2011—JOJO 

Leading a Life of Love

         JoJo's journey began, and nearly ended, as she lay by the side of the road hoping someone would stop to help her... but she was a feared, hated and misunderstood breed, so the hours and cars drifted by with no help.  Finally, someone stopped and took her to the shelter in rural Texas.  An examination revealed a severely broken leg in need of specialized surgical repair.

         They wanted to give JoJo every chance possible.  JoJo's journey resumed when an orthopedic veterinarian 225 miles away in El Paso, Texas, Dr. Jim Koschmann from Crossroads Animal Hospital, agreed to do the surgery.  From the Heart agreed to step in as her rescue for foster and rehabilitative care.

         JoJo's journey continued when her foster mom, an occupational therapist, took JoJo to work so she could inspire humans recovering from orthopedic injuries.  With a shaved hind leg, large rows of staples on her incisions and an external fixator sticking out of the top of her hip, JoJo went into service as a therapy dog to damaged humans, encouraging them to strive towards health.

         JoJo had her fixator removed and is progressing wonderfully with her own therapy.  She continues to help the patients at the orthopedic hospital, demonstrating the loyalty and intelligence of her breed.  But even more, she enjoys inspiring and giving love to people who are in pain, because she understands them.

         With a record number of votes, she won the national ProPlan "Rally to Rescue" Rescue Dog of the Year.  Now a registered service dog, her journey of love will continue for her lifetime.