In Remembrance of Angel, a Loyal Dog

In honor of a brave and devoted puppy that gave her life to save her caretaker, Betty Wilhem, Supreme Master Ching Hai bestowed the Shining World Hero Award upon the little dog with Ms. Wilhem receiving the Award on behalf of her dearly departed puppy.

The loyal pup, wearing a black collar, appeared on Ms. Wilhem's doorstep one cold February morning last year. Betty assumed she belonged to someone and posted notices throughout the neighborhood, but no one claimed her. As it turned out, the new puppy got along well with Betty's four other dogs and three cats, so she kept her and named her "Puppy with No Name."

On the night of September 21, 2007, Betty's "Puppy with No Name" awakened her with loud barking. Betty found the house engulfed in fire. As she rushed through the hallway filled with smoke, she remembered her pets, but it was too late. She could not get back to them. Betty broke windows from the outside of the home to allow her pets to escape, but the fire was too intense. All together, she lost three of her dogs and all three of her cats in the fire. The "Puppy with No Name" was one of them. Betty tearfully buried the puppy in the backyard and named her Angel for saving her life.

Members of our Association presented the Award and gifts to Ms. Wilhem at her re-built house in Lorain, Ohio on April 13, 2008. She was very touched to receive the Award honoring the hero dog that saved her life and thanked Supreme Master Ching Hai for the Award.

After looking through the gift books The Birds in My Life, The Dogs in My Life, and The Noble Wilds, Betty feels strongly that all animals are noble beings and we should take care of them. She has since become active with a local veterinarian in rounding up strays for adoption.

May Angel, the hero dog, who gave us a shining example of bravery, live happily in Heaven.