The Call of the Heart

The Call of the Heart

One evening I was watching the movie “The Call of the Wild” when my phone made that familiar sound of a text message. I kept watching the good movie about the connection between a 15-year old young man and a sled dog named Buck. A few minutes later I checked the text. The text was from my new friend Trysta and it had a link of a fundraising for an 8-year old boy named Blake. I replied the text immediately. This cannot be a coincidence, I thought. In life there are no coincidences. It is up to us to discern the messages we continually receive from the world. It is up to us to answer the call. We ended up talking for about 15 minutes about ideas to raise the $15,000 to buy the fully trained dog for Blake. Blake has autism and a trained Labrador dog would greatly help him to live a better life.  I sensed the excitement and determination in Trysta’s soft voice.  I felt compelled to answer the call of her heart. We agreed to meet to learn more about the fundraising.  I finished watching the movie with my mind now focused on the lessons contained in the movie.  There is a powerful bond between the young man and Buck where both display enormous courage and sacrifice to perform amazing feats. There it is! The value of a great friendship, built on trust, between a boy and his dog. Flashbacks came as a young boy growing up on a farm and the friendships I had with several dogs. 

On the morning of April 23, 2016, Trysta brought along Brandon, the 22 year old brother of Blake, and we talked sitting at an open air table at the Fremont Garden in Battle Creek. Brandon shared the difficulties and frustrations of his little brother Blake. The biggest challenge for Blake is making lasting friendships. He explained how important it would be for Blake to have his dog as a companion and loyal friend. Anyone could sense in Brandon and in Trysta for that matter, the deep love for Blake and his family. Trysta and Brandon spoke proudly of Blake’s mother Lori. She has researched and done due diligence to make sure that a trained Labrador dog is the missing piece to Blake’s puzzle. Can Blake count on your generosity?

Here is some information pulled from the fund raising site https://www.gofundme.com/blakesdog

“I am eager to make friends and play, but cannot do so without the eyes of my mother watching.  I struggle making lasting friendships, being social, and knowing what safety means for a child with Autism. For me, having Autism has created a fear of being alone. I have never slept in my own bed, for my anxiety and fears do not allow me to do so. My Autism holds me back, but a therapy/service dog is the missing piece to my puzzle.  Therapy dogs provide a bridge for Autistic children like me to connect with the world. My dog will be trained to help ease my anxieties and sensory overloads, which is a common challenge for me. My service dog will give me emotional support, being a constant companion and a forever friend to me.”

Please go to the site and make a donation. https://www.gofundme.com/blakesdog

There are 7 reasons why all you of reading Blake’s story must take action and answer “The Call of the Heart” and help Blake get his dog:

1.       Blake needs to get the missing piece to the puzzle, his dog, so he can live a better life.

2.       The biggest secret to living is giving; be a cheerful giver.

3.       Blessings always come back to the givers; would you accept another blessing?

4.       We can only make a life by giving; are you ready to experience the joy of living?

5.       Sacrificial giving is the most effective; give more than you can spare, that’s truly share.

6.       No one becomes poor by giving; giving softens our hearts to receive unexpected blessings.

7.       I know if you are reading this you can give! Go ahead just do it! https://www.gofundme.com/blakesdog

Blessings,

Carlos Fontana

Author of the book “Priceless” and co-author of the book “Follow to Lead”

"The future belongs to those who can see and pursue opportunities before they are obvious."

"Leadership is about people, management is about numbers; leaders influence people and the people influence numbers."

"Those that take swift action will always leave those that don't breathing the dust."