Hospice Dog Kept Working When Old Age Came for Him

As a therapy dog, Baxter comforted hundreds of hospice patients in their final hours. This year, old age caught up with Baxter.

This photo released by Ollie Media shows author Melissa Joseph and Baxter, her labrador and chow...

This photo released by Ollie Media shows author Melissa Joseph and Baxter, her labrador and chow mix. Baxter past away Oct. 16. Over the years, Baxter snuggled with hundreds of hospice patients in the hours before they went to sleep for the last time. Now Baxter has died. His memorial service Wednesday Oct. 28, 2009 at the San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine drew nearly 100 friends, family and staff. Baxter, at 19½, was one of the oldest working therapy dogs in the United States.(AP Photo/Ollie Media,Dennis Bussey)

(AP)

The chow-golden retriever lost much of his body fur and use of his legs, so his owner Melissa Joseph made him a special red wagon that she pulled from door to door so he could visit hospice patients.

She would lift him onto the patient's bed, even though he weighed 36 pounds. Then frail arms would circle his neck or gnarled hands would stroke his fur and he and patients would share uncomplicated, unhurried moments that often turned into hours.

Baxter died this month at 19 1/2, one of the oldest working therapy dogs in the United States. A memorial service Wednesday at the San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine drew nearly 100 friends, family and staff. A YouTube video tribute has been watched by more than 315,000 people.

"He licked tears from grieving faces, gave hugs to those at a loss for words, and warmed the hearts and souls of those who were making their transition," Joseph wrote in her online eulogy. "Everyone loved Baxter."

Baxter was always surrounded by a crowd when he visited several times a week, said Lisa McCullough, spiritual counselor for the inpatient care center. Some patients who refused to share their life stories with staff would talk freely if Baxter was in the room.

"And sometimes they opened up about the end of their life's journey," McCullough said. "I think Baxter made them feel safe and valued. He has helped just countless patients discover purpose and peace and connection in the last phase of their lives."

When asked why a dog could provide more comfort than a human, Joseph said, "Part of it is the silence. They communicate very loudly, but the patient doesn't feel compelled to respond."

Sometimes, because they knew Baxter was also coming to the end of his life, a patient's concern for the dog would overshadow their own pain, she said.