We love hearing from people who have adopted our ‘graduates’ – dogs that we have rescued, fostered, and found their forever homes. Here’s a wonderful letter from Ben, who adopted RJ from RMGDRI a couple of years ago:
“I just wanted to let you know that RJ passed away this week quietly and peacefully at home on his bed after he quickly deteriorated from complications of Dysautonomia...an incurable disease that there is little information on.
I can not express the profound affect RJ had on me. He was truly my best friend. He was always by my side and did whatever he could to please me. I never would have expected to be so impacted by a canine. When I applied for a rescued great dane and started reading emails and getting updates from others I didn’t quite get how people could be so consumed by a dog... I knew I liked dogs and I really wanted one and I was excited to have one but that’s about it... Spending the last 2 years with him has helped me really understand just how much love and adoration and part of me he really is. In some aspects RJ became almost my other half. He was me in dog form. I really couldn’t believe it.
When he passed away 2am Tuesday morning I felt like I lost part of myself. I cant believe how full circle I have come.
When RJ started going down hill and it happened so quickly, I said to myself it would be a long time before I am ready to go through this pain again. It was so hard, so intense and so difficult... but now, two days later I sit back and look at my relationship with RJ. My motives are as true as ever they were from the first day (except now with an insurmountable adoration, appreciation and admiration). I want to continue in my mission to give other older great danes forever homes where they don’t have to worry about being left behind, unloved or unwanted.
Seeing RJ asleep in my living room for the last time reminded me why I did this in the beginning. To provide a loving home for his last few years...
He really was part of my family and I will miss him so much. I will always think of him and be ever grateful for the love he gave me. I know he will be waiting for me at the rainbow bridge as excited as he always was...
Sincerest regards,
Ben Nunnikhoven
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God bless you Don for making his remaining time good and being his friend. I believe animals truly display divine love - no motive, no expectation, just pure love. It IS transformative.
ReplyDeleteDear Ben,
ReplyDeleteI know your joy and your sorrow... 3 years ago I adopted a senior harle who had had a messy life. He was the cuddly polar bear of great danes..I wished I had had him as a pup but when all was said and done the two years we had together was as if I had raised him and shared all of his 10 years. When he crossed the rainbow bridge last August it was monumental. Few realize the special gift of loving a senior..making their last window of life all that they can remember.....pure joy. I am so glad you have come to understand the incredible bond between human and great dane...I tell you there is no other breed like them. I live with two and have shared my life with a total of six over the years... each one unique and yet each with that familiar great dane chemistry. Have another ... and another... your life will remain richer for it and some lucky dane will have the opportunity to be living the life for which he was born.
Sincerely,
Jane and my two danes,
Haven & Chazz