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

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

This is such sad news. We are thinking of everyone involved.

[Pamela-Pambriella Goldendoodles]

I too have just read about this terrible tragedy! I cried and am still holding back tears as I write. This is to terrible for words and unbelievable that someone would be so heartless as to not stop after doing this. I am so sorry for your loss and I am praying that God's healing hand will be with you. It sounds like Dublin was a very brave doodle after all he had been through and will have a special place in all of our hearts here on DK. Thank you Marissa and Seamus for opening your heart and home to him and giving him the place there that he so deserved. May God give you peace and help you to know that the love you gave him was special, and that it made a difference in his life, and that this horrible tragedy was not your fault.

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

After not being on here all weekend, I am so sorry to read about Dublin. I truly hope they catch the individual responsible and that Seamus and Mickey heal quickly. Our thoughts are definitely with your entire family.

[Eva]

I too cannot begin to gather any sense of composure now, crying too hard. I feel so horrible for all that this family has gone through. I do know that in my heart, people like you who open yourselves up to help other dogs or anyone in need for that matter, will be taken care of. You have a special guardian angel looking over you. Dublin was so fortunate that he got to experience his last days with your family as a valuable family member. I can only hope for Dublin's sake that he basked in your kindness and let his past stay in his past. Seamus, I commend you for your bravery and hope for a speedy recovery. We need more people in the world like you two! Sincerely Eva Dahl

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

What a terrible sad story. All I can say is thank goodness Seamus was not hurt more badly, but what a terribly sad story for poor Dublin. How someone could hit a pedestrian (and a dog) and leave the scene is just beyond believable!

[Mo]

This hits close to home as my dog is also named Dublin. My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved.