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This January, my fiance and I began a transformation. Mark* had been struggling with lethargy, outbursts of anger, and a loss of interest in those things which interested him-he'd even dropped out of college and, by mid-month had stopped going to work. Fortunately for us, the small company he works for adores and needs him, so HR prevented him from being terminated. Mark began prescription drug and psycho-therapy and was able to return to work. He was functioning, but hollow-unhappiness and a general lack of enthusiasm for anything haunted him.

Then Peanut came.

He was small even for six weeks and was in fact the runt of his litter. He cried for his mother and brothers every night for a week, which meant we were awake with him. He even had kennel cough. But his spirit was indomitable. His size and curly blonde Cocker Spaniel coat made names like Cerebus and Hercules inappropriate, but Peanut fit surprisingly well.

Peanut has not only survived those early days, but thrived. He has grown exponentially and so has Mark. Mark laughs frequently now-a sound so rare before that I had to become accustomed to it. Mark no longer requires medication to function. Mark enjoys the outdoors again and thinks about and sacrifices for something other than himself-first for Peanut and now re-awakening of my own presence! I again enjoy his company, conversation and, possibly most of all, his affection. Peanut has stretched Mark's patience and ability to forgive, as well as giving him the knowledge and self-discipline of being "Daddy" to a growing and sensitive creature.

Peanut has also helped me to heal. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes this Spring. The physical, mental and emotional blow was crippling and I as I saw my life falling apart, so I allowed it to. I missed days at work and nights in graduate school. I felt as though my destiny had been decided for me. Peanut, however, refuses to let go of or neglect those he loves. He is adorably and fiercely protective of me, now more than ever. He demands to be played with and walked every day, not allowing me to wallow in my self-pity (or on my couch). Peanut's well-being and zest for life has helped to heal my hurts as well as inspire me to fight for my own life.

Peanut is quite possibly the most effective cure for clinical depression, seasonal depression and diabetes I have ever seen or heard of! Peanut is innocence, trust and exuberance in one furry, floppy-eared package and no sacrifice would be too great for him. Peanut has an amazing power to heal that was and continues to be poured over Mark and me, a blessing both unexpected and humbling. Peanut is my furry-armored champion.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Eardley.
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