Melina was gifted with Lightning at age 8, and for over 14 years, until Lightning's passing last month, has adored her four-legged "soul mate." Out of state as a 22-year-old, Melina returned to Lightning's side, knowing Lightning's days were numbered, and was with Lightning 24-7 the last three weeks until her passing, even sleeping outdoors beside Lightning, doing all she can to make Lightning's last weeks of her life as good as they could be. Compromised with Cushings disease and arthritis, at times it was difficult for Lightning to walk more than a few yards. Incredibly, the day before she was scheduled to be put down, Melina inspired Lightning to walk a half mile, something she'd had not done in months. Melina is very affectionate and caring with all animals, from bioluminescent bugs in Costa Rica, where she did research on them, to Cooper hawks and otters in New Mexico, where she had monitored them, in helping those species thrive. If a pet sitter is sought, none will do better than Melina.