I have been writing this article for just five months. But as I sit at the computer to compose my next commentary, I find myself experiencing writer’s block. But how could that be? Pets are my passion and I am never at a loss for words when it comes to them, much to the chagrin of my family and friends I am sure.

But here I am, wracking my brain for a thought provoking, interesting or knowledge-building topic that has not been done to death for the pet lovers in the Lakes Region area. And quite honestly, I was in search for a subject matter that did not involve pet adoption, something I had already touched upon in most of my other articles.

But then I looked over at Trina, my “Heinz 57” dog, asleep on the futon in my office and I realized that even though I have mentioned her in past articles, I have not devoted a whole column to a dog many people consider a miracle. Yes, she was adopted, but I cannot apologize for my commitment for the plight of homeless animals when I sit across from a dog that singlehandedly has brought so much joy and laughter into my life.

I was working at Harvest Hills Animal Shelter one day 3 1/2 years ago. On a day off in February, with a snowstorm in the forecast and a car that handled terribly on bad roads, I headed to the shelter with the intention of spending the night to avoid making the trip in the morning when the predicted Nor’easter was to hit.

This decision was probably one of the best of my life. Trina, a very sick old girl, who was our office dog at the time because of her frail condition, immediately gravitated to the blow up mattress I set up in one of the back rooms and spent the night with me. The rest is history.

I actually spent two nights at the shelter back then and Trina never left my side. Even when I was loading up my car to return home, she followed me outside and stepped up into my car as if to say “girl, you are not leaving here without me.” And her actions spoke volumes to me. In her eyes, I belonged to her now.

So what is it about Trina that makes her a miracle dog? Well, when she arrived at Harvest Hills as a stray she was so malnourished she was practically concave. Later, she was diagnosed with a multitude of ailments including a severe muscle disorder, lupus and splondylosis of the spine, not to mention one vet believes she could be as old as 13.

But even with her diseases and all of their side effects (weak muscles, severe hair loss, and pain) and her old age, Trina manages to be the happiest, silliest dog I have ever met. Her tail is constantly wagging; no toy is safe in the path of “Hurricane Trina;” she annoys her healthy, much younger brother, Rocky, by always wanting to play; and she is simply fearless. Not bad for a dog who most thought had less than six months to live.

I have written about the importance of adopting homeless pets frequently. But adopting my miracle dog should clearly justify why I am so passionate about pet adoption. Every single day Trina is in my life is a joy and a blessing.

So, give an old or sick dog or cat a loving home and see how their gratitude and devotion can cure loneliness, sadness or depression. Save a homeless animals life and maybe you can experience your own miracle.