LauraV Posted August 11, 2016 Report Share Posted August 11, 2016 Never have I seen such a compassionate dog until we adopted Peter, our BC mix. Last year, due to negligence at an animal hospital, our golden retriever suffered a stroke. When she finally got to come home, he comforted her, helped her find the door, let us know she needed something. When I couldn't stop my flow of tears, he came up to me when I was sitting on the couch and he gently rested his body against my chest so I would stop hyperventilating. Now that our golden retriever has cancer, he once again becomes the emotional support we all need. After her first surgery, he laid with her at all times because she so badly needed someone to be with her. When I get upset trying to find ways to pay for her treatment, he comes up to me and asks to be pet. I am so glad because I know that after her next surgery scheduled for Tuesday, he will be there for her. So as we struggle to come up with funds, and our golden needs comfort, it makes me smile that he is our rock. He is here to make us feel better. It makes me so proud that I adopted such a wonderful dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maja Posted August 11, 2016 Report Share Posted August 11, 2016 This is so touching. One of my border collies is a "vet". She tells other dogs if there is something wrong with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted August 11, 2016 Report Share Posted August 11, 2016 That is sweet. We call our little girl "Nurse Megan" because when one of us is not feeling well, she's likely to be found on the bed just quietly sleeping there and keeping whoever it is company. The boys are different but I know that they are aware when emotions run high, especially Celt if I am anxious or concerned. Their willingness to be there and undemanding when we need it most is one of their most endearing traits. That, and that they are always ready to say, "Forget your problems and let's go for a walk or toss a ball!" I'm sure they do that just to get our minds of whatever might be troubling us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentleLake Posted August 11, 2016 Report Share Posted August 11, 2016 Awww. This is so sweet. I'm so happy you have Peter to help all of you cope during this difficult time. Sounds like he'd be an amazing therapy dog. I'm sure now's not a good time, but maybe something to consider for him later on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maja Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 Their willingness to be there and undemanding when we need it most is one of their most endearing traits. Exactly. When the usually evenly-distributed-all-over-the-house border collies converge quietly near or under the bed . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D'Elle Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 Dogs never cease to amaze me in all ways. He sounds like a gem and I am glad you have him. My Kit was always there for Jester and helped him a lot toward the end of his life. It is wonderful to see a relationship like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riika Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 Your story sounds a lot like "Nurse Judy" in James Herriot. I don't know if she was BC or not, but the book says she was a sheepdog with collie in her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraV Posted August 12, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 He's seriously such a doll. The whole "who rescued who" applies here. Border collies are so much more than what many think they are. In my eyes, they are more human than dog. They are so in tune with us and everyone around them. Truly a breed above all others. D'Elle how's your pack doing since the loss of Jester? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G. Festerling Posted August 13, 2016 Report Share Posted August 13, 2016 <3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D'Elle Posted August 14, 2016 Report Share Posted August 14, 2016 Laura, thanks for asking. Kit finally stopped trying to dig up Jester's grave. I never did try to redirect her from that because i figured it was something she had to go through. Having experienced huge loss and grief in my life, not very long ago, I feel strongly that everyone's grief is their own and different and should be allowed to run its course. To me, that fully includes animals, because it is clear to me that they experience grief as well. Kit is doing a bit better, although honestly it seems as though she has aged a bit too much in the past couple of months. I guess that is not too surprising. It is as if she lost her partner. Everyone else seems to be doing fine, but none of the others were really close to Jes the way Kit was. Me, I miss him a lot and I guess I always will. I dread the day, probably not too far in the future, when Kit leaves and I have no border collie at all. Don't know what I will do then, and I think about it a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraV Posted August 30, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2016 Laura, thanks for asking. Kit finally stopped trying to dig up Jester's grave. I never did try to redirect her from that because i figured it was something she had to go through. Having experienced huge loss and grief in my life, not very long ago, I feel strongly that everyone's grief is their own and different and should be allowed to run its course. To me, that fully includes animals, because it is clear to me that they experience grief as well. Kit is doing a bit better, although honestly it seems as though she has aged a bit too much in the past couple of months. I guess that is not too surprising. It is as if she lost her partner. Everyone else seems to be doing fine, but none of the others were really close to Jes the way Kit was. Me, I miss him a lot and I guess I always will. I dread the day, probably not too far in the future, when Kit leaves and I have no border collie at all. Don't know what I will do then, and I think about it a lot. I wanted to personally thank you for sharing your experience with Jester. It has helped me cope with my decision to help my senior BC cross the bridge in the next few days. It is so nice to have such a great community of dog lovers help each other through these rough times. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D'Elle Posted September 1, 2016 Report Share Posted September 1, 2016 You are welcome. It is good to know that something good came out of my sad posts. I am thinking of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraV Posted September 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2016 I'm overly devistated and the water works are on and off and here comes my little compassionate peter to make it all better. Nikko never had this compassion. It was get better so we can play and go walking! I'm going to miss Nikko so much, but I know Pete will try his hardest to cheer me up. Then there is my golden Zoey who is a clown and does the dumbest things to make me laugh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maja Posted September 2, 2016 Report Share Posted September 2, 2016 Over the Alps, across Spain and Portugal, across the Great Water, I'm sending lots of hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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