A Big Heart

Dogwalking allows you to meet people.
Names and detailed information are generally never swapped but often you get to know details of pet names, dog ailments and the like.
Yesterday was a case in point.
The woman with her fashionably cropped hair is garrulous and friendly, she has a distinct Lancashire accent.
I've met her once before and I remembered that she had an elderly bull mastiff with a serious bulldog like expression.
I liked the way she described him as " dim but sweet"
This time she was alone.
Her boy had died a few weeks ago.
The woman knelt down to pet Winnie and as if by magic Winnie hauled herself up , with her massive paws on the woman's knees and placed her big head over the woman's shoulder in what can only be termed as a bearhug.
It was almost as though she knew the woman was grieving.
" oh I so need that" the woman said through tears
And she buried her head into Winnie's neck
I walked on a little letting the old bulldog do her work.
and felt incredibly proud of her big heart



62 comments:

  1. my eyes seem to be watery

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  2. Dogs read emotions. When I was an angst-filled teenager our dog always knew when I was miserable and came to me and put his head on my lap. It was incredibly comforting.

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  3. Welled up when I read this (I well up very easily where dogs or animals are concerned). I believe some dogs are far more intuitive than others and Winnie is definitely one of those. There's nothing like being comforted by a big softie dog, bless her.

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  4. Lovely story. Winnie is a special dog.

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  5. Sweaty eyes here too. Thank you Winnie.

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  6. How special. Dogs give unconditional love.

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  7. Lovely Winnie - I could do with one of those doggy hugs as long as she doesn't mind the tears.

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  8. I think dogs know so much more than they can tell us John. I too could do with a winnie-hug, although I get plenty from Tess.

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  9. bless you, winnie; you are a special lady indeed.

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  10. Oh my Winnie . . . you have made my day too . . .

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  11. Now that made me cry. Lovely, lovely Winnie ... dogs just know don't they. xx

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  12. How is it that dogs just "know". She is a sweetheart your Winnie!

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  13. They just know don't they? Winnie has an olden heart...I'd love to hug her.

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  14. I've been taking in foster dogs from a local rescue after my 18 year old Italian Greyhound died. I have one little Chihuahua mix who kept getting returned because people are idiots so I adopted him.

    My aunt who lived with me and until she had to be placed in care for Lewy Body Dementia aspirated and has entered hospice. That little dog who had never known her before will snuggle with her (and any other folks in her board and care home). I tried to take him with me when meeting with the hospice nurse and he refused, scooting all the way up by her shoulder and looking at me like "how dare you?". He's a natural and once this is over I'm thinking of getting him certified as a therapy dog. Mind you, this little guy is afraid of his own shadow and as timid as they come. But present him with a child or an elderly person and he's raring to go. I wish I could attach a picture here. He

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  15. That is a very sweet proof of the strength of the human-animal bond. Give Winnie a hug from your readers.

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  16. I love winnie. I want your dog.

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  17. Sweet dog, and caring owner. I wish you lived next door.

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  18. i think dogs are so much smarter than we know.

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  19. Awww bless Winnie.I bet that cuddle made that woman's day xxx

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  20. Awww bless Winnie.I bet that cuddle made that woman's day xxx

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  21. Lovely Winnie, such a sweetheart. xx

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  22. Lovely Winnie, such a sweetheart. xx

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  23. Oh my - how sweet.

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  24. Swell, I needed to start my morning with tears :)
    Winnie and pretty much all dogs, are good for what ails you <3

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  25. And thats why I have always adored Winnie

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  26. My 70 year old (dog years) Maltese-poodle mix and my 94 year old Mom are inseparable and best friends. He is the focus of her day as she massages him all day and he looks up at her with love and kisses. I am sure he is the reason she is still with us.

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  27. They just know things don't they? And they never dworry about showing love and affection when it\s needed...not like people.

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  28. It's astounding how much dogs know sometimes. Dear old Winnie; what a treasure she is!

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  29. Dogs perceive so much!

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  30. dogs are the most amazing creatures.

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  31. Can I have one of Winnie's bear hugs please as have been to the Vet today & it looks like Dillon has a tumour - X Ray booked. He's so well & happy looking that I can't believe it but the bulging stomach ( and he doesn't over eat & not greedy ) is a giveaway. Sad.

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  32. You previously asked your readers when was the last time they cried. Right now, reading this is my last cry.

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  33. That Winnie is such a treasure. And so are you John for sharing her with others.

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  34. Oh my how wonderful. Winnie is so marvellous, full of empathy, she knew just what to do. Aren't animals amazing. Thank you John, you have made my day once again. Sue H

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  35. I think Winnie must have an old soul, bless her heart.

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  36. Beautiful. Dear, DEAR Winnie.

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  37. Winnie is so lovely.

    cheers, parsnip

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  38. That's our Winnie - she's the best, bless her.

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  39. I have stolen from you some time ago all their photos, and they are quite visible in my Studio. For some reason both McKenzie and Aliah tend to lay down right under Winnie's photo more often than not. The more I get to know about some humans, the more I respect dogs. That I love them is a giving. If I didn't have mine when the love of my life died, I don't truly know how I would have ended. Winnie is an old soul, filled with compassion and wonder. What is there not to love?

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  40. What a beautiful moment, and you described it well.

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  41. Think there's something in my eye!!

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  42. Good girl Winnie.

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  43. She is a sweetheart!

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  44. that brought tears to my old eyes. I do love dogs! They just know.

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  45. Winnie you are a wonderful special dog with a BIG heart. Good girl. X

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  46. OK, I'm crying again, a good cry.
    Thank you Winnie

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  47. That lovely girl Winnie is all heart - and bless it.

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  48. Sweet sweet Winnie girl.

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  49. If only humans had the heart of a dog. No war, just kisses.

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  50. Bless sweet Winnie, thoughtful girl that she is.. in the pictures you post of her she looks all knowing.

    Jo in Auckland, NZ

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  51. Whoever says dogs don't have a soul are so wrong - they have the ability to empathize just like humans... some do some don't just like humans!! Winnie has it in spades - what a lovely being she is - hugs to you both..you did good!

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  52. A similar thing happened to me recently following the sudden death of our family dog. I had a haircut a couple of days later. My hairdresser's dog, who usually just gives me a cursory glance on arrival, came and sat beside me on the bench and nuzzled me while I was waiting, then when my turn came and I needed to move, she sat on my lap for more cuddles and didn't want to get off. I swear she knew about my doggy grief.

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    1. Marsha..sorry sincerely for your loss. Dogs are amazing in their ability to read us humans. I hope this dogs empathy was a comfort to you.

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  53. Dogs are the best companions. I'd love having one but know what care they can be, plus would want one from a pup which might well outlive me and I fear what would become of it. I've often said I'd like to start a business, "rent a dog" for people like me.

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  54. That brings a tear to my eye. Winnie is such a kind and gentle soul. I love her.

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