A couple of years ago a relative from Germany came to the U.S. for a visit. His father was one of my grandfather’s seven brothers.
Before he came over he contacted me (and quite a few others, including some relatives I didn’t know I had) via e-mail and sent over some pictures, including the one to the left. (Click on it to see a larger version.)
That’s my grandfather in New York City, probably around 1940 or so. (I’m pretty sure that’s the Madison Avenue Bridge in the background, but I’m not sure where he is seated. 145th Street Bridge?)
Knowing me, you can probably guess the first questions that came to my mind: Who is the dog? What is his name? Where did they get him? (“Where the hell is he sitting?” was number 5 or so.)
I sent a copy to my sister, who showed it my father. He was already in pretty bad shape by this time, suffering from dementia and not communicating very much or very effectively. He teared up, talked about how wonderful the dog had been, and exclaiming that he had saved the family from a break-in to their apartment. He didn’t finish the story, unfortunately.
Based on my sketchy knowledge of our family’s history, this photo is from sometime well before 1950, probably closer to 1940. After 65+ years this dog reached out to a man who sometimes forgot his grandchildren’s names.
I’ve thought about this a lot the past few weeks. We tend to dwell on the things we took for granted during a time of loss, and this story serves as a poignant reminder of my father, while also reminding me to appreciate the rest of my family while I have it.
I think I’m back. I hope you’ll keep reading.
That was a very touching story. People who take therapy dogs into nursing homes talk about how their dog helps people connect with important pets in their past. It sounds like this picture was able to bring some very special memories back to your dad.
Glad to see you back. Take care of yourself.
Thank you very much for the R+.
Glad you are blogging again, great story!
Welcome back – I have missed your posts. Hope you and your family felt many prayers. What a wonderful photo. Isn’t it amazing how people who have lost most memory remember their pets? I have seen this more than once in my nursing practice. They don’t want to see extended family but they miss their dog or cat. God bless. Be kind to yourself, Eric – this holiday season will not be easy.
Thank you everyone!
What a wonderful story how this dog created an great feeling for your dad. It just goes to show the power of a love of animals and the memory of them.
What a great picture! And what a lovely, moving post — welcome back, Eric.
Eric,
I think this proves that animals stimulate and occupy a very different part of our brains than people do. I think they live where emotions live, which is why they are such good therapy critters. It’s similar to the difference between music and language. We have a fellow in our geriatric psychiatric program at work who has all kinds of challenges – one in particular is it is very difficult to understand a word he says, or writes; he is also suffering quite severly from schizophrenia. However, when he sings he is clear as a bell!
I’m so touched that dogs bring comfort and a flood of healing (although maybe difficult right now) memories to the surface for you. We are only just learning the depth of care they provide. XOXO
These are hard things to bear. The happiness that such a simple memory can trigger, that it can bring presence of mind, however momentary, where none existed is a gift. It especially helps family remember the person before dementia started. I am so sorry to hear about your dad; thank you for this and for sharing the story of his role in your interest in comics. Glad you’ve made a start back to writing – look forward to seeing you around the TweetDeck again.
Hi Eric
What a beautiful picture! I have another of Nana’s Daddy crouching beside a cocker spaniel. It may have been a dog named Patrick. I keep meaning to get a copy of the picture for you.
Alice