Our furry friends can comfort us in many ways. For older people, they provide good company, exercise, meaning and sometimes even motivation, writes theanimalclub. For 80-year-old Ken Pendagraft, the dog he has had for 14 years has provided companionship and unconditional love, as well as a reason to go out every day.
But when Ken was found helpless with a very sick dog, his neighbors rallied around him to help. What happened next shows how much we depend on our animals and how much we need them.
Ken lived in a trailer park in Hemet, California, with his 16-year-old dog Zack. According to his neighbors, he was friendly but generally kept to himself. Until his dog became seriously ill and Ken had no money to take him to the vet.
Neighbor Carol Burt said he begged for help: ,,Ken was in tears. I don’t know what to do.” Carol decided to share her neighbor’s situation on social media in the hope that someone would help care for Ken’s adorable dog. Her appeal was forwarded by Elaine Seamans, founder of the At-Choo Foundation, a rescue organization that helps dogs in need.
Elaine did everything she could to help Zack, who was diagnosed with glaucoma, severe arthritis and a 6/6 heart murmur that made surgery impossible.
Unfortunately, Zack did not survive and Elaine posted an update on Facebook:
,,Professor Zack’s loving father was by his side as his spirit left his body that stopped working for him. Now he feels like a puppy again and does everything with joy and delight. The At-Choo Foundation issued a message on Ken’s behalf, thanking everyone who sent cards and messages of condolence and expressing Ken’s loneliness. Anyone who loves their pets knows how difficult it is to watch them pass away.
