Maybelle rescues the man who rescued her

By Dogs Are Family

Maybelle rescues the human who rescued her

This is one of the most moving submissions we've received so far.

"My name is Maybelle. When I was a sick, stray puppy with nowhere to go, my human gave me a home... you might say he saved my life. As most humans, he has his flaws & at the time a serious drug problem. When he was going to jump in front of the train because he couldn't stop using... the only reason he didn't was because I was with him & there would be no one to take care of me. I guess you might say I saved his life back. He loves me so much he even tried one more time to stop using... he did and so far he is doing just fine. I love my human either way but I LOVE seeing the person he is clean... I like to think I played a part in that."

~ Submitted by Robert Banks

Update April 27, 2013

Robert uploaded some new photos today, and posted an update:

"Some of you may remember me from a post several months ago. At that time I had a few months clean from drugs, something I'd struggled with for years. I found myself not once but twice at the train tracks wanting to jump because I could not stop using. I did not... could not do it because my constant companion Maybelle was with me. My love for her was greater than the pain of living. Since that time I have managed to put together some clean time. I celebrated a year on April 20, something I had not able to do for years. Anyhow, I received so many kind, supportive comments that I wanted to post an update. Maybelle & I are doing well and have grown so much closer over the course of the last year. My life has so much purpose... and it is all because I wanted to live, even if it was just to care for my dog. The power of love is both real & great. I am so grateful for the way my life looks today."

See Rober's full profile here, along with the rest of his photos.

Rescue dog rescues the man who rescued her

Stray
rescue

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Comments on this Article

So proud of you Robert. I am so happy that you both found each other, Obviously you two were meant to save each other. I cant even tell you how happy i am that you chose to love Maybelle. You are one lucky man. Stay strong Robert and thank you for loving Maybelle x

Good for you, Robert! I stopped using 2006 and although it is a tough road, trust me it gets better and easier everyday. I don't know if I wouldn't done it without my dog. In the beginning everyday I wanted to go out and "have fun" but I would stay home with her and we would play, walk, whatever I needed to do to get my mind off it. I made it through a couple days, then weeks, then months, and now years. You can do it, get help when you need it, and keep loving your special girl! God Bless

Congratulations, Robert! You have so much to be proud of. What a beautiful and moving story. I'm so glad you have Maybelle, and that she has you. I hope that you continue taking care of each other. The very best of luck and love to you both!

Awesome story. Sending positive energy to you both. Namaste. "And the greatest of these is love."

Thanks to everyone for all the kind, encouraging words. I hit a year clean a few weeks back. Never, ever give up!

Congratulations Robert! It is not an easy thing to do. I quit using as well, in 2004, and like you, I attribute my success to my pitbull Max. There is nothing like the unconditional love of a dog. I got Max in 2003 and went through a lot before I finally quit. I looked at Max and realized I couldn't live with myself if something happened to him because I was using and could not afford to take care of this precious boy who was there for me no matter what. A year later I lost my youngest son to colon cancer at 20 years old, and 2 years after that, my oldest son to suicide. Know who was there? Max, my sweet baby. Max is 10 now and still the light of my life and life, in spite of everything, life is GOOD! Keep going, it only gets better...if only I could tell you everything...but would take too much time and space here. Again, congratulations. I think sometimes people and/or dogs are placed in our lives for a reason....they are priceless and we can never repay them for all they have given us. Maybelline will be there for you always...

Nice one dude... Much respect for that. You're clearly a nice person (just because someone has a "drug problem" doesn't make them a bad person in my opinion) and I wish you both the best in the world... Keep fighting chap :)

Congrats and thank you for having the courage to stay alive so that you could take care of Maybelle. I've been saved many times over the years by the love of my furry family.

I opened a profile because I saw this story on Face Book and wanted to say I love this story, I wish you all the best in the rest your life,

Way to go, Robert!! A dog's love is better than any drugs Man can make! Stay strong - Maybelle loves and needs you.

Keep going, Robert - YOU CAN DO IT! Maybelle is here for a reason, and so are YOU! Animals can give you all the reason in the world to live, when you feel like you have none. I know, I've been there; and I'm still here! Wonderful things are out there waiting for you, and part of it has already happened with Maybelle!

Congrats man, keep on goin'! Its great to see how many people on here have had their lives changed by their babies. My pit bull mix is the reason Im still alive as well. Not only did I know, as soon as I picked her up for the first time at just over a week old, as she looked up at me, that I was going to change, I wanted to stop using to make a better life for her. Whenever I would do that thing, she would stop whatever she was doing, jump up on the bed, and just stare at me with a glare you could never imagine. She would then proceed to ignore me whenever I was high, and Id feel her crawl up next to me shortly after falling asleep... well, passing out. She woke my boyfriend up the night I ODed and stopped breathing, and he passed out on the floor, running back and forth between us until he got up to help me, which at that point, she ran into her crate to comfort her sister. That was the final straw. I swore I would never ever again put her through that, as I know her being that scared and worried an panicked was a direct result of my stupid, selfish actions. I didn't get clean right away as I said I would, but I celebrated my one year on December 21, 2012, and Ill tell you first hand, it felt great to know I had done it. But if not for my little girl coming into my life (also a rescue herself) I would never have got to see that one year. Keep it up man- your better than that crap, and so is Maybell.

Yay!! Robert and Maybelle! What and awesome story and friendship! I am so glad for you that you have found a purpose. You have accomplished so much and I know how much Maybelle must love you. Prayers and best wishes to you both for your continued success!

Robert, I understand. My dog, Buddy, who is now in doggie heaven saved my life at the darkest moments of it. The loneliness and hopelessness was overwhelming, but he brought me back everytime. He has been gone for almost 3 years, and there isn't a day I don't cry for him. I am raising his sister and she needs me, and I love her too. Buddy would be proud that I keep going. We are our worst enemy when we don't love ourselves enough. Robert keep loving yourself, even if it is at first for Maybelle's benefit.

Robert, I'm so glad you and Maybelle are still there loving and saving each other every day. That's true friendship. I'm so proud of you!

The mutual love between a dog and their human can make us humans do things we thought were impossible. Animals give many a reason to live. I'm so glad you are doing well and pray that you will continue to have success for both your sake. God bless you both!

Your "angel" Maybelle knew what to do as you did for her. Loved each other without judgment and gave each other your lives. Good luck to you both !!

You are a nice person Robert ... Anyone who loves an animal like you do, there is not much wrong with. You had a bit of a glitch .. but you saw it through. To you and Maybelle ... all of my love and support. You are BOTH worthy of so much love and respect.

Super !!

Congratulations, Robert, on 365 "one day at a time". I am so very glad you found Maybelle, and that she found you. Love really is powerful! Keep taking care of each other. :)

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