Tuesday, April 20, 2010

They stay with us until the end - and beyond - what do we do for them?

This is Lady
STARK COUNTY -- A golden retriever named "Lady" was a good and loyal dog until the end.

Police and an investigator with the Stark County Coroner's Office believe that Lady stayed by her owner's side in a field just outside of Hartville for almost a week.

Parley Nichols, 81, was found dead there Wednesday night, about a mile from his home.

Nichols had dementia and was reported missing on April 8.

Even though family members passed out fliers and searched for Nichols, his body was only discovered after Lady barked at a passerby.

"This dog would not leave his side," said Stark County Coroner's Investigator Harry Campbell. "No question, she stayed out there on her own volition.

"(Lady) saw another human and started barking and wailing," said Campbell.

The preliminary findings of an autopsy lead the Stark County Coroner to believe that Nichols suffered a natural death due to heart and lung disease.

Campbell said the dog likely drank water from a nearby drainage ditch. But there were no signs of food near Nichols.

Campbell also said that a local newspaper dated April 7 was found with Nichols.

Family members are now caring for Lady.

Mary Nichols believes that Lady was with her relative the whole time he was missing. When asked if her family takes comfort in knowing that Parley Nichols was not alone when he died, Mary Nichols responded, "Yes."
National Canine Cancer Foundation

17 comments:

Maxmom said...

Hey there Mimi
I can vouch for the loyalty of canines. Little Tommy still sits and waits for my Mom on a Sunday morning, despite her having passed away in November last year and him living with us since 2005. These dogs NEVER forget!
Lotsaluv
MAXMOM IN SA

Lola and also Franklin, too said...

There's a reason they call Man's Best Friend. Man meaning all humans, of course. It's because we really, really are.

wags, Lola

Golden Samantha said...

Oh my gosh - I am not surprised at all and have such tender feelings and thoughts about Lady. Such loyalty and devotion - but that has been my experience of most (maybe many) dogs' natures - if they've been treated well themselves (and sometimes... if they've even been abused.) Dogs are simply amazing. (And sorry that we've been so AWOL lately - it's been crazy over here...) Hope YOU are okay - that your back is doing well?
Hugs from us all xo
Sammie

♥I am Holly♥ said...

That story made me tear up. I know how faithful our dogs are to us under so many circumstances. That sure tells it all doesn't it? A faithful companion until the end for sure. Lots of love, Debbie and Holly

YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel Samantha said...

So touching. The love that dogs give to us is totally priceless.

Sam said...

True to the nature of a Golden. What a loyal dog.. I am sure he felt better about having her there as he passed, too. What a touching story.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

What a wonderful story! We hope lady's family rewarded her with lots of love and hug for all that she did. We are sure her owner felt her presence.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Mrs. JP said...

Wow, that's a great and sad story. Our four-legged family members are a truly loyal group.

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Great touching dog story. it reminds us of the movie Hachi. Thanks for sharing. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

^..^Corgidogmama said...

Yet another example of the decentness, the loyalty, the high caliber of character that dogs possess. If only, humans practiced those very same traits as often as our furry friends do!
God bless 'em!

JacksDad said...

These stories just make me cry sad and happy at the same time!

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Mom and I agree with Jack and TG -

Thanks fur sharing!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Unknown said...

God bless Lady, who would not leave her human. I once adopted a 15 y/o GSD mix who had been found in his home next to the deceased body of his mistress. He was skin and bones but would not leave. Dooz, this is for you.

Thank you - I posted your badge :).

kissa-bull said...

such a furry shweet shtory our mommish eyes are leaking wiff the waters
thanks for sharing we are so glad we met you

pibble wiggles
the pittie pack

Tweedles -- that's me said...

What an incredible story.
What love and devotion Lady had in her heart for her master,
love
tweedles

Wrigley said...

Lady is a beautiful Golden! Bless her heart for staying with her owner.

Thanks for sharing such a great story.

Wags and Kisses,
Wrigley

ocmist said...

I agree with so many others, and especially with Corgidogmama! My sister's little dog had a bad heart attack while she was out of town for the day. She came back as soon as she could... he stayed until about a half hour past her return and then passed and quit breathing. She started to cry really hard, and he gasped and looked like he tried to come back!!! She stopped and told him that it was all right and he could go, and he quit struggling to come back and went quietly. It was the saddest and most loving thing I'd ever witnessed...