Posted on 03/13/2006 1:23:31 PM PST by Kokojmudd
Thursday, February 23, 2006 By Margaret Smykla, Tri-State Sports and News Service
When Athena entered the Castle Shannon home of a terminally ill 5-year-old girl as part of Three Rivers Hospice's volunteer pet therapy program, the Rottweiler went straight to the girl's bedroom in the back of the house and jumped on her bed.
From then on, the two were inseparable during the weekly visits that summer of 2004, with the girl even making him a "doggy cake" with dog biscuits around it.
Without prodding, Athena would often lick the little girl's left side, which was paralyzed.
When the youngster died two months later, her mother asked that Athena attend the memorial service.
And so she did, lying on the floor for 21/2 hours as the girl's 2-year-old brother laid with his head on her.
On Feb. 15, the 110-pound dog, who spread affection, joy, and goodwill for five years as a Three Rivers Hospice volunteer, died of bone cancer in a veterinary hospital.
(Excerpt) Read more at post-gazette.com ...
:P
Oh boy. I simply cannot read something like this without tears and sorrow for all concerned.
I have such love for dogs and respect for all they do for humanity.
Thanks for the kind comments. I will pass them on to our cousin in PA and try and post a picture.
Nice story. Thanks for posting it. Dogs can be such wonderful companions and they bring so much love into a relationship or family.
This dog did that for this little girl and her family. Pets are one of God's blessings to us. ;o)
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