Comments on: It has been a tough two weeks, but Bashir is by my side

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 07 May 2009 03:52:57 +0000

This made me think of my grandparent’s dog, Susie. She was an outdoors-only farm dog. Last spring, when my gramps was dying of cancer, we let her in the house and she went to the doorway, looked at grandpa sitting in his chair and ran back out. Probably thinking he was about to shoo her out. A couple days later, on his last day, we let her in again. She ran straight to the hospital bed and nudged her head up into his hand. She sat by the bed with his hand on her head until we took her out again.

When he passed that night and they came to take his body, she stood outside watching. When the truck pulled away, she ran to where it was and sat down. Then started down the driveway. She stopped, came back to where the truck had been and lay down watching the driveway. I called her and she didn’t come and didn’t look at me, which is so odd for her. I think she knew he left, but hadn’t seen him, so it didn’t make sense.

The next day she caught a pheasant. My grandma couldn’t believe it because my grandpa had said she was getting lazy and hadn’t been keeping the bunnies out of the garden anymore. I like to think she did it for him.

A couple months later, she passed away, too. It seems to work that way with a lot of dogs I’ve known.

Beautiful story. And thanks for reminding me about Susie and my gramps. It was nice to remember that today.

By: Ingrid King

Ingrid King — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:58:27 +0000

What a wonderful story. I’m sorry about your loss, but how wonderful to know that Bashir helped make your friend’s passing peaceful. The memorial must have been an incredible experience.

I recently read a wonderful book about a hospice dog, “Izzy and Lenore” by Jon Katz. The stories about how Izzy, the hospice dog, brought joy to patients, are amazing.

By: Phyllis DeGioia

Phyllis DeGioia — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:26:27 +0000

I am so sorry to hear about Tracy…it all brought tears, both for the grief of her loss and for the way your friends pulled together to help them in such a time of need. I easily imagine Bashir trying to get closer to Tracy on the bed. He knew what she needed.

By: Jason Merrihew

Jason Merrihew — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:23:10 +0000

I am very sorry to hear about your friend. Thank you for sharing your story.

By: keenwell

keenwell — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:42:16 +0000

I am very sorry about the loss of your friend. I am glad you have Bashir as a therapy companion for yourself right now! Very touching post.

By: Tammy

Tammy — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:44:43 +0000

What a wonderful post in tribute to your friend. So sorry for your loss.

Isn’t it amazing how much animals seem to sense our emotions? Our cats always know when we need an extra cuddle!

By: Mary Mary

Mary Mary — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:11:53 +0000

That is a lovely post.

I am so sorry about your friend.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:58:32 +0000

just incredible! thank you for sharing.

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:13:02 +0000

Liz, your post made me cry — and think of Allie’s apparent therapeutic talents. Someday …