What would you do if one day you wake up and the doctor announces you got only a few more months to live? Twenty-eight-year-old Zach Skow almost lost his hope when he heard the same words ten years ago, but his pets gave him the reason to continue fighting.
Zach was a victim of drug addiction and alcoholism. Back then, he said he was like a zombie, physically alive but spiritually lifeless. Despite this was his last strand of life, but he was able to stand up again with the help of his three dogs.
“I had an end-stage liver disease ten years ago, and without a transplant I would only live 90 days,” Skow said.
It wasn’t an easy process as he needed to be alcohol-free and drug-free for the next six months to get qualified for a liver replacement at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. With the help of his father and pets who have always been by his side, Skow was able to get through the withdrawal period. Skow told The Dodo that it was difficult for him to identify which was fake and real during his withdrawal period.
Photo credit: The Dodo
He suddenly stopped drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs. He started living a healthy life by eating good foods and exercising along with his three lively canine friends. He had his blood examined, weekly and he was able to see the progress. He got better every week; even the doctors were amazed by how quickly he improved.
And just like a miracle, there’s suddenly no need for a liver transplant anymore! This life-changing experience made Skow decide to help other people like him who are in need; in need of comfort, love, and transformation.
He founded Marley’s Mutts, a non-profit organization, that aims to rescue, rehabilitate and provide shelter for dogs from high kill animal centers in Kern County, California. To date, there are more than 5,000 dogs saved through the program, and it gave birth to Miracle Mutts, a community outreach that offers various comforting interactivities using therapy dogs handled by volunteers.
Skow said, “I save people’s lives, I am a professional dog rescuer, and now I found my purpose in life.”
The power of love has many ways to keep us amazed, to revive our spirits and to help us be determined in fighting all the challenges in life. It does not only come from a family member, friends or special someone; it includes love from pets. They may not speak, but their touch is amazingly lovely.
Video credit: RescueMen USA
Thanks to our friends at Inspired for sharing this story.
