Back in 2014, Chief found a new home when Anne Marie Sibthorp rescued him. At that time, the importance of how a dog says his last goodbye to his best friend had not crossed her mind.
Unfortunately, Ms. Sibthorp soon realized that her age made it impossible for her to handle such a young, strong, and rambunctious dog. So, re-homing Chief was her only realistic option.
As much as she hated to do so, she had to find Chief a new home. Unfortunately, she had no idea where that new home would be.
He had already been through so much and so many changes. She really wanted this one to be the last move Chief would have to make.
Finally, a best friend and a new home for Chief
However, things changed when her boyfriend, Bill Schiller, met her pup. With just one look, Chief’s fate was sealed. The dog had finally found that forever home that everyone keeps talking about. Since then, Chief and Schiller have become the best of buddies.
Bill and Chief
Sibthorp said that Schiller had always wanted to have a pet. But, because of his very busy career, he never had the chance to have one.
Although he lived in Florida, he would often go to Huntersville to visit Sibthorp and Chief. It was on one of those trips where he met Chief. It was also then that he knew they were meant to be best buddies.
Unfortunately, another change for Chief
Three years later, in the fall of 2017, Schiller was diagnosed with dementia. So, he moved to Sibthorp’s home where he would have a human companion.
He needed someone who cared about him and who would look after him. Of course, Chief came along with him. They were inseparable.
Eventually, Schiller’s health deteriorated and he was admitted into various hospitals and nursing homes. Wherever he was, Chief would always follow to brighten his day. Even in the last days of his life, Schiller still smiled and petted his pup.
Sibthorp knew just how deep their bond was. She said that the two of them belonged together. So, naturally, she thought it was appropriate for Chief to be invited to attend Schiller’s funeral. However, Chief’s tender way of expressing his last goodbye was something that no one would have anticipated.
Chief at Bills Funeral
At The Funeral Home, A Dog Says His Last Goodbye To His Best Friend
Standing as close to the body of his best friend as possible, Chief stretched his neck as far as he could. He gave his best buddy a quick lick on the ear. Then, he laid his head right next to Schiller’s head for the longest time, reported Sibthorp. This touching moment was captured on camera by Nina, Sibthorp’s granddaughter. Then, it was posted on James Funeral Home’s Facebook account.
The funeral home’s owner, Sam James, said that they understand the need for pets to have closure. So, they allow them to come to private viewings. Sibthorp appreciates that Chief was able to say goodbye to his best buddy. She felt that it was very important for him to be able to do that. Having the opportunity to say good by helped him to deal with not seeing him again,
Photo Credit: 12-year-old Nina Holbrooke, grand-daughter of Bill’s girlfriend.
Should Dogs Attend a Funeral? Is How A Dog Says His Last Goodbye To His Best Friend Important?
There are many differing opinions regarding this topic. Most people, especially animal lovers, understand that the loss of their best human friend is very stressful for a dog. Some grieve such a loss for weeks, months, or even for years. We will deal with this topic at some length in the future but, for today, will share with you an incredible story of a remarkable dog.
Statue of Greyfriar’s Bobby
There are many heart-rending stories circulating about animals grieving the loss of their two-legged friends. One of the most famous of such stories is about a Skye Terrier known as Greyfriar’s Bobby. It takes place in Scotland. John Gray moved his family to Edinburgh, Scotland in about 1850 for better employment.
Formerly a gardener, he found work as a nightwatchman to support his family. Not too long after beginning this new job, he decided that he wanted a partner to keep him company as he made his nightly rounds as a watchman. His partner was tiny but a great companion. They were a common sight for the people of Edinburgh.
John and Bobby, his wee Skye Terrier friend, were partners for several years before John began to show signs of being ill. According to the records of the Police Surgeon of Edinburgh who treated John for tuberculosis, John Gray died on February 15, 1858. He was buried in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard.
Bobby would not leave John’s side. He sat every day at John’s gravesite, leaving at one o’clock each day to eat. He went to the same place that he and John had gone to almost every day. Mr. Trail, the kind owner of the coffee house, continued to feed Bobby until the day he died.
Bobby continued his graveside vigil for the rest of his life. He was 14 years old when he died in 1872. He was wearing a collar with a brass inscription saying “Greyfriar’s Bobby from the Lord Provost 1867 licensed”. This collar is now on display in the Museum of Edinburgh. In 1873, they erected a monument to Bobby in his honor.
The Story of Greyfriar’s Bobby Made History
Several books have been written about Bobby and John. At least 2 films were made about them as well. While there have subsequently been some people to challenge the details of the story, what remains is a lesson for us all about loyalty and devotion.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Here is a wonderful story about end-of-life issues with a man and his dog. https://happymutt.org/1492-2-hospice-care-for-man-and-dog/
