Amanda White and Forrest

This sweet boy was saved by a rescue group in Oklahoma City when it found out a so-called breeder had started a routine of dropping off puppies at the local animal shelter when they couldn't be sold. He and his sister were listed on Petfinder.com as two 12 week old Saint Bernard puppies that needed a loving home. Having just lost her Saint Bernard, Emma, Amanda was looking for a new friend for our other Saint, Bonnie. These cute faces were just too much to pass up, so they got in the car for the long drive to OK and picked them both up. On the way back home, they brainstormed for names and landed on Forrest and Jenny, from the movie Forrest Gump. After they got them home, it didn't take long to realize they didn't have Saint Bernards, or even a mix of one, at all. The size and puppy fluff had fooled them at first, but there were no traits recognized.

It took months of research and a few seasoned dog people to direct them to the Anatolian Shepherd. Bingo - a perfect match! As the pups grew, it was obvious that Forrest had the laid back personality and calm demeanor that was befitting a therapy dog, although he was a bit shy. And while Amanda had been wanting to volunteer as part of a dog therapy team for quite some time, she didn't really know what to expect. But she took the leap, and off to training she went.

Now at 2 years of age and about 100 pounds, with a strong but gentle face, Forrest causes heads to turn wherever they go. As they have started visiting with patients at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Institute of San Antonio, and with soldiers and their families at Yellow Ribbon events, he has gotten over his shyness and is starting to figure out that all of the smiles and eager touches are a good thing. People often ask about his breed and Amanda tells them it originated in the country of Turkey. So, in response to that, one day a patient affectionately gave him the new nickname of "Turkey." How can you not feel better with a "Turkey" sitting in front of you asking for your attention?

Forrest Gump always said, "Life is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get." But one thing is for sure, this Forrest has a bright future ahead as a working therapy dog with Penny's from Heaven Foundation.