He was gentle, and sweet and loveable, and his life has now ended. But even though he will no longer be able to comfort others, his legacy will live on.
Baxter, a chow/lab mix became a therapy dog 4 years ago, but even his owners don’t know how he ever passed the test. At the age of 2, Baxter found himself about to be euthanized, but was saved and adopted by Melissa Joseph. After years of love from his owners, Melissa Joseph and Dennis Bussey, at the age 16, Baxter became a therapy dog and seemed to have quite a calming affect on those he comforted at San Diego Hospice and a couple other hospitals in the San Diego area.
Baxter’s parents wanted to volunteer themselves at the Hospice and hospitals, but because Baxter was aging, they didn’t want to leave him alone for long periods of time, and since the Hospice was pet friendly, they decided to try to get Baxter certified. Also, because Baxter’s personality was such that no matter who he curled up with he seemed to have such a calm and serene effect on them, they figured this could be an all around great success, and it was.
Baxter had no formal training, nor did the owners even know what to expect when he was taken in for his testing. As his guardian angels sat on his shoulders, he passed with flying colors, and the rest is history. Baxter has become one of the best known therapy dogs in the United States, even being the principle in the book, Moments With Baxter, a tale of 36 true stories and photos that show his love and devotion while volunteering. All proceeds from this book will go to charity.
In his last years, Baxter himself was unable to walk, and instead, lay comfortably in his wagon when he was taken to volunteer. His owners would simply lift him from his wagon, and he would lay cuddled to the patients, often cleaning their face lovingly with his tongue, and taking away their fears.
At the age of 19 plus, Baxter has moved on from this world, into another, where I am sure he’ll bring as much joy and comfort as he has done here.
What a beautiful dog story. Baxter will live in our hearts forever. I would have loved this type of dog. An absolute sweetheart, this dog was well taken care of. The 19 years have proven that. YOU ARE A WONDERFUL PERSON & it's a MIRACLE OF A STORY.
Irecently saw Baxter on a TV special...what a precious gift he was, I want to type much more, but ican't see through the tears. Thank-you for sharing Baxter with us and all the lives he touched so deeply. Lynne Hendricks
Your story about Baxter is a lesson in love....the love you had for him and the love he had for you and all those whose lives he touched. Baxter had a mission here on earth and you enabled him to do what he was born to do when you saved his life. This heartwarming story has brought tears to my eyes. I know that Baxter has crossed the Rainbow Bridge and will joyously reunite with you someday. You are an inspiration to all of us who love animals and know their true value in our lives. Thank you.
WOW! What a companion Baxter was to a lot of people. Im sure he was very loved by many people. Thanks so much for sharing the great story and video. Bj & Buster
I cried the whole time I watched this, but with joy and sadness. Joy that such a sweet animal could be such a comfort and sadness that he is no longer with us. I wish I could have met Baxter, he was a beautiful soul.
