Como fundador de The Great Animal Rescue Chase , tengo el placer de conocer a cientos de héroes increíbles, pero este me tomó por sorpresa. Se te pondrán los pelos de punta al leer la historia de este hombre y este perro que se rescataron mutuamente una y otra vez. Asegúrate de buscar el enlace al final de la historia para ver más fotos. Ojalá algún día todos tengamos la oportunidad de amar esto profundamente...
Por Don Hill de Georgia
Estaba en Augusta, Georgia, donde llevaba varias semanas limpiando la casa de mi madre tras su reciente fallecimiento a causa de numerosos problemas de salud y complicaciones. Ese domingo, mi último día allí, a solo una hora de regresar a las faldas de las montañas del noreste de Georgia y con mis cinco perros rescatados a casi cuatro horas de distancia, salí al jardín delantero para echar un último vistazo a la casa de mis padres y vi allí lo que parecía ser un perro muy viejo, visiblemente angustiado. Caminaba en semicírculo, se caía al suelo, se ponía de pie con dificultad y lo volvía a hacer. Lo vi hacer lo mismo al menos tres veces mientras me acercaba a él.
Este iba a ser, con mucho, mi rescate más fácil, ya que este pobre animal no estaba en condiciones de huir de mí, pero también fue el más desgarrador. Este triste macho sin castrar estaba en el peor estado de cualquier perro que había visto en mis muchos años en el rescate de animales. Estaba demacrado, deshidratado, su ojo derecho estaba hinchado y cerrado, supurando pus, ambas orejas estaban gravemente infectadas y supurando también, su cuerpo estaba cubierto de llagas abiertas, estaba infestado de pulgas y sus uñas delanteras medían casi diez centímetros de largo. Todos sus dientes estaban desgastados a la altura de las encías, supongo que por años de morder un cable o cadena que se usaba para confinarlo, y las almohadillas de sus patas estaban extremadamente desgastadas y cortadas.
Cuando vio mi sombra se estremeció y cayó al suelo como si estuviera a punto de ser golpeado.
Al acercarme, no pareció oírme, pero al ver mi sombra, se estremeció y cayó al suelo como si lo estuvieran a punto de golpear, encogiéndose de miedo. Me senté en la hierba con él, lo acaricié y le hablé suavemente hasta que dejó de encogerse, intentando asegurarle que nadie volvería a hacerle daño y que su sufrimiento terminaría. Quería demostrarle que no tenía nada que temer de mí.
Calculé su edad en más de 10 años; el veterinario que lo atendió después determinó que rondaba los 15. Lo levanté en brazos y lo llevé a la cochera donde tenía un pequeño remolque utilitario lleno de cosas de la casa de mi madre que me llevaba. Había algo de comida seca para perros y algunos cuencos de acero inoxidable para perros en una de las cajas, así como algunas mantas y toallas viejas, así que le hice una cama y luego lo puse sobre ella mientras mezclaba un poco de comida seca con agua para ablandarla, sabiendo que le costaría mucho comerla de otra manera con sus dientes en el estado en que estaban. Durante varias horas le di comida y agua en pequeñas cantidades debido a su condición, no quería que comiera ni bebiera demasiado demasiado rápido, sino que intentara que recuperara algo de fuerza y llevarlo a casa donde a la mañana siguiente podría llevarlo a mi veterinario y terminar con su sufrimiento humanamente.
Trayendo a Roadie a casa: apoyó su cabeza sobre mi muslo.
Dejarlo nunca fue una opción una vez que lo encontré. Le hice una cama en el asiento delantero de mi Jeep, lo levanté y lo acosté. Enganché el remolque y comencé el viaje a casa, preguntándome si este viejo, ahora profundamente dormido, llegaría a la granja. A pocos kilómetros, levantó la cabeza y me miró con su único ojo marrón grande que pudo abrir, como para darme las gracias. Luego, apoyó la cabeza sobre mi muslo derecho, donde permaneció todo el viaje a casa, y volvió a dormirse.
Volvió conmigo a la granja, donde lo acosté cómodamente en un establo vacío del granero, con la intención de mantenerlo aislado de los demás perros hasta que pudiera llevarlo a la veterinaria a primera hora de la mañana siguiente. Lo llevé a la veterinaria y lo acosté en la mesa de exploración, esperando que el veterinario le diera un buen viaje a este pobre y dulce anciano. Abrió su único ojo sano, extendió la mano y me tocó con la pata, y supe en ese mismo instante que este pobre anciano me iba a romper el corazón.
El examen veterinario. ¿Qué encontrarían?
Mi veterinario lo examinó y, al terminar, me dijo que las infecciones de oído eran las peores que había visto en su vida y que estaba casi seguro de que, como consecuencia, el viejo estaba totalmente sordo. Hablamos de todos los problemas de salud y me preguntó qué quería hacer. Me dijo que, por el momento, no veía nada que no pudiera tratarse y que creía que el perro podría recuperarse por completo sin demasiado estrés ni dolor y tener una buena calidad de vida, pero me advirtió que, debido a su avanzada edad, incluso si decidíamos tratar todos sus problemas, a este viejo solo le quedarían seis meses o quizás un año de vida, y que yo era quien debía decidir. Me vio dudar al mirar al pobre anciano que había encontrado y entonces dijo: «Hagámosle la prueba del gusano del corazón. Es demasiado mayor para someterse al tratamiento. Veamos si da positivo o no y luego podrás decidir». Dije que sí. Lo llamé «Roadie» porque ese día que lo encontré era evidente que llevaba un tiempo viajando.
Mientras esperaba los resultados de la prueba de dirofilariosis, intentaba averiguar de dónde sacaría el dinero para tratar todos sus demás problemas si no tenía dirofilariosis. Tomé mi celular y llamé a un buen amigo que prefiere permanecer en el anonimato. Había fundado un grupo de rescate de animales para desastres tras el huracán Katrina llamado Kat 5 Animal Rescue. Le conté todo sobre Roadie y me dijo que me ayudaría con los gastos del tratamiento si el veterinario y yo determinábamos que podía recuperar una buena calidad de vida.
Libre de gusanos del corazón, Roadie quiere vivir
Mi veterinario regresó y me dijo: «Roadie tiene muchos problemas ahora mismo, pero la dirofilariosis no es uno de ellos». Obviamente, sabía que me preocupaban los gastos y me dijo que si quería tratar a este dulce anciano, me haría todos los descuentos posibles. Le pedí que me dejara a solas con Roadie unos minutos para intentar tomar la decisión correcta. Mientras acariciaba el pelaje enmarañado y sucio de Roadie, me di cuenta de que lo habían puesto en mi camino por una razón y, aunque solo fueran seis meses o quizás un año, iba a hacer todo lo posible para demostrarle a este anciano, que había sufrido toda una vida de abandono y abuso, que alguien lo quería y se preocupaba por él antes de que muriera, sabiendo perfectamente que, cuando llegara ese momento, estaría destrozada por el dolor.
Así que Roadie iba a recibir tratamiento. Permaneció en la veterinaria durante cinco días, donde le administraron sueros intravenosos y antibióticos, le trataron la infestación de pulgas, le limpiaron los oídos infectados y supurantes, y le dieron un baño medicado. Se trataron todos sus problemas y tardó casi dos meses, pero se recuperó por completo.
Los mejores meses de su vida…incluso jugando al fútbol a su avanzada edad
Roadie vivió en la granja conmigo, mis otros perros y los caballos durante siete meses feliz y lleno de vida. Jugaba con su pelota favorita y dormía en mi cama todas las noches hasta que llegó esa mañana que tanto temía. Me desperté ese viernes para sacar a Roadie y a los otros niños, pero no podía levantarse ni ponerse de pie y pensé, bueno, solo está teniendo un mal día, así que lo ayudé a ponerse de pie y afuera para que hiciera sus necesidades y continué haciéndolo durante el fin de semana. Para el lunes, sus piernas no podían soportar su peso ni siquiera con mi ayuda, así que, tal como lo había hecho siete meses antes, lo llevé a la oficina de mi veterinario y mi veterinario me dijo que era el momento. Lo sostuve en mis brazos y lloré cuando Roadie dejó este mundo, pero cuando me miró justo antes de que las luces se apagaran detrás de esos grandes y hermosos ojos marrones, supe en mi corazón que Roadie sabía que lo amaba como yo sabía que él me amaba.
Llevé a Roadie de vuelta a la granja y mi amigo, que me había ayudado con las facturas del veterinario, me ayudó a enterrarlo en la granja con su pelota favorita. Fui a la casa, me senté con mis otros perros para consolarlos y lloré durante días, igual que ahora, contando su historia. Puedo decir con sinceridad, sabiendo todo lo que sé, que lo volvería a hacer. Verán, solo unas semanas antes de encontrar a Roadie, había perdido a mi madre, y Roadie, sin que yo lo supiera en ese momento, me ayudó a superar algunos de los días más oscuros de mi vida, centrándome en él y no en la reciente pérdida de mi madre. Nunca lo olvidaré ni el regalo especial que me dio, y casi no pasa un día sin que piense en él jugando con su pelota o en mis otros perros y caminando tan rápido como podía para intentar seguirlos, que no sonría o, a veces, aún derrame una lágrima. Tengo un imán en mi Jeep que parece la huella de un perro y dice "¿Quién rescató a quién?". Dejo que ustedes decidan.
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What a loving story! It melted my heart. Mr. Hill, you surely be eternally blessed if there is a hereafter! Thank you Ms. Simpson for finding and posting this story.
Brings tears to my eyes,and they still don't stop!!!This is proof that humanity still exists
Two angels finding each other for a moment in time. How wonderful and bittersweet. Bless you sir, and RIP Roadie.
Frida, my twelve year old poodle has taught me to be more appreciative and loving. Her love and trust is unconditional.
what a beautiful story, reminds me of my dog chase, i had to have him put to sleep and it ripped my soul apart, but what came thru loseing him is my art, i have over 300 pieces and with them i want to donate half of any sales to help with our best friends in chases name. but my health is not good, and i dont know where to begin, cause i cant do it by myself, and this is all because my boy died, its for him, and because of him. i pray that god will send me a miracle, because a lot of animals could be helped. signed, needing a miracle.
I have a little rescued GSD that came into my life in the middle of a prolonged and dark, dark stretch of road ... he was in the middle of recovering from a savage case of mange, still bald on a lot of his body but the sweetest of creatures ... he had suffered abuse and was found wandering the streets and rescued from the pound by Golden State German Shepherd Rescue -- he came into my life when the gal I work for was talked into giving him a temporary foster home ... she had to leave him with me for a couple of weeks ... found out just recently, that if she had not fostered him and I had not subsequently adopted him, he would have been put down ... a year later, he is healthy, no mange, full thick fur that sheds gloriously over everything, my constant companion - certified as a service dog he goes everywhere with me, coming to work everyday ... and he has given me my life back, brought me out into the light ... I can understand Laura's feelings about "Roadie" ... Indeed - "who rescued whom?"
[Hide Full Comment]Thank you for this lovely tribute to Roadie.
Love is always a gift
A very touching story...i am in all tears...!!
I am an animal lover and have rescued many animals, most of which have been put to sleep due to old age or pain. This story has really touched my heart and I believe that given a chance, most of these animals could live a day, a month or a year extra of their lives being happy. I believe now, that we need to take time and examine an animal carefully before rushing into decisions.
They all desearve to live and be treated in a human way. All they need is our love.
<3 I cried too..:) True Love knows NO boundaries..One man and his dog..A short space in time together..But a bond OH so strong, left with an eternal love that lives on..and on..and on..:)
Your story touched me so much. Thank you for being such a wonderful, loving human being. It kills me to know how cruel people can be to the innocent. Thanks so much for giving this sweet guy those special seven months of love.
Roadie was put in your path exactly for the reason you mentioned. He was there to comfort you in your sorrow. God's ways and timing are always perfect.
Looks like Roadie was in the right place. He knew you would be there to rescue him.
good god, what a tearjerker, of course im going thru my own issues with my old dog and just finished writing a little something yesterday to help me with it emotionally. thanks for letting me know I CAN treat him for another few months or year and be with him. thank you so much for your rescue efforts, my dad has 9 rescues and it is so true that bumper sticker..who rescued who...i saw one here in charlotte, nc too.
This is truly heartwarming. I myself can relate to this. I work at an Animal Hospital, and am forced to look at the sad reality that some people just don't care about their animals. I also rescued 2 animals, and went through the same with the flea infections and a skin disease, after many months of having a hairless puppy, with the help of the Vets at work, we were able to successfully restore her back to a normal puppy, with tons of hair!, I also have the very same magnet on the back of my car. The love and bond between the owner and the animal is something that can't be explained, you just feel it.
Angels on earth don't often wear wings. You met one wearing fur and you both have been blessed. Of course I cried too - thank you.
As a owner of two dogs,my only children,I know of the love you get from a dog which is unconditional and everlasting.As a photographer I am gifted with the knowledge to photograph my "children" so that their memory will last with me.
Love this story. I cried right alingalong with Don. A generous man with a kind heart. Thank you.
Been there. What a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing...I'm crying, too.
I have been through the whole content of this blog which is
very informative and knowledgeable stuff, so I would like to visit again.
Dogs tend to love their masters more than they love themselves.Well,guess Roadie is a life time memory then.
I couldn't finish reading the story without feeling tears going down my cheek. It is a beautiful story filled with love. I am glad that Rodie was able to find a good person like you and that he in return was able to help you as well. Maybe your mom put him on your path because she didn't wanted you to suffer her departure. Animals don't ask anything but love and they love you back inconditionally. I have a 1 year old dog, named Sofi, and everytime I think of the time she will leave me I feel my heart shrinking. It's only been 10 months I have her but she has brought a lot of happiness to all my family. I can't imagine my life without her anymore.
Very moving & touching story !!
All I can say is 'ditto' to the comments. I had to put my Bella down nearly 2 years ago and still miss her so much. Like the others, I was in tears reading this story....but it was so uplifting too.
A beautiful story. Thank you.
There's a reason he just "Happened" along to your moms front lawn on just that one day you were there. He chose you and it was probably the single best choice in his life. God bless you both.
Lovely story and so glad you both helped eachother in your time of need. RIP Roadie, and your Mum. May they be together now looking after eachother and looking down at you and smiling.
stories like this make me want to cry. I have had many rescue critters in the last 40 years and it never gets easier when one has to cross over. At least Roadie knew what being loved was in his life.
Earlier this year I adopted a border collie from the local kill shelter. The info on her card had her age estimated as 9 yrs old. However upon examination by my vet it turned out she was actually at least 11, perhaps 12. She had been picked up as a stray by animal control and when I took her I was told that if I hadn't she would probably have been killed at the shelter on Monday the following week (their weekly euthanasia day). According to the vet's exam she had extremely severe arthritis in her hind legs and had probably been in pain for quite some time - pain to the extent that she moved only when it was mandatory. As a result she had lost almost all the muscle mass in her legs. I brought her home, fed her, loved her and she slept as close to the bed as she could physically get (I have a 14 year old cocker spaniel who has monopolized the majority of the bed since he was adopted at age 13). One day, after a strong rain, Cara slipped on a bare patch of mud in the back yard, fell and broke a leg so close to the hip joint that it could not be set. The only remaining option was to amputate the leg. However because of the pre-existing muscle loss she would not have been able to walk on the remaining 3 legs so I made the decision to let her go while she was under anesthesia from the attempt to set the leg. Cara had been with me for only a month at that time but during that short period she grabbed very strongly at my heart and I will mill her for a very long time.
Even with that I still do not regret the decision to adopt her as during the month she lived with me she was one of the kindest, most affectionate dogs I have ever met. Yes, I miss her but regret at my loving her is not part of that. The only regret is that I could not give her a longer time with me.
The people I fault are the ones who left her in so much pain from the arthritis that she lost the muscle mass to to lack of movement and then turned her out on the streets. Them I'd punish as strongly as I could. Cara was a beautiful dog and I still miss her.
[Hide Full Comment]beautiful and touching story... almost tears in my eyes while reading this... thank u for sharing this....
Cried the whole way through this as I know how dogs can love unconditionally and the joy they can bring at the right time. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you, to you and Roadie!
tears. :'(
it is a very nice story.
thank you for sharing .
Dog's and Cat's are little people in Fur Coat's , with feeling's the same as we have . They , if treated with respect and love , will alway's be by your side to give comfort , over the year's I too have lost pet's I've loved dearly , and yes , cried at the loss . I am disabled and alone most day's while my wife work's and the children are in school . We have a Lab/Sheppard mix named Mocha , she is 10 m0nths old and a wonderful companion . she is easy taught and I learn from her as well . Your story touched my heart , I am sorry for your loss of Roadie, but you will have memories that will last forever , and that mean's more than anything ...
Touching story, makes me feel I need to do more with my life and help not just pets but anyone I can
This is such a beautiful story and i almost could not read it as i was about to burst into tears. It is really nice to know that we have such brilliant people out there who are willing to do anything for their animals.
God bless the lady who took care of Roadie until he went off to a better place.
Heartbreaking! Thanks for sharing this beautiful story. Everywhere in the world, dogs and animals in general help us to endure the worse in life when everyone desert you. You saved him and he saved you and it is the way it works as a matter of fact;we are all connected and we can change the world we live in by giving a helping hand to ease the suffering. You always get something back when you do it generously. It's a beautiful story about love and togetherness. I wish they were more people like you who truly care.
I can't stop crying, My babies are getting older and my oldest is having problems with her hip now. When we walk she lets me know when to stop so that we can go back home for her to rest. Stormy is our rescue pup and we bought her brother because he was so compatable with her, he is Twister. I don't even want to think of the day when I have to say goodby, they are my life!
What a beautiful story, thank you for sharing and for what you did to help. Roadie was truly an angel, and so are you Don!
You have one of the kindest heart on earth Sir.
I cried. Hats of to the Kindness in You....
Dogs are amazing. You helped him and he helped you, no strings attached, just love.
What a wonderful, tragic, bittersweet love story. My dogs were both rescues, but I know without a doubt that they have helped me more than I have ever done for them. They have licked away tears, never left my side when I was in pain, and let me know every day how much they love and appreciate me. They are God's gift to we mere mortals.
Oh my gosh. I'm balling my eyes out! That is the sweetest story. It's ironic how fate works in so MANY different ways. RIP Roadie!
I'm in tears as I read this beautiful story of compassion. It gives me hope for humanity. I'm sitting here with my rescued 8 yr. old and my rescued 8 month old dogs, who both helped me recover from the grief of losing loved ones, so completely relate. One more thing: I also have the magnet "Who Rescued Who" on my car. There's no doubt in my mind that they rescued me.
Oh my gosh, I can't stop crying. I had such a "friend" as well, and I still remember the day I had to carry her out in the sun because she could no longer walk due to her arthritis. I would come home at lunch and take her out. She loved the sun. On her last day, I went out to bring her back in, and she had passed in the moment that I went in to check on what I had on the stove. I still shed tears for my Foxy, sometimes my only companion.
You and Roadie were meant to meet each other. You helped each other through tough times. Dogs are a gift from God. Your story is sad but heartwarming. Know that the memories of Roadie will be forever in your heart.
Beautiful story and may you forever be comforted by his apirit, and memories. God bless you, yes ther are so many things to be thankful for.
I have always said my dogs rescuded me
What a beautiful story.
I lost my dog Jack so know exactly how you felt.
He's last days were happy thanks to you and his spirit will be with you always.
Thanks for sharing your story. From a little girl, I knew I would be crazy about Dogs, shunning dolls and wheeling my dog around in a pram , happy with HER sunglasses on. I am way past that time now, and my dogs have long been my family and children. I adore all Dogs and am inspired by people who care like you. Rosie
Beautiful story Don - thanks for sharing it.
all this can be done only if we don't allow the thought and the consequent anxiety about the future interfere with our present choices.
Truly heartwarming! I know of no other love that is everlasting. Even human beings get mad at each other. But dogs love you even if you are mad at them. Every time you return home, they shower their love as though you were away for a decade. Linda's heart will be blessed as she takes care of those who cannot speak for themselves. Roadie's story brings back memories of all the dogs I have lost, and brings tears in my eyes when I remember them. Thank you Linda.
how terrific that you found the means to give Roadie the medical care he needed so that you could share each other's company, even if only for a little while. insensitivity leads so many of us to disregard creatures at the end of their lives. the time you gave Roadie was very possibly the only good time he ever had. people like you make my heart happy!
Thank you - this is beautiful
One can't compare the love for a dog with any other love. It's pure, total and something more that's impossible to describe. Don, I don't know when this happened, but even if it's been years, I'm sure Roadie's spirit still occupies a corner of your heart.
I read this story of Roadie and Laura Simpson with a lump in my throat. I have loved and lost many amazing dogs (and cats as well) and this story brought all of my emotions back. But I am grateful for this story because it made me realize the blessing of all of our pets. Thank you. Sat Nam!
One of the lessons I have learned going through the different trials in my life is that the best way to "bounce back" is to do something nice for someone else. This story is a great example of just how that works. That is why we are taught that it is more blessed to give than to recieve.
A truley heart warming story and one that anyone who loves dogs can relate to. Dogs are special. They are our children in fur coats and give unening love to those who have them.
What a beautiful and touching story, it brought to mind so many animal stories and love that I have experienced in my life over the years, I am grateful that you shared this a perfect example of unconditional love...a wonderful way to enter the week of Thanksgiving....thank you.