DIANNE’S DOGHOUSE
PETE AND CARRIE
When we rescued Pete, he seemed especially glad to be part of our family. He had been stolen from a very abusive place and would probably have died, had this wonderful person not saved his life. I’m sure Pete didn’t know how great his danger was, but I know he was glad to be out of that bad place and in our home. However, we never found out who his savior was.
Now, Pete is an official therapy dog. His first Hospice patient was Carrie, who was ninety-six years old, feeble, but with a very sharp mind. Carrie didn’t complain about her aging body, or that she was in a nursing home. As Pete sat on her lap, she wonders why God has kept her alive for so long. When she was lonely, in her quiet room, God reminded her that He was giving her a chance for stillness and has given her a great dog to spoil. On every visit, Carrie would get her box of corn flakes out and say, “one for Pete, two for me.”
Two days before her death, Pete and I went for our weekly visit expecting to share snacks together. We found Carrie hanging on to life by a thread. Pete kept pulling on his leash so hard that he broke his collar and jumped up in bed with her. He snuggled up close, careful not to hurt her and laid there quietly looking at her with his big, brown compassionate eyes. As I watched Pete with Carrie, I was touched by his loyalty to her.
Carrie slipped into death that day, with Pete by her side. She is in a much better place—no pain, no sorrow, but Pete will miss his sweet little friend and his corn flake snacks. Through Carrie I found purpose and peace; to be still to listen and to be thankful for every day.
Blessings,
Dianne Hammontree
