Tissue alert: Senior dog’s life turned inside out but a loving family can help Fisher heal

In Irvine, California, nine-year-old Fisher could use some help finding a home from the animal rescue community. The sweet dog is absolutely heartbroken; be warned readers of a “tissue alert,” however we are genuinely confident his story will have a happy ending.

So let us begin. Life was good for Fisher at one time; he lived with a family who loved him very much. The dad would take Fisher and his doggie brother on walks twice a day. They often went on rides to the park, and when the dogs had to go to the veterinary office, their dad even made that outing fun. Once they finally returned home, they would sit in the backyard together where their dad would whittle sticks into spoons or turn large pieces of wood into furniture. The best part of those afternoons were the naps the dogs would take; enjoying the companionship and loving quiet times together.

Of course, there was mom who would make delicious food treats for the dogs and all talk together in the cheery, warm kitchen. Then at night they would watch television and life was just so good.

And then as quick as that, everything changed. One day their dad became ill, and the walks got shorter. Soon their dad left, and when he returned home, he could no longer walk. He was just so tired, and Fisher and his brother would nuzzle close and loved the sound of their dad softly calling their names.

Mom started taking the dogs for walks, but she always seemed sad. The two dogs tried to cheer her up with cute antics and smiles of their own, but the house was quiet now; the laughter was gone.

I liked it well enough. Nuzzling dad’s hands and short walks with mom. We still got yummy food but now Mom forgot my medicine sometimes so I got itchy. The scratching seemed to cause trouble. I tried not to scratch.”

Fisher telling his story

One day the mom had an accident and fell. Dad had been away, and then mom left too. New people had been stopping by the house to let the dogs out to relieve themselves. Food and water were left in bowls, but it was no longer the delicious food their mom would make. Still, the dogs were home, and they would just wait for their family to return.

This time when their mom came home, she seemed a bit different, She had been in pain and forgot a lot of things; sometimes even caring for the dogs. There were no more walks – just a run in the backyard, but that was fine. The dogs would wait until everyone felt better, and the family would be back to normal.

Sadly, circumstances changed quickly now. Yes, their dad was home, but this time he was in a higher bed, and the dogs couldn’t reach to nuzzle him any longer. They so wanted to hear their dad call out to him, but it was quiet in the house, and the dogs instinctively knew to be quiet also.

I hear mom talking on the phone about me and my brother. It doesn’t sound good. I know my 13-year-old brother doesn’t feel well, but I do – except for my itch, but I’m trying to ignore that. I can ignore it! I’ll eat the crunchy food. I like this well enough. Now Mom is crying, but she let Dad pet us. I whined a little because everyone was crying.

Fisher telling his story

And that afternoon, their human brother came to the house, and everyone except for their dad got into the car. Fisher looked back; the sadness in his eyes revealing how he wished they could all return to the old days, but that was not to be ever again. When they arrived at the veterinarian’s office, Fisher thought he would be getting medicines to make his terrible itch disappear, but at that moment, the other dog went into the office by himself. Before the two dogs parted for the last time, they whined and nuzzled each other. Fisher’s brother knew life had been good.

Everyone cried, and although they all petted and hugged Fisher after the veterinarian staff gave him a bath and medicine to stop his itching, Fisher knew they were leaving him there. They took lots of pictures of Fisher, and yes he was loved, and life had been good.

Fisher remains at the pet clinic and feels much better. Of course, there is a lot of barking, but Fisher stays quiet and tries to sleep his days away. He does go for walks again, but doubts his family will ever come back for him. Everyone smiles at Fisher now, but it’s not the same. Although he cannot speak, everyone knows how heartbroken he is and tries to soothe away those now lost memories.

Life was so good and now I don’t know what life is but I guess I like it well enough. Everyone smiles when they see me and talks to me in sweet voices. They tell me I’m a good boy and that Mom and Dad love me. I heard someone say, life will be good again and nice memories come to my head.

Fisher telling story

Fisher needs a soft bed, food and a loving family who will take him for walks. He’s a senior, weighs 40 pounds, but has plenty of life to live. If interested in giving this sweet dog a home, please contact Tracy Friedman at 949.842.2517.

(Note: Many thanks to Hedy Harold for helping tell Fisher’s story too)

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