https://www.facebook.com/ashley.stevens.995/videos/10156367805566392/
Ashley Stevens caught the final moments between her grandfather, Peter Robson, and his best friend, Shep, as he lay dying in a hospital bed in Dundee, Scotland. Robson had been hospitalized several weeks ago for a deadly lung disease and hadn’t seen his 8 year old Border Collie since then. Seeing Shep was his last dying wish. With only hours remaining to live, the hospital and family made this miracle come true. (Robson can be seen kissing Shep in this video.)
Robson was given Shep by his family after his wife died 8 years ago. The two of them were inseparable. Robson only wanted to see him for a few moments to say goodbye to his best friend. Shep was able to stay for over 1/2 hour.
Robson died hours after his dying wish was fulfilled.
https://www.facebook.com/ashley.stevens.995/videos/10156367805036392/
Stevens said in her facebook post the family was eternally grateful particularly for the “absolute angel” charge nurse, Cheryl Whyte, who allowed the visit. She posted the videos/ pictures of her grandfather and Shep’s last moments together. She said she was “Absolutely amazed and touched today from NHS ninewells hospital, our grandads last and final wish was to see his dog one more time. In shock that the wish was granted and they went above and beyond today and made a dying man very happy……… You don’t know what this meant to our grandad.”
Shep will now live with Robson’s son, Pete.
The last visit between Shep and best Robson was an extremely smart move by all involved. By allowing a last visit between man and his best friend, it gave the comfort Robson desperately needed before his death. Shep was able to see and smell his “dad” for the last time. Dogs know when someone is dying. They detect smells we humans can’t. They also watch for cues via body language. Shep was given the gift of knowing he wouldn’t see his “dad” again. He, too, was comforted by the visit.
It’s always painful when we must say goodbye to our pets but it’s also difficult for pets when their owners die. Because of the family and the nurse, Shep will able to move on a bit easier. It’s evident the family loves Shep so this will also help in Shep’s grief. Peter Robson had no idea the enormity of his last dying wish and the effect on all animal lovers across the world.
RIP Peter Robson. Wishing all the best to Shep as well.
Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein is a television talk show host, speaker, writer, and an unabashed animal advocate. Her love for animals and quest for the hard truth is what drives her passion for all things animals. She hosts the television show, “A Close Up Look at Animal Welfare Issues.” She adores her tripawd, Brody, who was a formerly abused pup who lost his leg because of cruelty inflicted upon him. If you’d like Tina to talk to your group or have a story, please email her at tevangelistaepp@yahoo.com. Like https:www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookatAnimalWelfareIssues and be sure to check out AnimalWelfareIssues.com.
Bummed out? says
Very touching. God bless this family. What a beautiful story.
Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein says
It really is a beautiful story.
Bummed out? says
RIP Peter
Blesstheirsouls says
Beautiful. So glad he was able to spend those last moments of his life with his dog. Still, it’s very sad.