MY STORY .. by Tyler Martinez

In 2007, I got very sick and spent several months in the Chris Evert Children’s Hospital. I went through many surgeries and it took me a long time to get well. Most of the time I was in bed because i couldn’t walk and I was always very tired, sad and lonely. I missed playing sports and seeing all my friends.

One day my mom met this lady from Share-A-Pet who had a therapy dog by the name of “Bernie.” Bernie is a large black poodle and when I saw him I smiled a lot. As my mom said ‘”we were two friends destined to meet”. Bernie made special visits to see me and I really was so happy to see him.

My mom said that these therapy dogs from Share-A-Pet make visits to hospitals and help bring joy to patients who are sick like I was.

Once I met Bernie I knew I wanted to have a therapy dog and help other kids. I told my mom I was going to get better and I wanted to have a therapy dog like Bernie.

Share-A-Pet helped me get well and I was so surprised when my mom and dad got me my ‘future’ therapy dog who i named “Coco Puff”. I’m busy training Coco Puff and with the help of Share-A-Pet they made me a “junior volunteer.” I enjoy training Coco Puff and along with Bernie and my sister, Carli I’m looking forward to visiting other sick children.

Tyler Martinez

Footnote from Shannon Martinez...

“Share-A-Pet has given my children a way to give back, be part of a community and something to be proud of.”

Share-A-Pet has 500 volunteers like Tyler serving three regions of the United States. To help Share-A-Pet reach more people in need, please make a contribution today. You can make a difference! www.shareapet.org "Making Tracks with Tyler"

Share-A-Pet is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which relies exclusively on the support of caring individuals and companies. Contributing generously allows Share-A-Pet to continue its mission of uniting people in need with the love of our pets.

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