As we get older and our kids move away, it becomes more likely that the ones we see and love on a daily basis aren’t people, but pets. These faithful companions bring unconditional love, and never grow up and move away. They never bicker or nag, and they’ll always cuddle with you when you don’t feel well.
That’s why we miss them so much when we go on vacation…or when we have to leave them behind when we can’t take care of ourselves.
Not long after James Wathen was admitted to Baptist Health Corbin last month, his condition steadily began to deteriorate despite their best intervention efforts. As the weeks dragged on, Wathen started to show signs of emotional distress and he eventually stopped eating normally — but his caregivers soon learned that he needed more than just medical attention as he neared the end of his life. He needed his dog.
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When Wathen was sent to the hospital, he had been forced to say goodbye to his beloved pet, an aging one-eyed chihuahua named Bubba. And as his final wish, Wathen asked simply to see him one last time.
Despite their no-animals policy, hospital workers quickly “pulled out all the stops” to track down the dog — and with the help of staff at the Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter, they were able to find him. The little dog had been placed with a foster family when Wathen fell ill, and just like his owner, he seemed saddened by the separation too.
On Saturday, shelter volunteers and hospital staff worked together to grant Wathen his wish, reuniting the dying man with his dog. Following the reunion we understand that James Wathen is doing a bit better!
See the reunion for yourself! 🙂
We’re also delighted to hear that Baptist Health hospital in Whitley County, Ky. is reassessing its pet visitation policy after seeing the remarkable good that can come when patients under their care are reunited with animals they had to leave behind.
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Kindness Blog 
I read this story yesterday and it felt really good. I’m glad that personnel at the hospital acknowledged that this man needed his man; I hope that more hospitals recognize that all is not medicine but also human connections, animal connections and how we feel in the inside. Keep writing!
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Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
James and Bubba …. unconditional love of a dog and his dog!!
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This reminds me of my perspective piece from Writing 101. If I had little time left, you bet I would want my dog there!
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I see the impact a dog has on the residents of the nursing home where I volunteer. They just seem to bond.
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This is the stuff I love to hear about. Our kiddos are very special to us and I can so relate
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Reblogged this on Achievewellnessphx and commented:
It is amazing the miraculous effects that animals can have on us.
I often wonder who is taking care of whom.
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It all boils down to love. Thank you for this post.
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Reblogged this on Kelea Quinn.
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Anyone have a tissue or 20?
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