Hayes entered my life in a most unexpected way. I had gone to an ART Adoption with the intention of adopting a small poodle-mix dog I had seen online. But then I met Hayes. Hayes was an elderly gentleman. His deafness made him very visually focused and he watched people very carefully. It was apparent that Hayes had not led an easy life, which made him appreciative of every act of love and kindness. I was hooked. Hayes came to live with me and for 5 months, I was owned by Hayes. He made himself right at home on his new dog beds (yes, there were two…one upstairs and one downstairs), enjoyed good food and vitamins and most of all, he loved being the object of my affection. He followed me everywhere and was always ready to be petted and engaged in conversation. Never mind the fact that he was deaf, he enjoyed conversation. My friends kidded me about giving Hayes the “spa treatment”. He deserved no less. My sweet, barrel-shaped, short-legged boy proved to be a bird stalker/hunter and I had to keep a watchful eye on him in the park. He also thought chewing on a rawhide bone was Heaven. He made several trips with me to visit my elderly mother and he was always the perfect gentleman. On more than one occasion, I saw my mom slip him a treat and he took it gratefully and gently. In our fifth month together, Hayes’ age and hard life caught up with him in the former of cancer. I made the decision to allow Hayes to leave earth with the dignity he deserved. He was put to sleep in my arms (with an ART member by my side). He didn’t suffer. I suffered miserably. I taught Hayes what it’s like to be loved and Hayes taught me the value of living each day to the fullest, despite our disabilities. Hayes now resides at the Rainbow Bridge where I feel certain he is stalking birds and enjoying a rawhide bone now and then. And I know that he occasionally looks down on me and sends me a message of thanks, love and hope. Although I’ve adopted another “hearing challenged” dog, I think of Hayes often and smile. You’re my sweet boy, Hayes.
Judy Nutter

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