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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDying Man's Final Wish: One Last Meeting With His Dog
Roger Calvert told friends and family that more than anything, he just wanted his best friend Bailey by his side to see him through the final days of his journey. The former Pittsburgh resident, now living in Florida, was visiting Pennsylvania recently and scheduled a checkup with his doctor. At the appointment, Calvert was told that he had cancer, and would only live for a matter of days.
Shocked and understandably saddened by the news, Calvert let it be known that his final wish was to have Bailey visit with him before he was gone. When Nick Petti of Family Hospice and Palliative Care heard about Calverts plight, he made an urgent call to Pilots N Paws, a volunteer group known for saving countless lives each year by transporting dogs to shelters and adoptive homes across the country. That call set the wheels in motion for a scramble to make arrangements to fly Bailey to PA, and in no time, she took off for Pittsburgh.
Literally within hours, Bailey was at Calverts side, nuzzling with her best friend in his darkest hours, granting a dying mans final wish before it was too late. It was a moment hospital employees say they wont soon forget, a moment made possible by the kindness of strangers united in a common cause.
(Calvert) was visibly relieved when Bailey was there with him, said Petti. This huge burden seemed to be off his shoulders, and he was more calm and comfortable that she had arrived and was there with him.
http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2012/03/dying-mans-final-wish-one-last-meeting-with-dog/
Good on everybody who helped! RIP Roger Calvert!
Nostradammit
(2,921 posts)Whatever else can be said about Roger Calvert, he was a good dog owner.
Humans' ability to love their animals gives me great hope.
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,297 posts)I am really heartened to read this.
Safe passage to Roger...
jsmirman
(4,507 posts)as I would like to tell the story of my little one, who was with my great-aunt when he was first rescued, and who was next to her during her last days, but for now I just will say K&R...
glowing
(12,233 posts)Just tells you what a sick fuck Romney is and shouldn't be in charge of anything, let alone this country!
emilyg
(22,742 posts)friggin' tired of people politicising everything.
TBF
(31,921 posts)I'd expect a different response in the pets group but when it's in GD you'll hear from everyone.
hayrow1
(198 posts)Mitt Romney.
schmice
(248 posts)malaise
(267,808 posts)Thanks for this
MarianJack
(10,237 posts)...as well as bain romney, have NO IDEA how an animal can be a true best friend.
What a touching story. K&R!
PEACE!
irisblue
(32,828 posts)from state rescue to rescue groups. i have always felt it to be an honor and a blessing. i'm typing this with princess peanuts' head on my knee as i type this...gotta get some kleenex.
Scuba
(53,475 posts)mac56
(17,561 posts)Thanks for posting this.
xchrom
(108,903 posts)progressoid
(49,825 posts)Now, I'm tearing up.
vankuria
(901 posts)I can totally relate...my sweet little fella is always there for me, providing me with comfort and love. When I had pneumonia for a month he never left my side. They truely are our best friends in the world. So glad there are kind folks out there who made it their mission to reunite this man with his dog...warms my heart.
myrna minx
(22,772 posts)lumberjack_jeff
(33,224 posts)How did we evolve into this symbiotic relationship?
GiveMeFreedom
(976 posts)I have never met a dog that has said one bad word to me. He/she might not like me, may be scared of me, may growl, be shy, but always truthful and honest with their feelings. When a dog loves you ... you know the rest.
My friend, protector, extra ears, extra eyes, personal heater, exerciser, furry rub, ??? Love me some JAX (his name) and we have gotten real close since I have been home for two years now, working on the cancer thing too. Although I am having some good results with my treatments. Oh, he's a purebred corgi, a furry, furry corgi. He's neutered also, responsible owners that don't breed make sure you do that!
dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)Been thinking about getting one for some time now.
renate
(13,776 posts)And Jax is a cutie pie!
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)from me and Shrimpy
joshcryer
(62,265 posts)Hunters would take the tamest dogs from a litter, and either kill the rest or leave them with their wild mother. Amazingly, it does not require many generations to take a wild animal and "domesticate" it. Artificial selection is a hell of a thing.
There's a fascinating program on NOVA that covers it: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/dogs-decoded.html
And this one, too: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/how-smart-dogs.html
hifiguy
(33,688 posts)Our furry companions are the truest friends we will ever have.
Hats off to all who made this possible.
woo me with science
(32,139 posts)I have tears in my eyes. I'm so glad he got to see his friend.
(I wish I could make this a little smaller, but I can't right now)
tabasco
(22,974 posts)Thanks a lot.
RedEarth
(7,477 posts)southernyankeebelle
(11,304 posts)have the things around you to make it easy. RIP.
HillWilliam
(3,310 posts)I'm hugging my furgirls hard right now.
Uncle Joe
(58,112 posts)Thanks for the thread, grits.
Smilo
(1,944 posts)no wonder Roger wanted Bailey with him. Dogs can comfort like no human being can.
Quantess
(27,630 posts)Good "bedside manners".
tabasco
(22,974 posts)I wish people were that way.
My dog is my role model, best friend, and snuggle buddy.
RebelOne
(30,947 posts)Nick Petti is an angel. RIP Roger Calvert.
NICO9000
(970 posts)I have a devoted cat who I rescued 16 years ago and we're both still going strong. He's the most devoted pet i've ever had (and I've had a few of 'em). My wife calls him the "velcro kitty" 'cos if I'm sitting in my chair, he's always on my lap.
Animals are the best!
EFerrari
(163,986 posts)MindandSoul
(1,817 posts)that his beloved Bailey would be well taken care of after he was no longer there to do it.
joeybee12
(56,177 posts)RIP.
Iwillnevergiveup
(9,298 posts)Kudos to the folks who made the reunion possible....talk about first responders!
Blessings to Roger, his family, and friends. And to you, Grits, for posting.
K&R
Taverner
(55,476 posts)Yeah, I would want to see Betty (my beagle) when I was dying
....
Major Nikon
(36,814 posts)I've flown a couple of missions with them transferring rescue dogs.
Withywindle
(9,988 posts)To all those who comfort the dying, and recognize the vital importance of love in all its forms.