Khali-Maa: A Friendship for Life

In March Golden Year 6 (2009), our Association members from Melbourne, Australia presented Khali-Maa, the loyal canine friend of Mr. Darren Penrose, with the Shining World Hero Award, on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai. Khali-Maa, a kelpie dog, saved her human companion from a burning house by alerting him to the impending peril.

Last October in Aldinga Beach, South Australia, the back of Darren’s house caught on fire at about 1:30 a.m. Khali-Maa barked determinedly to awaken him, and both were able to escape to safety through the front of the house. As the fire blazed through the rest of the house Darren ran to alert his neighbours. However, not knowing where he went, Khali-Maa made her way back into the house looking for him. When Darren returned and couldn’t find her, he was extremely concerned. The distraught caregiver tried to go back into the house to look for Khali-Maa, but was driven back by the intense heat and smoke. Unable to find his dearly loved dog, Darren reluctantly returned to the front yard where he was treated for smoke inhalation by the ambulance personnel. Moments later, Khali-Maa miraculously appeared by jumping through a window to safety. Darren was overjoyed to be reunited again with his beloved canine friend.

Both made it out of the fire alive, but the house and all of Darren’s belongings were completely destroyed. As if hearing Darren’s prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai sent a financial contribution of US$2,000 along with the Award, which Darren was pleased to receive. With the financial assistance, he was able to buy himself a bed, some furniture and other needed items. Master also lovingly sent a doggie bed, vegan dog food and two beautiful hero jackets for Khali-Maa.

Our gratitude goes to the noble-hearted Khali-Maa for her life-saving fire alert. May she and her human caregiver enjoy many more cherished times together.

Receipt from Darren for the US$2,000 contribution by Master