The love for animals is a reminder of our own humanity. It’s a connection to something larger than ourselves, a recognition of the interconnectedness of all life. It’s a love that enriches our lives in countless ways, offering companionship, joy, and a deeper understanding of the natural world. It’s a love that reminds us that even in a world often marked by indifference, compassion and kindness can prevail.
Meet Milo (yorkie), Lily (lhasa apso), Tippi (yorkie), Bennett (mutt), and their caretaker Dr. Banu Symington. Since 2010, Banu has rescued over ten dogs, a path she never anticipated. Initially, she didn’t consider herself a “dog person,” particularly due to her ex-husband’s aversion to dogs. However, dogs consistently gravitated towards her when they went out in public, a connection she and the dogs both felt deeply. After her separation, this innate connection towards dogs led her to open her home and heart to rescues, primarily from shelters, with a few coming from her patients.
When Banu is not busy working advocating for cancer and working with her patients, she dedicates herself to her four companions; her family. The one thing they enjoy doing is their weekend walks which turn into a symphony of joyful chaos as they embark on neighborhood walks taking different routes each time. The dogs look forward to their walks as they excitedly tug on their leash with a force that could rival a small earthquake as they wiggle their tail with a vigor that could power a small windmill, and their joyful barks echo down the streets. It is a chaotic, hilarious scene that captures the pure joy of a dog’s love for Bano and her boundless energy.
Dog rescuers embody the best of humanity, demonstrating the power of compassion, resilience, and unwavering hope. Their actions serve as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, love and kindness can prevail, offering a blueprint for a more compassionate and fulfilling life.
