This Dog Cried Like A Human At the Funeral Of Its Owner, Making Many People Cry
For the last four years, this sweet pup named Belinha had been inseparable from her best friend and owner, Telma Maria. Unfortunately, their time together was cut short lately — but Belinha’s love for her owner continues on.
Maria, who resided in Brazil, died earlier this month after a lengthy cancer struggle. Throughout her difficult battle and worsening health, Belinha never left her side — and the dog’s consoling presence lifted Maria’s spirits.
Maria’s son, Dionsio Neto, stated online, “My mother said she was her nurse.” “Belinha was the most devoted friend.”
Given how important Belinha was in Maria’s life, it was only natural that she would be there at her funeral. Belinha sat somberly alongside other family members, as though realizing the gravity of the mournful meeting.
What occurred next, however, had the greatest impact on Maria’s son.
Belinha astonished everyone by remaining at Maria’s side throughout the rest of the service, exactly as she’d always done when Maria was alive. Neto wanted to photograph those sensitive moments, writing:
“Animals are unconditional love.”
Belinha continued to weep after the wedding, wailing frequently for Maria’s absence. So, in the hopes of offering the dog some comfort, Neto and a few family members agreed to show Belinha where her closest buddy now lives – a visit that seemed to relax her.
Belinha broke free from her leash at the cemetery and raced straight to Maria’s grave, despite the fact that she had not been there when she was laid to rest. Neto was once again moved to see that the bond between his mom and her dog remained unbroken, telling the newspaper Estadão:
“Even in death, my mother teaches me that love is not limited to people. My mother and Belinha show that animal love is more powerful than many people believe.”
In time, Belinha’s heart will begin to heal, knowing that Maria is never far away. Belinha now has a lifelong home with Neto, so she won’t have to go through the grief process alone.
Guide Dogs of America Needs Volunteer ‘Puppy Raisers’
Working with wonderful woofers, the sort of furry joy-bringers that make a difference in people’s lives?
Pitching in with a pack of incredible pups can make a lasting impression on a person’s mind, outlook, and, for sure, their spirit, too.
And that chance to lend a hand, your time, some empathy and understanding, and a whole lot of love is coming up, on Dec. 11, thanks to a “puppy raiser” training session with Guide Dogs of America.
This is a virtual happening, via Zoom, and it will be the final online information event before in-person gatherings return to the Sylmar campus in 2022.
Guide Dogs of American pairs trained pups with “… individuals who are blind/visually impaired and service dogs for veterans and children with autism,” with dogs also being placed in “hospitals, schools, and courtrooms.”
“Our highly skilled canines become trusted companions that increase people’s confidence, mobility, and independence. All programs and services, including transportation, personalized training, room/board, and postgraduate support, are provided at no cost to the recipient,” states the organization on its site.
And helping the organization achieve its mission?
Puppy raisers, those dedicated volunteers who are among some of the first people a young, in-training dog gets to know, trust, and adore.
If you choose to pursue volunteering for this life-changing role, there’ll be a few initial considerations, as well as matters you’ll want to mull.
One consideration? Where you reside. You and the puppy in your care will need to call upon the Sylmar campus on occasion, and attendance at both monthly puppy group meetings and “puppy kindergarten classes” is required.
The Dec. 11 information session will address what you can expect from meetings and classes, as well as what at-home life will be like with the future guide dog you’re helping to raise.
Questions covered include the breeds and types of puppies that volunteers raise, what can be expected in terms of puppy proofing and such, what out-of-pocket expenses might look like, and how long the puppy will live in your home.
And, yes: “(W)hat happens when the dogs ‘go off to college’ to begin formal training” is also a central topic of the session, as well as how dogs are paired with their forever people once they’ve graduated.
The word straight from Sylmar? “We ALWAYS need puppy raisers,” says Stephanie Colman, the coordinator of the puppy program.
So even if you can’t join the December Zoom, you can plan to attend an in-person information session on the Guide Dogs of America campus, in early 2022.
Could this be your new year’s resolution?
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