Monday, October 26, 2009

Sweet Baxter has crossed over.

Baxter the Therapy Dog, a San-Diego-area Chow/Lab mix who spent years providing care and comfort to humans at the end of life, died last Friday at the age of 19. After a puppyhood of abuse, Baxter grew up to become a certified therapy dog and enjoyed fame and fans worldwide for his years of volunteer work at San Diego Hospice, where he spent time cuddling, licking faces, and providing smiles for people in hospice care.




You may want to silence the music playing by going to the bottom of this blog page and clicking the playist off so you can hear the video of Baxter

He even became the subject of an award-winning book: "Moments with Baxter: Comfort and Love From the World's Best Therapy Dog." Many of those who knew Baxter believe that it was his own ailments that made him such a powerful companion to hospice patients. The arthritis that plagued him during the latter half of his life left him unable to walk. His owner, Melissa Joseph, helped him carry out his duties at the hospice by pulling him around in a cart and carrying him to patients' beds. (article found at PawNation and written by Rose Martelli)


And one more wonderful story about the love animals give us so freely. This is from my good friend "Whimsical Chick," you can visit her blog at: http://awhimsicalchick.blogspot.com/

The Doberman is pregnant. The fireman had just saved her from a fire in her house,rescuing her by carrying her out of the house into her front yard, then he continued to fight the fire. When he finally got done putting the fire out, he sat down to catch his breath and rest. A photographer from the Charlotte , North Carolina News- paper, noticed the dog in the distance looking at the fireman. He saw the Doberman walking straight toward the fire fighter and wondered what she was going to do. As he raised his camera, she came up to the tired man who had just saved her life and the lives of her unborn babies and kissed him just as the photographer snapped this photograph.



Such sweetness from God's creatures. St. Francis reminds us "Not to hurt our humble brethren [the animals] is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission: to be of service to them whenever they require it."

May we all be kind to each other and freely assist those who are in need. Sea Witch

7 comments:

Doris Sturm said...

Aw, sleep well, sweet Baxter. I hope I can have a dog until I die!

Thewhimsicalchick said...

There is not a more true friend in life then your dog. I'm proud to say I have 4 best friends. I love my Mermaid friend too!

Ana said...

I'm so sorry, I didn't realize you had been sick. I do hope and pray that you are feeling much better now. Sending you tons of "hope you are feeling better" hugs. :-)

By the way, I had heard about Baxter's story before and I think he was just the sweetest thing. I was touched so much by it. I'm a sucker for sweet animal stories like his and the rescued Doberman. Never fails, I cry evertime. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Have a wonderful autumn day.

Hugs and Kisses,
♥Ana

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I'm so sorry you weren't feeling well and I hope you are getting your strength back! It always takes me a long time to bounce back after an illness, but it is never good to rush it. Treat yourself kindly and heal fully!

I just recently learned about Baxter and I'm sad to hear he passed away. He was such a sweet dog and he helped ease the suffering of so many. In a way I'm glad his suffering is over and he can run and play in Rainbow Heaven.

AwtemNymf said...

Bless you & Baxter! Bless Baxter for his gentle spirit. Wow 19 years is a long time!
Bless you for rescuing him when he needed you.
We rescue Boxers! 2 have crossed over too and we have 2 living with us! We love them all!
I ask that Baxter meet up with my dogs and say Hi and give them a hug for me!
May he run and play with no more suffering for eternity. We will see them again when it's time! They'll wait - patiently!
Bless you! Hugs & Prayers!

Kathleen said...

I am now blubbering away. This story made me very emotional. I am so glad you shared it with us. I hope you are feeling better! Hugs, Kathleen

Karen Valentine said...

I didn't wear my waterproof mascara today darn it!!!! Heartwarming stories of dogs always make me teary. I am so blessed to not only have two fur babies of my own, but also work in an environment where I am around sweet dogs all day long. They are one of Gods most precious gifts to us. Giving their love so unconditionally, asking nothing in return. All we have to do is open our hearts and let them in. (Can you tell I LOVE dogs!!!)
Thanks for sharing these wonderful stories!

Karen
My Desert Cottage