I wish I could have captured the moment on film or video - but instead chose to sit and watch and appreciate....
My Mom, who is 74, and recently brought back home from a care home, was sitting on the sofa today. She had her small, poodle dog on one side, and my very large Mastiff dog on the other side. She had her hand over the Mastiff's paw and the Mastiff was licking her so very gently. My Mom was sitting with her eyes closed and smiling. For that moment, everything was ok for Mom. There was no dementia, no stress/anxiety/agitation.... just love from the dogs. Moment made all the more special as my Mastiff is a rescue and was due to be put down because she was thought to be "unsuitable as a pet". 4 years later, and much, much patience - to undue all the horrible things that had been done to her... she is sitting, comforting my mother, who she loves unconditionally. Don't give up on people and don't give up on animals and in dementia ... please don't give up on the connection between the two.
Having my Mom back home full time is difficult/tiring, but seeing this - I know I have made the right decision.
My Mom, who is 74, and recently brought back home from a care home, was sitting on the sofa today. She had her small, poodle dog on one side, and my very large Mastiff dog on the other side. She had her hand over the Mastiff's paw and the Mastiff was licking her so very gently. My Mom was sitting with her eyes closed and smiling. For that moment, everything was ok for Mom. There was no dementia, no stress/anxiety/agitation.... just love from the dogs. Moment made all the more special as my Mastiff is a rescue and was due to be put down because she was thought to be "unsuitable as a pet". 4 years later, and much, much patience - to undue all the horrible things that had been done to her... she is sitting, comforting my mother, who she loves unconditionally. Don't give up on people and don't give up on animals and in dementia ... please don't give up on the connection between the two.
Having my Mom back home full time is difficult/tiring, but seeing this - I know I have made the right decision.