We would like to be able to save every dog, but in reality it is impossible. Janine Guido had to deal with this when she met a dog named Watson. She is the founder of Speranza Animal Rescue, so she takes care of a lot of animals.
Watson, a homeless pit bull, was found alone in a Philadelphia park by a college student. After locating the dog, the student took him to an emergency veterinarian because the puppy had wounds all over his body, a tumor on his hind legs, and he was starving. The veterinarian told the students that Watson was desperate. His cancer is spreading and his time is limited.
Watson went from the veterinarian’s office to the local animal shelter. Shelter staff agreed that Watson could stay there as comfortably as possible.
“I had a gut feeling that the next day was not going to be good,” Guido told Dodo. “I don’t want to leave him alone. Not when he needs me the most.”
She comforted him as best she could, gathering blankets and dog beds and holding him. She spent the night with Watson, holding him while he slept.
“He slept like a rock all night, snuggling close to me,” Guido said. “I fell asleep crying and woke up crying.”
The next morning, Watson started circling and stopped eating and drinking. Guido knew he was dying. She continued to support him during this difficult time.
Watson died soon after, but he was loved, perhaps for the first time in his life.
“I’m grateful that I was able to hold him on his last night,” Guido said. “I told him how much he loved – his life was important. My heart is broken but I’m not going to change anything.”
