Kao osnivač The Great Animal Rescue Chase , imam zadovoljstvo upoznati stotine nevjerojatnih heroja, ali ovaj me zatekao nespremnog. Dići će vam se kosa na glavi dok budete čitali priču o ovom čovjeku i ovom psu koji su se uvijek iznova pokupili. Svakako potražite poveznicu na kraju priče kako biste vidjeli više fotografija. Neka svi jednog dana dobijemo priliku voljeti ovo duboko...
Dona Hilla iz Georgije
Bio sam u Augusti, Georgia, gdje sam nekoliko tjedana čistio majčin dom nakon njezine nedavne smrti kao posljedice brojnih zdravstvenih problema i komplikacija. Ove nedjelje, mog posljednjeg dana tamo, budući da mi je bilo samo sat vremena od odlaska do povratka u podnožje planina sjeveroistočne Georgije, a mojih pet spasilačkih pasa udaljeno gotovo četiri sata, izašao sam u prednje dvorište da posljednji put pogledam dom svojih roditelja i u prednjem sam dvorištu vidio nešto što je izgledalo kao vrlo stari pas koji je bio u očitoj nevolji. Hodao bi u polukrugu, zatim pao na tlo, zatim se s mukom uspravio na noge i ponovio. Vidio sam ga da radi istu stvar najmanje tri puta dok sam mu prilazio.
Ovo je trebalo biti moje daleko najlakše spašavanje jer ovaj jadni stari dječak nije bio u stanju pobjeći od mene, ali i najpotresnije. Ovaj tužni, nesterilizirani mužjak bio je u najgorem stanju od svih pasa koje sam ikad vidio tijekom mnogih godina spašavanja životinja. Bio je iscrpljen, dehidriran, desno mu je oko bilo zatvoreno natečeno i iz njega je curio gnoj, oba su uha bila ozbiljno zaražena i također su mu curila, tijelo mu je bilo prekriveno otvorenim ranama, bio je pun buha, a prednji nokti bili su mu dugi gotovo četiri inča. Svi su mu zubi bili istrošeni u ravnini s njegovim desnima, pretpostavljam od godina žvakanja sajle ili lanca koji ga je koristio da ga sputaju, a jastučići na nogama bili su izuzetno istrošeni i posječeni.
Kad je ugledao moju sjenu, trgnuo se i pao na zemlju kao da će dobiti batine
Kad sam mu se približio, nije se činilo da me čuje kako mu se približavam, ali kad je ugledao moju sjenu, trgnuo se i pao na tlo kao da će ga netko pretući i zgrčio se. Sjedio sam s njim na travi, mazio ga i nježno mu pričao sve dok se nije prestao šćućurivati, pokušavajući ga uvjeriti da ga više nitko neće povrijediti i da će njegovoj patnji doći kraj. Želio sam mu pokazati da me se nema čega bojati.
Procijenio sam njegovu dob na 10 plus; veterinar koji ga je liječio kasnije je utvrdio da je imao blizu 15 godina. Podigao sam ga u ruke i odnio u nadstrešnicu gdje sam imao malu pomoćnu prikolicu napunjenu stvarima iz majčine kuće koje sam nosio sa sobom. Bilo je nešto suhe hrane za pse i nekoliko zdjelica za pse od nehrđajućeg čelika u jednoj od kutija, kao i neke stare deke i ručnici pa sam mu napravio krevet, a zatim ga stavio na njega dok sam miješao dio suhe hrane s vodom da omekša, znajući da bi mu bilo teško jesti inače sa zubima u stanju u kakvom su bili. Nekoliko sati davao sam mu hranu i vodu u malim količinama zbog njegovog stanja, ne želeći da i on jede ili pije. prebrzo, ali pokušavam malo ojačati i dovesti ga kući gdje bih ga sljedećeg jutra mogao odvesti svom veterinaru i okončati njegovu patnju na ljudski način.
Dovodeći Roadieja kući - položio je glavu preko mog bedra
Ostaviti ga više nije bila opcija nakon što sam ga pronašla. Napravio sam mu krevet na prednjem sjedalu svog Jeepa, podigao ga i položio na njega. Zakopčao sam pomoćnu prikolicu i krenuo s vožnjom kući pitajući se hoće li se ovaj sada duboko usnuli starac uspjeti vratiti na farmu. Samo nekoliko milja niz cestu, podigao je glavu i pogledao me jednim velikim smeđim okom koje je mogao otvoriti kao da želi zahvaliti, a zatim je položio tu glavu preko mog desnog bedra gdje je ostala tijekom cijele vožnje kući i vratio se na spavanje.
Sa mnom se vratio na farmu gdje sam ga udobno smjestio u praznu štalu u staji, želeći ga držati izoliranog od ostalih pasa dok ga sljedećeg jutra ne odvedem u veterinarsku ordinaciju. Odnio sam ga u veterinarsku ordinaciju i položio na stol u sobi za preglede, potpuno očekujući da ću omogućiti veterinaru da ovog jadnog slatkog starca pošalje na bolje mjesto. Otvorio je svoje jedino zdravo oko, ispružio ruku i dotaknuo me šapom i odmah sam znao da će mi ovaj jadni stari dječak slomiti srce.
Veterinarski pregled. Što bi pronašli?
Moj ga je veterinar pregledao i kad je završio, rekao mi je da su upale uha najgore koje je ikada vidio i bio je gotovo siguran da je ovaj starac potpuno gluh kao rezultat toga. Razgovarali smo o svim zdravstvenim problemima i on me pitao što želim raditi. Rekao mi je da trenutno ne vidi ništa loše što se ne bi moglo liječiti i da smatra da se pas može u potpunosti oporaviti bez previše stresa ili boli i imati dobru kvalitetu života, ali me je upozorio da zbog njegove poodmakle dobi, čak i ako odlučimo liječiti sve njegove probleme, ovom starom dječaku može preostati samo šest mjeseci ili možda godinu dana i to ovisi o meni. Vidio je kako oklijevam dok sam gledao odozgo na tog jadnog starca kojeg sam pronašao, a onda je rekao: "Idemo ga testirati na srčanog crva. Prestar je da bi prošao kroz liječenje. Da vidimo je li pozitivan ili ne, a onda možete odlučiti." Rekao sam u redu. Nazvao sam ga "Roadie" jer je tog dana kad sam ga pronašao bilo očito da je neko vrijeme bio na putu.
Dok sam čekao rezultate testa na dirofilarionu, pokušavao sam shvatiti gdje ću naći novac za liječenje svih njegovih drugih problema ako bude negativan na dirofilarionu. Uzeo sam mobitel i nazvao svog bliskog prijatelja koji želi ostati anoniman. Osnovao je skupinu za spašavanje životinja u katastrofama nakon uragana Katrina pod nazivom Kat 5 Animal Rescue. Ispričao sam mu sve o Roadieju i rekao je da će mi pomoći s troškovima liječenja Roadieja ako veterinar i ja utvrdimo da mu se može vratiti dobra kvaliteta života.
Oslobođen crva, Roadie želi živjeti
Moj veterinar se vratio i rekao: "Roadie trenutno ima puno problema, ali srčani crv nije jedan od njih." Očito je znao da sam zabrinut zbog uključenih troškova i rekao mi je da će mi dati svaki mogući popust ako želim počastiti ovog slatkog starca. Zamolio sam ga da me ostavi nasamo s Roadiejem nekoliko minuta kako bih mogao donijeti pravu odluku. Dok sam stajao tamo i gladio Roadiejev uglađeni prljavi kaput, shvatio sam da mi se našao na putu s razlogom i bilo to samo šest mjeseci ili možda godinu dana, namjeravam učiniti sve što je u mojoj moći da pokažem ovom starcu koji je cijeli život bio zanemarivan i zlostavljan da ga je netko volio i da mu je bilo stalo do njega prije nego što je napustio ovaj svijet — sasvim dobro znajući da ću, kad to dođe vrijeme, biti shrvan od tuge.
Dakle, Roadie je trebao biti liječen. Ostao je u veterinarskoj ordinaciji pet dana gdje su mu dali intravenoznu tekućinu i antibiotike, liječena je njegova infestacija buhama, očišćene su mu zaražene uši koje su mu curile i kupao se s lijekovima. Svi njegovi problemi su riješeni i trebalo je gotovo dva mjeseca, ali se potpuno oporavio.
Najbolji mjeseci njegovog života...čak i igranje lopte u starosti
Roadie je živio na farmi sa mnom i mojim drugim psima i konjima sedam mjeseci sretan i pun života. Igrao se svojom omiljenom loptom i spavao u mom krevetu svaku noć sve dok nije došlo jutro kojeg sam se pribojavala. Probudio sam se tog petka kako bih izveo Roadieja i ostalu djecu van, ali on nije mogao ustati i stajati na nogama i dobro sam pomislio da on samo ima loš dan, pa sam mu pomogao ustati i vani da obavi svoj posao i nastavio to raditi tijekom vikenda. Do ponedjeljka, njegove noge nisu mogle izdržati njegovu težinu čak ni uz moju pomoć, pa sam ga, baš kao i sedam mjeseci ranije, odnijela u svoju veterinarsku ordinaciju i moj mi je veterinar rekao da je vrijeme. Držala sam ga u naručju i plakala dok je Roadie odlazio s ovog svijeta, ali dok me gledao neposredno prije nego što su se svjetla ugasila iza tih velikih prekrasnih smeđih očiju, u srcu sam znala da Roadie zna da ga volim kao što sam znala da on voli mene.
Odveo sam Roadieja natrag na farmu i moj prijatelj koji je pomogao oko veterinarskih računa za Roadieja mi je pomogao da ga pokopam na farmi s njegovom omiljenom loptom. Otišao sam u kuću i sjedio sa svojim drugim psima kako bih se utješio i plakao danima baš kao i sada, pričajući njegovu priču. Iskreno mogu reći, budući da sada znam sve što znam, sve bih ponovio. Vidite, samo nekoliko tjedana prije nego što sam pronašla Roadieja, izgubila sam majku, a Roadie mi je, a da toga nisam ni znala u to vrijeme, pomogao kroz neke od najmračnijih dana mog života fokusirajući se na njega, a ne na nedavni gubitak moje mame. Nikada neću zaboraviti njega ili poseban dar koji mi je dao i rijetko prođe dan da ne pomislim na njega kako se igra sa svojom loptom ili mojim drugim psima i hoda što je brže mogao kako bi ih držao ukorak, a ja se ne nasmiješim ili ponekad pustim suzu. Imam magnet na svom Jeepu koji izgleda kao otisak pseće šape i na kojem piše "Tko je koga spasio?" Pustit ću vas da odlučite.
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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.