When a woman first met a pooch dying from cancer, his expression revealed everything.
Janine Guido, the founder of Speranza Animal Rescue, said to The Dodo: “The first thing I noticed with him was his eyes.
“He looked exhausted — like he was ready to give up the fight.”
Watson had been staying at the vet after a college student found him alone in a park in Philadelphia and took him to the shelter.
The pooch was emaciated, had a large, cancerous tumor on his leg, and covered in infected sores. Sadly, cancer had already taken over.
When Watson was brought to the shelter, it was evident that all he wanted was someone to stay next to him. The only thing they could do was to make sure he was comfortable.
“I had a gut feeling that things weren’t going to be good the next day,” Guido expressed. “I didn’t want to leave him alone. Not when he needed me the most.”
On Wednesday night, she brought some blankets and dog beds and lay down next to Watson. She gently talked to him and placed her arms around him. Guido stayed with the pooch all night.
“He slept like a rock all night, cuddled up to me so tight,” Guido shared. “I cried myself to sleep, and woke up in tears as well.”
When the dog woke up the next day, he was more tired. He couldn’t drink or eat, and he started pacing around in circles. Watson died soon after.
Although Guido did not know the pooch, she said the impact Watson made that night is something she will always remember.
Their nights together also meant a lot to Watson before he passed away.
“I’m just so thankful I was able to hold him tight for his last night,” Guido expressed. “I was telling him how much he was loved — and that his life mattered. My heart is breaking, but I would not change a thing.”
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