A Hero in the Form of a Big Black Dog #MyPetisMyHero

What does it take to be a hero dog? Have you ever thought about it? I know there are dogs that do heroic acts and I agree they are definitely heroes. But, what about the unsung heroes of our everyday life? And, can a big black dog be a hero?

I'm no expert, but if you ask me, I will tell you I have 7 real-life 4-legged heroes snuggled with me right now. For some, my pups may be 'only dogs', but for me, they are my heroes and my lifeline.

As a friend of mine told me last night, you can't think of me without the pups because we are a package deal.

However, I have a special dark and handsome hero - a big black dog named Ozzy!

After hearing about the Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food featuring hero dogs on their television show "Hidden Heros", I started thinking.

If I had to choose just one of my pups to feature - who would it be?

They are all so wonderful and loving, making it a difficult choice.

In the end, I would have to choose my tall, dark, and handsome Ozzy.

My Big Black Dog is my Hero

While all my pups seem to have a special ability to know when I need them, Ozzy is my velcro dog.

Most people would pass Ozzy by. Why, you ask? Simply because he is a black dog and a mix at that.

He is half German Shepherd and half Labrador, but still considered a lowly mixed breed black dog.

He is also huge, at 125 lbs with long sprawling legs, which makes him look like a long-legged awkward colt at times.

However, to me, he is amazing, handsome, and well - simply beautiful.

I can also say, I believe Ozzy has special powers - as in, telepathy.

He is SO tuned into my moods and thoughts.

Without uttering a word, he seems to sense what I am thinking and when something isn't right.

When he senses I am stressed or upset, he will come to me slowly and lay his big head on my lap.

He will look up at me with those big brown soulful eyes as if to say "what's wrong Mom?"

Lately, there has been a lot of 'what's wrong' and a need for Ozzy's gentle comfort.

There is no doubt that Ozzy and the rest of the pups are what have propelled me forward and given me the will to carry on with life.

For those of you that don't know, I lost my beautiful daughter 6 months ago tragically and unexpectedly.

Losing my child was a blow like no other I have ever been dealt! It was - it is - a gut-stabbing, heart-wrenching, I want to die myself type of pain!

There were, and still are, days I don't want to open my eyes. I just want to cover my head with covers and hope the world goes away. Can we rewind to a better time and place?

There are days of deep despair and days of uncontrollable crying. Days of not wanting to live myself.

Days of nothingness. Trying to sleep, but it seems sleep has become an elusive thing of the past.

Then, if by chance I do fall asleep, I am haunted by horrible images of that tragic night. It is a fit-full sleep.

During these times, Ozzy will snuggle close and I can feel the reassuring kiss of his cold nose!

I feel his gentle nudge and the gentle licking of my tears.

I look into his soulful brown eyes and I can only believe there is a true understanding of the pain.

He offers comfort in a silent, loving, and understanding way.

Without questions and without judgment, he offers gentle comfort and understanding. Simply put he is my emotional support right now.

He helps me through until the morning light shines and it's time to try for a happy face for the outside world.

Then, he stays by my side while I grapple with the simple acts of getting on with life.

Since my daughter's death, and as if he understands I need him, Ozzy has become my shadow. If I move, he moves. If I sleep, he sleeps.

While I have a connection with all my dogs, there is something special about Ozzy. He has appointed himself as my guardian angel. I can only say that I am so very proud of him.

While Ozzy hasn't run into burning buildings, diving into deep waters to rescue someone, or anything overly spectacular - he has reached into a very dark, deep, and ugly place of despair.

With his giant paw and gentle comfort, he pulled me back into the light. His big brown eyes, gentle kisses, and patience helped me find my way out.

At a time when words are just words made of strung-together letters, this gentle black dog of mine has touched me on a level that no person ever could.

For this, he is my hero!

Ozzy and I love hanging out together and having quiet time. He especially loves cuddling up and listening to stories.

If you have ever read any of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books then you know they are special.

I love the books and we especially love Chicken Soup for the Soul's "The Dog Did What" and its heartwarming pet stories.

To be honest, I'm not sure Ozzy understands what we read, but he loves reading time and hanging out with me.

I love good stories and he listens intently, tilting his head every now and again.

I am more than a bit emotional these days, but Ozzy is always there to lick the teardrops away when they escape my eyes.

While Ozzy and I love snuggling in with the Chicken Soup for the Soul stories, did you know they also offer nutritious natural pet food?

For a pup as special as Ozzy, I want only the best and he loves the Chicken Soup for the Soul pet food! I love it because it is holistic and they offer both dry and wet pet food products.

Sometimes we even sneak in a few kibbles during our reading time.

It's so good that Ozzy thinks it is doggie treats!

I love it when I read a label and the ingredients start off with real meat, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. I also love what it doesn't have!

The Chicken Soup for the Soul pet food contains no added corn, wheat, soy, artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives.

It's a natural pet food I can feel good about giving to my hero, knowing that it promotes overall health and well-being for dogs and cats.

Finally, and of course, all their pet food products are proudly made in the USA!

Ozzy loves the flavors and I love how healthy it is! Knowing how much he loves me and knowing I need to care for him is part of what pulled me out of my depression.

At least I can feel good about giving him good nutritious natural dog food. What better way than with the healthiest food I can find?

While I am not sure what tomorrow will bring, I do know that I won't face it alone.

I have a special paw to hold and he is willing me forward.

Ozzy reached in and grabbed me from the darkest hour and hasn't left my side since.

Ozzy may just be another big black dog to some, but to me, he is my hero and my strength!