Sometimes in life, if you’re lucky, someone will come along who will help you pick up the broken pieces of your heart. Who will not only help you to mend it, but who will also give you their own heart in return.
This is a tribute to Abbey, a very special dog who did just that.
When Diane first laid eyes on the tiny Staffy almost 17 years ago, she couldn’t believe what she saw. The small pup had already been to hell and back after falling into the hands of people who had badly mistreated her. So one day, when Abbey crawled out from under a rickety old couch and ran up to Diane’s son, he couldn’t ignore her pleading eyes. He rescued her then and there, and brought her home to stay with him.
That same year, Diane had experienced a serious car accident which left her with injuries that still cause her pain to this day. She had always loved dogs, and they had helped her through some of life’s toughest challenges.
In her son’s new dog, she saw a beautiful soul who wanted nothing more than to be loved.
And to say that Abbey was loved was an understatement. In 2013 during the Gippsland floods, Diane’s son risked his own life, wading through water up to his chest to get Abbey out to safety.
When Diane’s husband passed away, and then she lost her own beloved dogs, she found herself socially isolated. Her son knew that she needed a companion, and he knew that sweet Abbey was the perfect dog to help mend her broken heart.
Despite Abbey’s own rough start to life, her capacity for love was unabated. She doted on Diane, and set about helping her in any way that she could.
As Diane still had restricted movement after her accident, Abbey became her support dog. If Diane needed help getting out of bed, she would call out, and the faithful girl would get behind Diane’s shoulders and would help to push her up.
Sometimes, when things became too much and Diane would retreat to her bedroom to cry, Abbey immediately knew. She would run into the room and hop up to gently kiss her tears away.
“Abbey saved my life,” Diane said.
Abbey's sweet nature made her popular in the neighbourhood. Even local kids who were initially scared of her ended up visiting to ask if they could walk her. Abbey would oblige them, sitting on request much to their delight.
So when Abbey started showing signs of discomfort at the age of 15, Diane was distraught. She had been facing financial hardship for some time, but had always put Abbey’s needs before her own, sometimes skipping meals to ensure Abbey didn’t go hungry. Diane knew that the vet fees would be costly, and it was money that she just didn’t have.
That’s when her support worker reached out to Pets Of The Homeless. We covered the costs for Abbey to be desexed and have a lump on her leg removed, and things got better for a little while.
But recently, Diane knew that something was wrong with her best friend. That’s when a vet confirmed her worst fears: it was cancer. Diane did all that she could to keep Abbey comfortable, sleeping on the floor with her for weeks. But when Abbey’s suffering worsened, Diane knew that this time, she couldn’t save her dear girl.
Through our Farewell Fund, we were able to help Diane say goodbye to Abbey with dignity. In the arms of the people who loved her most - Diane and her son - the gentle dog who had helped to mend Diane’s heart passed peacefully from this world. And though Diane's heart was shattered all over again, she was so grateful to have had almost 17 years with such a remarkable companion.
As she drove back from the vet in tears, clouds had formed overhead. And Diane could have sworn that one looked just like a dog on their back, waving goodbye.
“Every morning I wake up expecting Abbey to put her paw on my shoulder, or find her snoring next to me,” Diane said. “I miss her immensely. Your help meant a heck of a lot and I’m very grateful.”
Thanks to our Farewell Fund, we were also able to cover the costs for Abbey’s cremation. Diane plans to keep her ashes close, and then when she is ready, she will set her free in the ocean to see the world.
Rest in peace, sweet Abbey.
