No wonder a pup can be man…and woman’s best pal

If one has had a pup, one will know how they can be our comforting companion from the very start. Here is a story that proves just that.

Susan Jackson of San Francisco had such a dog, a rescued cockapoo/bichon mix, named Aimee, that lived for 16 years.

Susan adopted Amiee when she was trying desperately to get pregnant.

Over the years, I kept trying to get pregnant. One day, I was especially discouraged and anticipating more bad news. I was obeying my doctor’s orders and resting on the couch when Aimee did something she had never done before: She jumped up and lay on my chest, right over my heart. Her gentle weight gave me a comfort I can’t describe.

As my little dog got older, she started sleeping more and more. Eventually, she lost her hearing and soon began losing her sight, but that never stopped her from greeting me with endless enthusiasm when I came home from work. Her final week was spent mostly at the veterinarian, but after each visit, she still wiggled with a puppy’s excitement when we returned to the car and knew we were going home.

When Aimee died last year, I mourned the passing of a 16-year love that outlasted an ex-husband and several boyfriends. Although I’ve loved many dogs throughout my life, none has compared with Aimee. She was different and helped me through many challenging times.

I guess this is what some people call their ‘heart dog’. [Photo/Issei Kato]