Doggie Diva

Feb. 24, 2006

Frankie/Weemes Elm. School

By Kyra Kirkwood

Respect your elders is often a motto we believe in, unless that elder happens to be homeless, four-legged and covered in fur.

Many of the senior-aged dogs in shelters today don't get any happy endings. People are hesitant to adopt a dog they may only have for a short time (years ago, we had to put down our 4-year-old Lab—you just never know), or one who may need veterinary care (what dog doesn't?), or one who might not be a "cute puppy" with all the accompanying frivolity (chewed-up Manolos are really adorable).

Too often, these older dogs wind up in shelters because their owners die, get sick, or can't care for them anymore. They are scared, confused and abandoned, despite being loved and cared for until now.

Yet unfortunately, many potential adopters don't see the perks of adopting a mature dog (no chewing, housetraining issues, hyperness; lots of companionship, mellow temperament, low-maintenance, easy-going.) Instead, they see gray muzzles, worn teeth and slow gait.

But not Ryoko Matsui, a third-grade teacher at Weemes Elementary School and volunteer at the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA.

And Frankie thanks her every day.

Last fall, Matsui, a resident of Glassell Park, met and got attached to a seven-year-old, stunning German shepherd mix named Frankie. She took his picture for the shelter's website, and went about her business. The next day when she returned, Frankie immediately recognized her, running to the front of his kennel and begging her to play ball with him.

"I go for the underdog," she said.

Something clicked in Matsui that day, and from then on, she would rush from her school in South Los Angeles to the Humane Society so she could spend time walking and playing with Frankie. He blossomed under her attention, showing off his love of ball paying and his overall activity level.

"He's like a Lab stuck in a [German] shepherd's body," Matsui laughed.

But as the days turned into weeks that turned into months, Frankie was no closer to a forever home than when he started. By Christmas, it became apparent that his time was up. Matsui couldn't hide her frustration and sadness from her students, who quickly rallied, thinking of ways to save this dog.

Matsui, who constantly tries to weave humane-education lessons into her daily curriculum, was touched. But she was floored when her 21 students illustrated the true Christmas spirit: they agreed to give up their gifts of movie tickets from Matsui in order for her to take that $300 and use it to get Frankie into a local rescue.

These are children who don't whip out cell phones and Platinum Amex cards, who don't get the newest PlayStation game or see every movie on the day it debuts. And yet, they still agreed to give up a very nice gift in order to help out a creature they've never seen, just because they knew it was the right thing to do. They exchanged "Harry Potter" for the internal satisfaction of knowing they're helping—and doing—something that's bigger than the local Cineplex.

"They're well-educated for third graders," said Matsui proudly. "They're really gung-ho to find Frankie a home."

Animal Kind Rescue answered Matsui's plea, and right before Christmas, Frankie was bailed out of the shelter, safe and sound. Now, Matsui fosters Frankie at night (much to the displeasure of her own dog, but the cats really dig him) and takes him to "doggie day care" while she's at work. He's goofy, loveable, acts younger than his estimated age and, of course, adores playing ball—even snatching tennis balls out of the air. The students created a flyer and posters to help advertise Frankie, they penned a letter to the media about his story, and they are learning that age doesn't really matter.

"Senior dogs are not disposable," Matsui said. "Just because they're seniors, they shouldn't be euthanized."

Mature dogs, in fact, are pretty awesome. I think the human rules are similar in the canine world—you're as old as you feel, or act. Growing up, I had a dog who acted like a teenager all the way until her last year with us at 14. Hiking on the trails around town, I regularly see salt-and-pepper pups practically pulling their owners down the path. My own pack act as if they're fresh out of the whelping box half the time, playing and wrestling like dogs half their age.

Love can do amazing things. My veterinarian swore we kept our aforementioned dog alive on love alone. I pray that if that's true, my babies now will live to be 20, at least. I was frustrated recently when I tried to get an 8-year-old dog into a local rescue group, and was told no way; adopters don't want older dogs.

Why not?

People too often judge the dog by the number, not his nature. Love, good food and comfort can often shave years off, and give owners something that is so precious, it lasts for an eternity in the heart, if only a few years on Earth: the treasure of unconditional love.

That's what Matsui is yearning to find for Frankie. Yet despite all these forces working in his favor, he's still looking for his fairy tale.

"I'm just praying there is a happy ending," Matsui said. "My dream would be for someone to adopt him, and [then] send [the class] pictures of Frankie [living happily] in their house."

She still has hope, as do her students. Matsui knows that the lessons they're learning from this are life-long, and huge. Compassion, cooperation, donation, passion, determination—it all adds up to becoming productive and caring members of society who will someday grow up to make the world a better place.

"I want them to know that if they really try, and really want things to happen…they can make a difference," said Matsui. "If there's a will, there's a way. Whatever you put your mind to, you can do it."

I think that if we had more teachers like Matsui instilling basic humane values, encouragement and beliefs in our children, we'd be looking at a future with far less animal cruelty, abuse, euthanasia and abandonment. By teaching them that every little creature matters, and that we are responsible to be compassionate to them, we take huge strides in making this world a better place, for both humans and animals.

It shows them that a little work on their part can truly enrich the lives of so many more. It's like that stone-thrown-in-the-lake theory: one tiny pebble creates many more ripples, extending outward. Ryoko Matsui's third graders started the ripple with their generous act of gift sacrifice. Now they're hoping those ripples reach the right people who can love Frankie forever.

What a lesson, and one not found in any textbook.

But it's a lesson those third graders will never forget.

SIDEBAR:

To meet Frankie, contact Animal Kind Rescue at www.animalkindrescue.org or (818)985-9393 and leave a message. You are also welcome to call the. Ryoko Matsui at (818) 426-3820.

SIDEBAR 2:

Frankie is about 60 pounds, neutered, up to date on all shots and microchipped. And he loves cats.