One of life’s most challenging moments is saying goodbye to the one we love dearly. For every dog, life revolves around their special human, yet the time inevitably comes for a final farewell.
A joyful 9-year-old Husky named Gaia shared many wonderful moments with her owner, Sandra, who was 80 years old, and couldn’t envision life without her.
However, everything turned upside down when Sandra was admitted to the hospital due to her deteriorating health, leaving Gaia alone in her Dallas, Texas home.
From that day forward, nothing in Gaia’s life felt the same.
A Miraculous Walk
In the days following her owner’s hospitalization, Gaia’s eyes reflected deep sadness and solitude. Just as she was beginning to lose hope for a hug from a warm human, a kind soul appeared at her tiny backyard.
Sandra’s next-door neighbor, Lisa Kanarek, happened to walk by and couldn’t overlook the sorrowful look on Gaia’s face. She made the decision to take Gaia for a comforting walk that day.
The two instantly formed a bond, leading to countless outings over the following weeks. Eventually, Lisa received a call from Sandra’s close friend, Gilda Levy, which altered everything.
“Two weeks before Sandra [passed away], [Levy] said, ‘I don’t know if you’ve thought about this, but would you like to take her?’” Lisa shared with CBS News. Aware of the gravity of the situation, Lisa couldn’t decline the offer.
When the sorrowful moment arrived, Sandra’s home felt vacant. Mere moments prior, Lisa had come to get Gaia, attached the leash, and guided her into a new chapter.
A New Purpose
Countless walks with Lisa proved to be a true solace for Gaia, aiding her in overcoming her darkest days. She particularly loved interacting with children, and Lisa noted that Gaia had a therapeutic effect on them as well.
This inspired them to apply for a genuine therapy program, which they successfully completed together. On her first day at Children’s Medical Center Dallas, Gaia showcased her inherent talent for this meaningful work.
Gaia quickly captivated the hearts of many children at the center, including one 18-year-old patient named Brooklyn, who exclaimed: “Dogs are, like, the best thing that ever happened to me, like, in this hospital.”
The story didn’t end there. While Sandra was still in care, Lisa was pursuing her studies to become an end-of-life doula, which prompted her to embark on a new path with Gaia.
Lisa recognized that Gaia was an exceptional therapy dog for children and envisioned her offering the same love and kindness in a different form of therapy: hospice.
After several days working with terminally ill patients, Lisa’s suspicions were validated – Gaia’s uplifting spirit and gentle nature brought healing even to the most troubled souls.
Her mission to help those in dire need became the purpose of this remarkable dog’s life.
Honoring Her Legacy
Gaia’s life transformed entirely after her darkest days. She blossomed into the happiest dog with a newfound purpose. What makes this tale even more heartwarming is Gaia’s ability to enrich the lives of others, particularly her new owner.
Deeply appreciative of their bond, Lisa decided to pen an essay about her life with Gaia, which was published by the Washington Post:
“Gaia’s life changed when she became part of our family. She interacts with the kids down the street (her fan club) during our walks, and she provides laughter and levity to sick children, all with her tail wagging. She goes with us on road trips and to outdoor festivals where she knows that people will stop to run their hands down her fluffy back or ask her for a high-five.
“My life is different too. Meeting dozens of people during our visits has brought out the extrovert tendencies I lost during the pandemic. Before I knock on each patient’s door, I breathe in, then greet families with confidence, knowing the reaction my sidekick will receive. …”
“As we pass through the halls of children’s hospital, I think of Sandra and hope she’s smiling, knowing how much joy Gaia brings to everyone she meets.”
During her interview with CBS News, Lisa struggled to hold back her tears as she recounted these touching moments. Her emotions peaked as she reflected on Sandra’s memory.
“I don’t know. It’s just knowing the effect [Gaia] has on people. It makes me happy; it makes me sad, because I wish I had known Sandra better, but I think this is the way that I’m helping keep her memory alive,” she concluded.
Fear not, Lisa. Gaia is the precious legacy that Sandra left behind, and her spirit will thrive in the hearts of everyone she continues to heal.
