This week we had to put down our beloved Labradoodle, Buddy. It was the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do. Buddy was 14 ½ years old and an amazing dog. He was my son’s best friend and he provided so much love and support to Tyler who struggled with painful bleeding episodes. Every time Tyler was laid up on the couch unable to walk or move much, Buddy was right by his side. He would listen to Tyler as he cried and complained about his frustrations. Buddy would give this look as if he totally understood and empathized. He’d lick his tears and make him feel better. The amount of emotional support animals can bring to people with a chronic disorder is immeasurable.
When Tyler was young and hospitalized at the Children’s Hospital, he had a roommate who was a finalist for a science project sponsored through the Discovery Channel. A film crew came in and they asked Tyler to participate in the episode. The boy, who was a cancer patient, submitted his project on the benefits of pet therapy dogs. He was able to prove that patients’ blood pressure dropped when petting the therapy dogs as well as reducing other symptoms of stress. He used medical journals to support the concept of pet therapy to relieve stress and anxiety. These are things that any pet owner probably already knows. I kept thinking, “Wow, who knew that Buddy is actually helping Tyler medically as well as being his best friend?”
After Buddy passed on Monday, I began looking through our old photos and noticed how many there were with Tyler on the couch wrapped up in an ACE bandage and Buddy was laying right next to him. Tyler would always say, “Buddy knows I’m in pain.” And I swear, he did! For anyone feeling overwhelmed with a medical issue and then questioning whether adding a pet to the mix would make things more stressful, all I can say is surprising no. Our dog helped not just Tyler but me as well. After Tyler was asleep, Buddy would turn to me as if he knew I was anxious and stressed. He’d get me to pet him which distracted me. I was able to get the emotional support I needed too, even if it was just to kill me with his cuteness. I can honestly say that Buddy was the best medicine Tyler has ever received. We love you Buddy.
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