This is my dog Miles…

When I moved into a recovery center, I was faced with the most heartbreaking moment: I had to leave Miles behind. A friend took care of him for a little while, but Miles got depressed and took it out with anger by nipping at everyone’s ankles. All of a sudden his only choice was the pound, and I had less than 48 hours to come up with a solution. I went to several AA meetings crying my heart out, asking if anyone knew somebody who could help.

After a meeting a lovely woman came up to me and told me that she knew of a friend that takes care of dogs in situations like mine. I called her right away, and she told me to bring him. The whole time while in treatment, I’d cry and every time I tell the story today, I still cry. Miles got safely to his new temporary home and was well taken care of. This magical woman watched Miles for a little over a year and we checked-in several times.

While in rehab, several people asked: “Do you think he’ll even remember you?” “Are you sure you’re going to get him back?” “Your story is so crazy, he’s never coming back’. But I had hope and I knew he would. I was doing all the right things to get Miles back, to get my family and friends back, and most importantly to get myself back.

After I graduated from my recovery program, my partner took me to Tracy to get Miles. He jumped in my arms, cuddled and licked me. He definitely remembered me.

This experience taught me that in order to lead a successful sober life, a person needs as much support as possible: from one’s friends, from family, from furry companions, and especially from the community. It also taught me that there is a gap after treatment that all too many women fall through.

The Miles Project believes in the power of women helping women, and does everything possible to support their journey in sobriety.

Because recovery is a lifestyle.