Hospice Patient Reunites With Dog

If this story doesn’t do it for you, nothing will.

— Kenn

ROCKFORD – Most dog owners will tell you their pets are like family, so having to give one up can be heartbreaking. That was especially true for one hospice patient. But some Heartland Hospice workers were able to track down the missing pet and reunite him with his former owner.

The tears started falling right away as Earl, 67, saw his old dog Teddy for the first time in more than a year. That was when Earl’s health had started to deteriorate. He had had a stroke and is battling emphysema and dementia. His family had to give up the dog after to move him into long-term care.

“I would have never given him up,” says Earl.

Teddy had been a gift from his now-deceased wife. He got the dog after his stroke and he says Teddy was always very protective of him. Earl says the dog was more than a pet to both him and his wife.

“Him and the kitty-cat were our children,” says Earl.

His heartbreak over Teddy is what prompted his hospice workers to start looking for the dog. Teddy had gone to another family through a shelter but the organization had a policy not to give out information on the new owners. But Heartland Hospice was able to convince the place, then his new owners that even just a few minutes with his old dog would mean a world of difference to Earl.

“At this time things look pretty grim to him. He’s at a new facility, he’s not at his home anymore, he doesn’t have his dog. His wife passed away approximately two years ago. He’s grieving a lot of things. And I thought if I could put a smile on his face just temporarily it would do him some good,” says Tirah Brown, Heartland Hospice social worker.

Teddy now lives with a Rockford family that includes a little girl. Earl gave them the blanket Teddy had slept on since he was a puppy.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
13 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Tammieo
Tammieo
12 years ago

Brought tears….poor man.:(

me
me
12 years ago

Me  Too.:(

Aferg
Aferg
12 years ago

Bless those hospice workers!

Nana
Nana
12 years ago

This is so touching, u never know how much something like this helps someone….it is amazing.

ahhgoosh
ahhgoosh
12 years ago

Few things prove God’s wonders like hospice workers and dogs.  The fact that these angels (the hospice) went through all they did to reunite this man and his beloved dog only proves that point.

Toniabnj
Toniabnj
12 years ago

Very sweet story

Pj
Pj
12 years ago

The love of a four legged friend is powerful!

Theresa
Theresa
12 years ago

Really breaks my heart 🙁

Chasg1
Chasg1
12 years ago

What a wonderful story,brought tearsto me and much comfort to know they both seemed so happy.

dissertation
12 years ago

I wanna cry 

e cigarette
12 years ago

This is a very significant blog.  Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Keep up the good job in posting very good topics. 

Shace
Shace
12 years ago

What a beautiful story and I know this man will die content that teddy is with a family that loves him. God bless them all!

nona
nona
12 years ago

I hope the new family will bring Teddy to visit Earl often…

SUBSCRIBE TO
DOG FILES

Top Posts

More Articles...

13
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x

Why haven't You Signed up For our Newsletter?

Find out why over 8000 Dog lovers have already Joined!

Receive our newsletter, get special deals & stay updated.