A dog’s loyalty is unmatched. They are definitely man’s best friend as they stay with you almost 24/7 under any circumstances.
This story will give you a clear picture of what exactly dog loyalty looks like.
When Air Force veteran Daniel Hove retired, he did not stop serving his country. He eventually became the Burnsville Deputy Fire Chief․
Unfortunately, he was quickly diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas. Love from family, friends and the community poured in for their beloved veteran.
He was diagnosed in October 2011. He had surgery in February 2012 and then went through cycles and cycles and cycles of chemotherapy.
But nothing comes close to the loyalty of her 11-year-old Labrador, Gunner.
His pooch, who was also in his senior years, rarely left him. He was there when Daniel was still healthy and he promised to be there too throughout his cancer battle.
Daniel’s strong will to live and the unwavering support of his loved ones were important to him. It made him keep going and fighting.
In their younger years, the two pals were almost inseparable. “They were best pals until the end, they went everywhere together,” Nicoletti said of those times.
One day, Gunner started feeling sick too.
It was no longer a surprise to them, they already knew it was going to happen especially because Gunner was also a senior dog.
According to Nicoletti, “When my father was restless, the dog was restless, my father was restless, the dog was restless. My father was insensitive; the dog was insensitive.
Soon, Nicoletti realized it was time to say goodbye to their trusty furry companion.
“I called the veterinary clinic where I worked. They let me in right away and I rushed him up there, and put him to sleep. And about an hour and a half later my dad was gone too,” she said, explaining how everything went that day.
Until their last breath, Daniel and Gunner were together.
To call him a loyal dog is actually an understatement because he is beyond that. They were both lucky to have met when they needed a reliable friend.
“I said I didn’t know what was going to be more traumatic for him,” Nicoletti said. “Try to take him to finish – to put him to sleep – to end his suffering, or if you let him live through Dad’s death. I think either way, you’re fine. We knew they were going to leave together. We just didn’t know there would be hours apart.”
In fact, not being able to say goodbye has been a blessing for Gunner and Daniel. Neither of them must have shed tears watching the other go.
After all, Nicoletti was glad that her father and his faithful friend had gone peacefully to their final resting place.
It is undoubtedly a beautiful story of loyalty and friendship.
