I have been blessed to cross paths with many survivors and today I honor one of them.

Her name is Mandy. She is black and furry with four legs.

Love and persistence are her mantras. She survived a bout with cancer and although her hips have been giving her a difficult time for quite a few years, she kept on going.

My husband and I were privileged to be her caretakers when her 'Mom' went on vacation. Mandy looked forward to our coming as much as we did.

She was truly a delight.

Today, Mandy is running on heaven's shores. This week her earthly body gave out and her Mom had to say good-bye for now.

We mourn with her as if it were our own dog... because she really was.

How does this tie into apartment living?

I can think of several ways. Most of our apartment communities have animals of one sort or another. Dogs, cats, turtles, fish who may be pets or service animals. They provide many benefits and improve the quality of our lives.

As property managers, my husband and I had a dog, Duke was his name. He completed the tripod of our management team. Until he passed away in 2004, I didn't realize how much of our stress that he absorbed. He was a great protector and a good teacher as well.

I learned to read his body language and soon could pick up on situations or suspicious people before an incident occurred.

Today, I am thankful for the animals that share the world with us. If you have a dog or cat, give them a word of thanks or a hug today.

Mandy, you have been my inspiration for years. I know your legacy will live on through the lives that you touched.

Three cheers for mandy!

P.S. Click on Mandy's name on Three Cheers for Mandy and see let her be your inspiration as well.