Baxter the Therapy Dog, a San-Diego-area Chow/Lab mix who spent years providing care and comfort to humans at the end of life, died last Friday at the age of 19.
After a puppyhood of abuse, Baxter grew up to become a certified therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International, and enjoyed fame and fans worldwide for his years of volunteer work at San Diego Hospice, where he spent time cuddling, licking faces, and providing smiles for people in hospice care. He even became the subject of an award-winning book: "Moments with Baxter: Comfort and Love From the World's Best Therapy Dog."
Many of those who knew Baxter believe that it was his own ailments that made him such a powerful companion to hospice patients. The arthritis that plagued him during the latter half of his life left him unable to walk. His owner, Melissa Joseph, helped him carry out his duties at the hospice by pulling him around in a cart and carrying him to patients' beds.
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you don't have to be a rock star or sports hero to be a role model. Just ask Baxter when you see him in heaven.
ditto couldnt say it better he was a rock star rest in peace baxter....you were a beauty inside and out
Baxter, thre's a special place across the rainbow bridge for you little guy.
Words escape me. NOTHING can be said that will do this story justice.
One of God's greatest treasures....the unconditional love of an animal.
"Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened."
As you cross over the Rainbow Bridge my beloved dog Bear will be there to meet you. He passed away 7/21/09; no apparent medical problems and he was 9 yrs. old.
he must of been put on earth to bring comfort to people who need a friend
U ARE SO RIGHT BAXTER SEEM LIKE HE WAS A BIG TEDDY BEAR IN PEOPLE'S LIFE...RIP BAXTER U MEET MY DOGGY IN HEAVEN NAME TANGO! ! !
this is a really nice thing to do, but its also really sad
RK: You are so right. Such a beautiful animal with so much love to give. I hope he is out of pain
ONE MORE GREAT ANIMAL IN PUPPY HEAVEN, HE WILL BE MISSED AND YET STILL DOING HIS WORK THROUGH MEMORIES AND SMILES EVERYDAY.
ANGELS come in many forms. Beware that you might entertain one today ! ;) RIP Baxter, you will hurt no more.
Losing a special friend leaves a hole in hearts. Baxter touched so many people and gave them comfort. I am sure they were all there on the other side to greet him and welcome him home!
Dogs are the epitome of unconditional love. How anyone could abuse them is beyond my comprehension.
"to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson~
Rest in peace Baxter.
May he rest in peace, and now let him enjoy and even better life up in heaven.
Sometimes angels wear dog clothes, bless you Baxter!
RIP Baxter
ANIMALS AND CHILDREN ARE GOD'S CREATURES...GOD BLESS YOU BAXTER! AND BLESS YOUR OWNER FOR SHARING THIS CREATURE.
I'm happy today because I just read about Baxter!!!!What a GOD_SENT! Meet u in heaven Baxter!
bravo RK, very well said