Monday, August 6, 2012

Article Written for Northern Web, in 2010


Sweet Tooth Myron Loves RSPCA’s Cupcake Day
By Sarah Jones © 2010

Myron Wood is a dog that has landed on his feet. When you met Myron and are greeted by his cheeky smile, it is hard to believe that Myron is blind, suffers epilepsy and suffers allergies to house dust and storage mites. Myron takes several medications to keep the seizures under control. He also receives an injection every few weeks to assist with the allergies.

Myron was born to a dumped dog that was taken in a family in Sydney’s outer southern suburbs. When the litter was born, a friend of Raquel told her about the litter needing to be homed. It was love at first site for Raquel and Myron found himself a new home.

What was not known at the time was that Myron suffered glaucoma, which saw Myron having both eyes removed by the time he was five months old. If that wasn’t bad enough, it was soon discovered Myron suffered from allergies and epilepsy. Several other puppies were put to sleep when they were found to be suffering from similar health conditions. Raquel didn’t believe that this was a option that she wished to pursue and vowed to ensure that Myron was loved and looked after as any member of the family would be. 

Yet despite the many challenges that they face with the health issues, Myron and his owner Raquel Wood believe in giving back to the community, in an effort to repay the kindness that many have shown them over the years. As a result, Myron with support from Raquel, and the Narellan Probus Club host a Cupcake Day for the RSPCA’s annual Cupcake fundraiser at Narellan Library.

The RSPCA Cupcake Day is now a annual event on the RSPCA fundraising calendar and is joining the RSPCA Million Paws Walk as a way to raise both money and awareness for the animal charity.

Raquel and Myron are often overwhelmed by the support shown towards them, sometimes from complete strangers. Much of this supports comes from friends that have been made via Facebook and the many articles that have been written about Myron. As a result, Raquel and Myron do a lot of community work within their local community, by the way of making themselves available for visits to local nursing homes and community groups to help demonstrate, that even when it seems the odds are against you, that there is still much you can do. They hope that by spreading cheer to others, they are able to pay forward the help they receive from others. Raquel believes it is due to the help they receive, that Myron is able to participate in these community activities.

It was due to this generosity from others, that Myron received help to overcome a fear aggression he had towards other dogs. He was asked if he was participating in the 2010 Million Paws Walk. Unfortunately, he had to say no due to having a fear of other dogs after he was attacked by a un controlled dog of their leash. After hearing of this, a facebook contact arranged with a contact close to Sydney for Myron to receive free training to assist in dealing with this. As a result, Myron was able to attend the Million Paws Walk and successfully completed the walk with several friends. It is this sort of support that helps Myron help others in need.

It was as a result of this philosophy of helping others in return for support given, that Myron and Raquel have been hosting a Cupcake Day for the last two years at Narellan Library. The money raised from this fundraiser will go to the RSPCA to help them to continue the work they do for animals in need. The first year they hosted an event, Myron raised $333. This inspired Myron and Raquel to do repeat the fundraiser the following year. The second year surpassed everyone’s expectations and saw $917 raised, eclipsing the previous year’s amount.  Due to promotion already done in the lead up to the 2010 Cupcake Day event, Myron has already received over $300 in donations.

It is certainly looking as though Myron’s event will continue to grow in leaps and bounds, and will ensure that other animals are given the chance for a happy and rewarding life such as his own. 

For those on Facebook, Myron’s journey can be followed via the facebook group “The Magic of Myron”. For those who don’t, Myron also has a blog as well at:

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