Christ Yoder
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“I arrived at work the Monday after Thanksgiving on the phone that rang at 7 am,†Smith told CNN. “John was calling from his hospital room, saying, ‘Boomer is in the pound! »Boomer is in the pound! “Boomer is John’s world.”
Smith, who has been a nurse for 12 years, said she could tell he was worried and was also afraid of what would happen to Boomer.
“He took a breath and asked me, ‘Will you take care of Boomer? And I said, “Sure, John. I’ll find Boomer and take care of him for you,” “Smith told CNN.
The 60-year-old still had his own apartment where he lived alone with his little pooch. Burley had adopted the 12-year-old dog in Arkansas when he was a puppy and then moved to New York City. Most of his family still live in Arkansas. So when he was hospitalized with pneumonia and lung problems, he had no one to take care of his dog. No one – except Smith.
Smith says she befriended Burley in the adult daycare program and he often spoke about Boomer, showing photos of his furry companion. “I couldn’t separate them both. I just couldn’t.”
Burley didn’t know which refuge Boomer was in. Smith immediately searched for nearby animal shelters and when she called the Rome Humane Society, she found he had been taken there.
“I was a little panicked because I didn’t know how long he had been at the shelter or if he had already been adopted into another family. It’s Christmas time and people have pets,” he said. she declared. “I told John that I myself have a 13 year old dog that I have had since I was a puppy, so I fully understand the panic. It made my heart sad for him and Boomer.”
She had an early lunch the next day and made her way to the shelter where she found an 18-pound Boomer in a large cage in the back. Smith said, “OK, where’s the adoption papers? I’ll take him home.”
Although he wasn’t quite ready to be released from the shelter, Smith immediately called Burley to let him know that she had found Boomer, that he was fine and that she would bring him home soon. Soon after, Boomer moved in with Smith and befriended his dog.
“It was one less worry for John, and he needs to focus on getting better and taking care of himself and knowing that Boomer is in good hands,†Smith said.
Burley is now living temporarily in the rehabilitation wing of the center. It is not known where he will live after his release. But while he’s there, Smith is able to get Boomer to work with her. She takes him to Burley’s room several times a day. “It helps John in the healing process and gives him peace of mind,†Smith said.
The other residents also love Boomer. Smith says Burley is proud to show off Boomer as he climbs onto his knees in the wheelchair. They smile and stroke him.
“There are so many worries in the world right now. If I can take one worry away from John, it’s the least I can do,†she said. “I cannot cure illnesses. I am not a miracle worker … I made a promise to John to take care of Boomer. I will take care of him as long as he needs it. John the knows. Right away the focus is on John who is improving and taking things day by day. “
Smith’s kindness did not go unnoticed. Burley, who has a bit of trouble speaking, had one important thing to say: “I love Jennifer.”
“John seeing Boomer, it’s the only Christmas present I need right now,†said Smith who, unsurprisingly, said she had pursued a career in nursing so that she could help people.
