HARLEY SEARCHES FOR HIS "ANGEL"

[Cathy C. Bennett]

On November 14, 2011 I wrote and posted a blog titled: “CAN AN ANGEL HAVE AN ANGEL” (feel free to read if you haven’t). It is a story about my mom struggling with the beginning stages of dementia and the unique tenderness in which my boys handle her when they are together….

 

 

 

My mom (who the grandchildren affectionately call “Angel”) is now 95 years old and the disease has gained momentum so our visits are now in the loving home environment of the Assisted Living Facility where she lives, not more than 12 miles from us. We all visit her regularly, to include “Poochie – Poochie” (her nick name for both boys – for they are interchangeable to her!)…

My sister drove up from NYC Saturday to visit, I met her and my brother in law there – and later that afternoon my dear sweet DH (doodle husband) brought “Poochie-Poochie” up to see mom. Unfortunately when they got there, she had retired for her “after lunch” nap, but what occurred next was nothing short of amazing!

The boys are no strangers to Angel’s home, they have many friends there…

They visit EVERYBODY…

EVERYWHERE…

To include the staff…

But I noticed that Harley had his mind elsewhere…

He pulled like a lead dog on a sled team, which is totally out of character. Not one to “show-off” in public, yet on this particular afternoon, I couldn’t get him to listen to any commands. It wasn’t as if he woke up this morning and decided to be difficult, there was something he wanted to do, and he was relentless with attempts to tell me.

His behavior was so peculiar even my sister and brother in law commented on his agitation. I looked at my husband for a second and released his leash thinking that Harley wanted to go to him. But that wasn’t the case.

Harley bolted towards my mom’s room, and pushed the door open just wide enough to squeeze his puffy little frame through. I got up off the sofa and walked behind him, slowly – because for the first time that day, I realized he was looking for his “Angel.”

When I reached her, this is what I found…

When I whispered his name, he actually turned around and looked at me, as if to say “Hey, I wanted to see her”…

And then he sat, ever so gently on her frail legs and rested…

My sister and I stared in awe. She never stirred!

I am so happy I carry my camera phone around with me everywhere I go – because it is moments like this that can’t be recreated!

Harley sat there for a good little while, and my mom continued to sleep peacefully.

She never woke up and he finally got down, but something tells me she knew her “Poochie-Poochie” came to visit. I promised Harley I would bring him back this week at an earlier time so hopefully they could spend “quality time” together.

My sister left that afternoon headed north, and Harley wished her safe travels…

She’s a “Groovy Goldendoodle” fan too!

Thanks for reading…

[BG and Gavin]

Thank you for the wonderful story and pictures.  An angel for an angel.  I wish your mother was not going through this, but glad you give her Poochie-Poochie.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

What a sweet story! I wish the best for your Mom! Thanks for sharing!

[Becka]

What a truly lovely blog and wonderful photos. Your boys are really something special.

[Christine & Shelby]

Such a touching post.... Thank you for sharing!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

You reminded me why we go to visit our friends at the Adult Day Center every month. Our doodles bring so much joy to everyone they meet. Your Mom knew they were there - I bet she was dreaming that Poochie was laying with her!

We are headed there tomorrow. They all look forward to our visits. The facility we go to is no where near as nice as the one in your pictures. Most of these guests are both physically and mentally challenged. When the girls come in everyone's face lights up. Charli and I are spending lots of time with one particular gentleman - he is non speaking and autistic. He actually looks at Charli when I help him pet her. He 'throws' the ball to Samantha with help from me. I feel the joy in his mind when we are with him. It is very important to me that we pay it forward in some small way to these guests - I know that folks do not have loving families that care for them. 

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

I had a really awful and exhausting week and was feeling really down. Your post made me cry. I love how our pups can just simplify everything and just show us so much love.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks for posting.  How wonderful to reach 95 years, but sad for us when the memory fails.  I am sure Poochie-Poochie (whichever one it might be at the moment) brings your Angel such peace and comfort.  My mom is also in an assisted living placement with Dementia. This is such a difficult time for everyone.

[Sheila & Finnley]

Cathy, I'm glad you re-posted your blog about your mother, It really touched me. Both of my parent's have dementia from Parkinson's disease. They still live at home, and I go to their house for a few hours everyday, between their caregivers to care for them.

Finnley was given to me by my son this past summer. He got her at 10 weeks, and surprised me with her at my parents house. From that very first day, I swear she was very aware of my mother having mobility, and other problems. She often does what Harley did and climbs up with my mother, then lays on her legs. It is amazing having a dog that is so intuitive, but you already you know that!

Your mother is beautiful, as are Harley and Leo. I enjoyed all the pictures with the story.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Great story - I'm sure your mother "knew" they were there.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

That's so wonderful!  Your doods are amazing!