"Trixie" and Patty

Two years ago, before Pet Peace of Mind was formally launched, we had a patient named Patty. Patty had terminal breast cancer and she lived with her sister Rhonda, who was her sole caregiver. The third member of the family was a short, stout, thirteen year old apricot poodle named "Trixie." Trixie's job in the home was to act as the doorbell and as Patty's defender. She took her job very seriously. She sat on the footstool of Patty's chair when we first came to visit and made it clear from the low rumble in her throat that we were visitors to the home. After some time and more than a few tasty treats, "Trixie" was more at ease with our visits, but she kept a watchful eye on Patty, just in case she was needed.

I will never forget the day Patty died. I was called to the home early one Sunday morning and arrived shortly after the hospice nurse. Patty had died sitting up in her favorite chair, with "Trixie" by her side. "Trixie" knew something was very wrong and she had taken a stand beside Patty. She wouldn't let the nurse or even Patty's sister Rhonda anywhere near Patty's body. I sat down on a chair close to "Trixie" and Patty. I took some treats out of my bag and talked softly to "Trixie." After a little time, she finally decided to relent and took a treat. Then, Rhonda was able to gently carry her into the other room. It was a very powerful moment.
Rhonda knew how important the relationship was between "Trixie" and Patty. She took the little dog to the funeral home to help her understand what had happened. She even took "Trixie" to the graveside service. Some would say that this was carrying things too far, but at that time, Rhonda needed "Trixie" even more than "Trixie" needed Rhonda. I saw her holding the little dog tightly as she wept. Not long after that, "Trixie" died, too. Who's to say that the two deaths aren't connected in some way? Now Rhonda helps a local animal rescue organization with foster care.