When I came back home from the hospital after my
AVM and bleed in 2002, I was greeted by my human family
and also my two dogs. Reen was a sheltie and Sadie was a mix and when I arrived home I sat on the stoop outside our house and the dogs were ushered outside where they seemed to stare
at me in disbelief. Was I their friend, and owner who they had not seen in two months? Reen sniffed all my hospital
wounds and then sat down as if to say that OK, you are
a real mess, but we will do our best to bring you back.
Sadie licked my hand.
As the days went by I slept often and one day I noticed
Reen sleeping on the rug in my room even though my
daughter was asking the dogs to go on a walk, their
greatest joy. She would not go, but stayed to guard me.
Another time my wife helped me to wash my hair and I told
Reen not to let any other relatives in the bathroom door
and she obeyed. They inspired me to keep trying and come
back so I could take care of them. Today, we have a new generation of dogs that also keep me going. People who have been through what we have need all the help we can get!