SHEP
This is Shep — he’s 19 years old and sound asleep as he’s being cradled in his father John’s arms as they go for their daily swim in Lake Superior.
Shep was rescued by John as an 8 month old pup and now, as a senior dog, he falls asleep every night when he’s carried into the lake this way.
The buoyancy of the water soothes his arthritic bones and Lake Superior is very warm right now, so the temp of the water is perfect for them.
This is the kind of love and devotion that every dog deserves from its human guardian.
Thanks to Joseph for posting this on my FB page.
August 5th, 2012 at 7:44 am
So touching and beautiful. My best friend rescues animals. His latest, a black Pomeranian with one eye, has a much better life now. Jelly was so overweight that his dick dragged the ground when he walked. My friend put him n a diet after his vet said he was going to die if he didn’t lose a significant amount of weight. He lost 8 pounds, under my friends loving dietary constrictions, and now acts like a puppy. The vet was so impressed with the overall improvement in Jelly’s health that he grabbed my friend and hugged him. Of course, knowing a good vet helps. This vet, after Jelly was brought in for breathing difficulties early in his adoption, said he wanted to keep him overnight for observation. The vet didn’t leave him at the office, he took Jelly home and actually observed him. Pretty cool guy. What I learned about canine obesity from this is that the fat compresses on a dog’s organs, putting pressure on them, and actually pushing them out of their position. It’s very hurtful to poochies. Jelly dotes on my friend as a result of his ministrations, and my friend is like a little kid around this wonder pooch. It’s just amazing.
August 5th, 2012 at 10:49 am
What a fabulous story and photo. I made sure to give my two pooches some extra love both before and after our daily three-mile beach walk today. Those of us who live with dogs are incredibly lucky. Thanks for sharing.
August 5th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Do you know that our adopted rescue “Speckles” is only now, after 4 years, willing to lay against me if he sleeps in bed with me? He has always slept in a curled ball, never touching me up until about 6 months ago. Because of the abuse he suffered as a pup he had great anxiety and trust issues with men but loved my mom immediately. And it has been a great lesson for me, I am much more conscientious of my body language and tone of voice because I know he was sensitive to that.
August 6th, 2012 at 12:00 am
Totally tearing up here.
Beautiful.
August 6th, 2012 at 1:07 pm
That is the perfect example of how we should treat our pets.
August 8th, 2012 at 2:24 pm
Scott, I know people aren’t your favorite animals but I can’t help thinking we’d get on better if we gave each other with some of this now and then. Thanks for the post – and all the others – just catching up after a few days away.
August 10th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Great photograph! A WI television station did a story on this pic. The link is here ==> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pmVI9eD1pI. Make sure you have plenty of Kleenex handy before you watch it. If this doesn’t touch your heart – you’re either made of stone or a Republican! (Redundant, I know – couldn’t resist.)