My dog got us through the most difficult time in our lives
For Over60 community member, Thea Matto, 68, from Modbury, South Australia, dogs are certainly a man’s best friend. Scootsy was Thea and her husband’s lifeline during a very difficult time in their lives.
When we picked up Scootsy, a border collie, from the breeders in the Adelaide hills in 2010, Lee, my husband, had suffered a minor stroke (which affected his speech and memory a little). We told Lee that he could name the dog. Lee kept saying Scootsy, an affectionate Italian slang name he calls the grandchildren meaning “loved one”. So Scootsy he was and now when he calls Scootsy everyone comes running.
Two years ago Lee had an operation to have a tumour removed from his bowel. Unfortunately, complications set in and he was placed in coma for two weeks while he was fighting every infection known to man. It was life threatening and he was in ICU for eight weeks – our three sons and I were at his bedside every day
Scootsy was my lifeline. Every morning at dawn I would take him to the oval to run with his frisbee. At night when I came home he was there waiting for me. After playing ball with him in the backyard we would both have a meal and then we would cuddle up on the floor where he just smothered me with doggy kisses and put his head on my lap.
Thank goodness, Lee turned the corner and after eight weeks was able to come home… but as his muscles were so weak he had to learn to walk again. Scootsy did not leave his side and became his loyal companion and kept licking Lee’s legs and ankles as if to say “you can do it”. After some time we all were able to go to the oval again so Scootsy could run with his frisbee.
When Lee got better he went back into the work force again, which was important for his self-esteem. He would come home at 4.30pm which Scootsy instinctively knew. Without anyone telling him, from 4.20pm he’d be sitting at the window looking out waiting for Lee to arrive.
Same when I came home from work, Lee said that Scootsy would open the door with his mouth and he’d be sitting near the gate waiting for me. At night when we go to bed he lays down next to our bed but once we are asleep he will go to his own basket to sleep. And in the morning he’s there to greet us.
He is our most loveable and loyal companion and we love him so much. I’m sure he knows exactly what we’re thinking as he is so in tune with us. He has given us a lot of love and devotion and we in return love him a lot. He has certainly enriched our lives.
Some people have said to me, “why do you have him inside with you? He’s just a dog.” My response to them: “this is his home, he is part of our family. We love him. Would you put a member of your family outside?”
If you love your dog as much as Thea loves Scootsy, you should read our list of 10 signs your pet is your best friend.
Do you have a story about your pet to tell? We would love to hear it! Get in touch with our editorial team at contribute@oversixty.com.au