The Great Animal Rescue Chase 의 설립자로서, 저는 수백 명의 놀라운 영웅들을 만나는 기쁨을 누리고 있지만, 이 영웅은 저를 깜짝 놀라게 했습니다. 이 남자와 이 개가 서로를 몇 번이고 끌어안았던 이야기를 읽으면 온몸이 으스러질 겁니다. 더 많은 사진을 보시려면 기사 마지막에 있는 링크를 꼭 확인해 주세요. 언젠가 우리 모두가 이 영웅들을 깊이 사랑할 수 있기를…
조지아의 Don Hill 작성
저는 조지아주 오거스타에 있었습니다. 어머니가 여러 건강 문제와 합병증으로 최근 돌아가신 후, 몇 주 동안 어머니의 집을 청소하느라 시간을 보냈습니다. 그 마지막 날인 일요일, 조지아주 북동부 산기슭으로 돌아가기 한 시간 전, 다섯 마리의 구조견이 거의 네 시간 거리에 있는 상황에서 부모님 댁을 마지막으로 한 번 더 보기 위해 앞마당으로 나갔습니다. 그때 앞마당에 아주 늙은 개 한 마리가 눈에 띄게 고통스러워하는 모습이 보였습니다. 그 개는 반원을 그리며 걷다가 땅에 쓰러졌다가 다시 힘겹게 일어서기를 반복했습니다. 제가 그 개에게 다가가자 그 개가 같은 행동을 적어도 세 번은 했습니다.
이 불쌍한 늙은 개는 도망칠 수 있는 상태가 아니었기에, 이번 구조는 제가 가장 쉽게 해낼 수 있는 구조였지만, 동시에 가장 가슴 아픈 구조이기도 했습니다. 중성화 수술을 받지 않은 이 불쌍한 수컷 개는 제가 동물 구조 활동을 하면서 본 어떤 개보다도 상태가 최악이었습니다. 야위고 탈수 상태였으며, 오른쪽 눈은 부어올라 고름이 흘러내리고 있었고, 양쪽 귀는 심하게 감염되어 고름이 흘러내리고 있었습니다. 온몸에는 열린 상처가 가득했고, 벼룩이 들끓었으며, 앞발톱은 거의 10cm나 길었습니다. 이빨은 모두 잇몸과 수평을 이루고 있었는데, 아마도 오랫동안 그를 가두던 케이블이나 쇠사슬을 씹어 온 탓인 것 같습니다. 발바닥은 심하게 닳고 갈라져 있었습니다.
그는 내 그림자를 보자 움찔하며 마치 얻어맞을 듯이 땅에 쓰러졌다.
그에게 가까이 다가갔을 때, 그는 내가 다가오는 것을 듣지 못한 듯했지만, 내 그림자를 보자 마치 맞을 것처럼 움찔하며 땅에 쓰러지고는 움츠러들었다. 나는 그와 함께 풀밭에 앉아 그를 쓰다듬으며 그가 움츠러드는 것을 멈출 때까지 부드럽게 말을 건넸다. 아무도 그를 다시는 해치지 않을 것이고 그의 고통은 끝날 것이라고 안심시키려 애썼다. 나는 그에게 나를 두려워할 필요가 없다는 것을 보여주고 싶었다.
나는 그의 나이를 10살 이상으로 추정했습니다.그를 치료한 수의사는 나중에 그가 15살에 가깝다고 결정했습니다.나는 그를 팔에 안고 어머니 집에서 가져온 물건으로 가득 찬 작은 유틸리티 트레일러가 있는 차고로 그를 옮겼습니다.상자 중 하나에 건조 개 사료와 스테인리스 스틸 개 그릇이 있었고 오래된 담요와 수건도 있었기 때문에 나는 그에게 침대를 만들고 건조 사료를 물에 섞어 부드럽게 한 다음 그를 그 위에 눕혔습니다.그의 치아 상태로는 그렇지 않으면 먹기 어려울 것이라는 것을 알았습니다.나는 그의 상태 때문에 몇 시간 동안 그에게 소량의 사료와 물을 주었습니다.너무 빨리 먹거나 마시기를 원하지 않았지만 그의 힘을 키우고 다음날 아침에 그를 내 수의사에게 데려가서 인도적으로 그의 고통을 끝낼 수 있도록 노력했습니다.
로디를 집으로 데려오면서 – 그는 내 허벅지에 머리를 얹었습니다.
그를 발견하자마자 떠날 수는 없었다. 지프 앞좌석에 침대를 만들어 그를 안아 올려 눕혔다. 트레일러를 연결하고 집으로 향하며, 이제 곤히 잠든 이 늙은이가 농장까지 무사히 돌아올 수 있을지 걱정했다. 몇 마일쯤 더 가다가, 그는 고개를 들고 큰 갈색 눈을 하나 뜬 채 나를 바라보았다. 마치 고맙다는 듯, 그리고는 그 머리를 내 오른쪽 허벅지에 얹고는 집으로 돌아오는 내내 그대로 있었다. 그리고 다시 잠이 들었다.
그 녀석은 나와 함께 농장으로 돌아왔고, 나는 헛간의 빈 마구간에 그 녀석을 편안하게 재웠다. 다음 날 아침 동물병원에 데려갈 때까지 다른 개들과 격리시켜 두고 싶었기 때문이다. 나는 그 녀석을 동물병원으로 데려가 진찰실 테이블에 눕혔다. 수의사가 이 불쌍하고 다정한 늙은이를 더 나은 곳으로 보내줄 거라고 기대하며. 그 녀석은 멀쩡한 한쪽 눈을 뜨고 손을 뻗어 내 발로 나를 어루만졌다. 나는 그 순간, 이 불쌍한 늙은이가 내 마음을 아프게 할 거라는 걸 직감했다.
수의사 검진. 뭘 발견할까?
수의사가 진찰을 했는데, 검사가 끝나자 이 노인은 귀 감염이 심해서 거의 청각 장애가 있는 것 같다고 했습니다. 우리는 건강 문제에 대해 모두 이야기했고, 수의사는 제가 어떻게 하고 싶은지 물었습니다. 지금은 치료할 수 없는 문제는 보이지 않고, 큰 스트레스나 고통 없이 완전히 회복되어 좋은 삶의 질을 누릴 수 있을 거라고 말했습니다. 하지만 고령이라 모든 문제를 치료하더라도 이 노인은 6개월이나 1년밖에 남지 않았을 수도 있으니, 결국 제게 달려 있다고 경고했습니다. 제가 발견한 이 불쌍한 노인을 내려다보며 망설이는 것을 본 수의사는 "심장사상충 검사를 해 봅시다. 치료를 받기에는 너무 나이가 많습니다. 양성인지 아닌지 확인해 보고 결정하세요."라고 말했습니다. 저는 "알겠습니다."라고 대답했습니다. "로디"라는 이름은 제가 그를 발견한 날부터 그가 한동안 길 위에서 살아왔다는 것이 분명했기 때문에 지어준 것입니다.
심장사상충 검사 결과를 기다리면서, 심장사상충 음성 판정을 받았을 경우 다른 문제들을 치료할 비용을 어디서 마련해야 할지 고민했습니다. 휴대전화를 들고 익명을 요구한 절친한 친구에게 전화를 걸었습니다. 그는 허리케인 카트리나 이후 Kat 5 Animal Rescue라는 재난 대응 동물 구조 단체를 설립했다고 했습니다. 저는 그에게 로디에 대한 모든 것을 이야기했고, 그는 수의사와 제가 로디가 좋은 삶의 질을 되찾을 수 있다고 판단하면 치료 비용을 지원해 주겠다고 했습니다.
심장사상충에서 벗어난 로디는 살고 싶어합니다.
수의사가 돌아와서 "로디는 지금 문제가 많은데 심장사상충은 아니에요."라고 말했습니다. 그는 제가 비용에 대해 걱정하고 있다는 것을 분명히 알고 있었고, 이 다정한 노인을 치료하고 싶다면 가능한 모든 할인을 해주겠다고 말했습니다. 저는 로디와 몇 분만이라도 혼자 있게 해달라고 부탁했고, 올바른 결정을 내릴 수 있도록 했습니다. 로디의 엉키고 더러운 털을 쓰다듬으며 서 있는 동안, 저는 그가 제 앞에 나타난 데에는 이유가 있다는 것을 깨달았습니다. 6개월이든 1년이든, 평생 방치와 학대를 겪어온 이 노인에게 세상을 떠나기 전에 누군가가 그를 사랑하고 걱정하고 있다는 것을 보여주기 위해 제가 할 수 있는 모든 것을 할 것입니다. 그때가 오면 제가 슬픔에 잠길 것을 잘 알고 있었습니다.
그래서 로디는 치료를 받기로 했습니다. 5일 동안 동물병원에 머물면서 정맥 수액과 항생제를 투여받고, 벼룩 감염을 치료하고, 감염된 귀의 분비물을 제거하고, 약을 넣은 목욕을 했습니다. 모든 문제가 해결되었고 거의 두 달이 걸렸지만, 로디는 완전히 회복했습니다.
그의 인생 최고의 몇 달…노년에도 공을 치는 것
로디는 농장에서 나와 다른 개들, 말들과 함께 7개월 동안 행복하고 활기차게 살았습니다.그는 가장 좋아하는 공을 가지고 놀았고, 내가 두려워하던 그날 아침까지 매일 밤 내 침대에서 잤습니다.나는 금요일에 로디와 다른 아이들을 데리고 나가려고 일어났지만, 그는 일어나서 일어설 수 없었고, 그냥 오늘 컨디션이 안 좋은 줄 알았기에, 나는 그의 발을 일으켜 세워 밖으로 데리고 나가 볼일을 보도록 도왔고 주말 내내 그렇게 했습니다.월요일이 되자, 내 도움을 받아도 그의 다리는 그의 무게를 지탱할 수 없었기 때문에, 7개월 전처럼 나는 그를 내 동물병원으로 옮겼고, 수의사는 나에게 때가 되었다고 말했습니다.나는 로디가 세상을 떠날 때 그를 안고 울었지만, 로디가 커다랗고 아름다운 갈색 눈 뒤로 빛이 꺼지기 직전에 나를 바라보았을 때, 나는 로디가 내가 그를 사랑한다는 것을 내가 그가 나를 사랑한다는 것을 알고 있다는 것을 마음으로 알았습니다.
로디를 농장으로 데려갔고, 로디의 수의사 비용을 도와주던 친구가 로디가 가장 좋아하는 공과 함께 농장에 묻어주는 걸 도와주었습니다. 저는 집으로 가서 다른 개들과 함께 앉아 위로를 받고, 지금처럼 며칠 동안 울며 로디의 이야기를 들려주었습니다. 지금 제가 아는 모든 것을 안다면, 다시 처음부터 시작할 수 있을 거라고 솔직하게 말할 수 있습니다. 아시다시피, 로디를 찾기 몇 주 전에 저는 어머니를 잃었고, 로디는 제가 알지도 못한 채 제 인생에서 가장 어두웠던 날들을 로디에게 집중하며 최근의 어머니 상실에 대해서는 신경 쓰지 않고 헤쳐나갈 수 있도록 도와주었습니다. 저는 로디와 로디가 준 특별한 선물을 절대 잊지 않을 것입니다. 로디가 공이나 다른 개들과 놀고, 그들과 보조를 맞추려고 최대한 빨리 걷는 모습을 떠올리지 않는 날은 거의 없습니다. 웃지 않거나 가끔 눈물을 흘리기도 합니다. 제 지프에는 개 발자국처럼 생긴 자석이 있는데, "누가 누구를 구했을까?"라고 적혀 있습니다. 판단은 여러분께 맡기겠습니다.
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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.