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Dottie, our little angel "therapy dog"

hbmama

Well-known member
My mom (75yrs) was taken to the hospital 2 weeks ago with side pain and shortness of breath, and after a CT scan, found she had a very large pulmonary embolism, and also a large mass behind her breastbone. She was in the hospital 6 days and we moved her and my 83yr old father in with us after she was discharged so I can manage her follow ups with more scans, specialists, etc. There is a real possibility of cancer here, and either way, she will have major surgery in about 6 weeks to remove the tumor. (The reason they couldn't go ahead now is because she is on blood thinners and they are hoping to reduce the blood clot in her lung before they proceed.)

Mom has never been in the hospital before (except to give birth YEARS ago, and has been healthy. She is obviously very anxious, as we all are and we are taking this one day at a time.

Anyway, as you all know, we had been patiently waiting for our pup from a very reputable breeder, for over 13 months. Well, right in the middle of all of this, is when I got the email about 6 month old Dottie. She sounded like a dream come true and we just couldn't wait to get her regardless. On our original application, I had indicated that I wanted a calm and friendly nature that may prove to work well for therapy training.

Oh my gosh, when we got her home, she greeted mom and dad with lap cuddles and kisses and settled right in! Being that she was 6 months and had been very well socialized and well into potty training, it was a fabulous match for our family at this time. I don't think we would have been able to handle a 12 week olds needs or it would have been much more difficult.

Well, yesterday, mom was sitting on the couch doing her Bible study out loud with us. (Miss Dottie was snoring away on my dad's lap.) One of the stories she read really touched her and she started sobbing uncontrollably. Well, Dottie slowly opened her eyes and very gently left my fathers lap and carefully snuggled into mom and laid her little head on her lap. Then, she slowly climbed into her lap and placed her head on mom's chest and just looked up at her with those soulful eyes. She would not leave my mom for anything, until she regained composure.

She was so perceptive that mom needed her snuggles, gently, right at that time. (Her typical entrance is with a flying leap through the air and a face wash.) So, our little Dottie got her first experience as a Therapy dog in training. I feel she was sent by God at this time that we all really needed her!!
 
God continues to amaze us as he sends what he most need when we need it most. I'm so happy he sent you Dottie
 
That is such a touching, sweet story. The compassion these dogs have is truly amazing.....judy and dixie
 
Oh wow!! What a gift you've received. Sounds like the perfect dog found you. What a beautiful story.
 
:( Wiping aways tears here. Thank you for sharing that. I really hope your Mum will be OK. Keep praying. We do a family bible study on a Monday night and Dylan just knows it's time to chew on his rawhide and be quiet for that hour or so.
 
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. She will be in my prayers. Dottie sounds like a little sweetie. What a lovely story.
 
I am sorry to hear about your mom and know that Dottie is that little piece of heaven needed in your home now. My cavalier, also 6 months, is a ray of sunshine. Take care, Debbie
 
hbmama, your story really struck a chord with me.
When i first joined this site I told my story that we had lost our little baby girl last June. We had been considering getting a dog for some time, and in the months that followed, we felt it was the right time. We found a fabulous tricolour boy, Darcy, he has brought so much joy into the family.
I found out just before Christmas that I am expecting again, we are delighted, but still there are days when I feel pain for the little daughter we lost. I was having one of those today. I haven't had one for a while, but things just got on top of me today, plus my raging hormones I guess!
At lunchtime I jsut sat down and cried out loud for ages.
I could see Darcy was worried about me, and he came over, got on my lap, normally he would start to try and play and chew, but today, he licked my face and then curled up on my lap as good as gold.
I totally agree that these dogs are great therapy!
 
I can not imagine the pain you are going through.... I am so sorry.
I am happy that you found a little angel to help you through this difficult time. Don't be afraid to share with others how you feel during this tragic time so they can be there for you. God Bless, Debbie
 
I'm sorry to hear about your Mom and I will keep her in my prayers(and you too) It sounds like Dottie arrived just in time,,,, a heavenly gift indeed. :hug:
 
Thank you so much for sharing your lovely story. I hope and pray that your mom feels better soon. I agree with others...little Dottie was heaven sent...she is just what you & your family needed, sent when you needed her most.....as I am sure others would say that their precious Cavaliers came into their lives in much the same way. These precious dogs are a blessed gift from above.
 
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