Nursing home resident reunites with dog
Fri, 10/22/2021 - 3:15pm
admin
Cornerstone Nursing and Rehab resident, Pat Hart, had a special visitor this summer. Mr. Dog made the journey from Iowa with his current owners to see his best friend and former owner.
In 2019, Pat lived in Iowa. He had just retired and was planning on moving to Minnesota when he suffered a major stroke. He was admitted to a nursing care facility in that state, and sadly had to give up his beloved pet. Pat’s brother and extended family live in the Bemidji area and it was arranged to bring Pat to Minnesota to Cornerstone Nursing & Rehab to be near family. Mr. Dog had to stay behind in Iowa.
A neighbor of Pat had graciously taken in Mr. Dog and cared for him. Unfortunately, her circumstances changed, and she was no longer able to provide the care that Mr. Dog needed. Her friend Julie, who had fallen in love with the little dog’s charm, offered to take him. Mr. Dog now became part of Julie and Jim’s fur family; however, Pat no longer knew where his little buddy was for certain. During visits with his cousin Barb, Pat often mentioned Mr. Dog and how he missed him, so she started checking and eventually located Julie.
Emails were exchanged and photos were provided for Pat could see how well Mr. Dog was doing. Pat was thrilled with each photo. It comforted him to see his old friend was so well taken care of but still missed him a great deal. Julie graciously supplied Barb and Pat with photos on a regular basis along with updates of how Mr. Dog was faring in his old age. Every photo of Mr. Dog was carefully hung on the bulletin board in Pat’s room and all the staff became aware of Mr. Dogs high status in Pat’s world.
In July, Julie emailed Barb asking if a visit would be a good idea. There was some concern and debate, but it was decided the joy would out-weigh the sad. Jim, Julie and Mr. Dog made the 10-hour trip from Iowa to Bagley. On Wednesday morning, they met with Barb and headed over to Cornerstone. Barb had not told Pat that Mr. Dog was coming for fear something would happen and the trip would not take place. All Pat was told when she took him to the patio area was that he had a special visitor. He looked quite puzzled as he did not recognize Jim or Julie, but then he saw Mr. Dog.
Pat and Mr. Dog were able to visit for several hours on Wednesday and Thursday before Jim and Julie had to return home. While another visit may not be possible, Julie and Cornerstone will be arranging for a Facetime call in the near future so Pat can see Mr. Dog more on a regular basis.
-Article courtesy of Ruth Anspach, Cornerstone Nursing Home