com.

Although her recovery was a true miracle, her greatest testimony to life is the gift she has given back to society by becoming a Delta Society Pet Partner.

Sweetheart has an amazing effect on everyone she encounters. Her "skin graft" is highly visible, generating many questions. As Charlie tells her story, people melt into a euphoric empathy. As the story continues, they become refreshed by her present day perseverance.

Sweetheart has visited burn patients, mental health patients, a veteran's home and a variety of facilities. Sweetheart has a very profound effect on the clients and staff. She touches their hearts with the wonderment of her existence. She makes their most pressing problems seem small and distant, bringing a glimmer of hope, a motivation to improve. Sweetheart's own survival stimulates a strong belief in a sometimes demanding healing process. A process that can be aggravating and painful, but through her example, achievable. Frequently her clients will say, "If that little dog can make it through what she did, so can I.".

Sweetheart also helps to develop attitudes that give strength to emotionally healing. The ability to forgive, (she shows no animosity toward people, even kids the same age as her perpetrators). The need for patience in dealing with life's challenges (three month hospital stay, six month recovery). The potency of a positive outlook in overcoming the impossible, (she never stopped wagging her tail).

With charm and personality Sweetheart opens doors and breaks down barriers. When people hear her story, they stop, listen, and marvel at her recovery and therapy dog work. As a Pet Partner Team Sweetheart and Charlie have initiated several innovative visiting programs in San Bernardino County, California. Some of the programs have been, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Burn Ward, Behavioral Health Lock-down Unit, and Pediatrics. Also the West Valley Detention Center visiting the mentally ill. In the last two years Sweetheart and Charlie have given presentations to many different community and professional groups highlighting the important work Delta Society has accomplished. A few are, the Southern California Jailers Association, California Forensic Mental Health Association, California Peer Support Association, American Jailers Association (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), and the California Coalition for the Mentally Ill. Because of these presentations many new programs have been initiated throughout the country.

In October of 2001, one month after the 911Twin Towers disaster, Sally and Charlie drove Sweetheart and Jackson (their German Shepherd) to New York City. Coordinated through Delta Society New York they made visits to Pier 94 Family Assistance Center. Sweetheart assisted family members on the boat ride and at "Ground Zero" giving comfort and emotional support. They worked at the Center with families, firefighters, police officers, rescue workers, military personnel, staff, and fellow volunteers. When they were not at the Center, they visited fire stations, police stations, parks, neighborhoods, and people on the streets. Sweetheart brought to all a warm joyful feeling and an understanding of what they were going through. She lifted their spirits, and lightened their grief-stricken souls.

And she is just getting started. Sweetheart's future is bright with anticipation in serving the human-animal healing connection.

Within the last year Barbara had a life situation change and had to move out of State. Barbara made the ultimate sacrifice, knowing Sweethearts value to society. Sweetheart now resides with Charlie and Sally so that she can continue her therapy work helping and inspiring many.