Bilang tagapagtatag ng The Great Animal Rescue Chase , natutuwa akong makilala ang daan-daang hindi kapani-paniwalang mga bayani, ngunit nahuli ako ng isang ito. Tatayo ang iyong balahibo habang binabasa mo ang kuwento ng lalaking ito at ng asong ito na paulit-ulit na nagpupulot sa isa't isa. Tiyaking hanapin ang link sa dulo ng kuwento upang makakita ng higit pang mga larawan. Nawa'y magkaroon tayong lahat balang araw ng pagkakataong mahalin ito nang husto....
Ni Don Hill ng Georgia
Ako ay nasa Augusta, Georgia kung saan ilang linggo akong naglilinis sa tahanan ng aking ina pagkatapos ng kanyang pagkamatay kamakailan bilang resulta ng maraming isyu sa kalusugan at komplikasyon. Sa Linggo na ito, ang aking huling araw doon, dahil halos isang oras na lang ako mula sa pag-alis upang bumalik sa paanan ng hilagang-silangan na mga bundok ng Georgia at ang aking limang rescue dog na halos apat na oras ang layo, lumabas ako sa harap ng bakuran upang tingnan ang tahanan ng aking mga magulang at nakita ko sa harap na bakuran ang tila isang napakatandang aso na halatang nahihirapan. Maglalakad siya sa isang kalahating bilog, pagkatapos ay mahulog sa lupa, pagkatapos ay magpumiglas pabalik sa kanyang mga paa at gawin itong muli. Nakita kong ginawa niya ang parehong bagay ng hindi bababa sa tatlong beses habang naglalakad ako papunta sa kanya.
Ito ang pinakamadaling iligtas ko dahil ang kawawang matandang ito ay walang hugis para tumakbo palayo sa akin, ngunit ito rin ang pinakamasakit sa puso. Ang malungkot at hindi naka-neuter na lalaking ito ay nasa pinakamasamang hugis ng anumang aso na nakita ko sa maraming taon ko sa pagliligtas ng hayop. Nanghihina siya, na-dehydrate, namamaga ang kanang mata at nauubusan ng puki, ang magkabilang tenga ay nahawa nang husto at nag-drain din, ang kanyang katawan ay puno ng mga bukas na sugat, siya ay pinamumugaran ng mga pulgas at ang kanyang mga kuko sa harap ay halos apat na pulgada ang haba. Ang lahat ng kanyang mga ngipin ay pagod sa antas ng kanyang gilagid, ipinapalagay ko mula sa mga taon ng pagnguya sa isang kable o kadena na ginamit upang kulong sa kanya at ang mga pad sa kanyang mga paa ay sobrang pagod at hiwa.
Nang makita niya ang anino ko ay napakurap siya at bumagsak sa lupa na parang mabubugbog
Habang papalapit ako sa kanya, mukhang hindi niya narinig ang paglapit ko pero nang makita niya ang anino ko ay napakunot-noo siya at bumagsak sa lupa na para bang mabubugbog siya at natakot. Umupo ako sa damuhan kasama niya at hinimas-himas siya at kinausap siya ng mahina hanggang sa huminto siya sa pagyuko, sinisikap kong tiyakin sa kanya na wala nang sasaktan muli at matatapos na ang kanyang pagdurusa. Gusto kong ipakita sa kanya na wala siyang dapat ikatakot sa akin.
I estimated his age at 10 plus; Natukoy ng beterinaryo na gumamot sa kanya nang maglaon na malapit na siya sa 15. Binuhat ko siya sa aking mga bisig at dinala sa carport kung saan mayroon akong maliit na utility trailer na puno ng mga bagay mula sa bahay ng aking ina na dinadala ko. May ilang dry dog food at ilang stainless steel dog bowls sa isa sa mga box pati na rin ang ilang lumang kumot at tuwalya kaya inayos ko siya ng higaan pagkatapos ay inilagay ko siya doon habang hinahalo ko ang ilan sa tuyong pagkain sa tubig para lumambot, alam kong mahihirapan siyang kainin ito kung hindi man ay ang kanyang mga ngipin sa kondisyon na kinaroroonan nila. Ilang oras ko siyang binigyan ng pagkain at tubig sa sobrang kaunti, ngunit ayaw ko siyang makain ng sobrang lakas dahil sa sobrang lakas niya. ilan at iuwi siya kung saan kinaumagahan ay madadala ko siya sa aking beterinaryo at tapusin ang kanyang pagdurusa nang makatao.
Paghahatid kay Roadie pauwi – ipinatong niya ang ulo niya sa hita ko
Ang pag-iwan sa kanya ay hindi kailanman isang opsyon kapag nahanap ko na siya. Inayos ko siya ng kama sa front seat ng Jeep ko, binuhat ko siya at inihiga doon. Sinakay ko ang utility trailer at nagsimulang magmaneho pauwi sa pag-iisip kung makakauwi ba itong mahimbing na natutulog na matandang lalaki sa bukid. Ilang milya pa lang sa kalsada, inangat niya ang kanyang ulo at tumingin sa akin gamit ang isang malaking kayumangging mata na maaari niyang imulat na para bang nagsasabi ng salamat, pagkatapos ay ipinatong ang ulo na iyon sa aking kanang hita kung saan ito nananatili sa buong biyahe pauwi at bumalik siya sa pagtulog.
Bumalik siya sa bukid kasama ko kung saan ko siya pinahiga nang kumportable sa isang bakanteng stall sa kamalig, na gustong panatilihin siyang nakahiwalay sa iba pang mga aso doon hanggang sa madala ko muna siya sa opisina ng beterinaryo kinaumagahan. Dinala ko siya sa opisina ng beterinaryo at inihiga siya sa mesa ng silid sa pagsusuri, lubos na umaasa na payagan ang beterinaryo na ipadala ang kaawa-awang matandang matandang ito sa isang mas magandang lugar. Binuksan niya ang kanyang isang magandang mata at inabot at hinawakan ako gamit ang kanyang paa at alam ko kaagad na ang kawawang matandang lalaki na ito ay madudurog ang puso ko.
Ang pagsusulit sa beterinaryo. Ano ang hahanapin nila?
Sinuri siya ng aking beterinaryo at nang matapos siya ay sinabi niya sa akin na ang mga impeksyon sa tainga ay ang pinakamasamang nakita niya at siya ay halos positibo na ang matandang ito ay ganap na bingi bilang isang resulta. Napag-usapan namin ang lahat ng mga isyu sa kalusugan at tinanong niya ako kung ano ang gusto kong gawin. Sinabi niya sa akin na sa ngayon ay wala siyang nakikitang mali na hindi magagamot at nadama niya na ang aso ay maaaring ganap na gumaling nang walang labis na stress o sakit at magkaroon ng magandang kalidad ng buhay ngunit binalaan niya ako na dahil sa kanyang katandaan, kahit na nagpasya kaming gamutin ang lahat ng kanyang mga isyu, ang matandang lalaki na ito ay maaaring magkaroon lamang ng anim na buwan o marahil isang taon na lamang at nasa akin na. Nakita niya akong nag-alinlangan habang tinitingnan ko itong kawawang matandang nahanap ko at pagkatapos ay sinabi niyang "Subukan natin siya para sa heartworm. Masyado na siyang matanda para magpagamot. Tingnan natin kung siya ay positibo o hindi at pagkatapos ay maaari kang magdesisyon." sabi ko okay. Pinangalanan ko siyang "Roadie" dahil sa araw na iyon ay nakita ko siya na halatang matagal na siyang nasa kalsada.
Habang hinihintay ko ang mga resulta ng pagsusuri sa heartworm, sinisikap kong malaman kung saan ako kukuha ng pera upang gamutin ang lahat ng iba pa niyang problema kung siya ay negatibo sa heartworm. Kinuha ko ang cellphone ko at tinawagan ang isang malapit kong kaibigan na gustong manatiling anonymous. Nagtatag siya ng isang disaster response animal rescue group sa kalagayan ng Hurricane Katrina na tinatawag na Kat 5 Animal Rescue. Sinabi ko sa kanya ang lahat tungkol kay Roadie at sinabi niyang tutulungan niya ako sa mga gastusin sa pagpapagamot kay Roadie kung matukoy namin ng vet na maibabalik siya sa magandang kalidad ng buhay.
Walang sakit sa ulo, gustong mabuhay si Roadie
Bumalik ang aking beterinaryo at sinabing "Maraming problema si Roadie ngayon ngunit hindi isa sa kanila ang heartworm." Malinaw niyang alam na nag-aalala ako tungkol sa mga gastos na kasangkot at sinabi niya sa akin kung gusto kong tratuhin ang matandang matandang ito ay bibigyan niya ako ng bawat posibleng diskwento. Hiniling ko sa kanya na iwanan ako ng ilang minuto kasama si Roadie para subukan kong gumawa ng tamang desisyon. Habang nakatayo ako roon na hinahaplos ang maruming coat ni Roadie, napagtanto kong may dahilan siya at anim na buwan lang o marahil isang taon, gagawin ko ang lahat sa aking makakaya upang ipakita sa matandang ito na dumanas ng habambuhay na kapabayaan at pang-aabuso na may nagmamahal sa kanya at nagmamalasakit sa kanya bago siya umalis sa mundong ito — alam na alam ko na kapag dumating ang oras na iyon, ang kalungkutan ay nadurog.
Kaya gagamutin si Roadie. Nanatili siya sa opisina ng beterinaryo sa loob ng limang araw kung saan siya ay nilagyan ng IV fluids at antibiotics, nagamot ang kanyang flea infestation, nilinis ang kanyang nahawaang mga tainga, at pinaliguan siya ng gamot. Ang lahat ng kanyang mga isyu ay natugunan at umabot ng halos dalawang buwan, ngunit siya ay gumaling nang buo.
Ang pinakamagandang buwan ng kanyang buhay...kahit na naglalaro ng bola sa kanyang katandaan
Si Roadie ay nanirahan sa bukid kasama ko at ang iba ko pang mga aso at mga kabayo sa loob ng pitong buwan na masaya at puno ng buhay. Nilalaro niya ang paborito niyang bola at natutulog sa aking kama tuwing gabi hanggang sa umagang iyon na kinatatakutan kong dumating. Nagising ako noong Biyernes para ilabas si Roadie at ang iba pang mga bata ngunit hindi siya makatayo at makatayo sa kanyang mga paa at naisip ko na siya ay nagkakaroon lamang ng masamang araw, kaya tumulong ako sa kanyang mga paa at sa labas upang gawin ang kanyang negosyo at ipinagpatuloy ito sa katapusan ng linggo. Pagsapit ng Lunes, hindi na kayang suportahan ng kanyang mga binti ang kanyang timbang kahit na sa tulong ko, kaya tulad ng nagkaroon ako ng pitong buwan na nakalipas, dinala ko siya sa opisina ng aking beterinaryo at sinabi sa akin ng aking beterinaryo na oras na. Hinawakan ko siya sa aking mga braso at umiyak nang umalis si Roadie sa mundong ito, ngunit habang nakatingin siya sa akin bago pa man mamatay ang mga ilaw sa likod ng malalaking magagandang kayumangging mga mata na iyon, alam ko sa aking puso na alam ni Roadie na mahal ko siya dahil alam kong mahal niya ako.
Ibinalik ko si Roadie sa bukid at tinulungan ako ng kaibigan ko na tumulong sa mga bayarin sa beterinaryo para kay Roadie pagkatapos ay ilibing siya sa bukid gamit ang paborito niyang bola. Pumunta ako sa bahay at umupo kasama ang iba ko pang mga aso para aliwin at umiyak ng ilang araw tulad ko ngayon, na nagkukuwento sa kanya. Masasabi kong tapat na alam ko ang lahat ng alam ko ngayon na gagawin ko itong muli. Kita mo, ilang linggo lang bago ko mahanap si Roadie, nawalan ako ng nanay, at si Roadie, nang hindi ko alam noon, ay tinulungan ako sa mga pinakamadilim na araw ng buhay ko na nakatuon sa kanya at hindi ang kamakailang pagkawala ng aking ina. Hinding-hindi ko siya makakalimutan o ang espesyal na regalo na binigay niya sa akin at bihira ang lumipas na araw na hindi ko naiisip na nilalaro niya ang bola niya o ang iba ko pang aso at maglakad nang mabilis sa abot ng kanyang makakaya upang subukang makasabay sa kanila na hindi ako ngumingiti o minsan ay napapaluha pa rin. May magnet ako sa Jeep ko na parang print ng paa ng aso at may nakasulat na “Who Rescued Who?” Hahayaan kitang magdesisyon.
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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.