I would like to apologize for not being active here lately.....I've been struggling with my own grief and haven't been feeling very 'chatty' to say the least. I did, however, want to share something I read in my local newspaper today. In a town nearby (about 30 minutes) a homeless vietnam vet made his 'home' in an abandoned train depot with his canine companion "Sebastian". Sebastian just wandered up to his 'home' about 6 years ago and that is where he stayed. The man was very well known by everyone around because he was always seen with Sebastian all around town. All he had was his pitiful disability checks to depend on for survival...for buying food and such, and he always spent it on Sebastian first. He was always spotted 'shopping' for dog food and other essentials for his buddy before he would ever buy for himself. When people would see him on the street and ask him if they could help him, he would always ask for things that Sebastian needed...never for himself. The community grew very fond of him for that reason, and everyone just loved Sebastian as well. He was always right with his daddy no matter where they went. Tragically, 2 weeks ago, a very sad story was reported about Sebastian being hit by a car and killed. A local vet hospital tried to save him (free of charge) but they couldn't. I have thought about that poor man so often over the last 2 weeks wondering how he could possibly be getting through such a heartbreak all alone...having literally lost everthing he had to live for. Today my question was answered. His body was found surrounded by empty vodka bottles and he was holding Sebastians collar and leash. He went on a drinking binge and drank himself to death. My heart just breaks for him that he had to go through these past two weeks suffering with such a terrible emptiness in his heart. Please say a prayer for him and that he and Sebastian wil be together now and forever.
Just goes to show that our bond with our babies, and their devotion to us, has nothing to do with sparkly collars, fluffy beds, rediculous little doggy clothes, etc......all they want is love....and Sebastian most certainly had that.

I will say prayers for Sebastian and Sebastian's daddy. We know the pain too well, especially as a recovering alcoholic. I've just made it to 12 years sobriety, and even with that time, I did have a few moments where I thought that a drink would numb the pain. But for the grace of God and finding AA I could have ended up the same way.

I feel horrible about the pain that poor man had to go through for those past 2 weeks, also. In the area we live in, we often see these men on the street corners with their signs, and I hate to admit it but I always sort of ignored them and wouldn't meet their eyes. Then I found out that my husband always gives these men at least a dollar or two, because he found out that a lot of these guys are veterans who've fallen away from the system after the VietNam war, and he's active duty, and feels it's his obligation to give and say thanks. I know from news stories that many homeless folks have pets that they sacrifice for. Next time I'll be the one at the light who gives the 5 paltry dollars it takes to help a man or maybe his animal. That, I think, will make me feel better. Thanks for your letter, Kim. Sometimes we need to hear about things like this.

Kim - I absolutely cried when I read your story about Sebastian and his daddy. I will indeed remember them both in my prayers. How sad that Sebastian's father had no one to turn to for comfort. The pain of his loss was so unbearable. I wish he would have had some place to go, someone to talk to, but that was not to be.
Thank you for that story, even if it made me cry, it reminds me of all I have to be grateful for, a roof over my head, food on the table, my 3 remaining furkids, and this forum, where I can come and express my feelings and find comfort here.

Rest in Peace Sebastian and Sebastian's Daddy, you are together again, and in my thoughts and prayers.

Trish

This poor man has consumed my thoughts. It is so sad, yet it shares so many life lessons all rolled into one story that it almost had to be God's plan. A local funeral home has donated its services for him free of charge. In the article they printed about his service arrangements, I was touched by this quote from a friend he met while she was working with a group that is called 'meals on wheels' which is a volunteer group that feeds the homeless...

"He always had an angel watching over him," Waller said of the chow-mix dog. "On the day he was killed, I asked God: 'Why? Where was the angel?' Now, I assume that God took him ahead of time to make sure he was there when Shawn got there."

I think it's a nice image to think about their reunion and what a wonderful feeling it must have been for him to see his wonderful friend running toward him....kinda makes me jealous in a strange kind of way.

Here is a picture of the two of them (taken by the same friend with 'meals on wheels'). They look so happy together, and I hope they are like this once again....

I am just so happy that they are together again, and the man is free from the sufferings of this world. I am glad he didn't have to live too long without his beloved companion.

Wow... puts a whole lot of crap in this life in focus, doesn't it? Poor, poor man... I think God has a special place for BOTH of them now. No more hunger, pain , rejection, loneliness, fear or heartache.

What a wonderful,heartwarming picture of Shawn and Sebastian. God certainly put the two of them together, and prehaps as you said, called Sebastian home, to be there for Shawn when he, too, was called home.

It does put life in perspective, when you read stories like this. I am sorry that they both departed this world under tragic cir%%stances, but know that they have found each other, and are no longer suffering, in pain, nor hungry or cold, and have found comfort in each others arms again.

What a touching story. I think we can all relate in one way or another. The vietnam vets have suffered probly more than any others. People tryed to make up for their behavior during desert storm, by being so supportive of our troops. I remember the way americans treated their own during and after the vietnam war. My husband is a 20yr army veteran and even though he may never agree with the president, or wars being fought, he chose the military life. Back then with the draft they didn't.
Our furbabies don't judge us when we are less than perfect. They forgive our grumpy moods, don't hold grudges, they comfort us when we are down, and put no conditions on the love they give.
I sure do understand the doing for the furry first. When my husband got downsized we lost our insurance, so trips to Drs are far and few between. My husband laughs at me (in a nice way), because I won't go, but will make sure by furbaby does.
I wish things would have turned out better, but now Sebastian and his Daddy are together whole and happy. Nina ,Oscars Mom

I believe that it was.

What a beautiful photo of Shawn and Sebastian! They are together again for all of eternity....

This story has touched my heart & soul in more ways than I can say.

God Bless You All!

Love, Denise

THIS WAS A BEAUTIFUL STORY WORTHY TO BE ON "OPRA". IT SHOWS YOU THAT ANIMALS LOVE YOU RICH OR POOR AND ASK FOR NOTHING BUT A LITTLE FOOD AND LOVE AND I THINK ALOT OF THEM WOULD STAY WITH NO FOOD. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PICTURE OF SHAWN AND SEBASTIAN IT IS GOOD HE DID NOT HAVE TO LAST LONG WITHOUT HIS BEST FRIEN. WHEN I LOST MY DOG RAGGS IN JULY AFTER 25YR7MOS I THOUGHT MY WORD HAD ENDED AND I HAD A FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO CONSOLE ME. THEY ARE IN A BETTER PLACE. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DOG HE WAS.

[COLOR=blue
RAGGS I WILL MISS YOU FOREVER. I SAW A BICHON TODAY THAT LOOKED SO MUCH LIKE YOU AND I WANTED TO RUN AND HUG HIM. BUT IT WAS NOT YOU. THERE ARE A LOT OF DOGS THAT LOOK LIKE YOU BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE YOUR SOLE
MOMMEY JOANNE

Thank you for posting this tragic story. My mother always tells me not to sweat the small stuff, and it takes something like this to drive that point home.