This was tilmed yesterday atternoon at
Compassion Animal Shelter in Richmond, Virginia. The woman is Margaret. 82 years old. The dog is Bella.
Eleven-year-old Cocker Spaniel.
Margaret and Bella have been together for eleven years. Margaret’s husband passed away three years ago.
She managed on her own until last month when she had a serious health emergency.Spent two weeks in the hospital. Came home to find she can’t manage stairs anymore. Can’t walk Bella. Can’t care for herself properly. Her daughter found her an assisted living facility that doesn’t allow pets. Margaret stood in our hallway yesterday with the surrender papers on Margaret stood in our hallway yesterday with the surrender papers on a clipboard. Hands shaking so badly she could barely hold the pen. Tears dripping onto the forms. Our intake coordinator was trying to help her through it gently.
But Bella knew something was wrong.
She pressed herself against Margaret’s legs. Trembling. Started pawing at Margaret’s skirt. Over and over. Like she was trying to get Margaret’s attention.
Trying to ask what was happening.
Margaret tried to keep signing. Made it through the first page. Then Bella pawed at her again.Harder. More desperate. Margaret dropped the pen. She collapsed to the floor... and then she gave it all up and went back home with Bella.