Not often does someone come into another’s life with such gusto; so much life that they, themselves become the antidote for a disease that would have eventually taken one to their end. “T.T.” was more than just a puppy.. he was the reason that Michael Hayes is alive today. First brought into the family to alleviate the loneliness that held “Truffles” hostage, little did anyone know that he would be so very much more. He would become part of a small team that would save Michael’s life.

Michael, who was terminal, had given up. He went home to die as he was told to do by the very doctors that had promised to help save him. Then, enter “Truffles” and “TT” together and known to Michael as “Team Hero” it wouldn’t be long until recovery took place. It was their life that they had shared with Michael that gave him the want to get out of bed and back to life. “TT” helped him everyday by catching the ball that Michael threw. He would bring it back to him over and over just to wait for it to be thrown again. This provided Michael with the very exercise that he was told he needed. Soon two years had passed by and Michael now walking up to a full mile a day and at times even jogging a step or two, knew that it was “TT” that had led him to where he was. They would now become an inseparable team. Where one was… the other was not far off; two peas in a pod, they were.

December 6, 2005 was a memory that the Hayes’ home will never forget. This was the night that their home caught on fire. Michael, in a deep sleep due to medications, did not smell the smoke nor feel the heat of the flames at his feet. Thankfully T.T. and Truffles did! Together they woke him enough, by biting at his beard, to get him out of his wheelchair and down to the floor. Like the grace of God they found the door, opened it up and made it safely out to the waiting arms of the Point Cedar Volunteer Fire Department. TT and Truffles were to his rescue once more.

Playing ball with Michael, an everyday occurrence that established many reminiscences, live without end in a heart that helped not just to live. But, also to smile. A gift that will go on throughout time itself until the day the Lord takes Michael home to once again play ball… After what should have been a long life filled with the love that he brought to us.. the Lord needed his little ball player back home… perhaps to help another soul find their way.

TT went home to be with the Lord in August of 2008. Though, we may not physically touch him…his love, his smiles he brought, and his very will and energy will be a part of Michael forever.  The love they shared will be spread to every person and animal he meets.

TT taught us how to live. He shared with us his gift to see past the obvious as so to look closer at the unobserved…. to somehow see what we should have seen all along.. LOVE!!~  He is and will forever be remembered and held up on that pedestal  inwhich no man could ever replace nor destroy. Till the Lord reunites them again.. Michael and T.T..what a pair!