Come fondatore di The Great Animal Rescue Chase , ho avuto il piacere di incontrare centinaia di eroi incredibili, ma questo mi ha colto di sorpresa. Vi si rizzeranno i capelli leggendo la storia di quest'uomo e di questo cane che si sono salvati a vicenda più e più volte. Non dimenticate di cliccare sul link alla fine della storia per vedere altre foto. Che un giorno tutti noi possiamo avere l'opportunità di amare profondamente questa persona...
Di Don Hill della Georgia
Mi trovavo ad Augusta, in Georgia, dove ero stato diverse settimane a pulire la casa di mia madre dopo la sua recente morte dovuta a numerosi problemi di salute e complicazioni. Quella domenica, il mio ultimo giorno lì, mentre ero a circa un'ora dalla partenza per tornare ai piedi delle montagne della Georgia nord-orientale e i miei cinque cani da salvataggio a quasi quattro ore di distanza, sono uscito nel giardino anteriore per dare un'ultima occhiata alla casa dei miei genitori e ho visto lì quello che sembrava un cane molto vecchio, in evidente difficoltà. Camminava a semicerchio, poi cadeva a terra, poi si rialzava a fatica e ricominciava da capo. L'ho visto fare la stessa cosa almeno tre volte mentre mi avvicinavo a lui.
Questo è stato di gran lunga il mio salvataggio più facile, perché questo povero vecchio non era in grado di scappare da me, ma anche il più straziante. Questo triste maschio non castrato era nelle peggiori condizioni di qualsiasi cane avessi mai visto nei miei molti anni di salvataggio animali. Era emaciato, disidratato, l'occhio destro era gonfio e chiuso e pustolava, entrambe le orecchie erano gravemente infette e pustolavano, il corpo era coperto di piaghe aperte, era infestato dalle pulci e le sue unghie anteriori erano lunghe quasi dieci centimetri. Tutti i denti erano consumati all'altezza delle gengive, presumo per anni passati a masticare un cavo o una catena usati per confinarlo, e i cuscinetti delle zampe erano estremamente consumati e tagliati.
Quando vide la mia ombra sussultò e cadde a terra come se stesse per essere picchiato
Avvicinandomi, non sembrò sentirmi avvicinare, ma quando vide la mia ombra, sussultò e cadde a terra come se stesse per essere picchiato, rannicchiandosi. Mi sedetti sull'erba accanto a lui, lo accarezzai e gli parlai dolcemente finché non smise di rannicchiarsi, cercando di rassicurarlo che nessuno gli avrebbe mai più fatto del male e che le sue sofferenze sarebbero finite. Volevo dimostrargli che non aveva nulla da temere da me.
Ho stimato la sua età intorno ai 10 anni; il veterinario che lo ha curato in seguito ha stabilito che ne aveva quasi 15. L'ho preso in braccio e l'ho portato nel garage, dove avevo un piccolo rimorchio pieno di cose provenienti dalla casa di mia madre che stavo portando con me. In una delle scatole c'erano del cibo secco per cani e delle ciotole in acciaio inossidabile, oltre ad alcune vecchie coperte e asciugamani, così gli ho preparato una cuccia e l'ho messo sopra, mescolando un po' di cibo secco con acqua per ammorbidirlo, sapendo che altrimenti avrebbe avuto difficoltà a mangiarlo con i denti in quelle condizioni. Per diverse ore gli ho dato cibo e acqua in piccole quantità, date le sue condizioni, non volendo che mangiasse o bevesse troppo e troppo in fretta, ma cercando di dargli un po' di forza e di riportarlo a casa, dove la mattina seguente avrei potuto portarlo dal veterinario e porre fine alle sue sofferenze in modo umano.
Riportando Roadie a casa – ha appoggiato la testa sulla mia coscia
Lasciarlo non è mai stata un'opzione una volta che l'ho trovato. Gli ho preparato un letto sul sedile anteriore della mia Jeep, l'ho preso in braccio e l'ho adagiarci sopra. Ho agganciato il rimorchio e ho iniziato il viaggio di ritorno a casa chiedendomi se questo vecchietto, ora profondamente addormentato, ce l'avrebbe fatta a tornare alla fattoria. Dopo pochi chilometri di strada, ha alzato la testa e mi ha guardato con l'unico grande occhio marrone che riusciva ad aprire, come per ringraziarmi, poi ha appoggiato la testa sulla mia coscia destra, dove è rimasta per tutto il viaggio di ritorno, e si è riaddormentato.
È tornato alla fattoria con me, dove l'ho sistemato comodamente in una stalla vuota nella stalla, volendo tenerlo isolato dagli altri cani finché non l'avessi potuto portare dal veterinario la mattina dopo. L'ho portato in ambulatorio e l'ho adagiato sul lettino della sala visite, sperando fermamente di permettere al veterinario di mandare questo povero dolce vecchietto in un posto migliore. Ha aperto l'unico occhio sano, si è allungato e mi ha toccato con la zampa, e ho capito subito che quel povero vecchio mi avrebbe spezzato il cuore.
La visita veterinaria. Cosa troverebbero?
Il mio veterinario lo visitò e, una volta finito, mi disse che le infezioni alle orecchie erano le peggiori che avesse mai visto ed era quasi certo che questo vecchietto fosse completamente sordo. Discutemmo di tutti i problemi di salute e mi chiese cosa volessi fare. Mi disse che al momento non vedeva nulla di anomalo che non potesse essere curato e che riteneva che il cane potesse riprendersi completamente senza troppo stress o dolore e avere una buona qualità di vita, ma mi avvertì che, a causa della sua età avanzata, anche se decidessimo di curare tutti i suoi problemi, a questo vecchietto sarebbero potuti restare solo sei mesi o forse un anno e che la decisione spettava a me. Mi vide esitare mentre guardavo dall'alto in basso questo povero vecchietto che avevo trovato e poi disse: "Facciamogli il test per la filariosi. È troppo vecchio per sottoporsi alla terapia. Vediamo se è positivo o no e poi potrai decidere". Accettai. L'avevo chiamato "Roadie" perché quel giorno in cui lo trovai era ovvio che era stato in viaggio per un po'.
Mentre aspettavo i risultati del test per la filariosi, cercavo di capire dove avrei trovato i soldi per curare tutti gli altri suoi problemi, qualora fosse risultato negativo. Ho preso il cellulare e ho chiamato un caro amico che desidera rimanere anonimo. Aveva fondato un gruppo di soccorso per animali in seguito all'uragano Katrina, il Kat 5 Animal Rescue. Gli ho raccontato tutto di Roadie e mi ha detto che mi avrebbe aiutato con le spese per curarlo se io e il veterinario avessimo stabilito che poteva tornare a una buona qualità di vita.
Libero dal verme cardiaco, Roadie vuole vivere
Il mio veterinario è tornato e ha detto: "Roadie ha molti problemi in questo momento, ma la filariosi non è tra questi". Ovviamente sapeva che ero preoccupato per i costi e mi ha detto che se avessi voluto curare questo dolce vecchietto mi avrebbe fatto ogni sconto possibile. Gli ho chiesto di lasciarmi solo con Roadie per qualche minuto, così da poter cercare di prendere la decisione giusta. Mentre ero lì ad accarezzare il pelo sporco e arruffato di Roadie, ho capito che era stato messo sulla mia strada per un motivo e che, anche se fossero passati solo sei mesi o forse un anno, avrei fatto tutto il possibile per dimostrare a quest'uomo anziano, che aveva sofferto una vita di abbandono e abusi, che qualcuno lo amava e si era preso cura di lui prima che lasciasse questo mondo, ben sapendo che, quando quel momento sarebbe arrivato, sarei stato distrutto dal dolore.
Quindi Roadie sarebbe stato curato. È rimasto dal veterinario per cinque giorni, dove gli sono stati somministrati flebo e antibiotici, l'infestazione da pulci è stata trattata, le orecchie infette e drenanti sono state pulite e gli è stato fatto un bagno medicato. Tutti i suoi problemi sono stati risolti e ci sono voluti quasi due mesi, ma si è ripreso completamente.
I mesi migliori della sua vita...anche giocando a palla in vecchiaia
Roadie ha vissuto nella fattoria con me, gli altri miei cani e i cavalli per sette mesi, felice e pieno di vita. Giocava con la sua palla preferita e dormiva nel mio letto ogni notte, fino a quel mattino che temevo tanto. Mi sono svegliata quel venerdì per portare fuori Roadie e gli altri bambini, ma non riusciva ad alzarsi e a stare in piedi e ho pensato: "Beh, sta solo avendo una brutta giornata", così l'ho aiutato ad alzarsi e a uscire per fare i bisogni, e ho continuato a farlo per tutto il fine settimana. Lunedì, le sue gambe non reggevano più il suo peso nemmeno con il mio aiuto, così, proprio come avevo fatto sette mesi prima, l'ho portato dal veterinario, che mi ha detto che era ora. L'ho tenuto tra le braccia e ho pianto mentre Roadie lasciava questo mondo, ma quando mi ha guardato un attimo prima che le luci si spegnessero dietro quei grandi e bellissimi occhi castani, ho capito in cuor mio che Roadie sapeva che lo amavo come io sapevo che lui amava me.
Ho riportato Roadie alla fattoria e il mio amico che mi aveva aiutato con le spese veterinarie mi ha aiutato a seppellirlo nella fattoria con la sua palla preferita. Sono andata a casa sua e mi sono seduta con gli altri miei cani per confortarlo e ho pianto per giorni, proprio come sto facendo ora, raccontando la sua storia. Posso onestamente dire, sapendo tutto quello che so ora, che rifarei tutto da capo. Vedete, poche settimane prima di ritrovare Roadie, avevo perso mia madre, e Roadie, senza che lo sapessi nemmeno allora, mi aveva aiutato ad affrontare alcuni dei giorni più bui della mia vita, concentrandomi su di lui e non sulla recente perdita di mia madre. Non lo dimenticherò mai, né il regalo speciale che mi ha fatto, e raramente passa giorno in cui non lo pensi mentre gioca con la sua palla o con gli altri miei cani e cammina il più veloce possibile per cercare di stargli dietro, che non sorrido o a volte mi viene ancora una lacrima. Ho una calamita sulla mia Jeep che sembra l'impronta di una zampa di cane e dice "Chi ha salvato chi?". Lascio a voi decidere.
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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.