Phillip and Ava are as inseparable as super and glue! It is incredible that they are family because they were born on different continents: Ava in Eastern Europe and Phillip in South Korea.
When Philip’s daughter was given Ava, she was not home enough to give the dog the care she
deserved. So like many pets, the parent inherits it. It all worked out for the best because Ava and Phillip belong to the mutual appreciation club. Ava loves and is dedicated to Phillip, and so is Phillip to Ava.
“Ava is a Pit Bull/Whippet combination,” said Phillip, “making her uniquely beautiful, highly-intelligent, and an amazing runner.”
Phillip and Ava are exceptional athletes. You may see their team of two jogging three
miles a day or tossing and chasing balls in the park.
Both love swimming. Phillip was raised by the ocean and is a good swimmer which evolved into his becoming a frogman for the South Korean military, a stunt diver who could dive from 10 meters into a swimming pool, and a sky diver!
Ava loves the water too, but she prefers chasing balls or riding in one of the cars that Philip redesigned for her comfort rather than
jumping from a purr-fectly good airplane.
“Ava has a rock fetish. When I throw a tennis ball or rock off one off one of the boat ramps,” said Phillip, “she always chooses the rock and dives off and swims down to retrieve it. We begin our days at 5 A.M. with meditation, then at day break we head to both parks in town for our jogging and ball chasing exercise. When you have a highly active dog, it is important to honor it, and this way we are exercise partners
who keep each other healthy.”
Phillip has altered his two vehicles to fit Ava's needs. He took the back seat out of his Cadillac and van and put in Diva seats for Ava. Being a retired contractor, it was easy. He placed a huge piece of plywood down, then a large foam cushion for her to sleep on. Her “car beds” are the paw-fect height so she can see out the windows and large enough to snooze on. Phillip also included a separate area for Ava’s water and
food.
“Ava is such a Princess, she paw-furs riding in our Cadillac over the van,” laughs Phillip.
I am grateful to be a U.S. citizen and I don’t like being bored,” admits Phillip. “I am 73 and wanted a line of work that was less stressful than construction, jumping out of planes, teaching karate, etc. I wanted to give back to others, so I become a certified care giver. Only two out of ten in our class passed and I scored
92%!
Ava did not attend school with me but she helps give to the most vulnerable amongst us. I love that I can take her to work. Some clients have dogs who are as happy to have her company as the clients are. Ava is gentle with the nursing patients. She was born for this work. I have always talked a lot to her, just like you would a best friend, and she lets me know what she is thinking with her expressions of understanding. Having her help
with home care adds to the healing and therapeutic work for my clients.
Ava is a very special friend who keeps my confidence and listens patiently. She makes me happy, her companionship is a joy and like having a child she keeps me busy taking care of her. Her “presents” never allows depression to set in because I have to get up for her, feed her, walk her and care for her. Her happy spirit is my reward and motivation.
I am
grateful every day to be an American, have my freedom, be healthy and helping others...with my dog at my side.”