A Moving Tribute

[Minnie]

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 on October 16 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.

This tribute is a collection of photos of his life and a hauntingly beautiful musical tribute.

YouTube - Moments with Baxter - Tribute To The World's Best Therapy Dog

 

[kkddbb]

when i saw this the other day i could hardly keep it in. simply AWESOME!

 

[Rudyjohn]

Very touching and sweet.

 

[ItzKatzTime]

I'm still in tears from watching the videos of Baxter.
Wonderful wonderful story with so much meaning.
Thanks for posting this Minnie.

 

[sisters4]

Our pets are our greatest treasure. The is nothing so beautiful as a therapy dog. What a great life this dog lived and contributed so much. Just great. Thanks for sharing this.

 

[Imatrucountrygirl]

Omg what sweet dog.. he looks just like a lil bear and what an amazing life he had,, I too am in tears.. what a tribute to such a giving soul of a dog.. thank you for posting... RIP Baxter... this harsh world will miss you and I only wish I had had the opportunity to meet you...

 

[Minnie]

If you would like to read more about the life of this remarkable dog and his owner here is a website dedicated to Baxter.

One of the most interesting stories about him is the interview he went through to become a therapy dog. His owner was not sure he would pass the test.

Comfort and Love from the World's Best Therapy Dog: Moments With Baxter