グレート・アニマル・レスキュー・チェイスの創設者として、私は何百人もの素晴らしいヒーローたちに出会う機会に恵まれてきましたが、この男性と犬には驚きました。何度も何度も互いを抱きしめたこの男性と犬のストーリーを読めば、きっと身の毛もよだつことでしょう。ぜひ記事末尾のリンクから、さらに多くの写真をご覧ください。いつか私たち全員が、この愛を深く愛せる日が来ますように…。
ジョージア州のドン・ヒル
私はジョージア州オーガスタにいました。母は数々の健康問題と合併症のために最近亡くなり、数週間前からそこで母の家の片付けをしていました。そこでの最後の日曜日、あと1時間でジョージア州北東部の山々の麓に戻り、5匹の保護犬と過ごすには4時間近くかかるという状況でした。両親の家を最後にもう一度見ようと前庭に出ると、明らかに苦しんでいるかなり年老いた犬らしきものが前庭にいました。その犬は半円を描いて歩き、地面に倒れ、もがきながら立ち上がり、また同じことを繰り返していました。私が彼のところへ歩いて行くと、少なくとも3回は同じことを繰り返していました。
この老犬は私から逃げられるような状態ではなく、今回の救助はこれまでで最も容易な救助活動だった。しかし同時に、最も胸が張り裂ける思いだった。この哀れな未去勢の雄犬は、長年の動物救助活動で見てきたどの犬よりもひどい状態だった。衰弱し、脱水症状に陥り、右目は腫れて閉じ、膿が流れ出ていた。両耳もひどく感染し、膿が流れ出ていた。体中は腫れ物だらけで、ノミがびっしりと生え、前爪は4インチ近くも伸びていた。歯はすべて歯茎の高さまですり減っていた。おそらく、彼を閉じ込めるために使われていたケーブルや鎖を長年噛み続けていたためだろう。足の肉球はひどくすり減って切れていた。
彼は私の影を見ると、殴られそうになったかのようにびくっと地面に倒れた。
私が彼に近づくと、彼は私の近づきに気付いていないようでしたが、私の影を見ると、まるで殴られそうになったかのようにびくっと地面に倒れ込み、縮こまりました。私は彼と一緒に草の上に座り、彼を撫でながら優しく話しかけ、縮こまるのをやめるまで続けました。二度と誰も彼を傷つけることはなく、彼の苦しみは終わるのだと、彼に安心させようとしたのです。私は彼に、私を恐れるものは何もないということを見せたかったのです。
私は彼の年齢を10歳以上と見積もったが、後に彼を診察した獣医は彼が15歳近くであると診断した。私は彼を腕に抱き上げ、母の家から持っていく荷物を詰め込んだ小さなユーティリティトレーラーがある車庫へと運んだ。箱の一つにはドライフードとステンレススチールの犬用ボウル、古い毛布とタオルが入っていたので、私は彼のためにベッドを作り、ドライフードを水に溶いて柔らかくしながら彼をその上に寝かせた。彼の歯の状態ではそうしないと食べるのに苦労するだろうと分かっていたからだ。彼の状態を考慮して、数時間にわたって少量ずつ食べ物と水を与えた。あまりに急いで食べたり飲んだりしたくはなかったが、少しでも体力を回復させて家に連れて帰り、翌朝獣医に連れて行って人道的に苦しみを終わらせようとした。
ローディーを家に連れて帰ると、彼は私の太ももに頭を乗せた
一度彼を見つけたら、置いていくという選択肢はなかった。ジープの助手席にベッドを作り、彼を抱き上げて寝かせた。ユーティリティトレーラーを繋ぎ、このぐっすり眠っている老犬が農場まで無事に帰ってきてくれるだろうかと思いながら、家路についた。数マイル走ったところで、彼は頭を上げ、開けられた大きな茶色の目でまるで「ありがとう」とでも言うように私を見た。そして、その頭を私の右太ももに乗せ、家路に着くまでずっとそのままにして、また眠りについた。
彼は私と一緒に農場に戻り、私は納屋の空いている馬房で彼を心地よく寝かせました。翌朝一番に獣医の診察室に連れて行けるまで、他の犬たちから隔離しておきたかったからです。私は彼を獣医の診察室に運び込み、診察台に寝かせました。獣医がこのかわいそうなお年寄りを、もっと良い場所に送ってくれると確信していました。彼は片方の目を開け、手を伸ばして前足で私に触れました。その時、私はすぐに、このかわいそうなお年寄りが私の心を打ち砕くだろうと悟りました。
獣医の検査。何が見つかるのでしょうか？
獣医が診察してくれて、終わった後、この老犬は耳の感染症が今まで見た中で最悪の状態だと告げられました。その結果、完全に耳が聞こえなくなってしまったのはほぼ確実だと言われました。私たちは健康上の問題について話し合った後、獣医は私にどうしたらいいか尋ねました。獣医は、今のところ治療できないような問題は見当たらず、ストレスや痛みもそれほど大きくなく、生活の質も向上するだろうと説明しましたが、高齢なので、たとえ全ての問題を治療したとしても、この老犬はあと6ヶ月か1年しか生きられないかもしれない、そしてそれは私次第だと警告しました。私が見つけたこのかわいそうな老犬を見下ろしてためらっているのを見て、獣医はこう言いました。「フィラリアの検査をしましょう。治療するには高齢すぎます。陽性かどうか確認してから決めてください。」私は「わかりました」と言いました。彼を「ローディー」と名付けたのは、見つけたその日に、彼が長い間旅をしていたことが明らかだったからです。
フィラリア検査の結果を待つ間、万が一フィラリアが陰性だった場合、他の病気の治療費をどこから捻出するか考えていました。そこで携帯電話を取り、匿名を希望する親しい友人に電話をかけました。彼はハリケーン・カトリーナの後に「Kat 5 Animal Rescue」という災害動物救助団体を設立した人物です。ローディーのことをすべて話したところ、獣医と私がローディーの生活の質を回復できると判断したら、治療費を援助してくれると言ってくれました。
心臓虫から解放され、ローディーは生きたいと願っている
獣医が戻ってきて、「ローディーは今、色々な問題を抱えていますが、フィラリアはそのうちの一つではありません」と言いました。獣医は私が費用を心配していることを当然承知しており、この優しい老犬を治療したいなら、できる限りの割引をしてくれると言ってくれました。私は、ローディーと数分間二人きりになって、正しい判断ができるようにしてほしいと頼みました。ローディーの汚れた毛を撫でながら、彼が私の前に現れたのは何か理由があるのだと気づきました。たとえそれが半年でも、あるいは1年でも、生涯にわたるネグレクトと虐待に苦しんできたこの老犬に、この世を去る前に誰かが愛し、気にかけていたことを示すために、私はできる限りのことをしようと決意しました。その時が来たら、きっと深い悲しみに打ちひしがれるだろうと、私は重々承知していました。
そこでローディーは治療を受けることになりました。動物病院に5日間入院し、点滴と抗生物質の投与、ノミの駆除、耳垢のたまった感染耳の洗浄、薬浴などを受けました。すべての問題が解決し、2ヶ月近くかかりましたが、彼は完全に回復しました。
人生最高の数ヶ月…老齢になっても野球をプレー
ローディーは私や他の犬たち、そして馬たちと一緒に農場で7ヶ月間、幸せで生き生きと暮らしていました。私が恐れていた朝が来るまで、彼は毎晩お気に入りのボールで遊び、私のベッドで眠っていました。その金曜日、私はローディーと他の子供たちを連れ出そうと起きましたが、彼は起き上がって立つことができず、ただ調子が悪いだけだと思い、立ち上がるのを手伝って外に出して用を足させ、週末もそうし続けました。月曜日には、私が介助しても彼の脚は体重を支えることができなかったので、7ヶ月前と同じように、私は彼を動物病院に連れて行き、獣医からもうその時が来たと告げられました。ローディーがこの世を去るとき、私は彼を腕に抱きしめて泣きました。しかし、その大きな美しい茶色の目の奥の灯りが消える直前に彼が私を見つめた時、ローディーは私が彼を愛していたことを知っていたことを、彼が私を愛していたことを知っていたことを心の底から知りました。
ローディーを農場に連れ帰り、ローディーの獣医費を援助してくれた友人が、ローディーのお気に入りのボールと一緒に農場で埋葬するのを手伝ってくれました。家に戻り、他の犬たちと一緒に慰めの場に座り、今と同じように何日も泣きながらローディーの話をしました。今なら正直に言って、もう一度同じことをしたいと心から思います。ローディーを見つける数週間前に母を亡くしたばかりだったのですが、当時の私には全く分かりませんでしたが、ローディーは私の人生で最も暗い日々を乗り越える力となり、母の死ではなく、ローディーのことに集中させてくれました。ローディーのこと、そして彼がくれた特別な贈り物を私は決して忘れません。ボールや他の犬たちと遊んでいたローディー、そして彼らに追いつこうと全速力で歩いていたローディーのことを思い出さない日はほとんどありません。その日には、微笑んだり、時には涙を流したりします。私のジープには犬の足跡のようなマグネットが付いていて、「誰が誰を救った？」と書かれています。皆さんの判断にお任せします。
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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.