Marshall is no less than amazing. He is known as the miracle dog in the compelling and award winning children's book Marshall the Miracle Dog written by author Cynthia Willenbrock. Marshall, a three-legged rescue dog with a cause, and his owner, Willenbrock, made a special visit to Arlington on August 6, 2015. The two are on a journey across the country promoting a new major motion family film about his life called Marshall's Miracle. The movie debuts Friday, August 28, 2015 at Movie Tavern at Green Oaks in Arlington.
Chris Huff, Arlington Animal Services Manager and Kristie Miller of Respect A Bull, Inc. met Marshall and Willenbrock at the "Evening to Promote Kindness" event hosted by the south Arlington Cooper Family YMCA. Willenbrock captivated those in attendance as she read Marshall's book with a stirring message about anti-bullying and anti-animal cruelty. Marshall was found near death in a deplorable hoarding situation in Marshall, Missouri, and he is now a certified therapy dog, carrying messages of empathy, perseverance, and forgiveness. His messages are sustained through the Marshall Mentor Program, and an Anti-Bullying school program based on Marshall's cornerstone messages. Marshall's resilient spirit helped him overcome unfathomable abuse, and his life took a dramatic turn when he was adopted by Willenbrock. His amazing story of triumph has been presented to over 120,000 students in over 370 schools - and the numbers keep growing. Willenbrock commented, "I was told Marshall had a reason he fought so hard to survive when I adopted him in 2011."
Huff and Miller were happy to share in the experience while Marshall shared his story of change, forgiveness, and friendship. Marshall's story is much like the story shared by our local partner, Respect A Bull, Inc.'s Turtle the Painting Pit Bull. Miller and Huff have partnered since 2012, and educated over 2,500 Arlington students about anti-bullying from Turtle's perspective. Marshall's meet and greet event, with book reading and signing, and presentation produced a stimulating collaboration with a common goal of teaching bullying prevention.
Marshall is bringing groups together, and his message is clear - to treat people and animals with kindness and respect. Willenbrock shared, "every day I find there is a huge need for continual positive messages of how our darkest days can turn into our greatest blessings if we just do not give up 5 minutes before the miracle happens."
Marshall's Miracle is a family film starring Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie); Lauren Holly (NCIS, Dumb and Dumber); Matthew Settle (Gossip Girl, Band of Brothers); award-winning comedians Bill Chott and Greg Warren; and the phenomenal young actor, Lucas Carroll (The Informant).
We hope to see everyone at Marshall's Miracle this weekend at the Movie Tavern!
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