One proud mom shares an incredibly touching story that triggers tears rolling down our face. She speaks of the love children have for the dogs who have been part of their life and made it a better place and the sadness of letting them cross the rainbow bridge.
Maria Henry Gay opened her heart to Love What Matters and taught us all that “it is during the hardest times that we learn the best lessons and feel the most gratitude.”
That day was unlike any other for their family. The brought their dog Buffy for a vet’s check up and all they hoped for was to leave the place with the dog’s teeth cleaned and some of them removed. However, the vet had some devastating news. Buffy showed signs of advanced kidney failure. The condition was very severe so the family decided it would be for the best to let their furry pal go before she started experiencing excruciating pain, as the vet informed them that would be what follows.
Maria’s son, Robbie, who was adopted from the foster care system after experiencing years of abuse, was at school at the time. Maria went to pick him up and told him about Buffy’s condition. She had no idea how the boy would react, as the two were very close.
Robbie was heartbroken and asked his mom whether he could be the one holding Buffy when she goes to heaven. Maria was stunned by the love and the compassion Robbie showed, and said she was certain Buffy would want exactly that.
After Maria told him how proud she was of him for understanding that no animal should be left to suffer, Robbie said:
“I know how it feels not to be loved or cared for and I don’t want any animal of mine to ever feel that way. It’s only sad for us when they go to heaven. It’s a happy day for them. Thank you for being proud of me. Are you okay, Mom?”
Maria shared what the family is doing for senior dogs in need of company during their last days on Earth. They adopt them and make sure they know how much they are loved. Speaking of the decision to welcome older dogs in, she explains how Robbie believes they should be there for the dogs who are less likely to be adopted, because they all deserve a loving home, just like he found one with Maria and her husband.
“‘If all you guys had wanted was a baby, you would have never gotten me.’ He relates to our ‘old people’ (that’s what we call our senior dogs) in much the same way. He has also reminded me on several occasions that it doesn’t matter how long you have something for how much you love it. I asked him what he meant and he said, ‘Well, you’ve only known me for two years, but you love me like it’s been forever.’ Yes, my son is the coolest,” Maria said.
Take a look at the video below to learn more about Robbie and his love for the dogs he saves.