Dog Pearls
by Linda McLean

Like so many others who truly connect with the natural world, both Debra Roberts and I have had lifelong, deep bonds with the animal kingdom. Many animals – companion and wild – have been teachers for us about love, loss, joy, loyalty, and the intuitive wisdom that goes far beyond human-valued “knowledge”. Particular individual animals have granted us mystical, profound experiences that have transformed each of us forever.

Given the importance of animals in our individual lives, it was only natural for us to include them in the work of Little Pearls, the non-profit (or “community-profit”) that Debra founded and which we have shared for four years. Little Pearls are “tiny films” that open hearts and minds. Most are 30 seconds long. Each Little Pearl captures the essence of real people or animals, an aspect of the natural world, a universal theme or a thought-provoking idea. With a broad spectrum of possible new Little Pearls, we are eager to make and share more.

We have started an Animal Pearls series with the animals that most clearly share traits with humans, traits like intelligence, complex social structures and a capacity to experience and share emotions with each other and/or with us. These animals include our beloved dogs and cats, of course, and their wild relatives, and also whales and dolphins, the great apes, horses, elephants, parrots, ravens and crows. We also sense the special magic of raptors and all birds, turtles, bears, raccoons, snakes, deer, and many others. Animals can model life lessons to humans in ways that circumvent our tendency to resist learning from each other.

Chloe became our first Animal Pearl when Debra went to hear her niece Sallie and friend Taya practice a beautiful violin duet for a performance, under the tutelage of Taya’s mother Frances, a music teacher. The girls had fallen in love with the music and apparently so had Taya’s dog Chloe, an Australian shepherd mix adopted from a shelter. Debra was surprised and delighted when Chloe began to howl with the music – and, actually, she sang quite well! We later took the girls and Chloe into a sound studio, where she earned the name “One-Take Chloe,” spontaneously howling with the music, as if on cue. She was a natural in the film studio too, even after all the intrigue and tension of being sneaked in because dogs were not allowed in the building. She’s an appealing, energetic dog, and even though her need to express herself is a bit much for her family at times, Chloe sings because she has to – it’s one of her unique gifts.

The editing session – my first one without Debra present – had been set for the day after September 11, 2001. Like most people in the world, I was stunned by the tragedy and overwhelmed by the enormity of the suffering and loss. I didn’t see how we could edit a piece about a dog – a Pearl so full of joy – the very next day, but Debra reminded me that in the darkest times, our work has particular significance. She encouraged me to rise up from my sadness and share my own gifts. The resulting editing session was healing for me.

Chloe’s Little Pearl, “Special Gifts,” makes people laugh. It speaks to the playful, hopeful child in each of us. The spoken message is: “Open your heart. Share your special gifts with the world, and let your dreams soar!”

Dr. Willie was an ordinary farm dog, living in the country with his family after being adopted from a shelter. Clyde, his best friend and primary “leash holder,” says that as a young dog who didn’t always pay attention to warnings, Willie went down to the nearby road and got hit by a car. His injuries were life-threatening. In fact, Clyde says he was dead because, as Willie later told the story, there was a loud noise and a blinding flash of light. Then he went down a long tunnel of light, until the Big Dog in the Sky told him he had to go back and help others.

Clyde worked tirelessly with Willie to rehabilitate him and was able to keep him from losing his leg and help him adapt to a hobbled way of moving. Their close bond deepened, and Willie became more and more thoughtful and attuned to the needs of others. Adrienne, the “mom” in the family and a teacher herself, suggested Willie might make a good therapy dog. Willie certainly seemed to want to give something back, for all the help he had received.

Clyde and Willie then embarked on an intensive Delta-certified pet therapy program that lasted almost a year before “Dr. Willie” emerged, confidant and eager to go out and make a difference. He works in hospitals with adults and children, occasionally performing miracles that startle even his human physician peers (See Dr Willie's Best Day). It’s all in a day’s work for him, and he is unaffected by the adulation. Dr. Willie also goes into schools to work with children in reading programs. He helps kids who otherwise won’t or can’t read aloud in class to get comfortable by reading to him first. A cuddly little dog, he is no threat, and the kids read him stories and pet him at the same time. He takes his work very seriously, and he clearly loves to connect with people.

Dr. Willie’s Pearl (see littlepearls.org) was filmed at his home as he got excited about going to work, especially when suited up in his green Delta vest with his credential tags. He was also filmed at one of his elementary schools, as he listened intently and offered encouragement to his three “read to the dog” program students. Dr. Willie soaks up love like a sponge and gives it right back.

This furry little healer has a bench and donation box on his front porch at home, where he offers pet therapy sessions to visitors. Dr. Willie is so impressed with the work of Little Pearls that he has donated a full month’s earnings to support the organization – a total of $1.35. He is now challenging his human doctor colleagues to make comparable gifts, based on their incomes.

Willie’s message is that if a little three-legged dog can help others, after all he’s been through, maybe we all can. The message is serious, even though his Pearl makes people smile and then laugh – he is such a cute, spunky, loving little dog, with a gigantic spirit! Debra and I both love the idea of Animal Pearls. There are so many potentially great ones, and we’ve only made two. So now…which animal or species will be next?

Linda McLean and her husband Jim Stokoe live in Weaverville with a wonderful family of dogs (Mitch and Katie), cats (Molly, Toby and Gretchen), and a fish named Joey, as well as a yard full of birds and wildlife.