Lucky
My name is Lucky and I am a
loving, soulful and gregarious dog.
I was living in a shelter when a kind
lady named Charlotte Wilson rescued
me. She adopted me and gave me a
secure home that makes me feel very
"lucky" indeed. I like to lie on the
deck and watch squirrels, watch TV
on the sofa and nap in lots of different
places. Occasionally I have a bath and
get my nails done. It beats me why
women enjoy those things. Clean isn't
as comfortable but people seem to like
me better so I go along. I must like
people more than most dogs because
whenever we go to the dog park I like
to sit on the benches with people, chat
and get petted! If they really like me
I sit on their laps and lick their faces.
Apologies are expressed which is silly;
I've done nothing wrong and people
just say I'm a really friendly dog -
which I am!
So friendly and lucky - that's me -
but only because lots of good people
were there to help me. Charlotte
got the ball rolling and it has built
momentum ever since. She decided
to establish multiple scholarships at
Kirkwood Community College, one
of which is structured to meet the
growing demand for educated shelter
workers who care for, advocate and
understand the unique needs of
homeless animals. And her support
for these scholarships continues as
I've watched her put envelopes in
the mailbox addressed to Kirkwood.
She tells me they are gifts made in
tribute to, or in memory of, some of
my closest friends - and that always
means a lot to me!
Charlotte is a remarkable person
who recognizes that exceptional
training leads to exceptional care - for
all kinds of animals. She understands
the critical nature of this cycle and
talks frequently about the outstanding
animal health programs at
Kirkwood. I pay special attention
to these conversations because
I know students face lots of
hurdles. A special "lift up" may
remove barriers that stand in
their way - just like the "lift up"
Charlotte gave to me.
I am a "lucky" dog who got a
"lucky" break, and both Charlotte
and I hope others will decide
to "pay it forward" so that more
students are able to receive the
assistance they need to succeed.
Charlotte always receives thank
you notes from her scholarship
recipients. She often reads them to me
because the students always talk about
how lucky they are and I like to hear
my name. Here is one that made me
feel especially good...
"The Lucky Wilson Scholarship will
help me continue to pursue a goal I
have had since I was a little girl. I'm
very lucky to be accepted into the
veterinary technician program, and
I will graduate, then start a career.
The Lucky Wilson scholarship is
making a difference in those career
plans by helping me move forward in
my education, and to face a challenge
every college student encounters. I am
very thankful for the chance to meet
that challenge." Bailey Jedlicka.
Thanks, Bailey, and thanks to
each of you for reading my story...
there are so many of us waiting for
your help.