If you have adopted a homeless cat or dog, by bringing them home, you know you have given them a second chance for a better, happier life. In addition to saving them you may feel that in some ways, they have rescued you. In this week’s episode of the Raising Your Paws podcast you will find below, my guest was Carol Novello, author of the book “Mutual Rescue: How Adopting a Homeless Animal Can Save You, Too” who tells the stories of four people, that were struggling with different physical, mental and emotional issues, whose lives were greatly transformed for the better through the simple act of bringing an animal into their lives. You are going to love hearing the stories of people who feel that their pet saved their lives. (Featured image: Nichole Stone and Conner from Mutual Rescue™ stories. Photo credit: Mutual Rescue™)

Here are photos of the people and their pets in the stories.

Story of Eric and Peety. Six years ago, Eric weighed 340 pounds and was diagnosed with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and Type II Diabetes. His doctor told him he had 5 years to live. Then he met Peety—and everything changed.

Eric O’Grey and Peety. Photo credit: Eric O’Grey.

Eric, “Before” photograph. Photo credit: Eric O’Grey.

Eric with Peety – “After” photograph. Photo credit: Mutual Rescue™.

Eric O’Grey. “After” photograph. Photo credit: Eric O’Grey.

Story of Josh and Scout. We follow a young soldier from a battlefield in Iraq – where he sustained traumatic injuries in a mortar attack– to Fort Riley, Kansas. There, an unlikely savior appears to save him from taking his own life and lead him into a life he never imagined possible.

Josh Marino. Photo credit: Josh Marino.

Josh and Scout. Photo credit: Rebecca Marino

Story of Patrick and Grace. Patrick is a young athlete who rescues an abused pit bull named Grace. Soon after, Patrick suffers a debilitating stroke during a weightlifting competition. This is the true story of a strong dog and strong man, both beaten down, building each other back up.

Patrick and Grace. Photo Credit: Mutual Rescue™.

Story of Bridget and Keenan. From the book, Mutual Rescue, Carol shares the story about a cat that linked a grieving woman to her deceased sister. Gives you goosebumps.

Bridget Keenan and her cat, Keenan (the one on her lap.) Photo credit: Cindy Unruh.

Mutual Rescue™ is also a national initiative, founded by Carol Novello, which is part of Humane Society Silicon Valley and in addition to the book, they create short films that beautifully illustrate how a dog or cat profoundly affected a person.

Watch the films that show you the stories of Eric and Peety, Josh and Scout and Patrick and Grace.

Eric and Peety.

Josh and Scout.

Patrick and Grace.

To watch more films that tell the stories about people and their pets and who rescued who, go to Mutual Rescue.org.