AJ’s Story

AJ was my beautiful chocolate Labrador retriever who I raised from six weeks old until his recent passing in May of 2006. As a very young puppy, he battled extremely painful genetic disorders such as hip dysplasia, severe allergies, and frequent seizures, just to name a few.

Gratefully, the excellent veterinary care he received allowed AJ to live the last few years of his life in much less pain, but I could never get rid of the constant worry each time I heard a funny sound, or an odd behavior.

The last few weeks of his life were where I recognized the true spirit of the human - canine bond. AJ had always expressed his affection to me and followed me everywhere during his lifetime, as many pets do with their owners and families. But the days I spent watching him fight so hard to live for me, as I never left his side, were amazing and nothing or no one would have convinced me to put him down.

Unfortunately, as he incredibly showed signs of improving, it was a fateful seizure that finally gave him peace from his pain as he lay on my lap, in my arms with his brother “Billy” by his side. As painful as that moment and the weeks & months to follow were, AJ’s strong spirit has inspired me to initiate this event to help all of our abused, abandoned and sheltered animals receive the quality medical care they deserve, and I would like to share AJ’s spirit with everyone…

“AJ” Spink

5/25/2001 – 5/21/2006