Man’s best friend.
A Bull terrier mutt travels to Europe with his soldier during World War I and ultimately gets promoted to Sergeant.
A black mongrel, Dżok, waits for almost a year at the very roundabout where his owner died of a heart attack in anticipation of his return.
And how about the story of Elyana and Gordon (or as she calls him BFG – Big Friendly Gordon). A twelve-year-old girl, profoundly deaf, spending time vomiting all day and pulling clumps of her hair out, gets a new lease on life when a this fully qualified, hearing support pup enters the picture. From helping her wake up in the morning by pulling the duvet off her bed to providing basic safety and protection, Gordon has turned into more than her support animal, but her best friend. Her anxiety has dropped severely as her confidence has sky-rocketed.
When it comes to the the emotional support of dogs, it's hard to argue against the loyalty, connection and unconditional love that can be found in these furballs. And if that wasn't amazing enough, as the last story shows, these companions can soar to even greater heights.
Our neighbors down south in Sarasota, Dogs Inc., know all about these stories and more. This exceptional organization is the only one in North America who provides guide and service dogs, in-person along with online training, a lifetime of alumni support, high-end dog food, and preventative veterinary care for the cost of $0. And when it comes to unexpected veterinary bills, they offer financial assistance. For students receiving a dog, the impact is profound. “You can’t move beyond your vision loss and regain your independence until you’re willing to ask for help. My guide dog Quincey takes a world filled with fear and helps me navigate it,” says two-time guide dog recipient Katie McCoy.
What began with one instructor and three dogs has grown into a nonprofit with about 200 “pack members” and 700 guide dog and service dog teams located across the country. Their dogs transform lives across the United States—at no cost to the recipients—thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
When it comes to charities, I am reminded of Franklin D. Roosevelt when he said,
"The test of our progress is whether we provide enough
for those who have too little."
So head over to Tampa Magazine’s Charity Register 2025 – 2026 and learn why Jeffrey “Jack” Gordon, Managing Partner and Nationally Board-Certified Medical Malpractice Lawyer, has decided to highlight them. Also, feel free to peruse through the various charities, find one you connect with and give what you can.
And while there are many lessons universally at our fingertips this holiday season, let us join the many who believe "giving to others is the best gift we can give ourselves."
