A routine trip to the vet for bad breath turned into heartbreaking news for Kermie’s family. The 11-year-old Lab-Beagle-Chow Chow mix, beloved by Eric Ralston, a principal hospital corpsman in the US Navy, had been diagnosed with oral carcinoma.
The grim prognosis gave Kermie only two to three months to live, leaving her family devastated. Little did they know that Kermie had her own plans, and she refused to say goodbye until her cherished owner returned home from his nine-month deployment.
Eric Ralston had been stationed overseas in March, leaving behind his loving family, including Kermie. When Kermie’s bad breath raised concerns, Eric’s wife took her to the vet for an examination. The devastating diagnosis of cancer shattered their hearts, as Kermie had been their first “fur child,” and they couldn’t fathom Eric missing the chance to see her again.
As time passed, Kermie defied the odds and continued to thrive. Three months turned into several, and hope began to flicker within the Ralston family. With Eric’s deployment nearing its end, they dared to dream that Kermie might get the chance to reunite with him.
However, just 12 days before Eric was scheduled to return home, his deployment was extended, dashing their hopes. The approaching holidays intensified their worry, with Christmas on the horizon, and Kermie’s condition remained uncertain. Still, Kermie persevered, displaying a remarkable will to see Eric once more.
Then, a Christmas miracle unfolded. Eric’s homecoming came earlier than expected, and Kermie was there to welcome him. Adorned with a red bow, she sprinted from the house and into Eric’s loving arms. The reunion breathed new life into Kermie, who had been on her last leg. Eric’s presence was a magic elixir for her, rekindling her appetite and zest for life.
Jennifer Ralston, Kermie’s human mom, remarked, “His return was some kind of magic lozenge for her.” The once-struggling Kermie was now eating and drinking without difficulty, savoring each moment of happiness with Eric by her side. In January, Kermie celebrated her 12th birthday, a testament to her enduring spirit.
However, February brought a turn for the worse. The good days became fleeting, and the Ralston family knew the time had come to make a difficult decision. On February 22nd, Kermie lost her battle with cancer, surrounded by Eric and her loving family.
Kermie’s story is a poignant reminder of the bond between humans and their canine companions. It showcases the incredible resilience and unwavering love that dogs bring into our lives. Though Kermie’s battle ended, her legacy of love and determination lives on, reminding us of the power of unconditional love between pets and their owners.
Please share this heartwarming tale with your friends to celebrate Kermie’s life and the enduring bond between dogs and their humans.
Shelter Canine ‘Best Friends’ Unknowingly Enjoy Last Day Out Together
Living in a shelter can be hard for animals but these two pit bull terriers have managed to make the best out of a bad situation.
Moon Pie and Clipper, both two years old, have been joined at the hip for the past six months in Lifeline Animal Project, an intake shelter for stray dogs in Atlanta, Georgia.
Recently, Connor Abdo, an animal welfare advocate, treated the “best friends” to a day on November 5 and captured all of their fun on camera.
“The shelter is a very stressful environment for the dogs so having a friend is really helpful,” Abdo told Newsweek.
From making friends with strangers to slurping a puppuccino, Abdo said, “they had the best day ever.”
The video was uploaded to Abdo’s dog supply business, @salvation_bark, on TikTok, where shelters receive a donation of half the proceeds.
During the video, the pair can barely contain their excitement as they smile while riding in the back of Abdo’s car. It soon becomes clear that they weren’t shy and are willing to greet everyone they meet.
“They are the definition of you can’t judge a book by its cover. They are both big softies who love kisses, other dogs, and playing,” Abdo said.
However, the video has a bittersweet twist because it’s the final time the tan and white dog, Clipper, will play with Moon Pie, as he has since been adopted.
“It is sad for Moon Pie that his friend is gone but we are confident he will be adopted soon. It is difficult to find an adopter willing to take both dogs though.
“Moon Pie would thrive in any environment. He’d love a dog friend,” Abdo said.
So far, the clip has over 6,000 views and more than 1,000 likes along with plenty of comments.
One user said: “I’m a volunteer and I do this for all the long term dogs at a local shelter. They needed that much needed break from the shelter. So thank you!!!”
Another pointed out: “They seem so well behaved!”
“Such softies who just need love,” said another person.
Another said: “I hope they find forever homes soon.”
Recently, a shelter volunteer showed the reality of living in a shelter for one dog who is yet to be adopted after 1,058 days. But dreams do come true, as proven by Nova, a dog who has finally found a loving family to call her own after more than two years in a shelter.
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