Woman Turns Tragedy Into Tenderness After Losing Beloved Dog

Lori Ennis
by Lori Ennis
An Arkansas woman turns her grief over the loss of her dog into acts of kindness and service to others as she celebrates the life of her furry best friend.


Deborah Harrison from Conway, Arkansas, is a widow, and her dog, Mirth, was her beloved companion. Mirth means merriment and joy, and that’s what Deborah says she was–pure joy.


Sadly, right before Christmas, a driver struck and killed Mirth, leaving Deborah devastated. She didn’t know how she was going to make it through the holidays without her beautiful black and white Border Collie. A professional dog trainer, Harrison become Mirth’s mama when Mirth was just 12-weeks-old, and they were inseparable.


Related: 3 Amazing Children’s Books That Help With Pet Loss


Depression set in after Mirth died. But Deborah knew she had to do something to get through the grief and the upcoming holidays. Serving others had always made her feel better in times of sadness and trauma, and she looked to do that through this crisis.


Deborah began a GoFundMe page to collect money to buy pet supplies for the elderly. Knowing that all too often, pets are often the only companions many elderly have, she decided to help in Mirth’s name. Her first charitable gift was cat food and supplies that went to her elderly neighbor. When Deborah delivered them, her neighbor cried with gratitude.


From that encounter, Deborah launched the Mirth-Full Giving Foundation. She contacted local churches and rescues to see if there were people who could use financial help for their pets, as well as connection and companionship. In Mirth’s honor, she’s going to spread help and joy… because we can all afford to be part of grace for each other in these times.


Deborah says that while giving the donated money and supplies surely helps the recipients, she feels like the real recipient. And even though Mirth’s passing is still raw, she feels closer to her pooch when she’s able to help others in need.


Related: PetSmart Reaches 60 Million Meals Goal in Buy a Bag, Give a Meal Program


Even though the holidays are over, Deborah is determined to keep the Mirth-Full giving going, so she can continue to bring smiles to the elderly.


If you’d like to help the effort, you can donate directly to her GoFundMe campaign. I’m on my way there now…

Lori Ennis
Lori Ennis

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