geriatric dogs

Olive & Baci stars of “Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog”

Posted by Barbara Techel

This is a Christmas card photo I received today from Jodee and Dan of Hundenruhe Haven Senior Dog Sanctuary and Terrier Town of precious Olive and Baci.  They star in Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book as two friends of Frankie’s that she befriended at the Farmer’s Market in Elkhart Lake several years ago.  Jodee and her husband Dan have devoted their life and much of their salaries to taking in and caring for animals that would have not otherwise had a home.  Their hearts are huge and I consider it an honor to know them.  To learn more about them you can also read an article I wrote about them.

Baxter’s Tribute Poem written by his Loving Mom, Melissa Joseph

Posted by Barbara Techel

A memorial service was held at San Diego Hospice where Baxter, the World's Oldest Therapy Dog worked his magic, up until the last day of his life on October 16th at the age of 19 1/2.  I still get choked up reading updates about this beautiful dog.  Video footage of the memorial is coming, so stay tuned.  But Melissa shared this poem on her website that she wrote for Baxter and read at his memorial tribute.  My heart continues to be with Melissa and her husband, Dennis as they move forward with Baxter firmly in their hearts and now as their spiritual guide.

A Dog’s Way

A dog’s love is so uncomplicated.

It‘s a relationship that consoles rather than upholds agendas…

It’s a relationship that gives and never takes.

It’s a relationship that fulfills rather than empties.

It’s a relationship that is loyal, never giving way to abandonment.

It’s a relationship full of many hellos and only one good-bye…. when they die.

Their love is magical, spiritual, pure and constant. When all else seems unreal, overwhelming, and perplexing, a dog’s love puts it in perspective.

Their fires for you never wane; they always burn and burn for you.

They get excited when you come home and sad when you leave.

They always want you. There is no debate about anything.

Their conversation is read through their eyes. They never tire of your voice. They are attentive, willing and relentlessly there for you.

They really only leave you one time…And, when that time comes, the love affair does come to an end. But, you know that you have been graced with an angel on earth.

They don’t judge you; they don’t ignore you; they don’t abhor you; they don’t hurt you.

They are true until they take their last breath.

There is no love like theirs.

To have a relationship with a dog is to have a taste of bliss.

And, to have a relationship with Baxter is to experience perfection on earth.

I love you Baxter!

A Final Tribute to Baxter, the World’s Oldest & Greatest Therapy Dog

Posted by Barbara Techel

I just read this morning that Baxter passed away on Friday, October 16th.  I am deeply saddened for the loss of such a beautiful soul.  Though I truly believe he has moved onto another realm and continues his therapy dog work.  No dobut he has reunited with all the souls he touched on this earth, that have tranitioned.  Baxter is also no doubt in the arms of the angels, as the song in his video says.

His Mom, Melissa Joseph wrote a beautiful tribute and posted it on Facebook today, so I wanted to share with you, my readers… In memory of Baxter.

The picture I am sharing is taken from Baxieboo’s Blog.
March 23, 1990-October 16, 2009

Baxter, the world’s best, most devoted, and oldest therapy dog, 19 years and 6 months, eased peacefully from his life on Friday afternoon, October 16th.

Baxter began volunteering 7 years ago at Sand Diego Hospice.  In a place created for making goodbyes gentler, Baxter comforted everyone who crossed his path.  He licked tears from grieving faces, gave hugs to those at a loss for words, and warmed the hearts and souls of those who were making their transition.  He would take his body and curl himself next to a patient  for hours, making this intense eye contact that penetrated the human spirit in everyone, proving his undeniable loyalty, love, and sensitivity.  Everyone loved Baxter!

I took in Baxter after he was rescued from a life threatening circumstance.  He was 2 years old, and it took me 6 weeks to make him mine.  It was not much longer and he became my heart.  As I socialize him more and more, I realized Baxter was not like other dogs.  He had a gift and everyone who met him witnessed it.  Though perhaps difficult to believe, to meet Baxter was an experience.  And, you never forgot that experience.  He touched everyone he met.

When my husband, Dennis and I went through the volunteer orientation at San Diego Hospice to become volunteers, Baxter accompanied us because he went everywhere with us.  During those many hours, he spread his magic spirit throughout the room.  And, in the end, the knowing staff exhorted:  “You must get Baxter certified.  He’s magical, and he would make the perfect therapy dog!”

What they recognized was Baxter’s special ability to bring light to darkness, smiles to down turned lips, respite to tear swollen faces, and comfort to pained hearts.  His mere presence brought joy to rooms that were filled with tragedy and imminent loss.

He was the perfect love affair.  His love never ended, he was true to the bone, and his companionship was invaluable.  Baxter taught me many of life’s lessons.  And when I forgot one, he reminded me in the subtlest of ways.  He was consistent, reliable, and predictable.  He was always in a good mood, prepared to volunteer and full of love, kisses and devotion.

There has never been a dog like Baxter in my life.  And there will never be another Baxter.  He truly was the world’s best therapy dog.

Though Baxter is gone, his legacy lives on through his book.  MOMENTS WITH BAXTER, a series of 36 true stories and photos that demonstrate the magical connection Baxter made with individuals at the end of their life.

Visit Baxter at his website.

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS BOOK WILL BE DONATED TO CHARITY IN HONOR AND MEMORY OF BAXTER.

~Melissa Joseph, Baxter’s mom and author of MOMENTS WITH BAXTER