This week we commemorated Veteran’s Day, honoring the men and women who have served our country so bravely.
I live in a pretty military-focused area, so every time a ship returns from overseas the news is there to show the tearful reunions between service member and family. But they don’t show what happens when they return home to greet the other family member who has been waiting so patiently to say hello.
Fortunately the people over at Mental Floss were kind enough to accumulate an entire series of YouTube videos showing soldiers coming home to a fuzzy, happy homecoming. It’s wonderful.
A few years ago, I had a soldier come in with his basset hound Kelly, who was dying of lymphoma. He was a big tough guy in fatigues. He looked sadly at Kelly, nodded his head, and took her home. Two days later he came running- and I mean running– into the clinic with Kelly, who was taking her last breaths. There was nothing we could do.
“What am I going to do?” he said, tears running down his face. “She was the only one I could talk to.”
I can only imagine the stories she must have heard.
Way to make me cry first thing in the morning.
I really love the stories you write.
Me too, Kristie (to both of your comments). Sweet post Dr V.
Me too! And I’m at my work desk during my lunch.
On a (somewhat) similar note, The Military Channel is airing the documentary “No Dog Left Behind” this Sunday, the 15th. It’s about soldiers that care for dogs – against military regulations – while on tour in Iraq or Afghanistan and the efforts they go through to bring the dogs back to the U.S. I’ve read about one of the dogs in the doc on Operation Baghdad Pups’ site… so heartwarming! I love me a good rescue story. :o)
Thanks so much! I just set it to record 🙂
Man… Crying fit over here. I was hoping that it was just hormones, but glad I’m not the only one.
really lved the story. The picture was the best.
Glad I have waterproof mascara on! Wow, so touching.
These always make me smile and make me a bit teary too. The Gracie one has been on a local rock station’s website for a while now and I love it.