WASILLA, Alaska—
More than a dozen people showed up at a teenager’s Wasilla home Saturday to see her reunited with her best friend. It all started with a letter and then a phone call to local radio station KWHL, and what followed showed Alaskans coming together to help one another. All it takes are some materials and labor to turn hope into reality. In the back yard of 19-year-old Hannah Roberts’ home, it isn’t what is being built that brought a diverse group of people together, but who it was being built for.
“Came out to help Hannah put a fence up and put some stairs down,” said Colby Kelly of Kelly Lawn and Landscaping. “You can’t help but get a little soft inside.”
Roberts received Pakoa, a golden retriever, from Alaska Assistance Dogs last year. But after a few months, she had to give her back to the organization.
Roberts is fighting for her life against an inoperable brain tumor, and her condition made it difficult for her to take the puppy on several walks a day.
When Alaskans heard about Roberts’ dilemma on KWHL’s “Bob and Mark Show,” they offered to help her get her dog back. Volunteers built a fence and stairs so that Pakoa could run freely in the back yard.
“It means happiness -- it means having just having her back is just really good,” Roberts said. “Thank you so much -- I appreciate it.”
“There's only so many worthwhile things to do in life, and this is one of them,” said Dodd Shay with Alaska Assistance Dogs.
All of it was built by Alaskan volunteers who donated time and materials to provide happiness to a courageous girl.
“God is still in the miracle business, and we would like to see God do a miracle in this situation -- but we're trusting him regardless,” said Margret Roberts, Hannah’s mother.
Doctors say Hannah only has four months to live. In her remaining time, she says she finds peace knowing she can now spend it with her best friend.
“I know that when I die, I’m going to heaven, and there's no reason for me to be afraid,” Hannah Roberts said.
Contact Christine Kim at ckim@ktuu.com
