Abandoned Puppy Honored For Service On National Dog Day

WEST CHESTER, PA — A dog abandoned in a cage on a roadside is now in service training, and her owner advocates for recognition of the role animals play in making human life better.

Lisa Bennett and Nellie visited Pennsylvania State Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-19th), on Aug. 26, National Dog Day, and Bennett shared their story of resilience.

Lisa Bennett was fighting both a diagnosis of breast cancer and the need for a liver transplant. Nellie was a mutt abandoned on the side of the road. When united, both of their circumstances changed permanently for the better.

"When they both came to me, I realized how special their story was," said Dinniman, who has fought during his entire senate career for the expansion of animal protections. "Everyday we learn more about the special bond between our pets and our emotional health. Lisa and Nellie’s story really shows how important these bonds are to so many. They're truly life-saving."

Nellie was found abandoned on the side of the road in Georgia in a cage with many other puppies. Through a system of transportation from Georgia to Pennsylvania provided by volunteer drivers, all the puppies found safe homes in Pennsylvania. Bennett adopted Nellie, who has since begun training as a service dog. In a wonderful way, Bennett and Nellie saved each other.

For Dinniman, this story of resilience and animal therapy served as a perfect example of the ever-growing therapeutic bond between animal and human. The state senator thinks the utilization of animals in providing therapy for humans needs further legislative support.

"In this pandemic, our pets have played a very special, and sometimes life-saving, role for us," Dinniman said. "We are on the cusp of understanding this tremendous bond between people and their animals – they are not just service animals, but routes to greater therapy."

"They are not just our pets. They provide us therapeutic routes to greater happiness."

On National Dog Day, Aug. 26, Dinniman recognized Nellie as a stellar example of the importance of pets in our lives.

Bennett met with Dinniman to share her story, and also showcase the importance of supporting further animal-protective legislation. Nellie, who almost died due to inhumane puppy mill practices, has since won the K9 Good Citizen certificate and helped Bennett in her battles, too.

Bennett explained to Dinniman what Nellie meant to her – she told him that this dog has been her friend and companion and the dog is now being trained to assist her in medical emergencies.

Dinniman detailed for Bennett information on research currently being conducted at University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School and other facilities. The research aims at better understanding this human-animal bond, and the process through which animals help people deal with anxiety, trauma, and many other mental and emotional battles.

"Lisa and Nellie's story is another reason why we must continue to push legislature which permanently puts a stop to the inhumane treatment of animals in puppy mills, which are still very prevalent in Pennsylvania," Dinniman said.

"For Lisa, Nellie, all pets out there waiting to be saved, and all the human beings in need of this therapeutic companionship and strength especially during this pandemic, we must do this."