.”What The Mind Has Forgotten, The Heart Remembers” Susan Sloan
How An Unconditional Love Story Began
Dogs are unconditionally loyal to their families. As a dog lover, it’s heartwarming to see our dogs always so enthusiastic when they see us. Even when we leave them for a mere five minutes, they wait in anticipation and get all excited when we return. A dog gives unconditional love to their families.
For one grandfather, it was especially important to have his dog so excited to see him. Tony Karpaitis is a US Army veteran who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease. He, his wife, and granddaughter rescued and raised a puppy named Cake together.
Cake had been abandoned on the side of the road. He had a lot of behavioral issues to overcome, but time and love overcame the challenges. Cake seemed to know what Tony needed.
This article may explain how and why she did. https://happymutt.org/study-shows-your-dog-feels-when-you-are-upset-and-in-need-of-help/?fbclid=IwAR0Yb6aWVi5drFq3xi9hEfz6-Ek9ulKOqPoXvGpWBrU7kY-CfcMorSi1iXA
A Major Change In Circumstances Caused A Problem
When Tony moved into a retirement home to be with his wife, Cake moved in with his granddaughter, Michelle. It wasn’t long until Tony Karpaitis’ health started to decline. The family became concerned.
He began to forget things and had trouble finding the right words. His physician performed a thorough workup and the diagnosis was confirmed. Tony has Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological condition that affects brain function, specifically memory. A person who has Alzheimer’s eventually forgets even the simplest of things.
They no longer remember such things as how to use a toothbrush or eating utensils. The diagnosis is a heartbreaking one, especially for Michelle.
Michelle visited her grandfather frequently and often thought of bringing Cake along with her. Michelle knew just how much joy Cake brought to her grandparents.
She also read about and watched videos on, how dogs are beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s Dementia. How could she not wonder if a dog giving unconditional love to her grandfather would help him?
For Every Problem, There Is A Solution
Based on this information, Michelle decided to enroll Cake in a formal dog behavior training program. Cake passed the test with flying colors! By passing the test, Cake is now allowed to come inside the retirement facility where Tony and his wife currently reside.
During his first visit, Cake rushed in to greet his rescuers, Tony and his wife. In spite of having Alzheimer’s disease, Tony immediately recognized Cake and was eager to cuddle up with her.
According to Michelle, her grandfather does forget that Cake is a girl. But, that does not prevent him from reacting joyously whenever the two of them get together for a visit.
Here’s a video of one of Cake’s reunions with Tony. Just look at the way Tony reacts when he’s with Cake. It’s easy to see the love and devotion between them.
Dogs genuinely do have a positive effect on a person’s emotional and psychological well-being. This dog gives unconditional love to Tony and it is obvious.
A Dog Giving Unconditional Love Is The Answer
Tony and his wife are Michelle’s biological grandparents. However, they raised her as their daughter. Michelle likens their rescuing Cake as a puppy abandoned at the side of the road to her grandparents rescuing and raising her. When you see the love between all of them, it is hard to say who rescued who.
What If You Don’t Have a Dog?
Dog therapy for the elderly is well recognized as beneficial for people of all walks of life. Sadly, some are not in physical, emotional, or financial shape to own a dog. However, they can still benefit from periodic visits.
Do you have a dog and a desire to make life better for a loved one or even a stranger? Then here is an excellent opportunity for you to do so. Hospitals, assisted living sites, and nursing homes often allow and even welcome well-trained dogs to visit their patients/clients.
Older adults still living at home often miss having a dog and enjoy having others bring one to visit. The companionship and unconditional love they receive from a dog helps to cheer them up. A dog’s unconditional love for his owner has improved the health of many seniors.
This article will touch your heart as well: https://excellentdogsclub.com/dog-plays-with-grandpa-with-alzheimers-and-their-relationship-will-touch-us-all/
Just in case you are not sure if your dog loves you or not, check out this article. https://excellentdogsclub.com/how-can-you-tell-your-dog-loves-you/?fbclid=IwAR15sNkrlANkSOCyxQ3Wika2Mrh7hRWkEeELMRYYoFib_Z4BaWpSwYeuipU
Video Source The Dodo via YouTube
