Moments with baxter

Tribute Continues for Baxter, the World’s Oldest Therapy Dog

Posted by Barbara Techel

If you are regular followers of my blog, you know how I have loved following the journey of Baxter, the world’s oldest and greatest therapy dog, who sadly passed away on Friday, October 16th at the age of 19 1/2.  You can read more from a previous post.


All proceeds from Baxter’s book are donated to various charities in honor & memory of Baxter

Two days after Baxter’s passing, his Mom and Dad received the news that his book, Moments with Baxter won the presigious USA Book News National Best Book Award 2009.  I can only imagine the swirl of emotions they had with this news.

The book and inspiration behind it would not have been without Baxter.  The positive attention and love they brought to hospice, animals, and this important therapy work is incredible.  This is one of the best books I have ever read, and I recommend it to everyone!  It is filled with dignity, grace and compassion that we all need to know exists.  Baxter truly knew what his life work was, and the love of his human parents brought it to the forefront.  I can just imagine how blessed and hollow they feel all at the same time with the loss of Baxter at this time in their lives.

I can’t even tell you how many times I have gotten so teary-eyes and choked up over this.  But I think it is because I really do understand that special bond Melissa and Dennis shared with Baxter and sharing him with others, as I do with Frankie.  It is something one must experience in order to truly know the depth of it.

So, I say a deeply heart felt congratulations to Melissa and Dennis for their beautiful work in sharing Baxter’s soul work with the world.  One of my wishes when I get to heaven, is to meet Baxter, hug him close and thank him for all he did.  God Bless You always sweet little angel.

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

 

Moments with Baxter

Posted by Barbara Techel


One of my all time favorite books is Moments with Baxter.  The 36-stories collected in this book are about Baxter, the World’s Best and Oldest Therpy Dog who volunteers at San Diego Hospice.

This book touched me deeply.  Finding the words to describe what it is like to be a therapy dog team with Frankie at our local hospice, is not always easy.  It is just something you have to experience… my soul soars each time I visit hospice with Frankie.  It reminds me each and every time that everyone in this world is beautiful.  It reminds me that all we have is the moment we are in.  It reminds me to love with all my heart.  It reminds me that no matter where you are in your life, you are still living… until you take your last breath, and you move on to the other side.  And I believe as this saying by Chief Seattle says, “There is no death, only a change of worlds.”

So with that said, I share this amazing video of Baxter at work at San Diego Hospice… he is now 19 1/2 years old and still giving so much love and joy… he is a testament to unconditional love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIrDbzoOxZc