(not Duchess; photo from Wikimedia commons)
That didn't stop her from sticking with her owner, Dorothy Schnabel, when she wandered off and got lost right at the end of June. Schnabel has Alzheimer's, and would walk daily with Duchess. One of those days, she didn't come home. A rescue effort was launched when her husband returned home a couple of hours later and realized his wife was missing.
It turns out Schnabel had fallen into a nearby ravine. When rescuers found her, she was confused but able to talk to them. She was suffering from dehydration. And Duchess had not left her side. Even as Schnabel was being loaded into the ambulance, Duchess didn't want to leave her, trying to jump onto the stretcher and jump into the ambulance.
I think a lot of people hesitate to adopt an older dog, especially from a shelter, because they're worried about whether "the bond will form". Well. I guess it should be taken on a case by case basis, but for Duchess and Dorothy Schnabel, it seems to me that bond is there.
What a great story.
ReplyDeleteOur local shelter adopts older dogs to senior citizens, at a very nominal fee. I think they're hoping for this kind of result--the dogs will stick with their owners, keep them healthier, and help keep them engaged with life.
Oh, my gosh. What an incredible story. Good girl, Duchess!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful story today...Senior dogs have so much love to offer
ReplyDeleteAwww. This is a very sweet story. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat's a really sweet story!
ReplyDeletewonderful story and so true for many dogs and owners, though I hope most don't get lost.
ReplyDeleteI lack the patience to ever go through puppyhood again. I hope more people see the value of adopting an older dog and the loyalty they show.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! My hesitation in adopting an older dog was the limited time, but I've since had my mind changed and will definitely take a senior dog should the situation arise.
ReplyDeleteWhat a story!
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily