My father had Alzheimers. This is what happened when he was with our dog. (He passed away on July 25, 2014.) Thank you for all of your kind words. You have been an amazing community.
Neighbor across the road couldn't have his dogs (old dogs ashes he kept) buried with him so he found a animal cemetery and had himself buried (ashes) with his dogs. He reckoned he'd be in better company.
When I die if I can’t go to where my animals are waiting I’m not going. As far as I’m concerned they are my life and I’d rather spend eternity with them outside heaven than inside without them.
59 and not ashamed to say it... I cry. My father is 92 and sometimes has difficulty thinking of certain words and has a hard time putting together full sentences, I am DREADING the day he can no longer speak at all.
I feel you man, my father passed when I was 20 and over seas serving in the army. His last words to me came a couple months earlier when I last saw him before I left, I will never forget them. "Be a man son, with your family with your friends. I am sorry I wont be here to help you, just remember a man takes what comes deals with it and moves on, doesn't waste time crying about what was or could have been, but sucks it up and deals with what is." 30 plus years later I still cry thinking of him and all the years we never got to have, but I have tired to live the life I know he would have wanted for me.
My mom had Alzheimer’s, but her happiness and smile always returned when she was around my dog. I think animals ought to be a part of anyone’s treatment for Alzheimer’s.
Unfortunately there are too many people with severe allergies to animals. COPD is also rampant in the elderly and is irritated by animal dander and hair. One would have to make sure every resident and every member of staff would not have a reaction. Maybe if you had a specific wing separated from the rest? I myself have 8 (yes eight) dogs and they are a joy.
@@mrsw2923 If they can do it in cancer hospitals, they can do it in nursing homes. Staff and family members bring animal dander and other allergens in with them every time the walk through the door. Hepa filters and preventative medicine is usually used for people with allergies that severe.
If they took dogs from shelters, gave them a little training, then take them to nursing homes and hospitals, a lot of dogs would be saved and people could find comfort in them.
That’s very likely 1,000 people that never received any love and therefore can never understand the connection between a dog and a human partnership. At 89 years old I can tell those unloved people that stinginess and unfeeling actions towards the lesser creatures can by assuaged by a devoted partner that never questions human compassion. My little dog walks every one of the 3-4 miles I do every day. We’re a great team!
The dog was genetically designed to be of help of humans. By whom that is another question for another video. They use dogs and physical and psychological therapy, dogs can detect a number of illnesses, and this video too proves there is a special bond between humans and dogs. Petting a dog triggers the release of the love hormone, oxytocin, reason why we all feel so good when we pet them.
@@sorellman idk if it was genetically designed to help humans. They still eat their own feces at times. They're not perfect animals but pretty close ya.
For a long time,I’ve thought that elderly people (especially those who live alone) should get food vouchers for their pets, and/or help with vet bills. This is because pets can have such a beneficial influence on people’s health and mental wellbeing and I believe that this would reduce the social welfare bill along with giving people a happier life.
Turd Ferguson lol. If you know any dogs that eat their own faeces, you can give them pineapple. They don’t like the smell of it after it’s been on it’s journey through the gut.
My Dad had Dementia and loved animals too. He always said if he could rent a dog or he would. Dad left us 4 months ago today, 20 days shy of his 89th birthday. Love you Dad,and this video. Greetings from Canada. 🇨🇦🙏❤🌹
Condolences to you and your family. I know it’s hard to loose a loved one. We (our family) cope with a loss by keeping their memory alive by the memories we’ve built. Stay strong, Stay safe.💕 Greeting from Texas.
That was a beautiful statement. I don't understand how genetics and child molestation got into the conversation. It was just a beautiful statement. Bless you.
I wish I could watch stuff like this without my mind going all negative; I can't help but think of this kind of thing happening to my parents who I both love. I'm really glad the dog clearly gives this guy a bunch of comfort, though
It had me in tears as my Grandfather came to live with me the last 1 1/2 years of his life and he would sit in the easy boy rocker by the window looking out at the lake as my dog sat next to him as he petted it and he looked at me one day and said: "Now This is Paradise" as I was so Filled with joy to make the last days of his life happy and content. He passed at 95 in 2005 and will be in my heart as I'm sure your Dad will as you have this wonderful video to commemorate him with.. We were lucky to sit him down for hours and did a video of "This is Your Life" as he got to tell us those stories once again we knew so well and now are forever on tape and CD so even his Great Grandkids can see and here him in his own words. So important to Listen to our Elders and their Life experiences
That’s awesome. My dad is 78 and I am only 30. He’s told me so ,any amazing things about how things used to be “way back in the day”. I cherish those memories
oh thats just, i have to stop a second - oh man thats one of Gods precious blessings indeed. yes dear u were truly blessed to have those last days with ur grandfather. hes up there in heaven right now praying over u and ur dog if hes still alive and IF ur dog has passed on then hes up there with ur grandfather. God Bless u dear
My father gave up on living after my mother died, but when I talked him into moving in with me and my wife and our three dogs, his life came back to him. He loved those dogs and they loved him. They have him the love he needed at his lowest point and that gave him the will to continue. He lasted another seven years even with ALS and I got to know him better in those years, than I ever had in the 42 years before that.
You are a good son and.. And half of the credit goes to your wife. Not everyone will be willing to take care of their father-in-law at home for so long.
That's terrific. I'm so happy you got to do that with your dad. And you must have a wonderful person by your side supporting you. I moved in with my mom. We had some tender moments. I'll never regret that time spent together. Lovenlight
I lost my mum 4.5 years due to dementia. Dementia / Alzheimers is a god awful illness. Your dad looks like a very nice guy, can see that because of your dog. My god bless everybody with this illness, and bring strength to the family left behind.
My Mom didn't have Alzheimer's, but she wasn't "all there" the last time I saw her in Feb. 2009. She looked at me and didn't know who I was, but you know it didn't bother me, I knew all my life my Mom loved me and I was ok.
@meaturama Maybe she was faking what? The fact that she loved me all my life, only a woman who loves her daughter will ask "Are you eating right?" when she learns that the daughter is pregnant and not married, or the fact that she didn't know who I was? She had already called my brother by her older brother's name. She passed the next day.
Knowing your mom loved you is the biggest comfort of all, during her illness and after she passes away. She will remember you in Heaven, and she will love you forever! And there will be much joy when you see her again in the beautiful place God has made for you. 😇🥰❤️ there will be no more of 💔😢 God bless your dear hearts.
After my mother died of lung cancer some 15 months after her diagnosis, someone said to me, "I know she loved you very much." My response came out without even really thinking about it: "I think she loved someone who *looked like* me, but the person I actually was, she didn't really understand or like."
@@hubbsllc I'm sorry that you feel that way, in my case I was the last child at home, Mom and I went to the public library every Tuesday she read all the books that I checked out and she taught me a little about quilting. I think I'm very like my mom, she was a Rosie the Riveter and I work on aircraft engines.
@@nancyhammons3594 My brother (six years older) and I had similar things happen to us. She had these constructs in her head of the people she *wanted* us to be, and she would rather cast us out than slew her understanding of us to be more toward the men we became. I didn't see my brother for 13 years because of that whole sick dynamic.
I'm sobbing. You can see that despite Alzheimer's, your father is well looked after, happy and has maintained all of his softness and kindness. Thank you for sharing this and give that dog a bit "good boy" from me.
My dad had Alzheimers. He had no clue who I was for the last couple of years of his life. 8 months before he passed we finally got him in to a care home. He was ok with it but didn’t know me, my brother or even my mom. Before I left I said ‘Maybe I’ll bring Baron (my beagle) to visit you next time. Do you remember Baron?’ Dad’s response was a vacant smile and then ‘Yes, Baron! Aroooo!’ I’ll always remember that.🐶❤️
In her final years, my Mum wasn't always too sure who I was, but she always remembered our old retriever Bonnie and her own Mum and Dad. Once in a while she'd look at me and she'd say "I know who you are , you're my lovely little boy" and then get all emotional and hug me. She totally loved the cat who lived in the care home, she adored the creature. She called it "Bon Bon" because she though it was our old retriever. God bless my Mum and Bonnie.
my ma only lasted 6 weeks in her care home, but the manageress loved big dogs, so let me bring in my 2 Newfoundlands to visit. So even if I had difficulties getting through to her, the dogs brought her out of her shell and were a great comfort to her. I was even allowed to bring the dogs back after she passed, so they could have a sniff and hopefully 'understand' that she'd finally left us.
"I'll take you and you take me." A declaration of love for each other. Your father feels the love and it is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your father.
My husband died of Alzheimers in Sept, 2014. He always responded to the animals, our dog and cats, the birds at the feeder which he loved to feed for years and any dog that was brought into the nursing home where he was at the end. Magic and a universal language between animals and humans. Gifts from God to us.
wandering_about that was a vile thing to say. You must be a very unhappy person. Whatever it was that happened to you has made you bitter. That is sad. I feel sorry for you. Maybe you need a loving pet.
Dogs have high sensitivity rates, it seemed to comfort your father, that was a blessing in itself. My dad didn't have any sickness like that he had skin cancer, but his dog followed him everywhere, they shared the same food, the same bed and he had the front seat of the car. It wouldn't let anyone sit there. When my dad went to church he left the dog at home, when he got back the dog barked at him for an hour. The dog was lost when my dad died. They know.
this blessed my day- when he said that. I had got so angry at my dog for waking me up so many times in the night last night. too-much work too much shedding, too much money ito fed her.I . did not want this dog in the first place she is too young etc etc and now i am ashamed after seeing this video and ask for more patience and understanding we need each-other I am knew but new i KNOW. thank you for this comment and who ever for the video
I imagine Alzheimers patients get tired of the pressure to make sense to others. It must be very comforting to be with a dog, able to say whatever words come to mind with no reaction other than I’m enjoying being with you.
Alzheimer’s killed my dad, we had lost him years before that damn disease finally took him from us. I never gave any thought of the last meaningful conversation I had with him, but I do painfully remember all the times of trying to reach him through the fog that robbed him of his memory. This is beautiful and yes.... talk to your folks.
Thanks for sharing . When my dad died my mums Alzheimer’s took a rapid downward turn and I became a carer 24/7 Shared with my sister. I would take my dog with me and my mum who was very frail and found it difficult to walk loved my dog and she would talk to him and also bend forward to stroke him and move her legs so he could sit really close to her while she patted him. All little extra muscle movements that she would not be doing while watching tv otherwise. The only problem was all the sneaky biscuits she gave him while I wasn’t looking. Lol.
😢❤️✝️ I know how it’s going to be. My daddy is slowly checking out. 88yrs. Last of his clan and in a nursing home. Mobility gone on his legs. God give me the strength and heart ❤️ to be a better daughter till he’s home with our Lord✝️❤️✝️ through the blood of the lamb in Jesus Christ name amen
There have been so many new view in the past week or so - not sure where it was shared but so happy that my dad can continue to remind people of the beautiful moments that are still possible in the midst of such a difficult journey.
dad had a special friendship with bogart, our cocker spaniel. he too battled dementia. when dad died, bogart died shortly afterwards. i'm positive bogart died of a broken heart.
Same thing happened with my dad and our dog. My dad didn't suffer from dementia but his last few years were rough due other health issues and the dog would sit beside him throughout the day regardless of where he was, and sleep under his bed at night. After he passed, the dog only lived a few months. Though he spent those last months keeping my mom company, you could tell he missed my dad.
Look at that tail wagging, that is one happy dog - complete with one happy dad !. My Mum died from this evil condition and the only 'bright spot' wzx when she thought she"d been out dancing the night before with a family friend (who was long dead) and, according to my Mum, had the 'Time of their lives' ! We were in bits but my Mum was happy-as !
Same with me! I'm 65 yo with MS, and I've always had a dog since I was 8 yo. Now I have a dog and a cat. I wouldn't know what to do without a pet. Much better than people!
@@Wajeedabdul shukran lakum, your words are very kind and touching. Thank you. *Forgive me if my spelling is off. I grew up and worked with native speakers, but never saw the letters translated into my alphabet.
This is so heartbreaking but so lovely seeing the gentleman talking to the dog and getting some comfort from it. Truly beautiful. Animals are so loyal and true right until the end x
My mother has Alzheimers I know EXACTLY how that feels. She looks at you and struggles to say anything, then my dog Pepper comes in the room and she just pets her over and over saying she wants to take her home. The last line your father says really hit home.
I am on the Autistic spectrum so processing difficult emotions isn't easy for me.... but I understood this, and it made me feel happy that the gentleman in this video was still in there somewhere. Lisa Abeyta, your father was a handsome man. Alzheimer's/dementia is the cruellest of all.
Jon Smith my son is on the spectrum, and he helped me put this together for my mom to share with my dad’s family. The simplicity of the message is thanks to his influence in distilling down what I wanted to say. Thanks for sharing your reaction. I appreciate it.
All of these posts really touched me as much as the video itself. Happy this nice gentleman had some comfort with a lovely creature, so sad anyone has to fight this awful disease, happy that people are trying to accept and adapt to these issues and others and finding love and understanding whenever possible. It brings me hope.
My dad had Parkinson's, and was battling prostrate cancer when my mother sent him to a nursing home. He had no contact with his dogs , rescued greyhounds, and went downhill pretty quickly after arriving there . I believe it's because he was taken out of his home ,away from his dogs . All because she didn't want to look after him . They'd been married for 40 years . It's lovely to see this man at home ,vwith his best friend. Please try and keep your older loved ones at home , I wouldn't want to go away from my home and animals. Nothing would be more depressing
It's all because she didn't want to take care of him? WOW. Maybe she couldn't. I am sure she was a senior citizen. There may be many reasons she didn't. What about the children? Why, didn't they take care of him? Can you see how that sounds? Did you not want to be burdened with him? I lived 2500 miles away from my parents. I had 6 siblings. Some lived in the same state and 2 the next states over. All of them were closer than me. We all had jobs, husbands, and children. Some had grown children not living at home. I was the one that flew to take care of my father because as said to me,'' Mom can't do it. He had cancer and early dementia, and we can't leave our family''. Like they didn't care about my family. It was me or the nursing home. I left the next day. Unfortunately, cancer took his life three days later at home. Everyone left after the funeral, I decided to stay one more week. My parents were married 50 years and I could see the pain in Mom's face. How could anyone leave her alone? They didn't know I was staying longer. Mom told me she had been sick but, because of daddy she just put it in the back burner. To make this not much longer, I stayed another four years. That was when my Mom passed with cancer too. We were always very close, my family. Not after that. It's been 12 years now. Still trying to figure out what I did wrong. They got almost everything . I didn't care. I talk to one sister on FB, that's it. Your mother may have had a very good reason why she couldn't take care of your father. What was your reason?
I wouldn’t be judging her for not being able to look after him. Sometimes it’s just not possible and ends up putting the carer as well as those they care for at risk. Needs a lot of support, maybe she felt she wasn’t getting it. Putting someone in aged care is one of the toughest guilt ridden decisions we need to make but oftentimes it’s the only safe option.
Animals, especially the besties are there for us humans for a reason. Bless you and all the commentators for such lovely video and comments. Both my parents are gone too soon, but their last bestie always gave them pure love and he too left way too soon! Bless your hearts,
My Dad recently passed away with Vascular Dementia, he was in a poor way for the last three years, however when I took our French Bulldog Finn over to see him, he seemed to improve dramatically, laughing talking, Finn loved him and would spend hours on his lap or next to him on the bed...I miss him everyday
I had trouble with my side for a long time, couldn’t get to where it actually was as the pain seemed to travel. Lost weight, tired, then our dog started to lay his head on exactly where it was coming from, turned out it was gall bladder trouble and exactly where max lay his head. He knew I was in trouble and think he was guiding me. Loved that dog, miss him so much and I’m a 66yo soppy old man still mourning him after 3 years.
IAM 61 yrs of age, made a decision (not lightly) a couple of years ago to get a dog. Like I told the wife the hardest part of having a dog is losing the dog, anyway made a choice of a small dog that had the potential to live up to 17 yrs, hopefully more, in my thinking and hopes that we can grow old together. Sorry for your loss and I know if my dog passes away before me, guaranteed I will be a mess. There's an obvious reason why there called man's best friend.
@@daveliebrock363 if you want your dog to live long, buy quality human grade food, brush their teeth (tartar plaques contribute to heart disease) and get pet insurance. One of my dogs just passed, she was 22 and had beat thyroid cancer and 2 knee surgeries. The plan we chose reimbursed us 80% of her medical bills. All it takes is one terrible accident and you're looking at 6000 dollars in medical bills. Good luck! Dogs are the best.
I remember many years ago when my Mother had that disease in the late stages and She couldn't talk anymore either. My great nephew being but a toddler was placed on Her lap andShe spoke these words, "You better take him before he falls." WOW! I still remember that.
Lisa, thank you for sharing. This is why I do hospital therapy visits with our dog Daisy, and we always stop at the Alzheimer's wing. Many blessings to you.
TheMrDicat There's newer research on why, but thought that the animal interaction is less stressful to the patient then the worry they experience having Alzheimer's and trying to interact with people. It has showed a drop in stress hormones such and an increase in "social" hormones allows this to happen.
My mom's last coherent comment was when I took my then 6month old Daughter to see her " God damnit she's so beautiful." That was summer of 2007, Mum passed December 2009. My Daughter will be 15 December 2020.
When you see something like this you gota start asking why more dogs aren’t allowed into hospitals, care homes etc as service dogs. I’ve seen it many times where poorly people seem to just give up and don’t respond to other people but as soon as an animal goes near, they perk up and want to pet the animal. It’s lovely to see. Xxx
There are often therapists with therapy dogs visiting old people homes for giving the people a good time with the dog. The reason why many of these homes don't allow pets, is that the people couldn't care alone for their pets. Dogs have to be walked, people with Alzheimer's tend to walk away and don't return. And the staff can't walk all the dogs that would be living there. Also what would happen to the pets if the person died. It also had to be regularly vet checked and dewormed. Elderly people in homes often can't even afford the home costs for the care there.
My sweet Boxer-girl Stella had this exact effect on people in nursing homes...they just "lit up" when they saw her, and, of course, as Stella was a "perfect Boxer"..they got LOTS of instant kisses back.
When I was in the hospital, 6 years ago, they brought around a therapy dog. It was great, until I screamed and asked to take him away, because I thought he was a lion. I was sort of out of it. But this dog cheered up my dad and my husband., which was very needed.
@Calpurnia L Um, unwell. Well I was in the hospital and in and out of consciousness. I didn't say anything to offend you. My dear, I think it is you, who should seek professional help. Have a good day.
This made me miss my dad real bad.I lost him December 19 2016.I watched as he took his last breath.If you still have yours..tell him you love him and always respect him.
I had my first dog when I was 8 years old. Since then I have had numerous dogs, from chiwawa's to ones that you could throw a saddle over and ride away and every size in between, some of them abused, some bought from abusive neighbours and some strays just walking into our yard and refusing to leave and some from the pound. Every one of them was special and so individual. I loved each and every one of them them sooo much and I thank God that I knew and loved every one of them. I have never had a dog I would not 100% trust with my children as babies and I can take the food from their mouths without fuss. I am 60 now and my last two dogs, one from the pound was abused and returned twice to the pound and is a kelpieX and the other a chiwawa, after all these years I dont want any more dogs when these last two have gone, it just hurts so fkn much when they go. They were/are so much better at humanity than I could ever be.
@@karlbuchanan1363 If you said smth like that "you have brain to arrive that" Chances are you like cat more than dog in general. You sound like you're trying to protect cat. I can feel it
You made me cry. I lost parents in 2097 and 2011. They were married 62 years and she passed 28 days after their anniversary. My boxer, Celena, was my dad's shadow after my mother passed. At night, she jumped on his bed and slept with him. She was a comfort to him.
That was beautiful, I’m 64 years old and I made sure on New Year’s Eve, even if I was at the best party in town, I rush Home to my parents house to be with them at Midnight, I miss them dearly, May they Rest In Peace, Thank you for sharing this 👍
I lost my mom May 9th 2019 to dimentia I know exactly what you’re saying. Talk to them as much as you can while you can, beautiful video excellent advice👍👍.
So sad to hear that. I'm working n studying geriatric care so I can specialize in dementia care n research. I see children of dementia patients everyday n I can imagine how hard it must be for you. May your mom rest in peace 🙏
