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Reddit user Mellifluous_Username shared one of the most touching and heartbreaking stories we’ve read in a very long time.
When his wife was in the hospital just over a year ago, it had become clear that she wouldn’t likely be leaving. Although she could barely speak and spent her final days heavily sedated, she managed to convince her husband to sneak her dog into the hospital so she could see her one last time.
Here is his story:
“My wife was in the hospital after a very invasive surgery, which after a few days, looked like it did not produce ideal results. The prognosis was not good. She was able to speak, but was not eating or drinking, and relied completely on her IV and hard pain pills. In one rare instance of cogent speech, she convinced me to sneak our dog into her private room, so she could see her ‘one more time.’
“Our dog is about a 50 pound Australian Shepherd, and as it turns out, she fits nicely in a normal suitcase. I packed her in, with the lid unzipped, and placed her in the car until we arrived at the hospital. When we arrived, I ‘explained’ to her that I would open the zipper in a few minutes and that she could see her Mommy.
“Unbelievably, she never whimpered, barked, or whined. When I walked past the station nurses, I told them I was simply bringing items to make my wife more comfortable. No problem, they said.
“When we entered the room, my wife was asleep. I unzipped the suitcase, and the dog immediately jumped on the bed, and gingerly laid across her chest, somehow avoiding the wires and IV. She positioned herself to where she could look directly into my wife’s eyes, and laid completely still, until about twenty minutes later, when my wife woke up, and started moaning in pain.
“The dog immediately started licking her, and quietly moaned, as if knowing that barking would definitely blow our cover. My wife hugged her for almost an hour, smiling the whole time. We were busted by one nurse who was so touched that she promised not to tell. When my wife finally went back to sleep, I loaded the dog back in the suitcase, and she somewhat sheepishly obliged.
“My wife sadly passed a few days later, and as if that is not sad enough, now, whenever I grab the suitcase, the dog thinks we are doing to see her again.”
Annamarie
says:Most hopsitals will allow pets in for situations like this. Just ask.
I have (had) 5 kids, 4 boys and 1 girl. I raised them practically alone. Made a million sacrifices, shared my boots and jeans, went without things I needed , ate little food so that they had enough to eat. Nursed them thru all of their illnesses, and battle wounds and broken hearts. I did what most loving moms should do. To this day, I help some of them that need help, however, I can. I also (had) 13 G-kids and 2 Great-kids. Only 1 of my sons will have anything to do with me ( because he needs a place to stay). I have never been the cause of trouble for any of them, but I get the blame. I have never hurt any of them in any way, not my G-kids either. I have loved all of them their whole lives. Yet they have hurt me in so many ways, so many times. I have been told to let it go, don’t think about it . I don’t know how to do that. My daughter has cheated on everyone she has dated, and both men she has married. She went so far so many times, to accuse me of doing things to her and has accused me of things that I have never heard of. She has lied to everyone about me so she was justified in moving to another state, and convinced her kids and everyone else about her lies so there was no way I could confront her or ever be able to set the stories straight and defend myself against whatever I was accused of. I have my 4 legged fur babies and they are the best things that has ever happened to me. I have had the best babies, and lost all my girls and it hurts me more than you could know. So, I prefer to have my fur babies instead of the other kids. Everytime someone posts about the loss of their fur babies, I cry right along with them too, even if they don’t know it.
Rosie T
says:I’m very sorry that you have experimented such sad situations with your family members, but there is somebody that really cares for you ,even if a dear family member would forget you, He is still there, the Bible assures us of that in Isaiah 27:10 “Even if my own father and mother abandon me, Jehovah himself will take me in” , also he is aware of our deepest sorrows and tears like is mentioned in Psalms 56:8 “You keep track of my wandering. Do collect my tears in your skin bottle. Are they not recorded in your book?”, soon He will wipe out every tear , Revelation or Apocalypses mentions: 21:4 “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes,+ and death will be no more,+ neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.+ The former things have passed away.” Dear Patricia , my heart goes out to you , sending you hugs.
Dave Tate
says:So sorry for your loss and for the dogs loss but also so proud you did this for your wife it had to make it easier for her to know her special pup had been to see her and love her before the passing God Bless You and the Dog
Such a heartwrenching story. Australian Shepherds are amazing. So highly intelligent.
You’re wonderful! I am so sorry for your loss.
Dot McFarlane
says:My dogs frequently visit patients in the hospital.
All of the above (& a few tears).
I agree with Carly; if our human children can come visit us then why not our beloved pets ? My dog is all I have except 4 my kids and i love him just as much as I do my children. What a touching story. So glad she got 2 C her baby one more time.
Lorraine Measor
says:Some hospitals even allow pets into long-term facilities for pet therapy and and the old folks love it!
I’m in tears! This is so sweet! I’m so glad that nurse didn’t say anything. Like some commenters said, if human kids can visit their dying parents, why can’t the fur kids? Most animals are compassionate & gentle. They know when their master is in pain or sad. I’m glad more hospitals are opening up their hearts & letting patients say good bye to their pets.
Many times if you ask, they will let you bring the dog in to visit a family member, especially if the prognosis is poor.
ba
says:I would rather die at home with my pets. Hospice and nurses aids are available.
Cory
says:The trip home may have killed her outright. I agree with the gist of your post, for the record. I’m just sayin’ that dying at home isn’t necessarily an option for everyone who is terminally ill.
Teresa
says:So sweet. I can imagine how she was comforted by her dog and glad she had the opportunity. Dogs are absolutely wonderful when you don’t feel good. Great husband, by the way. So loving and thoughtful of him to do that.
Navaz
says:Amazing story,heart wrenching.
Frances
says:Tears in my eyes reading this. Good for him, what a wonderful gift he gave both his wife.
In our hospital, they allow dogs in to visit their master. More and more hospitals are doing this now because it helps in the recovery and also it gives them a chance to be near their master or mistress who I am sure they miss.
If human kids are allowed to say “goodbye,” why is it such a problem for our fur kids to be allowed to do the same?
Nicole
says:Such a touching story I hope someone would do that for me if I was in that situation, so sweet. Dogs are so awesome, they just know.
Aw, right in the feels.