En tant que fondateur de The Great Animal Rescue Chase , j'ai le plaisir de rencontrer des centaines de héros incroyables, mais celui-ci m'a pris au dépourvu. Vos cheveux se dresseront sur votre tête en lisant l'histoire de cet homme et de ce chien qui se sont soutenus mutuellement à maintes reprises. N'oubliez pas de consulter le lien à la fin de l'histoire pour voir plus de photos. Puissions-nous tous un jour avoir la chance d'aimer cela profondément…
Par Don Hill de Géorgie
J'étais à Augusta, en Géorgie, où je nettoyais depuis plusieurs semaines la maison de ma mère, décédée récemment des suites de nombreux problèmes de santé et complications. Ce dimanche, mon dernier jour là-bas, à environ une heure de mon départ pour les contreforts des montagnes du nord-est de la Géorgie, et à près de quatre heures de mes cinq chiens adoptés, je suis sorti dans le jardin pour jeter un dernier coup d'œil à la maison de mes parents. J'y ai aperçu ce qui semblait être un très vieux chien, visiblement en détresse. Il marchait en demi-cercle, puis s'effondrait, puis se relevait péniblement et recommençait. Je l'ai vu faire la même chose au moins trois fois en m'approchant de lui.
Ce sauvetage devait être de loin le plus facile, car ce pauvre vieux chien n'était pas en état de me fuir, mais aussi le plus déchirant. Ce triste mâle non castré était dans un état pire que celui de tous les chiens que j'avais vus au cours de mes nombreuses années de sauvetage animalier. Il était émacié, déshydraté, son œil droit était gonflé et purulent, ses deux oreilles étaient gravement infectées et suintaient également, son corps était couvert de plaies ouvertes, il était infesté de puces et ses griffes de devant mesuraient près de dix centimètres de long. Toutes ses dents étaient usées jusqu'aux gencives, probablement à cause des années passées à mâchouiller un câble ou une chaîne qui le liait, et ses coussinets étaient extrêmement usés et coupés.
Quand il a vu mon ombre, il a tressailli et est tombé au sol comme s'il était sur le point d'être battu.
Alors que je m'approchais de lui, il ne sembla pas m'entendre approcher, mais lorsqu'il aperçut mon ombre, il tressaillit et tomba à terre comme s'il allait être battu, se recroquevillant. Je me suis assis dans l'herbe avec lui, je l'ai caressé et lui ai parlé doucement jusqu'à ce qu'il cesse de se recroqueviller, essayant de le rassurer : plus jamais personne ne lui ferait de mal et que ses souffrances cesseraient. Je voulais lui montrer qu'il n'avait rien à craindre de moi.
J'ai estimé son âge à plus de 10 ans ; le vétérinaire qui l'a soigné plus tard a déterminé qu'il en avait près de 15. Je l'ai pris dans mes bras et l'ai porté jusqu'à l'abri voiture où j'avais une petite remorque utilitaire remplie de choses de la maison de ma mère que j'emportais avec moi. Il y avait des croquettes et des gamelles en inox dans l'un des cartons, ainsi que de vieilles couvertures et des serviettes. Je lui ai donc fait un lit et je l'ai installé dessus en mélangeant un peu de croquettes avec de l'eau pour les ramollir, sachant qu'il aurait du mal à les manger autrement avec ses dents dans cet état. Pendant plusieurs heures, je lui ai donné à manger et à boire en petites quantités en raison de son état, évitant qu'il mange ou boive trop vite, mais essayant de lui redonner des forces et de le ramener chez moi où, le lendemain matin, je pourrais l'emmener chez mon vétérinaire et mettre fin à ses souffrances sans cruauté.
Ramener Roadie à la maison – il a posé sa tête sur ma cuisse
Le quitter n'était plus une option une fois que je l'avais trouvé. Je lui ai fait un lit sur le siège avant de ma Jeep, je l'ai soulevé et allongé dessus. J'ai attelé la remorque et j'ai pris le chemin du retour, me demandant si ce vieux bonhomme, maintenant profondément endormi, parviendrait à revenir à la ferme. Quelques kilomètres plus loin, il a levé la tête et m'a regardé de son seul grand œil marron, comme pour me remercier. Puis il a posé sa tête sur ma cuisse droite, où elle est restée tout le trajet, et il s'est rendormi.
Il est revenu à la ferme avec moi, où je l'ai installé confortablement dans un box vide de la grange, voulant le garder isolé des autres chiens jusqu'à ce que je puisse l'emmener chez le vétérinaire le lendemain matin. Je l'ai porté jusqu'au cabinet et l'ai déposé sur la table d'examen, m'attendant à ce que le vétérinaire envoie ce pauvre vieux bonhomme dans un meilleur endroit. Il a ouvert son seul œil valide, a tendu la main et m'a touché de la patte. J'ai su à cet instant que ce pauvre vieux allait me briser le cœur.
L'examen vétérinaire. Que trouveraient-ils ?
Mon vétérinaire l'a examiné et, une fois terminé, il m'a dit que ses otites étaient les pires qu'il ait jamais vues et qu'il était presque certain que ce vieux chien était totalement sourd. Nous avons discuté de tous ses problèmes de santé et il m'a demandé ce que je voulais faire. Il m'a dit qu'il ne voyait aucun problème pour le moment et qu'il pensait que le chien pourrait se rétablir complètement sans trop de stress ni de douleur et avoir une bonne qualité de vie. Il m'a toutefois prévenu qu'en raison de son âge avancé, même si nous décidions de traiter tous ses problèmes, il ne lui resterait peut-être que six mois, voire un an, et que c'était à moi de décider. Il m'a vu hésiter en regardant de haut ce pauvre vieux que j'avais trouvé, puis il m'a dit : « Faisons-lui un test pour la dirofilariose. Il est bien trop vieux pour suivre un traitement. Voyons s'il est positif ou non, et ensuite vous déciderez. » J'ai accepté. Je l'avais appelé « Roadie » car le jour où je l'ai trouvé, il était évident qu'il avait été sur la route pendant un certain temps.
En attendant les résultats du test de dirofilariose, je cherchais comment trouver l'argent nécessaire pour traiter tous ses autres problèmes s'il était négatif. J'ai pris mon portable et j'ai appelé un ami proche qui souhaite garder l'anonymat. Il avait fondé Kat 5 Animal Rescue, une association de secours aux animaux suite à l'ouragan Katrina. Je lui ai tout raconté sur Roadie et il m'a dit qu'il m'aiderait à payer les frais de traitement si le vétérinaire et moi estimions qu'il pouvait retrouver une bonne qualité de vie.
Libéré du ver du cœur, Roadie veut vivre
Mon vétérinaire est revenu et m'a dit : « Roadie a beaucoup de problèmes en ce moment, mais la dirofilariose n'en fait pas partie. » Il savait visiblement que j'étais préoccupée par les coûts et m'a dit que si je voulais soigner ce gentil vieil homme, il me ferait une réduction maximale. Je lui ai demandé de me laisser seule avec Roadie quelques minutes pour que je puisse prendre la bonne décision. Tandis que je caressais le pelage sale et emmêlé de Roadie, j'ai compris qu'il avait été mis sur mon chemin pour une raison : que ce soit seulement six mois ou peut-être un an, j'allais tout faire pour montrer à ce vieil homme, qui avait subi toute sa vie négligence et maltraitance, que quelqu'un l'aimait et se souciait de lui avant qu'il ne me quitte – sachant pertinemment que lorsque ce moment viendrait, je serais écrasée de chagrin.
Roadie allait donc être soigné. Il est resté cinq jours chez le vétérinaire où on lui a administré des perfusions et des antibiotiques, on a soigné son infestation de puces, nettoyé ses oreilles infectées et exsudatives et on lui a donné un bain médicamenteux. Tous ses problèmes ont été traités et il a fallu près de deux mois, mais il s'est complètement rétabli.
Les meilleurs mois de sa vie… même jouer au ballon à son âge avancé
Roadie a vécu à la ferme avec moi, mes autres chiens et les chevaux pendant sept mois, heureux et plein de vie. Il jouait avec sa balle préférée et dormait dans mon lit toutes les nuits jusqu'au matin que j'appréhendais tant. Je me suis réveillée ce vendredi-là pour sortir Roadie et les autres enfants, mais il ne pouvait pas se lever et se tenir debout. Je me suis dit qu'il passait juste une mauvaise journée. Alors, je l'ai aidé à se lever et à sortir faire ses besoins, et j'ai continué tout le week-end. Le lundi, ses jambes ne supportaient plus son poids, même avec mon aide. Alors, comme je l'avais fait sept mois plus tôt, je l'ai porté chez mon vétérinaire, qui m'a dit qu'il était temps. Je l'ai serré dans mes bras et j'ai pleuré quand Roadie a quitté ce monde, mais lorsqu'il m'a regardée juste avant que les lumières ne s'éteignent derrière ses grands et beaux yeux marron, j'ai su au fond de moi que Roadie savait que je l'aimais comme je savais qu'il m'aimait.
J'ai ramené Roadie à la ferme, et mon ami qui avait payé les frais vétérinaires m'a ensuite aidée à l'enterrer à la ferme avec sa balle préférée. Je suis allée à la maison et je me suis assise avec mes autres chiens pour trouver du réconfort. J'ai pleuré pendant des jours, comme je le fais maintenant, en racontant son histoire. Je peux honnêtement dire, sachant tout ce que je sais maintenant, que je recommencerais. Voyez-vous, quelques semaines avant de retrouver Roadie, j'avais perdu ma mère, et Roadie, sans même que je le sache à l'époque, m'avait aidée à traverser les jours les plus sombres de ma vie, en me concentrant sur lui et non sur la perte récente de ma mère. Je ne l'oublierai jamais, ni le cadeau spécial qu'il m'a fait. Il se passe rarement un jour sans que je pense à lui jouant avec sa balle ou à mes autres chiens, marchant aussi vite qu'il le pouvait pour essayer de les suivre, sans que je sourie ou que je verse encore une larme. J'ai un aimant sur ma Jeep qui ressemble à une empreinte de patte de chien et qui dit « Qui a sauvé qui ? » À vous de juger.
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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.