In a world often overshadowed by negativity and challenges, stories like Aaron’s and Ember’s shine as beacons of hope and inspiration. Their journey together not only exemplifies the deep bond between humans and animals but also demonstrates the transformative power of compassion and love.
When Ember entered Aaron’s life, she brought with her a boundless energy and an irresistible charm that captivated everyone around her. But it was her innate ability to provide comfort and joy, especially in the face of adversity, that really set her apart. From the moment Aaron recognized Ember’s potential as a therapy dog, their partnership blossomed into something truly extraordinary.
At three months old, Aaron Salkill, a firefighter with Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services in Georgia and a Marietta resident, welcomed Ember, a Dalmatian puppy, into his home. Her previous owners had abandoned her at a vet’s office, prompting this act of adoption.
Still, she had “more energy than a preschooler on Redbull” after he tried to tire her out, even after interacting with lots of kids who stopped everywhere she went to hug and pet her.
When such a queue began to form one day, I had an epiphany. How much more of an influence would Ember have on the children in the hospital if her presence could cause such a strong reaction in the healthy children? I had to find out, I knew it. Ember and I set out the next day to become a certified therapy dog team.
Ember received her certification from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs after nearly a year of training.
Halloween night two years ago was her first official therapy visit to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. They waited in the lobby with other therapy dogs and their handlers. The room was soon filled with children and nurses in costumes.
That evening, one of the sisters inadvertently decided to dress up as Cruella Deville from “101 Dalmatians.” Of course, they had to take a picture.
The children repeatedly scolded the poor nurse and begged her to “leave Ember alone”.
But one patient in particular caught it: a little girl who was too weak to walk and was wheeled out of the elevator in a little red carriage. The young man had a completely bald head. However, as soon as she saw Ember, she got out of the car and hurried to greet the squirming ball of fur.
Her mother came up to me as she left and began to cry softly, thanking me for making her daughter smile again. She went on to tell me that it was the first time in weeks that her baby had walked. She lost all motivation to move because of chemotherapy, but she was able to run because she was excited to see a real Dalmatian.
It was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, thank you.
Over the years, Aaron and Ember visited many other hospitals and provided much-needed laughter and smiles to all the children who came to visit them. Meanwhile, Ember continued her “day job” teaching children with autism how to safely and appropriately work with canines at a local day camp.
The moment Ember arrived, the young child, who was “almost non-verbal”, began talking to Aaron, even though she had just asked the girl to stand up. Additionally, through Ember, Aaron met Lindsay, a registered nurse who works at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, fell in love with her, and ended up getting married!
Ember has given me comfort, joy, and peace for the past five years. But now I took it upon myself to give her the same comfort she had always given me. It is now my duty to carry on her legacy and spread happiness in her honor.
This summer, Ember started to slow down, and Aaron quickly discovered the reason: kidney failure. The vets informed him that there was nothing more that could be done other than to give her daily fluids to keep her comfortable during her final days as it developed unexpectedly and without cause.
We tried to give Ember as much joy and love in her last days as we could, knowing that our time together was limited. I didn’t let her leave my side and she accompanied me everywhere. During her last days, we visited the kids at work, attended several meetings with the local fire department, took a trip to her favorite creek to enjoy a day in the water, and most of all, cuddled on the couch.
Ember continued to make people smile until the very end. I heard a sound I was all too familiar with when Ember walked into the vet’s office for the last time. There was a small girl, staring at Ember, unable to look away. I didn’t think to stop and let the girl touch Ember because I was in a really emotional state. Ember was more aware. She stopped close to the child long enough to pat him on the head, even though he was a very sick dog. The girl was beaming from ear to ear and I held back my emotions as my heart warmed.
I hugged my beautiful girl one more time and told her how much I loved her as I stared into her big brown eyes as she passed away. At the very end, she turned to me and I could see she was ready to go. Despite her extreme tiredness, she continued to be cheerful and wag her little tail. She was sent to me for a greater reason, and I believe she was aware that she had successfully completed her work.
My heart and the hearts of the many who adored Ember will always remember her.
I am grateful, Ember, for all the joy and fun you gave to people who needed it the most. Spread the love for this adorable Dalmatian and all the other therapy dogs who make people’s lives better.
Ember’s story is a testament to the profound impact animals can have on our lives, especially in times of need. Through her unwavering love, compassion, and dedication to spreading joy, Ember has touched the hearts of countless individuals and brought light to the darkest of days.
Ember’s presence as a therapy dog provided comfort and solace to those facing illness, pain, and uncertainty. Her gentle nature and boundless affection served as a source of strength and inspiration, reminding us of the power of unconditional love to heal and uplift.
Although her time with us was too short, Ember’s legacy will live on in the memories of those she touched and the lives she changed. Her spirit will forever remain a beacon of hope and compassion, guiding us to cherish every moment and spread kindness wherever we go.
As we say goodbye to Ember, we honor her memory by celebrating the joy she brought to the world and continuing her legacy of love and compassion. Rest in peace, dear Ember, knowing that your light will shine in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know you.