Our four-legged companions may provide us with comfort in a variety of ways. They may provide company, exercise, and a sense of purpose, and in some instances, they can even help us stay alive.
For 80-year-old Ken Pendagraft, his 14-year-old dog provided him with a reason to go outside every day and take him for a walk and companionship and unconditional affection, among other things.
Nonetheless, when Ken was seen distressed and holding a sick puppy, his neighbours flocked to his aid.
What transpired after that demonstrates how intertwined we are with our animals and how much we rely on them for survival.
At the time of the incident, Ken and his 16-year-old dog Zack were living in a mobile home development in Hemet, California. In the opinion of his neighbours, he was pleasant but often avoided eye contact with others.
That is until his dog fell ill, and Ken could not afford to take him to the veterinarian immediately.
I reached out to beg for assistance.
Ken was in tears, according to his neighbour Carol Burt.
‘I don’t know what to do,’ he said. ‘I don’t have the money to take him to the vet.'”
Carol decided to write about her neighbour’s dilemma on social media, hoping that someone might be able to assist Ken and his adorable puppy in their time of need.
Elaine Seamans, the founder of the At-Choo Foundation, a rescue group that assists dogs in need of medical treatment, responded to her request and rescued the canine.
To help Zack, Elaine tried all she could to help him. Zack had been diagnosed with “severe arthritis, glaucoma, and a 6/6 heart murmur, making any operation unfeasible.”
Elaine shared the following update on Facebook: “Prof. Zack’s loving dad was with him as his spirit was freed from his body that had ceased functioning for him.” Sadly, Zack did not make it. He is now acting and feeling like a puppy again, and he is doing everything that makes him happy and joyous.”
Loneliness has been eliminated.
Unfortunately, the tragedy does not stop there. There is still more to come.
On Ken’s behalf, the At-Choo Foundation issued a letter from him. He expressed gratitude to all of his well-wishers who had given him cards and sympathy messages but also said that he was suffering a “vacuum of loneliness.”
Ken passed away from a heart attack not long after he had lost his beloved Zack.
Anyone who has ever loved a pet understands how upsetting it can be when they die away.
We wish Ken and his beloved dog Zack the best in happiness.
