ADVERTISEMENT

    When a Pet Changes Your Life

    Steve D’Aoust was having a rough year. It was five years ago and he was going through a very emotional breakup. While that was happening, his favorite dog, Teddy, passed away.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “I was down for the count for days,” remembers D’Aoust. With his former significant other moving out, D’Aoust mourned the loss of his beloved Teddy alone.

    Things did not improve.

    “I lost my car,” he says. “I was days away from foreclosure on my home. I lost my job. I went into a very deep depression. I just shut down completely.”

    One of D’Aoust’s friends has a Snoodle that had just had a litter of puppies. When the puppies were eight weeks old, D’Aoust’s friend gave him a male puppy to take home.

    “He was the definition of puppy,” says D’Aoust. “Being an 8 week old puppy that needed constant care and loving, he literally saved my life. I was forced to feed him, bath him, walk him, teach him…take care of his every need.”

    D’Aoust named his new friend Tobi, a name as close to Teddy as he could think of.

    “Tobi got me out of bed and back into life again,” says D’Aoust. “I was forced to care about life again.”

    His life has gotten better. He saved his home and was featured in WOSU’s Columbus Neighborhoods program for Olde Towne East. He is still working on getting a car, but is fine going without.

    Tobi has completely turned D’Aoust’s life around.

    “I not only love him to pieces but I love life again,” says D’Aoust. “Tobi is more human then a dog. He is THE definition of loving. He saved my life!”

    From March 3rd to March 9th, Columbus Underground is celebrating Pets Week 2014! Throughout the week, we’ll be showcasing the extraordinary ways that pets can change a person’s life, fun places to take your dog, pet related businesses, and more!

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    The Top 10 Columbus Salons and Spas of 2023

    Everyone has their favorite spot to get their hair...

    Garage Beer & Leisure Club Team Up on Trolley District Space

    They may have different products and different business models,...

    At Home: Modern Apartment Living in Grandview

    The year-old luxury Grandview apartments, Southern Station, boast countless...

    At Home: A Room with a View

    When Pam and Eric Shisler sold their Upper Arlington...
    Anne Evans
    Anne Evanshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-evans/
    Anne Evans is the Co-Founder and Director of Operations for The Metropreneur and Columbus Underground. She regularly contributes feature stories on both sites, as well as Mega Weekend each week. She has started and grown businesses, created experiences, forged community partnerships, and worked to create opportunities for others. She loves meeting new neighbors and those making an impact in our community. Want to connect?
    ADVERTISEMENT