Nola the Pit Bull Mix: A Lifesaver for a Grieving Widow

admin October 4, 2024No Comments

Losing a loved one is never easy, but dogs like Nola can help ease the pain. In September 2020, Lee Jennings’ world turned upside down. She had recently moved with her husband, Asho, from North Carolina to Virginia. They had settled their two children into college. They were looking forward to the next chapter of their lives. But their new beginning was cut short when Asho tragically died of a heart attack.

Jennings suddenly found herself in a new city, isolated, and without her best friend of 30 years. Grieving and alone, her children suggested she get a dog for companionship.

“We had a dog in North Carolina. We thought about getting another, but it just didn’t happen,” Jennings shared. But now, living in a house with a yard, the timing felt right.

Soon, a friend pointed her toward Jamie Nicholas. She is a foster mom with Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. Jamie was caring for an 8-year-old pit bull mix named Nola. Despite some health issues like heartworms, Nola had a sweet temperament and needed a lot of care. For Jennings, Nola seemed perfect.

Jennings did not wallow in grief. Instead, she focused on Nola’s care and said, “We’re both getting older, so we’ll do it together.” Just days after seeing Nola’s story, Jennings adopted her, and the two formed an instant bond.

Since then, Nola has recovered. She has become a constant source of comfort for Jennings. Nola offers her something positive to focus on during tough days. “She gives me something to focus on, other than my grief,” Jennings said.

Their story was full of healing and companionship. It caught the attention of Homeward Trails. They earned a $6,000 grant from Petco Love and BOBS from Skechers.

Thanks to Nola, Jennings is finding hope again in her new life.