Have you ever considered just how deeply our pets can touch our lives and the lives of others? How they sense things about the people around them that most people never realize?
It's unsure where Bentley started his life or how he lived up until the time he came into the care of the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, but they knew he was a special little guy. He never met a stranger during his stay at the shelter.
He was placed in foster care where he stayed for a few weeks before being adopted by Sandra Bell of Hillsboro, MO. Sandra felt an immediate attachment to Bentley but had no way of knowing what an intuitive pup she had taken into her life.
Sandra's father lives in an assisted living facility. She visits him regularly, and one day, she decided to take Bentley along.
Upon entering her father's room, Sandra expected Bentley to be his normal rambunctious self. After having been cooped up in a car for the ride she expected at least some form of outburst.
But as Bentley watched Sandra help her father up and into a chair, he sat quietly, out of the way, and paying attention.
Once Sandra's father was situated in his chair, Bentley slowly walked over and sat quietly by Grandpa waiting to be noticed. And once noticed, Bentley would sit up, place his paws on Grandpa's leg, and wait for Grandpa to pat his head, something Bentley is not normally fond of.
Sandra's father smiled and there seemed to be a connection between the two.
Over and over again Bentley and Sandra's father went through the routine. Every time the cycled happened, it seemed as if it were happening for the first time. And perhaps for Sandra's father, who has advanced staged Alzheimer, it was.
The obvious connection between Bentley and her father has understandably touched Sandra deeply. She knows how special Bentley truly is as he seems to sense her father's ailment and is respectful and understanding of his needs.
Sandra's father enjoys regular weekly visits to her home where he and Bentley pal it up the whole time, and Bentley is always the perfect host. Even during times when Grandpa's memory isn't the best, he recognizes his pal Bentley and they spend their time together enjoying the others company.
Pets know more than we ever give them credit for, but what a wonderful thing when we realize how truly remarkable there are.
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