Death can be a scary thing. Many people live decades without considering their own mortality; so, when we are faced with the end, we may be surprised to discover the truth that has always permeated our being. It is a truth to which many are blind; and, this blindness, in turn, forms the basis of our fears. It is the fleeting nature of our existence that unites us not just with our fellow man– but also with every living being that has ever walked upon the Earth.
In fact, it’s often animals that understand and reveal this reality to us. For pet owners who have suffered loss, this wisdom will never leave our hearts. The way our furry friends know and understand our grief opens a gate that cannot be closed; and, for one man, the actions of his dog during his wife’s final moments will never be forgotten.
When the couple faced an uphill battle against illness and their hope began to wane, her husband’s only certitude was an unquestioning service to his beloved. Many would consider her request strange, perhaps a moment of confusion amidst a sea of despair; however, the loving man lovingly agreed to help her say one final goodbye.
She was able to speak, but was not eating or drinking, and relied completely on her IV and hard pain pills. In one rare instance of cogent speech, she convinced me to sneak our dog into her private room, so she could see her ‘one more time.’
There was just one problem: the meeting would require sneaking Bella, a 50-pound Australian Shepherd, into the hospital. While the plan seemed like a long shot, it was feasible that fitting the dog into a large suitcase may turn this quixotic wish into an unforgettable reality.
Bella stepped into the open bag and enjoyed the car ride without incident; and, when it was time to zip her up, her owner did the only thing he could think to do to prepare her.
When we arrived, I ‘explained’ to her that I would open the zipper in a few minutes and that she could see her Mommy. Unbelievably, she never whimpered, barked, or whined. When I walked past the station nurses, I told them I was simply bringing items to make my wife more comfortable. No problem, they said.
But the surprises didn’t end there. It was obvious that a miracle would be needed to make the meeting last, since the end stages of her ailment made conscious– let alone lucid– moments a rarity. Indeed, when Bella arrived, her “Mommy” was fast asleep.
I unzipped the suitcase, and the dog immediately jumped on the bed, and gingerly laid across her chest, somehow avoiding the wires and IV.
She positioned herself to where she could look directly into my wife’s eyes, and laid completely still, until about twenty minutes later, when my wife woke up, and started moaning in pain.
The dog immediately started licking her, and quietly moaned, as if knowing that barking would definitely blow our cover.
My wife hugged her for almost an hour, smiling the whole time. We were busted by one nurse who was so touched that she promised not to tell. When my wife finally went back to sleep, I loaded the dog back in the suitcase, and she somewhat sheepishly obliged.
The whole incident unfolded just days before the woman passed. But, the sensitivity of the pooch will never be forgotten by her bereaving owner. After all, Bella gave his late wife a gift of immeasurable value: one final dose of unconditional love.
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