Simba, the king of my heart

"I may have saved him from the shelter but in truth he has saved me just as much," confessed Nitzan.

Simba, the king of my heart

Referring to Simba, her crossbreed canine and the muse behind the children's book "Welcome to Ezekiel’s Garden." A book published in January of 2024 (currently only available in Hebrew).

The book is an ode to Simba and his friends, the dogs of the park, and details the brave and fun way in which they overcome everyday obstacles. From common playground insecurities to shyness and making new friends, Simba and his furry friends have navigated hurdles in an easily relatable manner.

Offering practical and symbolic problem-solving advice which is why it didn't take long for the book to become an inspirational success, and for Simba to take on the role of local canine celebrity at “their park.” Providing comfort to children and adults alike, during these times of hardship.

"Is that Simba?" a mother asked as her young daughter stood excitedly by. With a broad smile, Nitzan nodded proudly as Simba offered the toddler a tail-wagging embrace.

Nitzan, a volunteer at a local animal shelter for the past fourteen years met Simba in March 2023 when a litter of puppies arrived at the shelter. At the time Nitzan was guarded having just lost her best friend and canine companion of thirteen years, Rocco. As such she didn’t take entering into another such relationship, for her heart was still in mourning. Yet, despite her reluctance, Simba's chocolate brown eyes bore into her soul.

Rocco RIP

As fate would have it another family was first to put in their application form and Simba went home with them, only to be returned a few months later. Nitzan stared at the forlorn puppy, their eyes met, and her heart began to thaw. Despite wishing to overcome her fears, another application was already underway, and Simba was once more taken by others. It was on Simba's third return that Nitzan knew she’d have to act fast and this time she was ready!

As soon as she heard that the sweet puppy with the liquid brown eyes would once more be returned. She set aside her doubts and completed the application form. With nothing else standing in their way, Simba was scooped up by Nitzan and left the shelter before he could once more see the inside of a kennel. Entering his forever home in the safe comfort of Nitzan's warm embrace. Slowly, patiently both dog and owner opened their hearts as they set about the journey of loving and trusting anew.

The only problem was the date; it was the 1st of September 2023. Had Nitzan and Simba fallen in love only to be torn apart by the ravages of war?

On the 7th of October, as sirens wailed throughout Israel, Nitzan was on a family vacation, hours away from her home in Tel Aviv and her furry baby, Simba.

“I remember when I heard the tragic news,” she recalls of the attack, “all I knew was that I had to get to him before the roads were closed and he’d be alone!”

Within minutes of learning what had happened in the South and of the tragedy that was gradually unfolding in Israel, Nitzan was at her car, a few hours later she’d reached her front door. War or not, Simba needed her, regardless of potential sirens or her safety, he was her number one priority. What she didn’t know, until she’d opened her front door, and her furry bundle lovingly assaulted her senses, was how much she needed him in return.

Over the next few harrowing days, Nitzan and Simba never left each other's side. To the extent that Simba understood the meaning of the sirens. And one night when Nitzan slept through one particular wail, it was Simba's incessant barking that awoke her as he herded her out the door and into the shelter, where they huddled together.

Their respect for one another grew and they learned to trust each other’s instincts implicitly. One evening when the news played on in the background and a siren rang out as part of the program. Simba, now in tune with the noise of war,  recognized the sound, and instinctively ushered Nitzan out of the apartment and into the shelter. While Nitzan knew better (the siren he’d heard was on the TV), she respected Simba's distress and together they sat alone, in the shelter, for a good ten minutes.

In the months that followed, the furry puppy and loving mom were inseparable. Often only leaving the apartment when Simba needed to go for a walk, which is how they came upon the dog park. And so began the story of "Our Park," which features Simba, his many canine friends and their problem-solving adventures.

Are the lessons applicable to toddlers and adults alike? Definitely.

Today Simba goes to and hosts many doggie play dates.

"Are they catered for?" I teased.

"Of course," beamed Nitzan.

Did the war bond the two together? Perhaps, but it is their love and mutual respect for one another that will ensure that they forever stay that way.

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*Many thanks to Shiri Castellan for writing this as part of the 'October 7th dogs stories' in collaboration with 'Threads of Hope Project'.