Dublin

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

 

With a heavy heart I am writing to inform you all that our sweet Dublin who was being fostered by Adrianne Matzkin's daughter Marissa Tait in Pittsburgh was killed this evening.

 

Marissa's husband Seamus had Dublin and their doodle Mickey out for their evening walk when both Seamus and Dublin were struck by a speeding hit and run driver 1 block away from their home. The driver was apparently going so fast that he skid and hit the curb propelling the car onto the snow covered sidewalk striking Dublin killing him almost instantly and then striking Seamus so hard that it knocked him out of his boots. The cars front tire actually ran over Seamus' foot and leg injuring both. Luckily The Tait's dog Mickey was behind Seamus at the time of impact and was not injured. Terrified, Mickey ran all the way back to the house.

 

The driver did not stop........

 

Thank goodness the snow was deep enough to cushion the force of the cars tires as they ran over Seamus' leg or his injuries would have been far worse. The snow was not deep enough to spare poor Dublin. He was closest to the oncoming car and was struck first.

 

He tried to get up for an instant and then collapsed. By the time Seamus got to him he was gone. Crying, in shock and dragging his own injured leg, Seamus picked up Dublin and carried the 70 Lb. dog back to the house to a hysterical Marissa who was on the phone with me shortly after and inconsolable. I only wish that I could have been there with them as they were experiencing this terrible tragedy. I felt completely helpless and could only offer a calming voice on the other end of the phone as comfort.

 

Another driver who witnessed the event had already called the police and then proceeded to try and chase the hit and run driver. The driver has not been found.The police arrived minutes later along with an ambulance.

 

Seamus so pumped up on adrenalin refused treatment and opted instead to help the police try to find the driver. Marissa and her father-in-law wrapped Dublin in a blanket as Mickey who had been trying to rouse him, sat by sullenly watching. Though they knew that he was gone, together they took Dublin to the emergency vet. The vet confirmed that Dublin had been killed by blunt force trauma to the head and that thankfully he had not suffered.

 

I am personally so devastated by the loss of this poor dog who never seemed to be able to catch a break in life that I am finding it difficult to type this post.......I cannot imagine what this young couple who with Dublin in their charge were first time foster parents are going through emotionally in the aftermath of this evenings events. They drove 5 plus hours in total to rescue him from a neglectful and abusive home in Ohio. They bravely brought him into their home flea bitten, stinky, sick and scared and immediately showered him with all the things that he had never before experienced in his 5 years of life--care, human kindness and unconditional love. I do know that they are utterly grief stricken, completely devastated and feel personally responsible for Dublin's death.

 

I am asking you all to please reach out to Marissa and her husband Seamus and let them know that we are grateful to them for taking such good care of Dublin and for giving him a second chance for a happy life. Now more than ever they need the support of our rescue family and our DK family and most importantly they need to know that this tragedy was not their fault.

 

No matter where we are all located throughout the country, we all came to know and love  Dublin. We are all grateful for this sweet, gentle soul and that he finally had a chance to experience  the unconditional love, attention and affection that he had so cruelly been deprived of for most of his life. Even if it were only for a short while, his last days were joyful carefree and filled with love. He was a happy dog in spite of his past and all of the medical tests and vet visits he was subjected to as we tried to save his sight. Thank you for following his story and for all of your help and support.

 

.......and thank you for any words and expressions of sympathy appreciation and kindness you can offer this young couple through this terrible time.

 

 

With great appreciation,

 

Jacquie

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a terrible tragedy. I can only hope Seamus recovers swiftly and that he and Marissa recover from this shocking event and realize how much they did for Dublin.

[Dana]

Marissa, I can only reiterate what everyone has posted - I'm very thankful Seamus is alright & the short time Dublin has spent with you & Seamus was filled with happiness & love. You're in my thoughts & prayers - my heart goes out to you both - time will heal your sadness. I'm here for you if I can help in any way. Hugs from Mac & me.

[Stella]

I was so sad to hear the news about Dublin. But also relieved that Seamus and Mickey were not also seriously injured or worse. Dublin had had a tough time of it, and you guys took him into your home and your hearts. You gave him love and happiness, and even though it was for a short time it was enough to change his life. This is a tragedy, but there was nothing that could be done to avoid it, it was totally in someone elses hands. I only hope that they catch the person who did this. My thoughts are with you guys at this difficult time, you should be proud of yourselves for opening your home and your hearts to a dog in such need.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Dublin was so lucky to have found your family and to get to experience your care and love, and I know your time with him has enriched your lives as well. Look at what good was brought about by your time together and I hope that will help ease the pain you are going through now. Prayers for peace and healing for you all.
Sue and Murphy

Once again...a reminder to everyone HUG YOUR DOODLE.

[DeeDee and Sheila]

My heart goes out to your family. Oh, the shock and trauma. Thank you Marissa and Seamus and kudos to Micky. I hope your wounds inside and outside heal over time. I agree that God let Dublin experience love and a wonderful life before going to heaven. Please hang in there and don't give up!!

[Bev and WILLY]

This so sad, and coming so soon after Adina and Clark's Thule being hit by a car. My prayers are with you all. Marissa and Seamus must know that their love and kindness made Dublin's life so much better during the time he was with them. Get well quick Seamus.

[BG and Gavin]

Keeping a good thought for everyone involved at this extremely difficult time.

[cheryl & oliver]

Oh my G-d, this is such a tragedy, I am crying as I am trying to type, I don't understand how anyone can do something like this and not stop, how do u hit a person or an animal and not stop???...what kind of monster is that???.. To Marissa & Seamus, you made the last days of an abused animal full with love and caring. You opened your hearts to one so in need, and we all thank you for that...I am hoping that Seamus recovers quickly, and that you all find peace in the days to come. I just lit a candle to help Dublin find his way to the Rainbow Bridge...Hugs to you both and Mickey...there are no words for this, none, just tears, and thanks that Seamus was not injured more seriously, and that Mickey found his way home quickly...

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

OMG I am so sorry to hear this my heart goes out to Seamus and Marissa. I can't even imagine watching your loving dog get killed by a car. Adrianna I am so sorry for the loss in your family. You guys are for sure in my thoughts and prayers. Poor Mickey being so scared to run home..I hope that they catch this person. The only words I have right now is I am so sorry... Love you guys.

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

Your entire family has my sympathies for your loss and for having to go through something this horrible. Thank you for taking care of this precious animal and making him happy. You have the support of your DK family. We appreciate what you have done and don't forget that. What happened is the driver's fault and nobody elses. I am now going to hug my doodles with tears in my eyes.

[Pat & "Tucker"]

Oh my Gosh. I haven't been on DK all weekend and just now read the Main page with the sad story. My thought and prayers are with all of you. Thank God that Seamus and Mickey are ok.

[Charles Rocheville]

Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
-Author Unknown