Our four-legged friends can bring us comfort in many ways. For seniors, they can provide companionship, exercise, purpose, and sometimes even keep us going.
For 80-year-old Ken Pendgraft, his dog offered him a reason to get out every day and take him for walks, not to mention companionship and unconditional love.
But when Ken was found distraught with a very sick dog, neighbors stepped up to help him.
What happened next shows how connected we are to our animals and how much we need them.
Ken lived in a mobile home community in Hemet, California with his 16-year-old dog, Zack. According to his neighbors, he was friendly but generally kept aloof.
Until his dog got very sick and Ken didn’t have the money to take him to the vet.
He asked for help
Neighbor Carol Burt said, “Ken was in tears…He said, ‘I don’t know what to do. I don’t have the money to take him to a vet.
Carol decided to post her neighbor’s plight on social media in hopes that someone could help care for Ken’s sweet dog.
Her plea was heard by Elaine Seamans, founder of the At-Choo Foundation, a rescue organization that helps dogs in need of medical attention.
Elaine did everything she could for Zack who was diagnosed with “glaucoma, severe arthritis and a 6/6 heart murmur making surgery impossible”.
Sadly, Zack did not survive and Elaine posted a Facebook post saying, “Professor Zack’s loving dad was with him as his soul was freed from his body which had stopped working for him. He now feels like a puppy again and does all things happy and cheerful. »
A vacuum of loneliness
But unfortunately, the sadness does not end there.
On Ken’s behalf, the At-Choo Foundation released a message from him thanking everyone who sent him condolence cards and messages, noting that he felt a “emptiness of loneliness.” »
Shortly after losing his dear Zack, Ken died of a heart attack.
Anyone who loves their pet knows how stressful it is to lose it.
May Ken rest in peace with his beloved dog Zack.
Please share as a tribute to these two who were such a comfort to each other.
