Theo was the best giver of love and giver of care

Photo courtesy Dorie Sugay
Theo smiling after a visit to the veterinarian.

By Dorie Sugay

Dorie Sugay

Many who are older than 50 don’t need home care. As of now, I don’t. But care, we all need.

On Dec. 13, I had to say goodbye to the best caregiver who only worked for food and hugs.

When I was dealing with a stalker many years ago, people were suggesting I get a dog. I was firm:“No way, they are a lot of work. I can take care of myself.” But somehow, the idea of rescuing a dog from a sad situation spoke to me.

Theo, my American Eskimo dog, was highly trained to compete in dog shows, but his left ear was “lazy” so the lady who owned him was eager to move on to a new prospect.  When the shelter informed me that they had a dog for me, I was pleased to rescue one, not realizing he would rescue me.

Theo was very intelligent and had an accurate internal clock. He picked up on routines fast. I took my medication before feeding him and when I missed that step, he would stand like a soldier where my medication was, to let me know I missed my medication. The list of what he did for me is long. When the pandemic hit, several caregivers resigned because babysitting shut down, or they were too afraid of exposure. Clients were very frustrated by the shortage or absence of caregivers. Stressful days were common but Theo would welcome me home with a big smile, his tail circling.

Theo helped me realize the keen sense of smell dogs can have. When my blood pressure was elevated because of work pressures, he would stay with me rather than roam in the yard, which he loved to do. The “aha” moment was not instantaneous but when I realized that when he was clingy, my health was in trouble, I realized he was rescuing me!

Theo was not just a caregiver, he was an entertainer. Our seven years together were full of laughter. When he wanted a treat he would come to me and I would ask, “What trick will you do for a treat?” He would give me “a five” and if I don’t move, he will roll over and if I don’t move, he would do a bow. But what I cherish most is when I hum “As Time Goes By” to him and he would make a noise as if he was singing with me and if I sing louder, so would he.

Theo was a protector. A few years ago, the Rottweiler of a neighbor attacked me and I still don’t know how Theo got out of my house but it was he, not any neighbor, who immediately responded to my screams of help. He paid for it — the Rottweiler tore his buttocks apart and he was in surgery for more than three hours. Even then, he was more worried about me.

I do not need a human caregiver yet, but I realize now I needed a giver of care and love. Maybe you don’t need home care yet. But maybe you could benefit from a companion that looks at you with adoring eyes, one who would welcome you home with bursting enthusiasm, even if you were only gone 15 minutes. Maybe you could benefit from unconditional love . . . or if lucky, someone who could be your nurse like Theo was to me.

I did not want a dog, but I am glad I got one. Studies have shown that pets are great therapists. This is why Operations Freedom Paws in San Martin exists — they recognize that service dogs can help veterans with challenges (physical and emotional). Having a pet may be helpful to your safety; they have also been linked to decreased blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and encourage increased mobility in older adults. We have a shelter and care for domestic animals that are available for adoption.  Many people rave about the County of Santa Clara Animal Services in San Martin. I wanted an American Eskimo and registered with a shelter that only placed “Eskies.”

I have but one regret — that I did not open my heart to a pup sooner. Theo was the best giver of love and giver of care. The grief I feel now, the work I put in for his care was well worth it. If you feel a tug in your heart, visit the shelter or do a search on the Internet.

Dorie Sugay is the executive director of Visiting Angel and involved with senior issues in Morgan Hill. She can be reached at (408) 846-2988 or email here at [email protected].