People have commented that they admire my courage for
fursuiting in public.
I have never felt particularly courageous.
If you want a study in real courage, look no further than Sarah.

Another random fursuit outing found me ambling along the pier,
giving happy paws to the tourists and enjoying the sea breeze.
As the crowds parted to make way for the upright canine, a young
lady in a wheelchair caught my attention.
Unable to speak, or even wave for that matter, she used her beautiful
eyes to lure me over.

She was alone in her chair, body twisted and lacking in coordination,
betraying its owner with a vengeance. She was bereft of speech, couldn't
hold a pen and lacked the motor skills to write if she could, yet when I
held her hand in my paw, her eyes danced. They spoke volumes.

I spent the better part of half an hour in this angel's company.
She felt my claws and leaned her head against my fur.
We watched the throngs hurry past, the waves wash over the shore
and the gulls shriek and take flight.
A peaceful island in a sea of activity.

Eventually, she released my paw and made a motion with her head.
It was time for me to bid farewell.
I gave her shoulder a pat and I saw that terrific smile flash
across her face. I felt calm and blessed by her company.

As I continued up the pier, a women in a grey sweater fell in step
beside me.
"Thank you for spending time with Sarah," she said.
"She really loves dogs but doesn't get the chance to interact
with them very often. A talking dog will be the highlight of her week."

She went on to explain that Sarah was born with cerebral palsy, a condition
that effects how the brain is able to control muscle function.
The kicker is that Sarah's mind is in full swing.
She possess a blooming intellect, but is held hostage by her own body.

Her story is inspiring. Even though she requires care around the clock,
and she is unable to perform the most basic of tasks for herself, she
always finds a way to bring joy to her caregivers.
She will somehow pluck a flower, hide it under her jacket, and present
it at an opportune moment. She gives random kisses and hugs.
Her favorite phrase is "I love you."
She never fails to say thank you with her eyes.

To assert a level of independence over her life, Sarah occasionally
requests to be left alone in a public setting.
Her mom gives her that latitude by watching over her from a safe
distance, ready to intervene should the need arise, but also letting
Sarah exist on her own merits.
Later, she will preserve the moments in a journal, her mom writing
and reading aloud while Sarah directs the words with a nod of her
head or a touch of her hand.

She has been on a train trip across Canada. Hobnobbed with
celebrities. Participated in whale watching excursions.
She has touched so many hearts, including the one beating
inside my fursuit covered chest.

So I went on my way, absorbing hugs and high fives, questions and
pictures, while Sarah sat alone in her wheelchair, a prisoner in her
own body, that amazing smile still dazzling, all but ignored
by her peers.

I think we all know who the brave one is.

I will continue fursuiting because it facilitates truly magical moments
like my meeting with Sarah.
I am a better person/dog because of the brief time I was
granted with her.

If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to interact with
someone like Sarah, I recommend that you embrace the moment.
You will be come away far richer because of it.

Everyone deserves respect...and the chance to chat with a giant dog.