Turner is a 7 year old certified therapy dog. He is pit bull breed. Turner had a rough start, requiring lots of love and positive training. Turner was fostered and then adopted by his "parents," Jerilyn and Russ Newman, in May 2009. I had an interesting conversation with Turner a few months back that leads me to this weeks' blog article.
Turner Discusses His Purpose
I had the opportunity of talking with Turner and his family
in 2011 at a yearly fundraising event for a local animal shelter. I was
struck by his calm, gentle, yet self-assured presence. I was lucky
enough to meet up with Turner again this past fall. This time, Turner
returned with a newly adopted “sister,” named Sophia. Turned expressed a protectiveness towards Sophia as well as indicating that he was a sort of guide for her to learn how to feel more secure in the world. Sophia had some
anxiety issues and talked about Turner and how he made her feel safer.
At that event, Turner also mentioned feeling that he felt he could
become “more famous.”
Turner on "Anderson Cooper"
Fulfilling His Purpose
Turner, not surprisingly, was correct.
I received a message from Turner's “dad,” this week letting me
know that Turner was recently featured on a national television
program. The show was focused on exposing erroneous negative
misconceptions about pit bulls.
Video from "Anderson Cooper" with the "Pit Boss"
How Did He Know
So what does this mean? Was Turner
predicting the future when he told me that he felt he could become
more “famous?” No. The communication from Turner was
that he was very much aware of his energy and that he has a certain
purpose as a part of his journey in life.
Turner has worked with
camps and programs for developmentally disabled children, a summer
camp for children with cancer, brownie troops, school programs, a
senior rehab center, a library reading program and more. Part of his life's
purpose includes a “responsibility” to serve others and, as a
result, to positively represent his breed. As many of us are aware, the pit bull breed that has been the recipient of some very undeserved negative publicity. Turner's work includes having
the spot light shone on him to draw attention to the many positive aspects of pit bull.
It is clear to me as I
communicate with Turner that he very clearly understands his own
energy and purpose in life. I asked Turner how it is that he has
such clarity about this, especially in comparison to us humans? In
response, Turner shows me himself as a clear channel for “good
works.” There is simply nothing negative getting in the way of Turner fulfilling his purpose. Turner
loves what he does and there is no “ego” involved to interfere. Turner also made the point that he is “solid.” Solid is shown to
me by Turner to mean that he does not question his purpose, as often humans do. Turner knows who
he is and that is that. In addition, his humans are very much
connected to Turner and allow and support him in being “himself.”
Turner is therefore able to live out his life's purpose with ease.
What are your animals' purposes in
life....why not go ahead and ask them? They are just waiting to
share with you!
Turner was adopted from 11th Hour Rescue in NJ. If you are interested in adopting a dog from 11th Hour Rescue or for volunteer or donation information, please follow this link.