Below is a story of what I personally experienced with Maya on Tuesday, Nov. 23rd. I want to share with you some key points that happened and hope you can take something from it. I know it's long, but please take the time to read it. I feel we can all benefit from my personal experience. :)

*****

After I took care of the pack with Glenn this morning, I brought Maya with me to school. I was asked by my teacher last week to help him with something. That something was to help with a group of 20 terminally ill children, ages 3-9, that are strong enough to come visit the zoo and meet the animals. He specifically wanted me to be there and bring Maya, knowing my connection with her. So I did. :)

When I got there, the kids eyes lite up, seeing Maya and knowing they were going to touch her. After I did a short talk about wolves and Maya, we had a line so they could all meet her one at a time. Maya did fantastic, licked faces, and the kids loved her :)

Two kids stood out to me the most.

- Kelly, age 3 with Leukemia - When it was her turn to meet Maya, so was so excited, she started to "run" and was a bit wobbly ... In my astonishment, Maya moved forward and met her half way, as Kelly caught herself on Maya. Maya, licked her face ever so gently and she giggled ... Kelly then hugged Maya on her neck, and once again in amazement, Maya put her head down softly around Kelly and closed her eyes, as if to squeeze her and hug her back. They stayed like that for a few seconds ... I couldn't believe what I was seeing with my very own eyes. Kelly then kissed Maya on the nose and went back to her parents.

- Annabelle, age 7 with Leukemia - She came up and petted Maya. Maya was gentle and loving just like with all of them. Annabelle asked me a question about her fur, and in the middle of me answering, she touched my hair (I had my hair down, half pulled back), looked me in the eyes and said "I think your hair is beautiful" ... mind you, all of the children are bald due to the chemo therapy ... I stopped, and matched her gaze, and said as I looked at her bright blue eyes "You want to know what I think?" She nodded her head. "I think bald is beautiful." She smiled so big and jumped into my arms and hugged me. As she hugged me, she said thank you and I almost lost it in tears.

Later, her parents found me and said that their little girl was so happy to meet me and Maya and said that they haven't seen Annabelle smile for a couple months since diagnosed.

So, in my personal experience that I have shared with you has many meanings in it. Not only that these children are angels, but to look at ourselves, what we're doing and how we go about our days.

First most, the magical connection and deep feelings that these animals we are all privileged to work with posses. What these animals do is so powerful, and is what Wolf Connection is all about, that's why it's called "Wolf Connection". We are all being helped on some level by the Pack in different ways.

Second, the simplest thing can make a world of difference. For example, Smile :) If your out and about, smile at people. Some may smile back, some may not, and some may think you are out of your mind because you're happy :P But that smile has the potential to make that persons day, or at least help them feel better. This world is missing a lot of love and I want to change that ...

Thirdly, be like the Pack! LIVE, enjoy the little things, be in the moment, forgive and forget, love unconditionally, follow your heart and smile!! :D

*****

Thank you all for taking the time read this. I hope you were able to take something from it and maybe help you see things from a different perspective.

I care about you all so much and we are all so fortunate to have been brought together by these incredible animals and help make a difference in the world... no matter how big or small :).

Hugs & Howls, Renee & Maya <3<3<3