Special Spotlight: Flaco

Flaco is a 10 year old Brittany Spaniel. “Flaco” means skinny in Spanish. Although he is very healthy now, he was the runt of a litter of 14 puppies! From a young age he had a close connection with humans as he was bottle fed.

Unfortunately, he lost his sister, another smaller puppy of the litter that he grew up with and was very close to. This put him in a deep depression. His owner, Diane was unsure what to do, but wanted to help him through the grieving process. She wasn’t sure if he just needed time or an activity to take his mind off of his sad loss. They tried agility at first, but Flaco seemed to hate it. With lots of trial and error, Flaco eventually ended up trying therapy work. Diane isn’t sure what led them on this path, but he has now been a therapy dog for the elderly and those in hospice often visiting nursing homes weekly and even making house visits for the last five years.

Flaco is gentle and quiet, but soothing to everyone. More than this he has a special gift. Unfortunately, in the work he does, he and Diane work with people who are dying. He is able to give of himself at a time in that person's life which otherwise may be lonely. Flaco seems to know the end is near, and he will gently put his face close to the person, as if to say good bye. “I have seen it too many times to know that this is what is happening” says Diane. One person very close to the end and non-responsive, rolled her head towards him, opened her eyes and smiled. She died shortly afterwards. Diane lovingly says “I share this story because he is truly special. He gives and gives asking for nothing more than love in return.”

Diane says It has changed her life as well. “He is an amazing dog”.

Diane hopes Flaco’s story will encourage others to share the love they have for their dogs with others. He has impacted the lives of so many when they needed it the most. Often, he is one of the last gifts that they receive. “Really, it is impossible to put into words what he has given to me and hundreds of others.” Says Diane.

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